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This investigation involved the development and characterization (microstructure, mechanical properties, and dry sliding wear characteristics) of Al-Mg2Si composites for automobile applications. Consequently, the performance analysis of the Al-Mg2Si composites was conducted considering motorcycle disk brake rotor application. The digital logic method (DLM), a material selection process, was employed to compare the performance of Al-Mg2Si composites with traditional rotor materials, cast iron, and stainless steel. The motorcycle disk brake operation was simulated with steel and Al-20wt.% Mg2Si composite rotor to establish the findings of performance analysis. The DLM analysis revealed that the Al-20wt.% Mg2Si composite had a technical performance index of 73.65, while steel had a technical performance index of 78.10. Additionally, the energy efficiency index (EEI) for the composite and steel stood at 31.79 and 100, respectively. Furthermore, the composite exhibited much lower CO2 and CO emissions compared to steel, with values of 0.087 and 0.0026 g/km versus 0.276 and 0.0082 g/km, respectively. The simulation results indicated that both the stainless steel and the Al-20Mg2Si composite rotor exhibited structural suitability. In the Al-20Mg2Si composite rotor, the induced temperature ranged from 35.4 to 60.3 °C, while the heat flux ranged from 1.462 × 103 to 3.64 × 105 W/m2. On the other hand, the stainless steel rotor experienced induced temperature ranging from 41.55 to 87.4 °C, and heat flux ranging from 4.0 × 102 to 1.64 × 105 W/m2. The composite rotor demonstrated a lower induced temperature and higher heat flux, which in turn reduced the probability of both direct and indirect thermal damage and improved structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computing in memory (CIM) breaks the conventional von Neumann bottleneck through in situ processing. Monolithic integration of digital and analog CIM hardware, ensuring both high precision and energy efficiency, provides a sustainable paradigm for increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) applications but remains challenging. Here, we propose a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-compatible ferroelectric hybrid CIM platform that consists of Boolean logic and triggers for digital processing and multistage cell arrays for analog computation. The basic ferroelectric-gated units are assembled with solution-processable two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide atomic-thin channels at a wafer-scale yield of 96.36%, delivering high on/off ratios (>107), high endurance (>1012), long retention time (>10 years), and ultralow cycle-to-cycle/device-to-device variations (~0.3%/~0.5%). Last, we customize a highly compact 2D hybrid CIM system for dynamic tracking, achieving a high accuracy of 99.8% and a 263-fold improvement in power efficiency compared to graphics processing units. These results demonstrate the potential of 2D fully ferroelectric-gated hybrid hardware for developing versatile CIM blocks for AI tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the detailed design of a Successive Approximation Analog to Digital Data Converter (SAR ADC) using bulk 180 nm CMOS IC technology. The focus of the study is on replacing the typical Successive Approximation Register array with a Finite State Machine. This converter features a fully differential and bipolar architecture, which leads to the logic SAR nonlinear behavior. A novel digital control logic mitigates the conversion errors through the conditions in the previous logic states. The logic scheme, in combination with a robust continuous comparator, demonstrates tolerance to Process, Voltage, and Temperature variations. The architecture does not include calibration or additional redundancies in post-layout simulations to emphasize the exclusive benefits of the new SAR logic. The proposed SAR ADC achieves a 14.07 effective number of bits with 7.04 fJ/conversion step Walden figure of merit in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have focused on user authentication methods that use biometric signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and photo-plethysmography (PPG). These authentication technologies have advantages such as ease of acquisition, strong security, and the capability for non-aware authentication. This study addresses user authentication using electromyogram (EMG) signals, which are particularly easy to acquire, can be fabricated in a wearable form such as a wristwatch, and are readily expandable with technologies such as human–machine interface. However, despite their potential, they often exhibit lower accuracy (approximately 90%) than traditional methods such as fingerprint recognition. Accuracy can be improved using complex algorithms and multiple biometric authentication technologies; however, complex algorithms use substantial hardware resources, making their application to wearable devices difficult. In this study, a simple Siamese model with long short-term memory (LSTM) (SSiamese-LSTM) is proposed to achieve a high accuracy of over 99% with limited resources suitable for wearable devices. The hardware implementation was accomplished using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In terms of accuracy, EMG measurement results from Chosun University were used, and data from 100 individuals were employed for verification. The proposed digital logic will be integrated with an EMG sensor in the form of a watch that can be used for user authentication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cells are the fundamental units of life, and like all life forms, they change over time. Changes in cell state are driven by molecular processes; of these many are initiated when molecule numbers reach and exceed specific thresholds, a characteristic that can be described as "digital cellular logic". Here we show how molecular and cellular noise profoundly influence the time to cross a critical threshold—the first-passage time—and map out scenarios in which stochastic dynamics result in shorter or longer average first-passage times compared to noise-less dynamics. We illustrate the dependence of the mean first-passage time on noise for a set of exemplar models of gene expression, auto-regulatory feedback control, and enzyme-mediated catalysis. Our theory provides intuitive insight into the origin of these effects and underscores two important insights: (i) deterministic predictions for cellular event timing can be highly inaccurate when molecule numbers are within the range known for many cells; (ii) molecular noise can significantly shift mean first-passage times, particularly within auto-regulatory genetic feedback circuits. Cells exhibit remarkable temporal precision in regulating their internal states. Here, by solving stochastic first passage time problems for key molecular processes Ham, Coomer et al. shed light on how cells achieve this precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important transport process for particles and gases from the atmosphere to aquatic and terrestrial environments is through dry and wet deposition. An open-source, modular, off-grid, and affordable instrument that can automatically collect wet-deposition samples allows for more extensive deployment of deposition samplers in fieldwork and would enable more comprehensive monitoring of remote locations. Precipitation events selectively sampled using a conductivity sensor powered by a battery-based supply are central to off-grid capabilities. The prevalence of conductive precipitation – that which initially contains high solute levels and progresses through trace-level concentrations to ultrapure water in full atmospheric washout – depends on the sampling location but is ubiquitous. This property is exploited here to trigger an electric motor (via limit switches) to open and close a lid resting over a funnel opening. The motors are operated via a custom-built and modular digital logic control board, which has a low energy demand. All components, their design and rationale, and their assembly are provided for community use. The modularity of the control board allows the operation of up to six independent wet-deposition units, such that replicate measurements (e.g., canopy throughfall) or different collection materials for various targeted pollutants can be implemented as necessary. We demonstrate that these platforms are capable of continuous operation off-grid for integrated monthly and bimonthly collections performed across the Newfoundland and Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (47 to 53° N) during the growing seasons of 2015 and 2016. System performance was assessed through the measured power consumption from 115 V of alternating current (VAC; grid power) or 12 V of direct current from battery supplies during operation under both standby (40 or 230 mA, respectively) and in-use (78 or 300 mA, respectively) conditions. In the field, one set of triplicate samplers was deployed in the open to collect incident precipitation (open fall), while another set was deployed under the experimental forest canopy (throughfall). The proof-of-concept systems were validated with basic measurements of rainwater chemistry, which found (i) pH values ranging from 4.14 to 5.71 in incident open fall rainwater, (ii) conductivities ranging from 21 to 166 µ S cm -1 , and (iii) dissolved organic carbon concentrations in open fall and canopy throughfall of 16±10 and 22±12 mg L -1 , respectively, with incident fluxes spanning 600 to 4200 mg C m -2 a -1 across the transect. Ultimately, this demonstrates that the customized precipitation sampling design of this new platform enables more universal accessibility of deposition samples for the atmospheric observation community – for example, those who have made community calls for targeting biogeochemical budgets and/or contaminants of emerging concern in sensitive and remote regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological computing is a promising field with potential applications in biosafety, environmental monitoring, and personalized medicine. Here we present work on the design of bacterial computers using spatial patterning to process information in the form of diffusible morphogen-like signals. We demonstrate, mathematically and experimentally, that single, modular, colonies can perform simple digital logic, and that complex functions can be built by combining multiple colonies, removing the need for further genetic engineering. We extend our experimental system to incorporate sender colonies as morphogen sources, demonstrating how one might integrate different biochemical inputs. Our approach will open up ways to perform biological computation, with applications in bioengineering, biomaterials and biosensing. Ultimately, these computational bacterial communities will help us explore information processing in natural biological systems. Biological computing is a promising field with potential applications in biosafety, environmental monitoring, and personalized medicine. Here the authors create bio-computers using engineered E. coli colonies that respond to chemical gradients, producing different logic functions depending on how they are spatially arranged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the experimental demonstration of plasmon–plasmon scattering at room temperature in the inversion layer of a patterned metal–oxide–semiconductor structure. This fundamental result paves the way for the development of plasmon–plasmon scattering logic, a revolutionary digital logic concept based on the generation, propagation, and manipulation of plasmons in an electron fluid, which was previously theoretically projected to exhibit femtojoule power dissipations and femtosecond switching speeds, while not demanding expensive nanometer-scale silicon (Si) technology fabrication processes for its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author has recently introduced an abstract algebraic framework of analogical proportions within the general setting of universal algebra. This paper studies analogical proportions in the boolean domain consisting of two elements 0 and 1 within his framework. It turns out that our notion of boolean proportions coincides with two prominent models from the literature in different settings. This means that we can capture two separate modellings of boolean proportions within a single framework which is mathematically appealing and provides further evidence for the robustness and applicability of the general framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past two decades have seen an explosion of work on Josephson junctions containing ferromagnetic materials. Such junctions are under consideration for applications in digital superconducting logic and memory. In the presence of the exchange field, spin–singlet Cooper pairs from conventional superconductors undergo rapid phase oscillations as they propagate through a ferromagnetic material. As a result, the ground-state phase difference across a ferromagnetic Josephson junction oscillates between 0 and π as a function of the thickness of the ferromagnetic material. π-junctions have been proposed as circuit elements in superconducting digital logic and in certain qubit designs for quantum computing. If a junction contains two or more ferromagnetic layers whose relative magnetization directions can be controlled by a small applied magnetic field, then the junction can serve as the foundation for a memory cell. Success in all of those applications requires careful choices of ferromagnetic materials. Often, materials that optimize magnetic properties do not optimize supercurrent propagation, and vice versa. In this review, we discuss the significant progress that has been made in identifying and testing a wide range of ferromagnetic materials in Josephson junctions over the past two decades. The review concentrates on ferromagnetic metals, partly because eventual industrial applications of ferromagnetic Josephson junctions will most likely start with metallic ferromagnets (either in all metal junctions or junctions containing an insulating layer). We will briefly mention work on non-metallic barriers, including ferromagnetic insulators, and some of the exciting work on spin–triplet supercurrent in junctions containing non-collinear magnetic inhomogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth of the power of modern digital computers is based upon the miniaturization of vast nanoscale arrays of electronic switches, but this will be eventually constrained by fabrication limits and power dissipation. Chemical processes have the potential to scale beyond these limits by performing computations through chemical reactions, yet the lack of well-defined programmability limits their scalability and performance. Here, we present a hybrid digitally programmable chemical array as a probabilistic computational machine that uses chemical oscillators using Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction partitioned in interconnected cells as a computational substrate. This hybrid architecture performs efficient computation by distributing information between chemical and digital domains together with inbuilt error correction logic. The efficiency is gained by combining digital logic with probabilistic chemical logic based on nearest neighbour interactions and hysteresis effects. We demonstrated the computational capabilities of our hybrid processor by implementing one- and two-dimensional Chemical Cellular Automata demonstrating emergent dynamics of life-like entities called Chemits. Additionally, we demonstrate hybrid probabilistic logic as a viable logic for solving combinatorial optimization problems. Computing platforms based on chemical processes can be an alternative to digital computers in some scenarios but have limited programmability. Here the authors demonstrate a hybrid computing platform combining digital electronics and an oscillatory chemical reaction and demonstrate its computational capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The article aims to examine the strategic fit between two distinguishable types of entrepreneurial logic (effectuation and causation) and different types of innovation approaches (radical and innovative). Research Design & Methods: We employed a self-administered questionnaire-based quantitative study and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesis. The sample comprises 70 Indonesian digital multi-sided platform (MSP) start-ups that have been operating for at least three years. Findings: The empirical results suggest that effectuation can contribute to digital MSP start-ups' resilience after they succeed in providing radical innovation. On the other hand, causation directly contributes to their resilience. Meanwhile, incremental innovation does not contribute to digital MSP start-ups' resilience. Implications & Recommendations: The empirical results suggest that effectuation can contribute to the resilience of digital MSP start-ups after they succeed in providing radical innovation. On the other hand, causation directly contributes to their resilience. Meanwhile, incremental innovation does not contribute significantly to the resilience of digital MSP start-ups. Contribution & Value Added: This study explores how the entrepreneurial logic in digital MSP start-up models can improve the survival rates of emerging market start-ups. It focuses on Indonesia, where the survival rate is comparatively lower than in other Asian countries. Moreover, this research is crucial for comprehending the phenomenon underlying the resource-based theory paradox, because it involves implementing innovation strategies within the constraints of limited initial resources and capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real‐time tracking process of dim targets in space is mainly achieved through the correlation and prediction of dots after the detection and calculation process. The on‐board calculation of the tracking needs to be completed in milliseconds, and it needs to reach the microsecond level at high frame rates. For real‐time tracking of dim targets in space, it is necessary to achieve universal tracking calculation acceleration in response to different space regions and complex backgrounds, which poses high requirements for engineering implementation architecture. This paper designs a Kalman filter calculation based on digital logic parallel acceleration architecture for real‐time solution of dim target tracking on‐board. A unified architecture of Vector Processing Element (VPE) was established for the calculation of Kalman filtering matrix, and an array computing structure based on VPE was designed to decompose the entire filtering process and form a parallel pipelined data stream. The prediction errors under different fixed point bit widths were analyzed and deduced, and the guidance methods for selecting the optimal bit width based on the statistical results were provided. The entire design was engineered based on Xilinx's XC7K325T, resulting in an energy efficiency improvement compared to previous designs. The single iteration calculation time does not exceed 0.7 microseconds, which can meet the current high frame rate target tracking requirements. The effectiveness of this design has been verified through simulation of random trajectory data, which is consistent with the theoretical calculation error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the intersection of technology and the law, specifically focusing on the transformation of legal imagination in the tech era. The authors argue that there is a need to critically examine the historical and future implications of this transformation. The article explores various topics within this context, including the impact of digitalization, datafication, and AI on the law, the role of technology in shaping legal decision-making and enforcement mechanisms, and the challenges and possibilities of legal imagination in the face of new technologies. The authors also highlight the importance of considering diverse perspectives and the cultural and societal implications of tech-induced legal change. [Extracted from the article]

We are completely aware of the fact that ternary algebraic structures in some way naturally occur in diverse fields of theoretical and mathematical physics, computer science, especially in ternary operators in Java and Python, ternary logic applied for digital signal processing, and musical systems for song composition. The primary aim of this research is to examine ternary semigroups in the context of hybrid quasi-ideals and hybrid A-ideals. Different features of hybrid quasi-ideals and hybrid A-ideals in the ternary semigroup are discussed. In addition, the idea of minimal hybrid A-ideals of ternary semigroups is defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new technique is introduced for digital background calibration in pipeline analog to digital converters (ADCs). The technique is based on the decision points of the voltage transfer characteristic (VTC) of the pipeline stages, which means the residual VTC is used to estimate the output code of the decision points. By applying the proposed technique, the capacitor mismatch error, the residual amplifier error, and the nonlinearity errors are corrected. To attain proper decision points, the sub-ADC is considered and one of its threshold levels is changed. The mathematical relations of the errors are extracted, and then by applying error coefficients to the final digital outputs, the pipeline ACD is calibrated. This method has a simple digital logic and does not require a particular analog circuit. The proposed technique is applied to the first five stages of a 12-bit 100 MS/s pipeline ADC, and about 0.7 × 106 samples are used. The results show that the presented technique improves the signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) from 34.1 and 35.1 dB to 69.2 and 77.6 dB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing a critical approach typical of humanities-based research, this article investigates the changing nature of toxic leadership in our digital world. Drawing on the perspective of media ecology, which asserts that the prevailing communication technologies at a given moment create the social conditions that, in turn, condition us, the authors illustrate how the digital logics of publicity, intransigence, impertinence, and impulsivity remake the contours of leadership. Based on a critical case study of Elon Musk's public management of Twitter, which has subsequently been rebranded as "X", it is argued that the four digital logics transform toxic leadership into digital authoritarianism, an unabashed form of authoritarian rule. A concluding section of the essay explores the implications of this evolution for traditional categories of leadership; the importance of attending to communication technologies in leadership research; and the individual, institutional, and social harms of digital authoritarianism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the development of a 64-channel application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), implemented to detect the optical Cherenkov light from sub-orbital and orbital altitudes. These kinds of signals are generated by ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos (CNs). The purpose of this front-end electronics is to provide a readout unit for a matrix of silicon photo-multipliers (SiPMs) to identify extensive air showers (EASs). Each event can be stored into a configurable array of 256 cells where the on-board digitization can take place with a programmable 12-bits Wilkinson analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The sampling, the conversion process, and the main digital logic of the ASIC run at 200 MHz, while the readout is managed by dedicated serializers operating at 400 MHz in double data rate (DDR). The chip is designed in a commercial 65 nm CMOS technology, ensuring a high configurability by selecting the partition of the channels, the resolution in the interval 8–12 bits, and the source of its trigger. The production and testing of the ASIC is planned for the forthcoming months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-power SAR ADC with capacitor-splitting energy-efficient switching scheme is proposed for wearable biosensor applications. Based on capacitor-splitting, additional reference voltage Vcm, and common-mode techniques, the proposed switching scheme achieves 93.76% less switching energy compared to the conventional scheme with common-mode voltage shift in one LSB. With the switching scheme, the proposed SAR ADC can lower the dependency on the accuracy of Vcm and the complexity of digital control logic and DAC driver circuits. Furthermore, the SAR ADC employs low-noise and low-power dynamic comparators utilizing multi-clock control, low sampling error sampling switches based on the bootstrap technique, and dynamic SAR logic. The simulation results demonstrate that the ADC achieves a 61.77 dB SNDR and a 78.06 dB SFDR and consumes 4.45 μW of power in a 180 nm process with a 1 V power supply, a full-swing input signal frequency of 93.33 kHz, and a sampling rate of 200 kS/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informacije MIDEM: Journal of Microelectronics, Electronic Components & Materials is the property of MIDEM Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A set of laboratory exercises are presented, which use the video game Minecraft as the environment for teaching combinational digital logic in an introductory electronics lab. Several advantages are noted when students use the virtual Minecraft environment prior to building any real digital circuits. Editor's Note: Looking for new ways to connect with your students or to get your students to connect with each other? If so, Minecraft may be for you! In this paper you'll learn how to use the best-selling video game in history to develop digital electronics activities that teach concepts as simple as basic logic gates or as complicated as the emulation of a whole working computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important transport process for particles and gases from the atmosphere to aquatic and terrestrial environments is through dry and wet deposition. An open-source, modular, off-grid, and affordable instrument that can automatically collect wet deposition samples allows for more extensive deployment of deposition samplers in fieldwork and would enable more comprehensive monitoring of remote locations. Precipitation events selectively sampled using a conductivity sensor powered by a battery-based supply are central to off-grid capabilities. The prevalence of conductive precipitation, initially containing high solute levels and progressing through trace level concentrations to ultrapure water in full atmospheric washout, depends on the sampling location but is ubiquitous. This property is exploited here to trigger an electric motor via limit switches to open and close a lid resting over a funnel opening. The motors are operated via a custom-built and modular digital logic control board, which have low energy demands. All components, their design and rationale, and assembly are provided for community use. The modularity of the control board allows operation of up to six independent wet deposition units, such that replicate measurements (e.g., canopy throughfall) or different collection materials for various targeted pollutants can be implemented as necessary. We demonstrate that these platforms are capable of continuous operation off-grid for integrated monthly and bimonthly collections performed across the Newfoundland and Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (47° to 53° N) during the growing seasons of 2015 and 2016. System performance was assessed through measured power consumption from 115 volts of alternating current (VAC; grid power) or 12 volts of direct current from battery supplies during operation under both standby (40 or 230 mA, respectively) and in-use (78 or 300 mA, respectively) conditions. In the field, one set of triplicate samplers was deployed in the open to collect incident precipitation (open fall) while another set was deployed under the experimental forest canopy (throughfall). The proof-of-concept systems were validated with basic measurements of rainwater chemistry including: i) pH ranging from 4.14 to 5.71 in incident open fall rainwater; ii) conductivity ranging from 21 to 166 uS/cm; and iii) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in open fall and canopy throughfall of 16 ± 10 mg/L and 22 ± 12 mg/L, respectively; with incident fluxes spanning 600 to 4200 mg C m-2 a-1 across the transect. Ultimately, this demonstrates that the customized precipitation sampling design of this new platform enables more universal accessibility of deposition samples to the atmospheric observation community-for example, those who have made community calls for targeting biogeochemical budgets and/or contaminants of emerging concern in sensitive and remote regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper expounds the theoretical logic among digital inclusive finance, urbanization, and agricultural mechanization level, puts forward the research hypothesis, and then selects the county unbalanced panel data of 1309 counties in China from 2014 to 2020 based on the two-way fixed model with standard error clustering to county level and mediating effect model for empirical data regression analysis. Through baseline regression analysis, mediation effect analysis, and heterogeneity analysis, the findings of this paper are as follows. First, digital financial inclusion has a significant positive effect on the growth of agricultural mechanization. Second, digital inclusive finance at the county level can also indirectly affect the growth of agricultural mechanization through urbanization. That is, agricultural mechanization has an intermediary effect between the financial agglomeration at the county level and the growth of farmers' income. Third, the impact of county-level digital financial inclusion on the growth of agricultural mechanization level is significantly heterogeneous, and the promoting effect is significant in areas with balanced grain production, national-level poor county or contiguous areas of dire poverty, and areas with a good foundation for digital financial inclusion. By analyzing digital inclusive finance, urbanization, and agricultural mechanization, this paper proposes targeted policy recommendations. First, the government can promote agricultural mechanization by developing digital financial inclusion. Second, the government should guide and accelerate the process of digital financial inclusion, promoting urbanization thereby amplifying the positive impact of digital financial inclusion on agricultural mechanization. Third, given the heterogeneity of the impact of digital financial inclusion on agricultural mechanization, local development should focus on developing different dimensions of digital financial inclusion according to specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a unique memristor-based design scheme for a balanced ternary digital logic circuit. First, a design method of a single-variable logic function circuit is proposed. Then, by combining with a balanced ternary multiplexer, some common application-type combinational logic circuits are proposed, including a balanced ternary half adder, multiplier and numerical comparator. The above circuits are all simulated and verified in LTSpice, which demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many types of decision problems can be solved using mathematical modeling and analysis. Such techniques are also developed on the border of mathematical logic and computer science. A good example is the translation of the issues examined into the Satisfiability Problem (SAT) of a logical propositional formula. Unfortunately, this method is not always practical, considering the high computational complexity of solving the SAT problem. It often happens that in the studied cases, the encoding formulas contain even hundreds of thousands of clauses and propositional variables. However, even in these cases, modern SAT solvers can sometimes successfully solve these problems. This approach can be used to cryptanalyze some symmetric ciphers or parts/modifications. In this case, the encryption algorithm is first translated into a boolean formula. Then additional formulas are created to encode randomly selected plaintext and the key bits. Using the SAT solver; we can count the values of the ciphertext bits. Then, using the SAT solver again, we proceed to the cryptanalysis of the cipher with the selected plaintext and proper ciphertext, looking for the bits of the encryption key. In this paper, we will present the new results of how SAT techniques behave against representative fragments of the AES cipher, the current standard for symmetric encryption. We also compare the results obtained in this case by several SAT solvers. In addition, we present the results of the SAT-solver CryptoMiniSat obtained during the attack on the 1st round of the AES-128 cipher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly known that the conjunctive query entailment problem for certain extensions of (the well-known ontology language) ALC is computationally harder than their knowledge base satisfiability problem while for others the complexities coincide, both under the standard and the finite-model semantics. We expose a uniform principle behind this divide by identifying a wide class of (finitely) locally-forward description logics, for which we prove that (finite) query entailment problem can be solved by a reduction to exponentially many calls of the (finite) knowledge base satisfiability problem. Consequently, our algorithm yields tight ExpTime upper bounds for locally-forward logics with ExpTime-complete knowledge base satisfiability problem, including logics between ALC and μALCHbregQ (and more), as well as ALCSCC with global cardinality constraints, for which the complexity of querying remained open. Moreover, to make our technique applicable in future research, we provide easy-to-check sufficient conditions for a logic to be locally-forward based on several novel versions of the model-theoretic notion of unravellings. Together with existing results, this provides a nearly complete classification of the "benign" vs. "malign" primitive modelling features extending ALC, missing out only the Self operator. We then show a rather surprising result, namely that the conjunctive entailment problem for ALCSelf is exponentially harder than for ALC. This places the seemingly innocuous Self operator among the "malign" modelling features, like inverses, transitivity or nominals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's time more than 70% of the world's population suffer from eye disnormalities leading to the usage of eyewear or spectacles. Integrating profound technologies with daily utilities could serve some of the issues improving and optimizing our lifestyle to the most. One such way is to infuse nanosized chip in eyewear i.e., powered spectacles or shades to detect the location of the spectacles whenever it is necessary. The nanosized chip proposed has features including self-designed Bluetooth operating digital circuit, timer logic, clock generation using astable multivibrator circuit, emergency button, beep alarm and impact sensor. The values of resistance and capacitace is calculated to be 18 K ohm and 47 uF to obtain 1 Hz frequency. An optimal pin placement arrangement is analyzed, and the timing waveform is simulated using Verilog as proof of logical working of the chip. 13 D flipflops have been calculated to refrain from eye related strains. This paper suggests a bottom-up approach and develops the architectural framework of the chip, its working flow, system on chip top-view, digital logic description of each block and its implementation using Verilog hardware description language (HDL). The complexity and computational cost of the designed chip is minimal thus being commercially viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dearq is the property of Universidad de los Andes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Petri nets, also known as vector addition systems, are a long established model of concurrency with extensive applications in modeling and analysis of hardware, software, and database systems, as well as chemical, biological, and business processes. The central algorithmic problem for Petri nets is reachability: whether from the given initial configuration there exists a sequence of valid execution steps that reaches the given final configuration. The complexity of the problem has remained unsettled since the 1960s, and it is one of the most prominent open questions in the theory of verification. Decidability was proved by Mayr in his seminal STOC 1981 work, and, currently, the best published upper bound is non-primitive recursive Ackermannian of Leroux and Schmitz from Symposium on Logic in Computer Science 2019. We establish a non-elementary lower bound, i.e., that the reachability problem needs a tower of exponentials of time and space. Until this work, the best lower bound has been exponential space, due to Lipton in 1976. The new lower bound is a major breakthrough for several reasons. Firstly, it shows that the reachability problem is much harder than the coverability (i.e., state reachability) problem, which is also ubiquitous but has been known to be complete for exponential space since the late 1970s. Secondly, it implies that a plethora of problems from formal languages, logic, concurrent systems, process calculi, and other areas, which are known to admit reductions from the Petri nets reachability problem, are also not elementary. Thirdly, it makes obsolete the current best lower bounds for the reachability problems for two key extensions of Petri nets: with branching and with a pushdown stack. We develop a construction that uses arbitrarily large pairs of values with ratio R to provide zero testable counters that are bounded by R. At the heart of our proof is then a novel gadget, the so-called factorial amplifier that, assuming availability of counters that are zero testable and bounded by k, guarantees to produce arbitrarily large pairs of values whose ratio is exactly the factorial of k. Repeatedly composing the factorial amplifier with itself by means of the former construction enables us to compute, in linear time, Petri nets that simulate Minsky machines whose counters are bounded by a tower of exponentials, which yields the non-elementary lower bound. By refining this scheme further, we, in fact, already establish hardness for h-exponential space for Petri nets with h + 13 counters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to determine ways to introduce artificial intelligence into the Ukrainian justice system. [Methodology/Approach/Design] The methodological basis of the study consists of theoretical and specialised legal methods: philosophical approaches, general and special methods of modern legal science, which are to interpret the law, and also general scientific styles. [Findings] During the study, the features of the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system were established and an analysis of international experience in the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system was conducted, which allowed identifying positive and negative aspects in the practice of other countries. In addition, problems that may hinder the development of artificial intelligence in the justice system of Ukraine and positive trends in the introduction of this innovative communication technology were identified. Based on the identified disadvantages and advantages of using artificial intelligence in justice, it was determined which systems should be implemented in the Ukrainian justice system, in particular the ‘judge's companion’ system. However, it is evident that at the moment artificial intelligence cannot completely replace people.

This paper presents BlockCode, a web application developed to create board games that support the learning of computer programming logic. The goal of the games created with BlockCode is to move a bunny around a board using block-based programming in order to collect all the carrots that are placed on the board. In every game, the bunny has to deal with obstacles, represented by rocks and holes, which have to be avoided using the commands available. BlockCode was designed for teachers and students: teachers can create games, specifying the arrangement of the boards; and students play the games, specifying the sequence of commands with the aim of collecting all the carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sometimes there are clear and natural limits to the scope of action of a science, and in other cases they are simply convenient ones. Geographic Information Science (GISc) is a transversal science, with contacts with all geosciences but also with various formal sciences such as Mathematics, Logic and Computer Science. A first approach to specifying the limits of a science is through its definition. Definitions of GISc are often so expansive that they have been rightly criticized for practicing gerrymandering, in particular with the rest of the geosciences. To avoid this, an operational definition is proposed that places GISc among the sciences that handle Data and not Information. This solves the gerrymandering problem without really implying a significant cut of what is usually considered within GISc. As an unforeseen consequence, this delimitation will allow it to be characterized as Formal Science, leaving it as the only geoscience with this characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article substantiates the hypothesis that there is no alternative to digital transformation of business, public administration, and society as a whole in the current composition of scientific and technological trends in global development. The article systematically identifies digital technologies based on big data, grid computing, blockchain and actually implemented in global business, such as the industrial Internet, robotics, digital marketing, fintech, govtech, e-medicine and education, etc. It is emphasised that they are the key drivers of the digital economy as a new phenomenon and a new reality. The author summarises the conceptual and categorical apparatus and shows the archetypes of the digital economy. Its status is illustrated in the format of indicators of influential global indices. The article states the obvious positive aspects of digitalisation of the economy - accessibility, transparency and efficiency of resource use, high productivity and cheaper services, fast access to markets, communication mobility, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness - and shows its possible negative aspects, such as cybercrime, electricity shocks, unemployment, insecurity of personal information, discrediting traditional cultural and behavioural values. A SWOT analysis of the digitalisation of the Ukrainian economy according to the Global Digital Competitiveness and Network Readiness indices is carried out and the ways and priority tasks of its intensification in the European integration direction of development are outlined - 4G mobile coverage, availability of clean energy, neutralisation of high investment risks, proper legal regulation of intellectual property and ICT activities. The key role of e-governance strategies and practices in the process of digital transformation of national economies is substantiated on the basis of a comparative cross-country analysis. The author's own logic of digital economy transformation is presented, based on promising scientific and technological trends generated by nano-, bio-, neuro-, quantum- and artificial intelligence. The author substantiates the objective conditionality of the formation of a smart economy, primarily in the format of smart enterprises, cities and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Display omitted] There is an unceasing quest to create novel forms of intelligent active matter that exhibits sensing, energy harvesting, actuating, computing, and communication functionalities. Realizing such capabilities can provide new road maps to autonomous and electronic materials with numerous applications in robotics, human–machine interfacing, micro/nano-electromechanical systems, and flexible electronics. Here, we introduce "mechanical metamaterial electronics (meta-mechanotronics)" as a platform for designing intelligent matter that can sense external stimuli, self-power and process the information to create an integrated closed-loop control system. We achieve these advanced functionalities by fusing mechanical metamaterials, digital electronics and triboelectric nano energy harvesting technologies. Meta-mechanotronic systems use only their constituent components and integrated nanogenerator mechanisms to perform self-powered mechanical–electrical-logic and information storage operations. Thus, they establish a direct interaction mechanism between the external environment and electronics, which is a radically different approach from conventional electrically-controlled units. We demonstrate digital unit cells as building blocks for meta-mechanotronics to perform various self-powered computation functionalities. Analytical models, numerical simulations and experimental studies are performed to design a suite of electronic mechanical metamaterials capable of synthesizing discrete mechanical configurations, performing binary/ternary computations, and realizing digital logic gates, i.e., AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and XNOR. We demonstrate the capability of the framework by creating self-powered mechanically-responsive data storage devices that can store various ASCII codes. Further discussion is provided on how meta-mechanotronics and the associated circuitry can lead to developing future mechanical metamaterial computers, complementing traditional electronics with electronics made of mechanical metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel design of an all-optical half-adder (HA) based on two two-ring resonators in a two-dimensional square-lattice photonic crystal (PC) structure without nonlinear materials is proposed. The all-optical HA comprises AND and XOR gates where each gate is composed of cross-shaped waveguides and two-ring resonators in a 2D square-lattice PC that are filled with silicon (Si) rods in silica (SiO2). The AND and XOR gates are analyzed and simulated using plane-wave expansion (PWE) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods. Simulation results show that light guiding inside the device functions as AND and XOR gates. Thus, the proposed device has the potential for use in optical arithmetic logic units for digital computing circuits. The structure comprises an optical AND gate and an optical XOR gate that were designed to work at the C-band spectrum. Results show that there is a clear distinction between logic states 1 and 0 with a narrow power range that leads to a better robust decision on the receiver side for minimized logic errors in the photonic decision circuit. Thus, the proposed HA can be a key component for designing a photonic arithmetic logic unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to determine ways to introduce artificial intelligence into the Ukrainian justice system. [Methodology/Approach/Design] The methodological basis of the study consists of theoretical and specialised legal methods: philosophical approaches, general and special methods of modern legal science, which are to interpret the law, and also general scientific styles. [Findings] During the study, the features of the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system were established and an analysis of international experience in the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system was conducted, which allowed identifying positive and negative aspects in the practice of other countries. In addition, problems that may hinder the development of artificial intelligence in the justice system of Ukraine and positive trends in the introduction of this innovative communication technology were identified. Based on the identified disadvantages and advantages of using artificial intelligence in justice, it was determined which systems should be implemented in the Ukrainian justice system, in particular the 'judge's companion' system. However, it is evident that at the moment artificial intelligence cannot completely replace people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origami-inspired engineering has enabled intelligent materials and structures to process and react to environmental stimuli. However, it is challenging to achieve complete sense-decide-act loops in origami materials for autonomous interaction with environments, mainly due to the lack of information processing units that can interface with sensing and actuation. Here, we introduce an integrated origami-based process to create autonomous robots by embedding sensing, computing, and actuating in compliant, conductive materials. By combining flexible bistable mechanisms and conductive thermal artificial muscles, we realize origami multiplexed switches and configure them to generate digital logic gates, memory bits, and thus integrated autonomous origami robots. We demonstrate with a flytrap-inspired robot that captures 'living prey', an untethered crawler that avoids obstacles, and a wheeled vehicle that locomotes with reprogrammable trajectories. Our method provides routes to achieve autonomy for origami robots through tight functional integration in compliant, conductive materials. Origami-inspired engineering has enabled intelligent materials and structures to react to environments, yet a complete sense-decide-act autonomous loop is still challenging. Yan et al. introduce autonomous origami robots by embedding sensing, computing, and actuating in compliant, conductive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a detailed analysis of the transfer of a key cluster of ideas from mathematical logic to computing. We demonstrate the impact of certain of Turing's logico-philosophical concepts from the mid-1930s on the emergence of the modern electronic computer—and so, in consequence, Turing's impact on the direction of modern philosophy, via the computational turn. We explain why both Turing and von Neumann saw the problem of developing the electronic computer as a problem in logic, and we describe their joint journey from logic to electronic computation. While much has been written about Turing's and von Neumann's individual contributions to the development of the computer, this article investigates less well-known terrain: their interactions and mutual influences. Along the way we argue against 'logic skeptics' and 'Turing skeptics', who claim that neither logic nor Turing played any significant role in the creation of the modern computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the global crisis of the recording industry, popular music has had to rethink itself to avoid perishing. Its alliance with transmedia business and—narrative—logic has been part of that transformation. Music video remains necessary for the multilateral and transmedia music promotion. Through these formats, users create and share content concerning the artist’s visual universe, making it viral and results exponentially. This supposes the first form of expansion of music video in its transformation into the logic of digital ecology in a post-television era. However, the music video has another aspect of growth with its extension through the visual album where each music track corresponds with a visual track; it uses mechanisms that unify the messages or references, for example, as repetitive visual motifs (thematic motifs, similar images, locations, or characters). The visual album allows another way of promoting record works: before, they were sold through two/three singles; now, an attempt is made to extend the life span of records, generating consolidated worlds of meaning. This imaginary is achieved with unity and diversity through rhetorical figures of repetition or quotes from other cultural texts, composing storytelling for music personae. Projects such as Beyoncé’s three visual albums (Beyoncé, 2013; Lemonade, 2016, and Black is King, 2020), Dirty Computer by Janelle Monaé, and El mal querer by Rosalía are examples of a new form of music albums, where the musical artist is resignified with these resources for a new concept of body and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expressive power of logics is one of the major research topics in mathematical logic and computer science. One way of comparing the complexities of different formalisms (e.g. knowledge representation formalisms) stems from the perspective of representational succinctness. The concept of covariant–contravariant refinement (CC-refinement, for short) generalizes the concepts of refinement, simulation and bisimulation. We introduce an extension of the standard multi-agent modal μ -calculus system K μ with CC-refinement operators ( CCRML μ ) and show that CCRML μ is equivalently expressive to K μ . This paper presents the succinctness results of CCRML μ compared with K μ from two viewpoints based on the sets of covariant and contravariant actions. We establish a family of CC-refinement formulas for comparing the succinctness based on the well-known parity symmetric alternating automata, which is often used to describe modal μ -calculus formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and facile generation of tiny droplets is critical to many cutting-edge applications, such as flexible electronic skin, customized circuits, and micro-electro-mechanical systems. However, conventional piezoelectric inkjet printing techniques show more prominent problems of high driving voltage and relatively low printing frequency. Here, a novel principle for high-throughput droplet dispensing was proposed based on the resonance of the liquid column within the glass capillary. The mechanisms of this high-throughput piezoelectric droplet dispensing technique were studied both experimentally and theoretically. It is demonstrated experimentally that the resonance frequencies of different orders of the liquid column in the capillary fit perfectly with the theoretical value. It is further demonstrated that when the working frequency is close to the resonant frequency of piezoelectric ceramic, droplets can be ejected out by a driving voltage as low as 1 V. This ultra-low driving voltage and power consumption make this dispenser compatible with various digital transistor–transistor logic or complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor drive circuits without any power amplifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital era, the contradiction between regional urban development and land ecological protection is still prominent. Clarifying the relationship and internal interaction logic among digital economy (DE), new-type urbanization (NU), and land ecology (LE) is of great significance to the region's sustainable development. Based on theoretical analysis, this study examines the relationship among DE, NU, and LE in the Yangtze River Delta through spatial analysis and empirical test with the city data from 2011 to 2020. The study found that: (1) The overall development level of DE–NU–LE in the Yangtze River Delta shows a steady upward trend, the development level of DE and NU lags behind LE, and the convergence trend among them gradually strengthened. (2) The DE-NE-LE and the coupling coordination have different and complex spatial and temporal dynamic evolution characteristics. The ability for coordinated development is enhanced continuously, which presents a typical pattern of "high in the east and low in the west". (3) The DE has a lasting role in promoting the development of the NU and LE, while the support and stimulation of NU and LE for DE needs to be strengthened. The relationship between the NU and LE shows a mutually restricted trend. (4) The DE has a significant "siphon effect". While NU and LE both have significant positive spatial spillover effects, which can promote the coordinated development of surrounding cities. This study deepens the understanding of DE–NU–LE coordinated development, and provides a new perspective for sustainable urban development and alleviating land conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the continuous scaling of MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) devices over the past few decades, power consumption has increased tremendously. To reduce power dissipation at lower technology nodes, digital logic circuits are designed with modern (FinFET) devices. In this paper, FinFET INDEP (input dependent) technique-based short gate (SG) FinFET Adder circuits are proposed at 10 nm technology node. The performance comparison of INDEP technique-based adder circuits is done with the SG FinFET adder circuits. The analysis of adder circuits is performed first in terms of functional verification (transient characteristics) and finally for different performance parameters such as propagation delay, power dissipation and power delay product (PDP). The proposed FinFET INDEP technique proves as one of the best leakage reduction techniques for FinFET adder circuits at lower technology nodes. To test the reliability of the circuits, Monte Carlo analysis is also performed. The PDP is improved by 16.8% and 13.73% in INDEP SG FinFET half adder(HA) and INDEP SG FinFET full adder(FA) at 10 nm technology, respectively, in comparison with the ones without INDEP technique. The Monte Carlo simulation results with 3σ Gaussian distribution at ±10% process, voltage and temperature variations show the improvement in PDP in case of SG INDEP FinFET FA and SG INDEP FinFET HA circuit in comparison to SG FinFET FA and FinFET HA circuit, respectively. Simulation is performed using HSPICE tool at 10 nm process technology node. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]