Contention-Based mMTC/URLLC Coexistence Through Coded Random Access and Massive MIMO

Radio access network slicing is considered a key feature in next-generation multiple access. In this paper, we investigate the coexistence between massive machine -type communication (mMTC) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services. To meet their heterogeneous requirements, we propose a novel grant-free scheme that leverages coded random access, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processing, and both the preamble and the power domain to enable non-orthogonal access on shared frequency and time resources. To illustrate the concept, mMTC users transmit packet replicas having different preambles in various time slots, capitalizing on the temporal domain. Meanwhile, the URLLC users apply a more aggressive strategy that leverages pilot mixture and power diversity to meet the stringent latency and reliability requirements. Contention resolution is achieved through a signal processing algorithm based on successive interference cancellation (SIC). We show that the co-design of signal processing and access protocol is crucial to meet both service requirements, and we derive fundamental limits where possible. In instances where direct derivation proves impractical, we conduct symbol-level simulations of the whole system to gain comprehensive insights. The simulations reveal that the proposed scheme can satisfy mMTC/URLLC coverage density, reliability, and latency requirements, while outperforming orthogonal allocation schemes.

A System-Level Test Methodology for Communication Peripherals in System-on-Chips

This paper deals with functional System-Level Test (SLT) for System-on-Chips (SoCs) communication peripherals. The proposed methodology is based on analyzing the potential weaknesses of applied structural tests such as Scan-based. Then, the paper illustrates how to develop a functional SLT programs software suite to address such issues. In case the communication peripheral provides detection/correction features, the methodology proposes the design of a hardware companion module to be added to the Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) to interact with the SoC communication module by purposely corrupting data frames. Experimental results are obtained on an industrial, automotive SoC produced by STMicroelectronics focusing on the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication peripheral and showing the effectiveness of the SLT suite to complement structural tests.

A Comprehensive Scan Test Cost Model to Optimize the Production of Very Large SoCs

This paper explores the trade-offs of reducing scan test patterns during Wafer Sort, accepting additional packaging costs, and screening more chips during Package Tests. Previous works proposed ways of selecting or reordering patterns to bring the most efficient to the left. Unlike such studies, this work quantifies the benefit of removing patterns directly from the tail of any pattern set. The paper elaborates on novel formulas to propose a comprehensive cost model that combines yield, Wafer Sort, packaging, and Package Test costs. The model evolves from known concepts by assuming that mass production defectivity is non-uniformly distributed over the die population and accounts for sacrificial lots to extract guiding information. It is shown that reducing patterns at Wafer Sort is beneficial under certain conditions of yield, fault coverage, and considering equipment and production costs. The model accurately estimates the number of patterns to remove for maximum gain in these cases. As a further by-product, the paper shows that a significant cost advantage can be achieved if pattern generation is guided based on the basics of the non-uniform failure distribution. This approach is validated with an academic benchmark and by observing six months of production for a real-world microcontroller by STMicroelectronics.

Characteristics of osteonecrosis of the femoral head complicated by psoriasis

Cattle and nurse trees shape subtropical forest–grassland ecotones

Abstract South American subtropical landscapes are dominated by open grasslands and mosaics of forest–grassland formations. Forests are often restricted to riverine margins with sharp forest–grassland ecotones. Understanding the mechanisms maintaining forest–grassland ecotones is important to anticipate the effects of changing climate and disturbance regimes on the extent of these biomes and the ecosystem services they provide. We used a combination of field surveys and long‐term field experiments to explore the mechanisms that explain tree cover expansion at the ecotone of riverine forests and grasslands in central Uruguay, within the South American Campos. We assessed the role of tree seed dispersal and seedling establishment limitations, and experimentally tested for the effects of cattle, nurse tree cover and grasses on the recruitment of forest and grassland tree species at the forest–grassland ecotone. We found that forest expansion depends on the interplay between cattle and nurse trees. Vachellia caven trees colonize the grassland successfully and facilitate the formation of forest patches by enhancing seed accumulation and seedling establishment of forest tree species. Surprisingly, grass cover had mostly positive effects on early seedling survival of forest tree seedlings. However, cattle limits tree seedling growth and survival, especially of forest tree species. This results in a nucleated vegetation pattern of tree patches that ultimately limits forest expansion. Synthesis and applications . Tree cover can potentially expand on the subtropical South American grasslands. Reductions in cattle densities and increases in rainfall levels associated with climate change could facilitate forest expansion in this region.

Assessment of the bearing‐down manoeuvre in pregnancy and detection of paradoxical levator ani muscle contraction using 2D transperineal ultrasound and vaginal palpation: a concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability study

Objective To examine the concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability of vaginal palpation as a measure of the quality of the bearing‐down manoeuvre (BDM) and the detection of a paradoxical levator ani muscle contraction (LAM) in pregnant women, compared with 2D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). Design Concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability study. Setting Physiotherapy clinic. Population Twenty pregnant women in their third trimester. Methods The anterior posterior diameter (APD) was measured during the BDM using TPUS by one experienced physiotherapist. An APD that shortened by >2 mm from rest was described as LAM shortening, an APD that moved by 0–2 mm was described as no change and an APD that lengthened by >2 mm was described as LAM lengthening. Vaginal palpation described the LAM during the BDM as no movement, shortening or lengthening. Participants were allowed two attempts and the best attempt was measured. Main outcome measures APD using TPUS and the assessor's subjective description of LAM during the BDM using vaginal palpation. Results TPUS detected more paradoxical LAM contractions during the BDM than palpation. Agreement between vaginal palpation and TPUS assessment for BDM was poor. The Fleiss kappa coefficients were 0.457 (90% CI 0.16–0.71) between TPUS and one assessor and 0.326 (90% CI 0.01–0.6) between TPUS and the other assessor. In addition, inter‐rater reliability was poor between observers palpating the BDM, with a Fleiss kappa coefficient of 0.375 (90% CI 0.13–0.64). Conclusions This study did not find vaginal palpation of the BDM in pregnant women to have concurrent validity or inter‐rater reliability. Clinicians should be aware of potential inaccuracies when palpating the BDM, and, where possible, seek an assessment via TPUS.

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Psychiatric disorders and management of sexual offenders in the prison psychiatric consultation unit of Marseille

Since 2017, complaints of sexual violence have increased in France. At the same time, the management of sexual offenders has been at the center of international public health policies. The prevalence of mental disorders among sexual offenders is an essential field of research. There are some published studies on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in sexual offenders in detention, but there are few recent published studies among French individuals who were detained. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among persons detained for sexual offenses and the level of care received according to their diagnosis. For this purpose, we carried out a retrospective observational study from January 2017 to October 2021 of all adult sexual offenders, whether accused or convicted, who were seen in the psychiatric consultation unit of Les Baumettes prison, Marseille, France. The primary outcome measure was the psychiatric diagnosis entered in the medical records. One hundred forty‐two patients were included in analysis. All patients were men, and the majority ( n  = 97, 68.3%) of these patients presented with at least one psychiatric disorder, principally a personality disorder (31.7%). 10.6% presented with a schizophrenic disorder, 4.9% a bipolar disorder, 3.5% a depressive disorder, 5.6% pedophilic paraphilia, and 25.4% an addictive disorder. Their management and comorbid addictions were analyzed in subgroups for each psychiatric disorder. Patients appeared to receive an appropriate level of care for their diagnosed disorder. It seems important to develop structured assessment of recidivism risk for better management of sexual offenders.

The ReCoDe addiction research consortium: Losing and regaining control over drug intake—Findings and future perspectives

Abstract Substance use disorders (SUDs) are seen as a continuum ranging from goal‐directed and hedonic drug use to loss of control over drug intake with aversive consequences for mental and physical health and social functioning. The main goals of our interdisciplinary German collaborative research centre on Losing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake (ReCoDe) are (i) to study triggers (drug cues, stressors, drug priming) and modifying factors (age, gender, physical activity, cognitive functions, childhood adversity, social factors, such as loneliness and social contact/interaction) that longitudinally modulate the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption under real‐life conditions. (ii) To study underlying behavioural, cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of disease trajectories and drug‐related behaviours and (iii) to provide non‐invasive mechanism‐based interventions. These goals are achieved by: (A) using innovative mHealth (mobile health) tools to longitudinally monitor the effects of triggers and modifying factors on drug consumption patterns in real life in a cohort of 900 patients with alcohol use disorder. This approach will be complemented by animal models of addiction with 24/7 automated behavioural monitoring across an entire disease trajectory; i.e. from a naïve state to a drug‐taking state to an addiction or resilience‐like state. (B) The identification and, if applicable, computational modelling of key molecular, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms (e.g., reduced cognitive flexibility) mediating the effects of such triggers and modifying factors on disease trajectories. (C) Developing and testing non‐invasive interventions (e.g., Just‐In‐Time‐Adaptive‐Interventions (JITAIs), various non‐invasive brain stimulations (NIBS), individualized physical activity) that specifically target the underlying mechanisms for regaining control over drug intake. Here, we will report on the most important results of the first funding period and outline our future research strategy.