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Stress-Related Local Layout Effects in FinFET Technology and Device Design Sensitivity
No full textTransistor characteristics in advanced technology nodes are strongly impacted by devices design and process integration choices. Variation in the layout and pattern configuration in close proximity to the device often causes undesirable sensitivities known as Local Layout Effects (LLEs). One of the sensitivities is related to carrier mobility dependence on mechanical stress, modulated by device design and local/ global environment. In this paper we investigate the impact of stress, developed during FinFET device fabrication, on electrical characteristics of transistors manufactured in 7nm silicon FinFET technology. Two sources of stress modulation are studied: (i) active region isolation (Diffusion Break) (ii) Metal Gate extension outside of the fins of the transistor. A 3D TCAD process model of a FinFET device was created and calibrated using electrical characteristics measured on foundry fabricated silicon wafers. The model was then applied to simulate mechanical stress in transistors with various design attributes for Diffusion Breaks (Single vs. Double Diffusion Break) and Gate Cuts, following by modeling of electrical characteristics. Very good agreement between simulations and measured silicon data has been obtained for PMOS and NMOS FinFET transistors. This work demonstrates that the layout sensitivity in discussed design cases can be explained by modulation of the mechanical stress and that the model can be used to predict successfully the stress distributions and their impact on electrical characteristics of FinFET devices. It can be applied to assist designers and technologists with Design-Technology Co-optimization, design rule and PDK development, and process optimization for best performance and reduced variability
LSTM-Based Models for Day-Ahead Electrical Load Forecast: A Novel Feature Selection Method Including Weather Data
No full textOperational Criteria and Challenges in Management of Liquid Waste Treatment Facility Based on Chemical–Physical Processes and Membrane Biological Reactor in Thermophilic Conditions: A Case Study
No full textThis study investigates the operation and management of an advanced Italian liquid waste treatment platform, focusing on its dual-line configuration and the challenges posed by increasingly heterogeneous waste streams. The main objectives are to (i) characterize the technological and operational features of the system, (ii) evaluate strategies for dealing with variable waste compositions and non-compliant inputs, and (iii) propose governance measures to strengthen cooperation between producers and operators. The methodology integrates the analysis of operational data from 2022 to 2024 (waste volumes, European Waste Catalogue Codes, reagent consumption, sludge production, and energy use) with a critical assessment of acceptance procedures and monitoring protocols. Results show a 10% increase in liquid waste treated over the study period, a growing predominance of complex EWC codes, higher oxygen demand in the thermophilic reactor, and seasonal fluctuations in sludge production. At the same time, the plant achieved stable or improved performance indicators, with specific energy consumption decreasing to 2.08 kWh/kg COD removed in 2024. The study concludes that modular, flexible treatment systems, supported by rigorous waste characterization and real-time decision-making, are essential to ensuring efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term environmental sustainability in liquid waste management
Cost-Optimal FOND Planning as Bi-Objective Best-First Search
No full textIn this paper, we tackle the problem of finding cost-optimal solutions in Fully-Observable Non-Deterministic (FOND) planning problems. First, we introduce metrics for FOND problems by interpreting solution policies under both their best and worst possible scenarios, leading to a bi-objective optimization problem. We then propose BOAND*, a novel heuristic search algorithm designed to seek Pareto-optimal solutions by navigating the space of possible policies. We conduct an empirical evaluation of the algorithm, alongside a qualitative comparison with cost-optimal solutions that consider only one objective at a time. Our findings validate this approach, paving the way for new methods of reasoning over FOND problems
An efficient algorithm for group testing with runlength constraints
No full textIn this paper, we provide an efficient algorithm to construct almost optimal (k,n,d)-superimposed codes with runlength constraints. A (k,n,d)-superimposed code of length t is a t×n binary matrix such that any two 1’s in each column are separated by a run of at least d 0’s, and such that for any column c and any other k−1 columns, there exists a row where c has 1 and all the remaining k−1 columns have 0. These combinatorial structures were introduced by Agarwal et al. (2020), in the context of Non-Adaptive Group Testing algorithms with runlength constraints. By using Moser and Tardos’ constructive version of the Lovász Local Lemma, we provide an efficient randomized Las Vegas algorithm of complexity Θ(tn2) for the construction of (k,n,d)-superimposed codes of length t=O(dklogn+k2logn). We also show that the length of our codes is shorter, for n sufficiently large, than that of the codes whose existence was proved in Agarwal et al. (2020)
Societas delinquere (et puniri) potest
No full textIntroduzione storica, panorama comparato, problema della individuazione del soggetto (ente
Enhancing Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness in the Italian Population: Insights from the “Save Your Skin” Screening Campaign
No full textIntroduction: Skin cancer prevention campaigns aim to reduce modifiable risk factors, yet high-risk groups often maintain inadequate protection practices. Objectives: This study analyzed data from Italy's 2023 "Save Your Skin" campaign, which provided free skin checks nationwide. Methods: Data from 1,773 participants across 29 centers in 13 regions were collected to assess sun exposure, photoprotection habits, and skin cancer awareness, identifying gaps in prevention efforts. Results: Most participants were female (70.16%), with a median age of 36, and 96.61% were born in Italy. While 71.24% joined for prevention reasons, others participated due to changes in a nevus (12.35%) or personal (2.31%) or family (7.33%) history of skin cancer. Self-assessments of nevi often did not align with dermatologists' evaluations, but family and personal history reporting was more accurate. Participants showed confusion about nevi and melanoma: only 52.7% correctly identified nevi as benign, while 67.2% recognized melanoma as malignant. On average, participants answered 1.57 out of three knowledge questions correctly, with those having a family or personal history of skin cancer performing better. High-risk sun exposure behaviors were identified in 37.78% of participants. Older adults used sunscreen less frequently but relied more on hats and shade, while younger individuals reported less sun exposure at work. Notably, participants with actinic damage demonstrated lower awareness and provided fewer correct answers on photoprotection. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies to improve education on skin cancer prevention, particularly among high-risk and older populations
