Closed-loop compensation of dielectric charge induced by ionizing radiation

This letter investigates the capability of dielectric charge control loops to cope with charge induced by ionizing radiation. To this effect, an microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) variable capacitor has been irradiated with X-rays and gamma-radiation in three scenarios: 1) without polarization; 2) using an open-loop dielectric charge mitigation strategy; and 3) using a closed-loop control method. The results show that the charge effects induced by radiation can be partially compensated using dielectric charge control.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Analytical techniques for localization and sensitivity analysis of latch-up in CMOS IC's

One of the most hazardous reliability problems for CMOS IC's is due to the latch-up failure mechanism, which consists in the turning on of a parasitic SCR (Semiconductor Controlled Rectifier), with consequent short circuit of the Vdd and Vss lines and device destruction. This paper reports, critically reviews, and compares experimental techniques for localization and sensitivity analysis of latch-up. Described techniques include: IR thermography, IR emission microscopy, SEM capacitively-coupled voltage contrast and stroboscopic techniques, sensitivity analysis by means of e beam and laser-induced current. To make an easier comparison, most of the techniques are discussed referring to their application to the same CMOS structure

Nuove risorse dell'accoglienza: la late adoption. Uno studio esplorativo presso il Tribunale per i minorenni di Bari

Questo studio, realizzato presso il TM di Bari dall’Equipe Adozioni, è volto a descrivere le caratteristiche di minori adottatati tardivamente e delle famiglie accoglienti. Lo studio si propone con approccio descrittivo, di evidenziare come l’adozione tardiva, pur caratterizzandosi potenzialmente da molteplici fattori di rischio, sia comunque una esperienza realizzabile e come tale perseguibile, anche in età preadolescenziale e adolescenziale. Nel dettaglio, trattandosi di casi di successo adottivo, attraverso un’analisi delle caratteristiche dei minori e delle famiglie accoglienti, si intende evidenziare i fattori protettivi e criticità questo tipo di accoglienza.Questo studio realizzato presso il TM di Bari è volto a descrivere le caratteristiche di minori adottatati tardivamente e delle famiglie accoglienti. Lo studio si propone con approccio descrittivo, di evidenziare come l’adozione tardiva, pur caratterizzandosi potenzialmente da molteplici fattori di rischio, sia comunque una esperienza realizzabile e come tale perseguibile, anche in età preadolescenziale e adolescenziale. Nel dettaglio, trattandosi di casi di successo adottivo, attraverso un’analisi delle caratteristiche dei minori e delle famiglie accoglienti, si intende evidenziare i fattori protettivi e criticità questo tipo di accoglienza

Optical studies of electrostatic discharge phenomena in input/output structures

Techniques based on IR emission microscopy and scanning laser microscopy have been applied to the study of electrostatic discharge phenomena in input/output structures of integrated circuits. Results show that both dielectric shorts in MOS devices and surface electrothermomigration effects can be detected. In particular it is shown that OBIC analyses, conventionally employed to detect junction spiking or junction defects can also easily identify the location of oxide failure in MOS transistors

Closed-loop compensation of dielectric charge induced by ionizing radiation

This letter investigates the capability of dielectric charge control loops to cope with charge induced by ionizing radiation. To this effect, an microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) variable capacitor has been irradiated with X-rays and gamma-radiation in three scenarios: 1) without polarization; 2) using an open-loop dielectric charge mitigation strategy; and 3) using a closed-loop control method. The results show that the charge effects induced by radiation can be partially compensated using dielectric charge control.Peer Reviewe