Inverse scaling trends for charge-trapping-induced degradation of FinFETs performance

In this paper, we investigate the impact of a single discrete charge trapped at the top oxide interface on the performance of scaled nMOS FinFET transistors. The charge-trapping-induced gate voltage shift is simulated as a function of the device scaling and for several regimes of conduction-from subthreshold to ON-state. Contrary to what is expected for planar MOSFETs, we show that the trap impact decreases with scaling down the FinFET size and the applied gate voltage. By comparing drift-diffusion with nonequilibrium Green functions simulations, we show that quantum effects in the charge distribution and transport can reduce or amplify the impact of discrete traps in simulation of reliability resilience of scaled FinFETs

MERGING OF THE SPLINE-POINTWISE AND MORSE/LONG-RANGE POTENTIAL FUNCTION FORMS FOR DIRECT-POTENTIAL-FIT DATA ANALYSES

Author Institution: Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Department of Physics, Sofia University, 5 James Bourcheier blvd, 1164 Sofia, BulgariaIn recent years it has become increasingly common to analyze diatomic molecule spectroscopic data by using fully quantum mechanical direct potential fits (DPFs) to determine the potential energy function(s) of the state(s) in question. However, the efficacy of this approach is strongly dependent on the quality of the analytic model used for the potential function. The two best models introduced to date are the `Morse/Long-Range' (MLR) function, 663 (2007); R.J. Le Roy {\em et al.}, {\em J.\ Chem.\ Phys.}\ {\bf 131} 204309 (2009).} which provides particularly compact, accurate and flexible functions which explicitly incorporate correct long-range and sensible short-range behaviour, and the `Spline Point-wise Potential' (SPP) form which is particularly successful for treating states with irregularly shaped potentials with a double-minimum or a 'shelf'.\ {\bf 128}, 622 (2000); {\em ibid, J.\ Mol. Spectrosc.}\ {\bf 203}, 264 (2000).} The present work shows that a merging of these two forms effected by representing the exponent coefficient function of the MLR model by a spline passing through a compact mesh of values yields most of the advantages of both approaches. Preliminary illustrative applications to the ground states of Ca$_2$ and NaRb will be presented

Developing an intervention to facilitate family communication about inherited genetic conditions, and training genetic counsellors in its delivery.

Many families experience difficulty in talking about an inherited genetic condition that affects one or more of them. There have now been a number of studies identifying the issues in detail, however few have developed interventions to assist families. The SPRinG collaborative have used the UK Medical Research Council's guidance on Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, to work with families and genetic counsellors (GCs) to co-design a psycho-educational intervention to facilitate family communication and promote better coping and adaptation to living with an inherited genetic condition for parents and their children (<18 years). The intervention is modelled on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs) used in psychiatric settings. The MFDG was developed and tested over three phases. First focus groups with parents, young people, children and health professionals discussed whether MFDG was acceptable and proposed a suitable design. Using evidence and focus group data, the intervention and a training manual were developed and three GCs were trained in its delivery. Finally, a prototype MFDG was led by a family therapist and co-facilitated by the three GCs. Data analysis showed that families attending the focus groups and intervention thought MFDG highly beneficial, and the pilot sessions had a significant impact on their family' functioning. We also demonstrated that it is possible to train GCs to deliver the MFDG intervention. Further studies are now required to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving family outcomes before implementing into genetic counselling practice.The National Institute of Health Research funded the study but any views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority. Funded by NIHR reference number: RP-DG-1211-10015

Simulation study of the impact of quantum confinement on the electrostatically driven oerformance of n-type nanowire transistors

In this paper, we have studied the impact of quantum confinement on the performance of n-type silicon nanowire transistors (NWTs) for application in advanced CMOS technologies. The 3-D drift-diffusion simulations based on the density gradient approach that has been calibrated with respect to the solution of the Schrödinger equation in 2-D cross sections along the direction of the transport are presented. The simulated NWTs have cross sections and dimensional characteristics representative of the transistors expected at a 7-nm CMOS technology. Different gate lengths, cross-sectional shapes, spacer thicknesses, and doping steepness were considered. We have studied the impact of the quantum corrections on the gate capacitance, mobile charge in the channel, drain-induced barrier lowering, and subthreshold slope. The mobile charge to gate capacitance ratio, which is an indicator of the intrinsic speed of the NWTs, is also investigated. We have also estimated the optimal gate length for different NWT design conditions

Training Genetic Counsellors to Deliver an Innovative Therapeutic Intervention: their views and experience of facilitating multi-family discussion groups

Innovations in clinical genetics have increased diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of inherited genetic conditions (IGCs). This has led to an increased number of families seeking genetic testing and / or genetic counselling and increased the clinical load for genetic counsellors (GCs). Keeping pace with biomedical discoveries, interventions are required to support families to understand, communicate and cope with their Inherited Genetic Condition. The Socio-Psychological Research in Genomics (SPRinG) collaborative have developed a new intervention, based on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs), to support families affected by IGCs and train GCs in its delivery. A potential challenge to implementing the intervention was whether GCs were willing and able to undergo the training to deliver the MFDG. In analysing three multi-perspective interviews with GCs, this paper evaluates the training received. Findings suggests that MFDGs are a potential valuable resource in supporting families to communicate genetic risk information and can enhance family function and emotional well-being. Furthermore, we demonstrate that it is feasible to train GCs in the delivery of the intervention and that it has the potential to be integrated into clinical practice. Its longer term implementation into routine clinical practice however relies on changes in both organisation of clinical genetics services and genetic counsellors' professional development

Asen (2019) - Reconsidering symbolic use: a situational model of URE in polarised legislative hearings - Observation Protocol

This protocol describes a method for observing legislative hearings and analyzing how the use of research evidence operates and varies across hearings that represent different conditions of the decision-making process

Pluralism, Disagreement, and the Status of Argument in the Public Sphere

Argument teachers and scholars have frequently invoked external justification-impressing one's viewpoint upon another-as the primary social function of argument. Pluralism and fundamental disagreement in contemporary democratic societies raise questions regarding the status of argument, including the functions argument should serve. In this essay, I suggest alternatives of agenda expansion, responsibility attribution, and identity formation as important functions of argument in diverse societies. These alternative functions are especially important under conditions of social inequality, since they allow less powerful individuals and groups to confront more powerful actors in situations where decision making is not open to all