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The radio frequency (RF) experimental and simulation study of a 3-dimensional (3-D) multichannel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET (MCFET) is presented. The studies have shown that optimized MCFETs are a serious contender to the mainstream MOSFETs including FinFETs for realizing future low-power analog applications.

Numerical simulations, characterization methods and integration processes are developed to examine and optimize three-dimensional multi-channel field-effect transistor (MCFET) gate stack and series resistance. The impact of a high-[kappa] metal TiN/Hf[O.sub.2] gate stack introduction on the MCFET electrical properties is studied, and the methods to reduce the increase in series resistance by optimizing the source/drain (S/D) shape and the S/D silicide position are discussed.

An optimized multi-channel field-effect transistor (MCFET) structure fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a silicon-on-nothing (SON) process is presented and its performance is analyzed. The current gain of the MCFET structure, its transport properties and specific electrostatic properties are examined, and it is observed that the bottom channel in narrow devices increases the drain current of the MCFET structure without degrading its electrostatic characteristics.

In this paper, for the first time, we present a detailed RF experimental and simulation study of a 3-D multichannel SOI MOSFET (MCFET). Being different from the conventional planar technology, the MCFET features a total of three self-aligned TiN/HfO2 gate stacks fabricated on top of each other, allowing current to flow through the three undoped ultrathinned bodies (UTBs). In other words, the operation of the MCFET theoretically based on two UTB double-gate SOIs and a single-gate UTB fully depleted SOI (FDSOI) at the bottom. Using on-wafer S-parameters, the RF/analog figures-of-merit of an MCFET a gate length of 50 nm are extracted and discussed. Thanks enormous transconductance (gm) and very low output conductance, the RF/analog performances of MCFET-voltage gain (AVI) and early voltage (VEA) are superior compared with that single-gate UTB-FDSOI. However, these advantages diminish in terms of transition frequency (fT), due to the large total input gate capacitances (CGG). This inspires the introduction of spacer engineering in MCFET, aiming at improving both CGG and fT. The sensitivity of the spacer length to the RF/analog performances is experimentally analyzed, and the performance optimization is validated using ac simulation. This paper concludes that optimized MCFETs are a serious contender to the mainstream MOSFETs including FinFETs for realizing future low-power analog applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, internal spacers have been introduced in multichannel CMOSFET (MCFET) structures, featuring a decrease of the intrinsic CV/I delay by 39%. The process steps introduced for this new MCFET technological option are studied and optimized in order to achieve excellent ION/IOFF characteristics (NMOS: 2.33 mA/μm at 27 pA/μm and PMOS: 1.52 mA/μm at 38 pA/μm). A gate capacitance Cgg reduction of 32% is measured, thanks to S-parameter extraction. Moreover, a significant improvement of the analogical figure of merit is measured compared with optimized fully depleted silicon-on-insulator planar reference; the voltage gain AVI (= gm /gds) is improved by 92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) is known to induce tolerance and dependence, and increase the risk of falls-related injuries in older adults. We present a study carried out in a French nursing home that concerns the implementation of a BZD withdrawal program reassessed at one year. BZD deprescription was achieved by gradual cessation of doses. A secondary benefit of this program was assessed by comparing the number of falls among residents before and after withdrawal. The number of falls was recorded over a six-month period prior to the onset of withdrawal (T1) and then over a six-month period after reassessment at one year (T2). At the beginning, 31 (28.7%) of the patients were under BZD. Total deprescription was obtained for 11 patients. The number of falls per patient over the T1 period was not different between the two groups (future non-withdrawn and withdrawn patients in BZD): 2.1 ± 1.3 and 2.3 ± 0.6 falls per resident, respectively. Conversely, the number of falls per patient was significantly decreased in the population completely withdrawn in BZD between the T1 and T2 periods (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 0.5 ± 0.2 falls, p = 0.01). The results show that BZD deprescription, through a gradual reduction of doses, is possible to achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maternity stay following childbirth corresponds to the early postpartum period. Birth-related events may be perceived as a major source of stress by women and these events can cause certain disorders during this period, such as anxiety and postnatal depression. The aim of this study was to investigate women's perception of post-delivery stress factors., Methods: An overall descriptive study of the target population (n = 206) was carried out and primiparous (n = 96) and multiparous (n = 110) women were then compared in two level III public maternity units in the Marseille Gynépole. The Post-Delivery Perceived Stress Inventory (PDPSI) was the psychometric scale used to collect data. A correlation between the various items of the PDPSI was investigated., Results: The experience of childbirth is perceived as the main stress factor by 45% of mothers. This factor was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with 3 items of the PDPSI and very significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with 11 of the 16 items constituting the other 4 factors of the PDPSI. Primiparous women significantly perceived (p < 0.05) childbirth as being more stressful than multiparous women. They also felt very significantly (p < 0.001) more stressed by care activities (bathing, changing) related to the relationship with the newborn factor., Conclusion: These results encourage implementation of guidelines and the organization of informal ?conversations? in the maternity unit, and to conduct an early postnatal consultation at home for these mothers concerning their childbirth experience, which could be ensured by adequate social support based on empathic listening and reassuring actions about parenting.

A number of non medication-based methods of nursing care for geriatric patients have been developed over recent decades to treat non cognitive symptoms associated with dementia. Among these, Snoezelen rooms for multisensory behavioural therapy and animal-assisted therapy emerge as innovative strategies which could potentially complement other more frequently developed methods such as physical activity.