Vacuum Leak Detection Method Using Index Regression and Correction for Semiconductor Equipment in a Vacuum Chamber

In semiconductor manufacturing, fault detection is an important method for monitoring equipment condition and examining the potential causes of a fault. Vacuum leakage is considered one of the major faults that can occur in semiconductor processing. An unnecessary O2 and N2 mixture, a major component of the atmosphere, creates unexpected process results and hence drops in yield. Vacuum leak detection systems that are currently available in the vacuum industry are based on helium mass spectrometers. They are used for detecting the vacuum leakage at the sole isolation condition where the chamber is fully pumped but cannot be used for in situ detection while the process is ongoing in the chamber. In this article, a chamber vacuum leak detection method named Index Regression and Correction (IRC) is presented, utilizing common data which were gathered during normal chamber operation. This method was developed by analyzing a simple list of data, such as pressure, the temperature of the chamber body, and the position of the auto pressure control (APC), to detect any leakages in the vacuum chamber. The proposed method was experimentally verified and the results showed a high accuracy of up to 97% when a vacuum leak was initiated in the chamber. The proposed method is expected to improve the process yield of the chamber by detecting even small vacuum leakages at very early stages of the process.

Effects of Stroking on Salivary Oxytocin and Cortisol in Guide Dogs: Preliminary Results

This pilot study aimed at investigating how salivary oxytocin levels are affected by human interaction and isolation in eight guide dogs (six Labrador retrievers and two golden retrievers; four males and four females, 21.87 ± 1.36 months old) just before assignment to the blind person. Each dog engaged, at one-week intervals, in a positive (5 min of affiliative interaction with their trainer) and a negative (5 min of isolation) condition. Saliva samples used for Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) quantification of salivary oxytocin were collected before and immediately after both experimental conditions. In order to assess potential hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activation that could have affected oxytocin levels, saliva samples were collected 15 min after both experimental conditions for EIA quantification of salivary cortisol and a behavioral assessment was performed during the negative condition. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). Oxytocin concentrations showed a statistically significant increase after the positive interaction (p = 0.036) and no difference after the negative one (p = 0.779). Moreover, no difference (p = 0.263) was found between the cortisol concentrations after each experimental condition and no signs of distress were observed during the isolation phase. These preliminary findings support the hypothesis that stroking dogs has positive effects on their emotional state independently of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis activation.

Specific precautions: experiences of hospitalized patients

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the perception, meanings and repercussions of specific precautions for hospitalized patients. Methods: Qualitative study with qualitative clinical methodology according to the vulnerability theoretical reference. The semi-directed interview and the Bardin content analysis were used. Results: Identification of three thematic units: (1) guidelines received, in which there was lack of information and misunderstandings about the reason for precautionary implementation; (2) perceptions about private rooms, there with both positive and negative perceptions; and (3) stigma related to the isolation condition, given patients felt constraint for being in a unit of infectious diseases and fear of being separated from the others. Final considerations: Situations of vulnerability were evidenced, both related to hospitalization and feelings aroused. The study can contribute to health services by broadening their vision beyond infection control.

Sexuality and affectivity: Two themes in a psychosocial intervention for psychotics inpatients

The aim of this project is about valuing these themes, not only in order to increase physiological genres knowledge or the responsible use of contraceptives, but is mainly about growing sexual psychosocial features awareness. Treating these themes in a psychoeducational intervention means: minimize sexually-transmitted diseases, prevent psychotic patients from quitting psychopharmacological treatment and favour the birth and the development of intimate relationships that may help patients leaving an unhelpful isolation condition.Increase the awareness of different sexual and affection aspects: physiological, anatomic and reproductive, relational and communicative, emotional, social and cultural, playful and pleasant ones.The 18 meetings interventions were done using a psychoeducational model; an active leading group manner (role plays and simulations) was used in order to ease the exchange of views between patients and the group leader.We did a first round of meetings with ten patients who participated actively; we also submitted to them a questionnaire – before and after the intervention – in which we collected knowledge and opinions about different themes (contraceptives, risk awareness, affective relationships etc.).From a qualitative analysis of the results we saw a knowledge-improvement about the dealt themes, and also, in some cases, we identified a modification in some problematic behaviours. The sample it's still too small for statistical analysis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Enhancement of Visual Perception under Conditions of Short-Term Exposure to Sensory Isolation: A Comparison of Procedures for Altering Vigilance

An experiment was conducted to determine the pre- and posttest performance of subjects on a signal-detection task for the following three experimental conditions: sensory isolation, sensory alertness, and sensory relaxation. All subjects were assessed on 36 pretest and 36 posttest trials. Each block of 36 trials consisted of 12 “strong signals,” 12 “weak signals,” and 12 “no signals.” Exposure durations for each experimental condition lasted for one hour. Analyses showed significant improvements in hits from the pretest trials to the posttest trials on the “strong” and “weak signals” for the sensory isolation condition. Moreover, on the posttest “weak signal” trials, subjects in the sensory isolation condition scored a significantly greater number of hits than did those in the sensory alertness or sensory relaxation conditions. It was concluded that sensory isolation produces perceptual enhancement, as measured by a signal-detection task.

Changes in Relative Frequencies of Behaviors in Pigtail Monkeys (Macaca Nemistrina) following Dorsolateral Frontal Ablations

2 pigtail monkeys with dorsolateral frontal lesions and 2 control Ss were observed pre- and postoperatively in social and isolation conditions. Behavior was exhaustively classified into 10 discrete categories. In both observation situations the distribution of behavior was consistent over time for controls. In the social observation condition, however, frontals increased slow locomotion and decreased behaviors involving visual stimulation. No changes in behavior patterns were produced by the isolation condition.