Active Devices Research Articles

Maternal Mobile Device Use and Mealtime Interactions With Children.

This study examined (1) whether different types of mobile device use are associated with quantity/quality of parent-child interactions and (2) moment-to-moment changes in quantity/quality of parent-child interactions when devices are used. In 47 videorecorded home mealtimes conducted in 2011 to 2013, we conducted detailed coding of maternal device use (talking, texting/scrolling, having device on table), frequency of mother and child verbalizations, child bids for attention, and maternal response to bids (contingent, no response, negative response) in 5-second intervals. We examined between-mother differences in parent-child interaction variables for a 10-percentage point increase in each type of device use comparisons using negative binomial or logistic regression. We then compared intervals when there was active mobile device use to nonuse intervals using generalized estimating equation logistic regression, predicting the odds of each parent-child interaction variable. Mothers averaged 29.8 years (SD 6.10), child age 5.97 years (SD 0.56), and 55% had completed at least some college. Higher percentage of time spent texting/scrolling was associated with a lower rate of maternal verbalization (adjusted rate ratio 0.89 [95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95]) and contingent response (adjusted rate ratio 0.92 [0.84-1.00]) and higher odds of nonresponse (adjusted odds ratio 1.13 [1.04-1.22]). In each 5-second interval of active device use, there was decreased odds of maternal verbalizations (adjusted odds ratio 0.48 [0.34-0.69]), child verbalizations (0.62 [0.44-0.88]), contingent response (0.45 [0.28-0.74]), and higher odds of maternal nonresponse (2.36 [1.40-4.00]). These results demonstrate decreased parent-child verbal interaction and lower parent responsiveness during mobile device use, particularly with texting and scrolling.

Необходимость установления цифрового следа при незаконном обороте лекарственных препаратов, содержащих наркотические средства, психотропные, сильнодействующие вещества

This article examines the use of the criminal element of the Internet and digital devices in criminal activities. The active use of information and telecommunication networks and digital devices in the commission of crimes in the field of illicit trafficking in medicines containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic and potent substances is emphasized. The concept of a digital footprint is given and its abandonment is indicated when a person uses digital devices and the Internet. The main advantages that the criminal world receives over the law enforcement system, with the active use of digitalization in the commission of crimes, are considered. It is pointed out the need for mandatory detection, fixation and analysis of digital traces in law enforcement activities, in order to identify the identity of the alleged offender and in order to establish the involvement of a person in the commission of a crime. Examples of the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in collecting a digital footprint in order to identify a person and establish involvement in a crime are given. The article summarizes the need to intensify the activities of law enforcement agencies related to the detection, fixation, consolidation and analysis of the digital footprint in order to fully and comprehensively document criminal acts and investigate criminal cases in the field of illicit trafficking in medicines containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic, potent substances.

Impact of attitude, behaviour and opinion of e-scooter and e-bike riders on collision risk in Singapore

Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) such as electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bikes (e-bikes) are increasingly used on shared paths and Park Connector Networks (PCNs) in Singapore, leading to frequent interactions between AMD riders, pedestrians, and cyclists. To ensure safety, it is crucial to understand the factors associated with collision risk related to these AMDs. To gain insights into the riders’ perspectives on the risk-taking behaviours and attitudes towards safety and sharing paths, a survey was conducted with 369 e-bike and 133 e-scooter riders across Singapore. The collected data was analysed to identify critical features of behaviour, attitudes, and opinions of e-scooters/e-bikes riders and their impact on perceived collision risk. Logistic Regression was used to select the most important behavioural features linked to collision risk, and significance of each was quantified by using the odds ratios in the chosen model. The results reveal that e-bike riders who regularly brake hard to avoid obstacles and highly value capacity of e-bike to carry goods face an increase in collision risk by 49.1% and 43.48% respectively. Those preferring quieter AMDs face 33.31% lower collision risk. Additionally, e-bike riders advocating for more traffic enforcement or the importance of slowing down when overtaking pedestrians face 20.69% and 38.84% lower collision risk respectively. E-scooter riders who manoeuvre quickly to dodge collisions or prioritize passenger-carrying capacity encounter a 142.25% and 67.43% higher collision risk, respectively. Furthermore, e-scooter riders willing to bend rules when not causing inconvenience to others face an increase in collision risk by 123.00%. These outcomes offer significant insights for the design and regulation of active mobility to safeguard all road users in a multi-modal transport environment.

ACCESS: ACtive Catheterization for EndovaScular TreatmentS-A First-in-Human, Single-Center, Nonrandomized, Open Clinical Study of the G60 Active Device for Endovascular Neurointerventions.

The catheterization of supra-aortic vessels during neuroendovascular interventions may be challenging in the setting of complex aortic arch anatomy. Evaluation of a new mechatronic controllable directional device in conjunction with different sheath and guide catheters to ease the cannulation of the supra-aortic vessels was conducted in the setting of a first-in-human clinical study. The evaluation assessment included access to the aortic arch, the technical success of the device in terms of time to target vessel, target vessel catheterization, adverse events, and clinical outcome. Ten subjects were enrolled at 1 site for treatment. Successful access, target vessel catheterization, and correct positioning of the catheter into the target vessel with the G60 device were achieved for all 10 procedures (7 from femoral access, 3 from radial access). One procedural complication, unrelated to the G60 device, was recorded during the investigation. The G60 is a polyvalent active device that facilitates guide catheter navigation in neuroendovascular interventions.

Utilization of Computer-Based Testing Technology to Optimize Cognitive-Based Assessment Literacy in the Learning of Islamic Elementary School Students

The focus of 21st-century learning is on developing students' critical thinking, real-world application of knowledge, mastery of information technology, communication, and collaboration skills. Therefore, it is important to integrate information technology into the learning process and assessment of learning outcomes. This research aims to explore how Computer-Based Testing (CBT) can enhance the quality of cognitive assessment procedures based on literacy and improve learning evaluations for students at Islamic Elementary School. This study adopted a qualitative case study design and was conducted at Islamic Elementary School Al Wathoniyah 10 East Jakarta in the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. The researcher used interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection methods. The findings of this research show that literacy-based cognitive assessment using CBT can optimize the quality of learning evaluation. Teachers and students are accustomed to using information and communication technology devices in learning activities. There are five stages of the procedure in literacy-based cognitive assessment using CBT to optimize the quality of learning evaluation, including the planning stage, item question development stage, validation stage, implementation stage, and evaluation stage. The investigative conducting procedure truly optimizes the quality of learning evaluation. Islamic Elementary School Al Wathoniyah 10 utilizes CBT, which has literacy-based characteristics. CBT used in learning evaluation is equipped with meaningful stimuli and various forms of questions. The questions in CBT are made as similar as possible to the national assessment questions. The educational report results in the 2023 national assessment, especially in the cognitive domain, have shown improvement. The literacy and numeracy skills of students at Islamic Elementary School Al Wathoniyah 10 have achieved good and moderate results. Both have obtained top rankings nationally.

Analysis and Guideline for Determining Piezoelectric Coefficient for Films With Substrate Constraint.

Piezoelectric films including coatings are widely employed in various electromechanical devices. Precise measurement for piezoelectric film properties is crucial for both piezoelectric material development and design of the piezoelectric devices. However, substrate constraint on the deformation of piezoelectric films could cause significant impacts on the reliability and accuracy of the piezoelectric coefficient measurement. Through both theoretical finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental validation, here we have identified three important factors that strongly affect the measurement results: ratio of Young's modulus of substrate to piezoelectric film, ratio of electrode size to substrate thickness, and test frequency. Our investigations show that a relatively smaller substrate's Young's modulus to film, and a larger ratio of electrode size to substrate thickness would cause a larger substrate bending effect and thus potentially more significant measurement errors. Moreover, intense transversal displacement fluctuation can be excited at excessively high frequencies, leading to unreliable measurements. Various well-established piezoelectric measurement methods are compared with outstanding measurement issues identified for those commonly used piezoelectric films and substrates. We further establish the guidelines for piezoelectric coefficient measurements to achieve high reliability and accuracy, thus important to the wide technical community with interests in electromechanical active materials and devices.

Mechanically Active Materials and Devices for Bio‐Interfaced Pressure Sensors—A Review (Adv. Mater. 43/2024)

Mechanically Active Materials and Devices for Bio‐Interfaced Pressure Sensors—A Review (Adv. Mater. 43/2024)

Research on Test Method of Active Medical Device Preset Service Life Evaluation

When applying for registration of an active medical device, it is necessary to submit research and verification data regarding the device's service life. This study primarily proposes how to verify and evaluate the preset service life of active medical devices through reliability testing. Initially, the definition of the product's service life is introduced. Subsequently, the determination of the test sample size, the type and magnitude of the test stress, the conventional test duration, the accelerated test duration, and the evaluation of the service life of the active medical device based on the test results are elucidated. Finally, an example of evaluating the service life of a non-invasive ventilator is provided for further illustration. This study offers a comprehensive closed-loop process for verifying and evaluating the preset service life of active medical devices using the test method, providing a scientific, reasonable, practical, and exhaustive test evaluation approach for enterprises and regulatory agencies. This has broad significance for universal dissemination and aids enterprises and testing institutions in conducting pertinent research and verification tasks.

A V-band injection locking tripler with 26.8% locking range and 7.3-dBm output power in 65 nm CMOS

With a 65-nm CMOS process, a V-band wideband injection locking (IL) frequency tripler is proposed by cascading a multiplier and a driver amplifier stage. Concerning high output power and efficiency performance over a wideband locking range (LR), two transformer-based IL topologies are analyzed in the multiplier and driver stages, in which the cross-coupled pair is connected at the input and output ports of the transformer, respectively. Moreover, the active device is carefully designed in terms of the operating point of the harmonic generator and device sizing in the driver amplifier stage. With measurements, the proposed tripler achieves a maximum measured output power of 7.3 dBm with 22.4% output-to-DC power efficiency and 26.8% LR from 50.4 to 66 GHz. Including the output driver amplifier, the IL tripler consumes 24 mW DC power. The measured fundamental and 2nd-harmonic rejection ratios (HRR) are both better than 30 dBc, while the measured phase noise (PN) degradation is in close agreement with the theoretical value.

Binary colloidal clusters with quantum dots for nanoscopic device applications

Colloidal clusters have garnered significant interest for their ability to elucidate nanoscopic phenomena in atomic arrangements and to enable the fabrication of complex nanostructures for advanced photonic and electronic applications. This study introduces a novel approach using binary colloidal clusters composed of semiconducting quantum dots and conductive gold-coated latex microspheres, fabricated via evaporation-driven self-assembly within emulsion droplets. This configuration not only demonstrates the binary colloidal clusters' capability for self-organization but also highlights the distinct regions formed by the smaller quantum dots, crucial for the electrical functionality of these nanoscopic devices. We have observed diode-like rectification behavior in these binary colloidal clusters, demonstrating their potential as active nanoscopic devices. Our findings present groundbreaking methodologies for integrating semiconductive and conductive materials in a colloidal form, offering a scalable and versatile platform for the development of next-generation devices in photonics and nanoelectronics.

Bi Cluster Engineering for Tunable Broadband NIR Optical Response

AbstractNear‐infrared (NIR) broadband active photonic materials play a crucial role in various domains such as optical communication, phototherapy, and medical imaging. However, the construction of NIR photonic materials with tunable optical response still remains a great challenge. This manuscript proposes a topological structure engineering strategy in Bi‐activated glass for the realization of the controllable NIR emission. By manipulating the topological structure of glass, the Bi cluster configuration can be precisely control, with the cluster size from 2.78 to 1.64 nm. Correspondingly, various optical properties including broadband emission, excited state absorption (ESA), and even unsaturable loss (UL) can be rationally switched. Based on the above findings, Bi cluster‐activated bulk glasses, optical fibers, and the derived NIR active devices with notably improved performance can be successfully fabricated. Their application potentials in optical communication and NIR imaging are also demonstrated. The study highlights the promise of Bi cluster‐activated materials in advancing NIR photonic materials and devices. Furthermore, the topological‐mediated cluster regulation strategy may also provide new insights into the fundamental science and cutting technology of other cluster‐activated materials.

Hybrid Checkerboard Metasurface Combining Passive and Active AMCs

In this paper, a hybrid checkerboard metasurface is proposed for controlling radar cross-sections (RCSs) using a small number of active devices. The proposed metasurface consists of passive and active artificial magnetic conductors. The passive metasurface contributes to reducing the RCS level owing to the dispersion characteristics of the checkerboard arrangement, while the active metasurface aids in controlling the RCS. The active RCS pattern of the proposed hybrid checkerboard metasurface in response to changes in phase distribution is also investigated. The results show that the RCS level at the boresight changed from -20.3 dBsm to 4.4 dBsm, and the main lobe of the RCS pattern steered up to 31°. The fabrication and measurement results of the proposed hybrid checkerboard metasurface are also described in this study.

Snapshot of Fall Prevention in Patients Referred to a Neurorehabilitation Unit: A Feasibility Study on the Use of an Airbag Device.

Active wearable devices such as protective smart belts have been proposed to reduce hip impact in the event of a fall. This study primarily evaluated the feasibility and acceptance of a specific protective belt among selected patients identified as being at risk of falling who were admitted to an ICS Maugeri Neurorehabilitation Unit from September 2022 to April 2023. According to previous institutional observations, the device was worn between the 6th and 21st days of recovery. Out of 435 admitted patients, 118 were considered eligible, but 101 declined to participate (about 50% refused to wear the belt without first trying it on; the other 50% found it too heavy or difficult to manage). Among the 17 patients who accepted (users), 9 used the belt correctly. The remaining eight patients refused to wear it after 24 h, due to discomfort. Out of 435 patients admitted, we observed at least one fall in 49 patients, of whom 5 were eligible patients; 1 was a user who had quickly refused to use the belt and fell with mild damage. Two non-eligible patients and one eligible non-user patient experienced falls resulting in hip fractures; only in the latter case could the use of the belt have limited the damage to the hip. Difficulties in recruiting patients and low acceptance of the proposed intervention present further challenges.

Research on Heave Compensation System Based on Switched Reluctance Motor

Aiming at the requirements of the marine work platform for real-time control, time-varying speed and the time-varying torque control of the motor-driven active heave compensation device, this paper introduces a composite control strategy based on the switched reluctance motor (SRM)-driven active heave compensation device. As for the compensation error caused by the time lag in the real-time system, the model prediction trajectory algorithm is used to predict the compensation displacement obtained using the dynamic model. The next time, the control parameters are then provided for the SRM control system in advance to reduce the compensation error. The SRM control strategy selects a double closed-loop compound control strategy of Back Propagation (BP) fuzzy neural network Proportion Integration Differentiation (PID) control. Its outer speed loop uses a fuzzy controller to quickly track a wide range of speed changes. The torque inner loop uses BP neural network adaptive PID control. This helps to reduce torque ripple and to ensure that the electromagnetic torque output of the SRM remains stable. Finally, the system feasibility is verified by setting different wave parameters. The simulation results show that the simulation conditions can reach 97.5% and 96.4% under the 3 and 4 wave levels, respectively. The simulation effect is satisfying, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed scheme.

Active control of terahertz quasi-BIC and asymmetric transmission in a liquid-crystal-integrated metasurface

Quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) offer an excellent platform for the flexible and efficient control of light-matter interactions by breaking the structural symmetry. The active quasi-BIC device has great application potential in fields such as optical sensing, nonlinear optics, and filters. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate an active terahertz (THz) quasi-BIC device induced by the polarization conversion in a liquid crystal (LC)-integrated metasurface, which consists of a symmetrically broken double-gap split ring resonator (DSRR), an LC layer, and double graphite electrodes. In the process of LC orientation control under the external field, the device realizes the active control from the OFF state to the ON state. In the OFF state, the LC has no polarization conversion effect, and the device behaves in a non-resonant state; but for the ON state, the device exhibits obvious quasi-BIC resonance. Furthermore, we achieve asymmetric transmission based on polarization-induced quasi-BIC modulation precisely at the quasi-BIC resonance position, and its isolation can be controlled by the external field. The study on dynamic quasi-BIC by the LC-integrated metasurface introduces a very promising route for active THz devices, which guarantees potential applications for THz communications, switching, and sensing systems.

Examining Differences in Health-Related Technology Use between Millennial and Older Generations of Caregivers.

Caregivers from the Millennial generation are an emerging and understudied group of unpaid care providers in America who may benefit from digitally delivered support. To inform the design/tailoring of interventions for this group, we aimed to understand how Millennials may differ from other generations of caregivers regarding digital health-related technology use. Using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), Version 6, we conducted a cross-sectional study comparing health technology access and use across four generations of unpaid caregivers (n = 545; Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generation) of adults with chronic conditions using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests. Compared to Baby Boomer and Silent Generation caregivers, Millennial caregivers more frequently reported having a cellular internet connection, using a wearable activity device, a health/wellness mobile application, choosing telehealth appointments for convenience, and most frequently used social media in general and to view health-related videos (ps < 0.005). Additionally, Millennials were more likely to report possessing a smartphone (compared to Gen X and Silent Generation) and more frequently used social media for peer interaction about health (compared to all older generations; ps < 0.005). Millennials differ from older generations of caregivers regarding health-related technology access and use, which may have implications for intervention design and tailoring.

A Design Proposal Using Coherently Radiating Periodic Structures (CORPSs) for 2-D Phased Arrays of Limited Scanning

New configurations of 2-D phased arrays are proposed in this paper for reducing the number of phase shifters. This design methodology is based on the use of a novel coherently radiating periodic structures (CORPSs) block for 2-D phased arrays. Two new antenna systems for 2-D phased arrays are studied and analyzed utilizing the CORPSs blocks of four inputs and nine outputs. These CORPSs feeding blocks are applied in a smart way to feed the planar antenna arrays by generating the required phase plane and reducing the number of control ports. Interesting results are provided based on the experimental measurements and full-wave simulations. These results illustrate a great reduction of the active devices (phase shifters), providing a good design compromise in terms of the scanning range and side lobe level performance. Furthermore, the provided results illustrate a maximum reduction capability in the number of phase shifters of 81%, considering a scanning range of ±30° in azimuth and ±30° in elevation. A raised cosine distribution is applied to reach side lobe levels of −19 dB for ±18° and −17 dB for ±30° in elevation. These benefits could be of interest to designers of phased antenna systems.

Thermal Transport at the AlN-SiC Interface and Grain Boundary of AlN.

AlN is deposited on silicon carbide (SiC) for high-power electronics; in these devices, AlN acts as both a buffer layer for the growth of the active device and a thermal conductor. However, the mechanism of thermal transport through the AlN-SiC interfaces and through grain boundaries of AlN has not been clearly analyzed, even though AlN forms grain boundaries during the deposition process. The thermal properties of the AlN-SiC interface and the inversion domain boundaries (IDBs) of AlN were examined by a phonon transport model based on a nonequilibrium Green function formalism and first-principles calculations. The interface and grain boundary models were designed, and the thermal resistances (TRs) and origins of TR were examined. The TRs of the AlN-SiC interface and the IDB of AlN are much higher than the TRs of AlN and SiC of relevant thickness. Elemental intermixing and vacancy formation were modeled. The formation of charge-balanced defect of VAl + 3ON is thermodynamically favorable compared to other defects, indicating that ON induces formation of VAl. The charge-balanced defect combining VAl and ON increases the TRs of both AlN-SiC interfaces and AlN grain boundaries because vacancy defects induce larger changes in mass than all other defects, and TRs are proportional to changes in mass. In addition, VAl defects are increased by excess ON, resulting in a continuous increase in TR, and then, the calculated thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of the AlN-SiC interface with increased density of VAl by excess ON reaches the experimental TBR. Therefore, it is expected that the large increase in TR by the formation of VAl + ON would be suppressed by controlling the low O density during synthesis.

Enhancing Building Stability and Seismic Resilience with Water-Added Tuned Mass Dampers

These days, the construction industry is increasingly producing buildings with extremely low damping values. Under structural vibrations caused by storms and earthquakes, structures can collapse easily. There are now several methods for reducing structural vibrations, and one of the methods currently employed is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). Research is being conducted to determine its performance and importance. The entire damper was tuned for various constructions. An eight-story model specifically designed for the structure was used in this study to observe the structure's response with and without TMD during shaking table experiments. Compared to passive control devices (PTMDs), Active Tuned Mass Dampers (ATMDs) are more efficient as they are active control devices powered externally. By maintaining the structure's frequency, damping, and stiffness constant, other variables such as the percentage reduction in structural capacity can effectively control structure vibrations. The findings and observations from TMD studies can be used to address challenges in earthquake structural control considering current technological limitations and energy demands. The results illustrate significant improvements with damping: the damped structure experienced a 21% increase in acceleration, a 17% increase in velocity, and a 79% reduction in displacement compared to the un damped structure. These findings underscore the effectiveness of damping in mitigating earthquake-induced vibrations.

Achieving a comparable transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect by spin–orbit field driven magnetoplasmonic

In this study, we propose and simulate a magnetoplasmonics heterostructure that utilizes spin–orbit fields to generate an internal magnetic field and create a significant magneto-optical effect. Our approach offers a new way to overcome the challenges of using permanent magnets or magnetic coils in conventional magnetoplasmonics, such as high-power consumption and non-scalability. We demonstrate that it is possible to create an appropriate amount of magnetic field using spin–orbit fields induced by the spin-Hall effect, such that the consumption power becomes reasonable and the dimensions could be miniaturized. This approach will be an important development in the field of magneto-optics, as it can lead to enhanced transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect in the present of surface plasmon polaritons. The proposed nanostructure consists of a ferromagnetic film adjacent to a heavy metal layer, both sandwiched between two noble metal films, and deposited on a dielectric prism. The strength of the Kerr signal strongly depends on the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer, with the maximum effect observed at a thickness of 5nm. This concept has potential for various nanophotonic and spintronic applications, particularly for developing high-speed active plasmonic devices for ultrafast light modulation.