Touch Area Research Articles

MEMS capacitive pressure sensor: analysis, theoretical modeling, simulation and performance comparison of the effect of a conical notch

Abstract Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors are widely used in various applications due to their high sensitivity, low power consumption, and compactness. This work involves the design and simulation of a MEMS-based Touch Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensor (TMCPS). The proposed sensor is based on a substrate with an integrated conical notch featuring a circular diaphragm, aiming to enhance the key performance parameters of the sensor. The integration of a conical notch in the substrate increases the touch area between the diaphragm and substrate compared to the literature, ensuring increased capacitance and capacitive sensitivity. In this work the mathematical analysis of deflection of a circular diaphragm employing thin plate theory, capacitance, and capacitive sensitivity, along with step-by-step explanations, is provided. The results are obtained from MATLAB simulations. The deflection of the diaphragm is validated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using COMSOL Multiphysics. The proposed work demonstrates a significant improvement in sensor sensitivity compared to the existing literature.

Electrical Impedance Tomography-Based Electronic Skin for Multi-Touch Tactile Sensing Using Hydrogel Material and FISTA Algorithm.

Flexible electronic skin (e-skin) can enable robots to have sensory forms similar to human skin, enhancing their ability to obtain more information from touch. The non-invasive nature of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) technology allows electrodes to be arranged only at the edges of the skin, ensuring the stretchability and elasticity of the skin's interior. However, the image quality reconstructed by EIT technology has deteriorated in multi-touch identification, where it is challenging to clearly reflect the number of touchpoints and accurately size the touch areas. This paper proposed an EIT-based flexible tactile sensor that employs self-made hydrogel material as the primary sensing medium. The sensor's structure, fabrication process, and tactile imaging principle were elaborated. To improve the quality of image reconstruction, the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) was embedded into the EIDORS toolkit. The performances of the e-skin in aspects of assessing the touching area, quantitative force sensing and multi-touch identification were examined. Results showed that the mean intersection over union (MIoU) of the reconstructed images was improved up to 0.84, and the tactile position can be accurately imaged in the case of the number of the touchpoints up to seven (larger than two to four touchpoints in existing studies), proving that the combination of the proposed sensor and imaging algorithm has high sensitivity and accuracy in multi-touch tactile sensing. The presented e-skin shows potential promise for the application in complex human-robot interaction (HRI) environments, such as prosthetics and wearable devices.

Singular and Nonsingular Transitions in the Infrared Plasmons of Nearly Touching Nanocube Dimers.

Narrow gaps between plasmon-supporting materials can confine infrared electromagnetic energy at the nanoscale, thus enabling applications in areas such as optical sensing. However, in nanoparticle dimers, the nature of the transition between touching (zero gap) and nearly nontouching (nonzero gap ≲15 nm) regimes is still a subject of debate. Here, we observe both singular and nonsingular transitions in infrared plasmons confined to dimers of fluorine-doped indium oxide nanocubes when moving from touching to nontouching configurations depending on the dimensionality of the contact region. Through spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we find a continuous spectral evolution of the lowest-order plasmon mode across the transition for finite touching areas, in excellent agreement with the simulations. This behavior challenges the widely accepted idea that a singular transition always emerges in the near-touching regime of plasmonic particle dimers. The apparent contradiction is resolved by theoretically examining different types of gap morphologies, revealing that the presence of a finite touching area renders the transition nonsingular, while one-dimensional and point-like contacts produce a singular behavior in which the lowest-order dipolar mode in the touching configuration, characterized by a net induced charge in each of the particles, becomes unphysical as soon as they are separated. Our results provide valuable insights into the nature of dimer plasmons in highly doped semiconductors.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON FINANCIAL LITERACY & RETIREMENT PLANNING

Purpose: Investing for retirement play an important role. There are various studies showing the effect of literacy on financial planning towards retirement and its issues. Hence the extensive review of existing literatures on retirement planning and confidence has been undertaken to identify the gap in this research. Approach: The current study is conducted from journal articles, books and websites etc. In order to search the pertinent information many keywords were used. Literatures were then divided into conceptual review, hypothetical relationship and theoretical review. Results/ Findings: Several research works have exposed that financial literacy significantly contribute to retirement planning. The extensive review directed towards low touched area i.e. to determine whether retirement planning has gained the retirement confidence, when it is mediated through financial literacy. Originality/Value: This study will provide policy guidelines to Government, financial policy makers and academician by highlighting the growth and gain retirement confidence in order to generate wealth. Type of Paper: Literature Review KEYWORDS: Retirement planning, Retirement confidence, financial literacy, Academician

Moffuly-II: A Robot that Hugs and Rubs Heads

Although whole-body touch interaction, e.g., hugging, is essential for human beings from various perspectives, not everyone can interact with intimate friends/family due to physical separations caused by such circumstances as pandemics, geographical constraints, etc. The possibility of human–robot touch interaction is one approach that ameliorates such missing touch interactions. In this study, we developed a robot named Moffuly-II, that hugs people and rubs their heads during a hug because head-touching behaviors are typical affective interactions between intimate persons. Moffuly-II is a large huggable teddy-bear type robot and it has enough capability to both hug and touch the head. We conducted an experiment with human participants and evaluated the effectiveness of combining intra-hug gestures (squeezing and rubbing) and the touch area (back and head). From experimental results, we identified the advantages of implementing rubbing gestures compared to squeezing gestures and some of the advantages of head-touching behaviors compared to back-touching behaviors.

Evaluation and Design Recommendation of Interactive Mobile Learning Application for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

This study evaluates the usability of an app designed to improve literacy skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities named "Baca Yuk". The qualitative field usability studies engaged teachers specializing in working with individuals with disabilities, totaling twelve participants from two special needs schools. Usability issues were categorized into two groups: accessing learning materials and learning practice. These issues included challenges in recognizing speaker button status, forming syllables, pairing letters, dealing with multiple-choice questions, managing small text and touch areas, and comprehending complex image illustrations. From these issues, design recommendations were formulated to enhance the user interface and user experience for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Recommendations emphasized providing clear visual feedback, introducing tutorial screens for unfamiliar actions, simplifying complex processes, enlarging clickable areas and text, prioritizing simplicity in image illustrations, and reducing the number of answer options in multiple-choice questions. Additionally, valuable participant suggestions were considered, such as incorporating audio instructions, avoiding scrolling interfaces, and integrating audio feedback for quizzes. These suggestions aim to enhance accessibility and user-friendliness for individuals with intellectual disabilities which hold practical value for developers and designers striving to create inclusive and effective learning experiences for this unique user group.

MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HIGH TOUCH AREAS OF CRITICAL AND NON-CRITICAL UNITS IN TEACHING HOSPITAL OF MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

In the current scenario, Nosocomial infections (NI) due to environmental contamination in shared settings of health care, are a serious public health issue affecting millions of people every year worldwide. Therefore, this study aims to create a microbiological profile of high touch areas of Critical and Non-Critical units in Teaching Hospital of Madhya Pradesh. This Cross-sectional Study deals with bacterial (aerobic and anaerobic) surveillance and its antimicrobial susceptibility testing which will aid in enlisting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and guide us in the use of antimicrobials judiciously. A total of 128 samples were taken from Critical care units and non-Critical units from eight surface locations classified into categories of immediate patient environment and commonly used equipment. These samples were then processed for isolation and identification by standard methods. Out of 128 samples, 28 (21.8%) samples were culture positive for aerobic only and none for anaerobic bacteria. Among which more culture positive samples were isolated from non-Critical units 53.5%, topping the list of contamination were General Medicine ward and Gynecology ward (17.8 %). The majority of isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus of which 38.4% were MRSA. It showed maximum resistance for Ampicillin (AMP) and was most sensitive to Gentamicin (GEN). Present study highlights that control of Staphylococcus aureus infection (including MRSA) in hospitals is essential. It can be achieved by proper implementation of hospital infection control measures and regular surveillance activity.

Development of a scheme for the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders

The object of the research is the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders. For printing impression in the offset printing process, it is necessary to ensure the transfer of printing ink from the ink unit to the printing plate, from the mold to the rubber-fabric material (deckel) of the offset cylinder and from the deckel to the printed material. At the same time, the quality of the prints is ensured by creating the necessary technological pressure between the plate, offset and printing cylinders, which also contributes to the deformation of the elastic deckel and the transfer of the ink layer in the contact zone. The transfer of illustrative and textual information from the form to the deckel of the offset cylinder occurs due to the actual touch area. Therefore, the study and calculation of the actual contact area is necessary to study the transfer of the paint layer in the contact zones. For this purpose, a review of some studies on contact problems was carried out, their advantages and disadvantages were discussed. Theoretical and experimental relations are given. It has been established that micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate significantly affect the deformation of the deckel. To study the influence of the surface roughness distribution of the printing plate on the actual deckel contact area in the contact zone, the interaction of micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate with the deckel surface, leading to additional displacements, was taken into account. A method for calculating the number of roughness protrusions is proposed to further determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual pressure in the contact zone, taking into account the surface roughness of the printing plate. Based on the parameters calculated by the proposed method with known values of the surface roughness of the printing plate in the future it is possible to determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual contact pressure the optimal values of which are necessary to ensure the required ink transfer and print quality during printing. The data obtained also contribute to the determination of the modes of the printing process when printing the entire circulation, which leads to an increase in the circulation stability of printing forms. Increasing the circulation stability of printing plates allows to save the number of consumed printing plates. In the future, according to the results obtained, it is recommended to compile reference data, which are necessary when setting up and operating the printing machine.

Pneumatic tactile stimulus delivery system for studying brain responses evoked by active finger touch with fMRI

BackgroundPrimates use their hands to actively touch objects and collect information. To study tactile information processing, it is important for participants to experience tactile stimuli through active touch while monitoring brain activities. New MethodHere, we developed a pneumatic tactile stimulus delivery system (pTDS) that delivers various tactile stimuli on a programmed schedule and allows voluntary finger touches during MRI scanning. The pTDS uses a pneumatic actuator to move tactile stimuli and place them in a finger hole. A photosensor detects the time when an index finger touches a tactile stimulus, enabling the analysis of the touch-elicited brain responses. ResultsWe examined brain responses while the participants actively touched braille objects presented by the pTDS. BOLD responses during tactile perception were significantly stronger in a finger touch area of the contralateral somatosensory cortex compared with that of visual perception. ConclusionThe pTDS enables MR studies of brain mechanisms for tactile processes through natural finger touch.

Effects of Footpad Slope, Movement Direction and Contact Part of Foot on Foot-Based Interactions

Feet cannot perform tasks as quickly and with as much dexterity as hands. However, due to the heavy workload placed on hands, there is potential for feet to replace or assist them . In order to use feet more effectively, this study aims to find ways to increase the speed and accuracy of directly touching a touchpad with the feet while in a seated position. The study investigates the effects of three factors: the slope of the touchpad, the direction of the foot movement, and the touch area of the foot used. Regarding the direction of the foot movement, the study found that the most effective direction for both accuracy and speed was at a 30° angle to the right when the front of the right foot was set at 0°. The 0° and 60° angles showed similar efficiencies, but were lower than the 30° angle. The study also found that using the big toe as the touch area resulted in the best speed, accuracy, and subjective satisfaction. The index toe was the second-best option, while using the ball of the foot was the least accurate and slowest option. Lastly, using an slope angle of 15° for the touchpad was found to increase work efficiency compared to using a 7° slope angle. These findings can serve as guidelines for designing foot interfaces.

Factors Influencing Stock Market Participation: A Review

Purpose: The most pertinent source for generating wealth is to invest in stock market, however numerous studies have proved that there is low stock market participation. Hence, the extensive review of existing literatures on stock market involvement has been conducted to identify the various factors influencing stock market participation and also to identify the gap in this body of research. Approach: The current study is conducted with thorough analysis of the body of literature from numerous search engines, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Research Gate, etc. these gathered data on financial literacy, stock market participation, social inclusion and digital inclusion includes journal articles, working paper, reports, magazines, books and websites etc. In order to search the pertinent information for the study many keywords were used. Literatures were then divided into conceptual review, hypothetical relationship review, and theoretical review. Results/ Findings: Numerous studies have exposed that financial literacy and social inclusion significantly contribute to stock market participation, and also digitization promotes individuals involvement in the financial market. The extensive review directed a researcher towards low touched area under stock market participation i.e. to determine how literacy level on financial aspects and social inclusion will improve one’s involvement in the stock market, when it is mediated through digital inclusion. Originality/Value: This study will provide policy guidelines to Government, financial policy makers, practitioners and academician in the area of finance to encourage stock market participation by highlighting the sustainable inclusive growth through socialization and digitalization in order to generate wealth which again contributes to economic development of a country. Type of Paper: Literature Review

Labial Sensory Organs of Two Leptoglossus Species (Hemiptera: Coreidae): Their Morphology and Supposed Function

A detailed description of the labial sensory organs of Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 and L. zonatus (Dallas, 1852) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) is presented. The detailed morphology, location, and distribution of different sensilla types on mouthparts were investigated and shown in micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope. Nine types of aporous sensilla, and three uniporous sensilla were found. The possible functions of these sensilla as well as similarities and differences between the mouthparts of Leptoglossus and those of other terrestrial Heteroptera are discussed. The tip of the labium constitutes a functional "touch and taste area", combining the chemosensitivity of uniporous sensilla P1-P3 and the mechanoreceptivity of A8 and A9 hair-like sensilla. A set of two cone-like chemosensilla types (9 + 2) was found on each lateral lobe of the labial tip. Literature analysis showed that such a set of cone-like sensory organs on the labial tip may be common in terrestrial Heteroptera. This observation confirms that the number and arrangement of sensilla is conservative and can be important in diagnosing taxa at various levels and in phylogenetic studies based on morphology.

COMPUTER USER IDENTIFICATION POSSIBILITIES FOLLOWING THE KEYPAD DISPLAYS

Identification of a computer user in modern conditions allows not only to ensure the protection of information, but also has a special forensic significance. The developed systems of user authentication by keyboard handwriting, based on the identification of an individual dynamic stereotype of working with the keyboard (the intervals between keystrokes and the time of holding the keys), make it possible to identify the user only during data entry. When investigating crimes using computer technology, in most cases it is necessary to install the user after a considerable time after using the computer. The conducted pilot study found that the individual features of the dynamic stereotype of working with the keyboard are manifested in stable traces-displays on the keyboard keys. The features of the stereotype are manifested in the area where the keys are touched. At the same time, the touch area can be different for different keys: top, bottom, right, left, center, one of the corners. This creates a high variability, individuality of working with the keyboard. With prolonged use, micro-damages of the surface are formed in these areas - scuffs, scratches. With relatively short-term use, the areas with the greatest stratification of the fatty substance can be used as traces. To solve the problem of user identification, it is necessary to solve the problem of distinguishing the traces of several users on the same keyboard.

Transfer of Extended Spectrum Cephalosporin Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Among Patients on an HSCT Unit and the Value of Surveillance and Contact Isolation

The mechanism(s) of acquisition of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (ESCRE) on inpatient hospital units dedicated to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine whether ESCRE organisms are transmitted among patients housed on a HSCT unit, clarify the mechanisms involved, and determine whether routine surveillance for ESCRE carriage and contact isolation for ESCRE carriers is beneficial. The study was conducted on a 30-bed inpatient unit dedicated to the care of patients with hematologic malignancies and HSCT recipients. To investigate whether ESCRE organisms may be transmitted vertically to subsequent room occupants, presumably through contamination of room surfaces, we (1) cultured 6 high touch areas in 10 rooms before and 9 rooms after terminal cleaning that had been occupied by patients with ESCRE carriage, (2) determined the in vitro survivals of our most common clinical ESCRE species, and (3) followed the subsequent room occupants of 54 consecutive ESCRE colonized patients for the development of inpatient acquired ESCRE carriage. To investigate whether ESCRE organisms are transmitted horizontally among inpatients we (1) sequenced 60 available ESCRE Escherichia coli isolates obtained from unit inpatients and searched for identities using complete-genome multisequence locus typing (cgMLST) and (2) retrospectively tabulated the cumulative rates of acquired ESCRE carriage in 356 patients admitted for a first HSCT before (200 patients) or after (156 patients) institution of universal ESCRE stool surveillance and contact isolation for carriers. No ESCRE organisms were cultured from patient rooms before or after terminal cleaning. In vitro, few, if any, ESCRE organisms survived longer than 2 hours. Nine of the subsequent occupants of a room in which a patient with ESCRE carriage had resided were detected with ESCRE carriage, only 2 of whom carried the same species as that of the prior occupant. DNA sequencing and cgMLST determination of the 60 E. coli isolates showed 53 cgMLST strains. Seven of the 53 strains were shared by 2 patients. After institution of universal ESCRE surveillance/isolation there was a significant decline in acquired ESCRE carriage among HSCT recipients. We conclude that vertical transmission of ESCRE organisms through room contamination appears to be uncommon on modern HSCT units. Conversely, our results are consistent with the horizontal spread of ESCRE organisms, probably mediated by intermediate vectors such as personnel or shared equipment. Further studies are needed to better define the magnitude of and risk factors for ESCRE horizontal transfers and the benefits of ESCRE surveillance/isolation.

P‐15.3: An EIT Based Large Area Touch Interface

Nowadays, electronic devices are taking over the market and touch panel is a necessary part, among which capacitive touch panel has greater development potential and development space because of its high transparency, multitouch support and low cost. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a technology with the goal of reconstructing tissue image with impedance distribution, which can realize the goal of accurate measurement and maintaining the original characteristics of the medium to the greatest extent at the same time. In this paper, we use EIT‐based approach to achieve a large area touch perception imaging system with high light transmittance, which is to obtain the distribution of the permittivity of the touch penal by just detecting the impedance of the electrode scattered around the panel. We use Sensitivity theory to solve the mapping problem between the permittivity distribution and the signal collected by the electrode in the EIT problem. Besides, we innovatively combine LBP with Landweber algorithm to achieve high precision and fast imaging of touch area, which greatly reduces the discomfort caused by inverse problem in EIT method.

PUSAT KEBUGARAN DAN RELAKSASI KHUSUS WANITA DI KOTA PONTIANAK DENGAN PENDEKATAN ARSITEKTUR POST-PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many public facilities to temporarily close, including fitness facility providers. Pontianak City is one of the major cities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary closure of fitness facilities in Pontianak City resulted in the unavailability of fitness facilities for the community. The COVID-19 pandemic has evoked a trend of healthy living, thus providing opportunities for the rise of fitness and health facilities. Generally, fitness and relaxation facilities have a mix of male and female activities. The combination of activities between the two sexes causes discomfort for women. The design is carried out with the stages of introduction, definition, preparation, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and reevaluation. The result of the design is a building that accommodates women in Pontianak City in carrying out physical and psychological fitness activities with emphasis on the comfort and health aspects of space. The aspect of space comfort in the building is realized by placing the space zone and choosing the type of circulation to create an atmosphere of private space. The design of the Women's Special Fitness and Relaxation Center in Pontianak City uses a Post-Pandemic Architecture approach aimed at creating a pandemic response room design. Efforts to create healthy spaces are carried out by using natural ventilation (openings and gardens) and artificial ventilation (bipolar purification technology). The building uses a smart technology system on touch areas such as doorknobs as well as material selection that considers the length of life of the virus on the surface area.

17‐1: Self‐Capacitive Touch Sensor Design for OLED On‐Cell Touch

In this work, we propose a self‐capacitive touch sensor for OLED On‐Cell touch. Using self‐capacitive On‐Cell touch sensor, we improve the touch performance including thin cover thickness and large touch area in LGM (Low Ground Mode), miss‐touch issue with multi‐fingers operation and water proof (touch with wet fingers) in traditional mutual‐capacitive OLED On‐Cell touch device. We also reduce the Cs loading of self‐capacitive pattern design in OLED On‐Cell touch structure to get better signal by ratio Δ Cs/Cs. In order to integrate self‐capacitive touch IC and OLED driver IC, we propose a creative OLED TDDI (Touch and Display Driver Integration), which is called NT38770.

PECULIARITIES OF THE PORTA-CAVAL FIBROUS UNION EXISTENCE IN A SEPARATE SEGMENT OF HUMAN LIVER

undamental work relies on studying 40 normal human livers. Macro-microscopic morphologic methods have been used to reveal presence of porta-caval fibrotic connections and its characteristics in single hepatic segment. In hepatic segments major branches of portal complexes and hepatic veins in the area of intersection touch each other and give rise to porta-caval fibrotic connections. It has been demonstrated in all livers. In a single organ, number of porta-caval fibrotic connections ranged from 1 to 9, which depended on a density of portal and caval venous branching. Left lobular segments are remarkable for the constant presence of porta-caval fibrotic connections, where there is an abundance of fan-shaped (I segment) and overlying (II and III segments) connection types. In terms of porta-caval fibrotic connections, bile ducts are in contact with wall of hepatic veins and inferior vena cava, which determines high likelihood of extension of inflammatory process of biliary pathways to the caval veins.

Inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage on copper film deployed in high touch areas of a public transport system.

Although SARS-CoV-2 is primarily an airborne risk, the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need for self-disinfection surfaces that could withstand the demand of high occupant densities characteristic of public transportation systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the durability and antiviral activity of a copper film deployed for 90 days in two high touch locations within an active metropolitan bus and railcar. The antiviral efficacy of this copper film after being deployed in transit vehicles for 90 days (deployed copper film) was then compared to new (unused) copper film to determine if frequent touches and cleaning protocols could decrease the efficacy of the copper films. Deployed copper film, new copper film, and aluminium foil (positive control) coupons were inoculated with ~1 × 106 MS2 virus particles, allowed a contact time of either 5- or 10-min, and analysed for residual viral infectiousness. On both new and deployed copper films, MS2 was completely inactivated (≥5 log reduction) at both time points. These results suggest that the copper film may provide the durability demanded by high touch public spaces while maintaining the antiviral activity necessary to reduce exposure risk and viral transmission via surfaces in public transportation settings.

Essential Oil Disinfectant Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 Microbial Surrogates.

Reports of COVID-19 cases potentially attributed to fomite transmission led to the extensive use of various disinfectants to control viral spread. Alternative disinfectants, such as essential oils, have emerged as a potential antimicrobial. Four essential oil blends were tested on three different surfaces inoculated with a coronavirus surrogate, bacteriophage Phi 6, and a bacterial indicator, Staphylococcus aureus. Log10 concentration reductions were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software. Data collected in this study show that the application of dilute essential oil disinfectants using a spray delivery device is an effective way to reduce concentrations of bacterial and viral microorganisms on ceramic, stainless steel, and laminate surfaces. Surrogate viruses were reduced up to 6 log10 PFU and bacterial were reduced up to 4 log10 CFU. Although surfaces are no longer considered a high risk fomite for COVID-19 transmission, the disinfection of microorganisms on surfaces remains an important consideration for high touch areas in hospitals, waiting rooms, etc. The application of spray disinfectants, based on essential oil blends, provides a rapid and effective means to reduce microbial contamination on high-touched surfaces.