Device Setup Research Articles

A Non-Destructive Methodology for the Viscoelastic Characterization of Polymers: Toward the Identification of the Time-Temperature Superposition Shift Law.

Polymers find widespread applications in various industries, such as civil engineering, aerospace, and industrial machinery, contributing to vibration control, dampening, and insulation. To accurately design products that are able to predict their dynamic behavior in the virtual environment, it is essential to understand and reproduce their viscoelastic properties via material physical modeling. While Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) has traditionally been used, innovative non-destructive techniques are emerging for characterizing components and monitoring their performance without deconstructing them. In this context, the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle (TTSP) represents a powerful empirical procedure to extend a polymer's viscoelastic behavior across a wider frequency range. This study focuses on replicating an indentation test on viscoelastic materials using the non-destructive Viscoelasticity Evaluation System evolved (VESevo) tool. The primary objective is to derive a unique temperature-frequency relationship, referred to as a "shift law", using characteristic curves from this non-invasive approach. Encouragingly, modifying the device setup enabled us to replicate, virtually, three tests under identical initial conditions but with varying indentation frequencies. This highlights the tool's ability to conduct material testing across a range of frequencies. These findings set the stage for our upcoming experiment campaign, aiming to create an innovative shift algorithm from at least three distinct master curves at specific frequencies, offering a significant breakthrough in non-destructive polymer characterization with broad industrial potential.

Screen or No Screen? Lessons Learnt from a Real-World Deployment Study of Using Voice Assistants With and Without Touchscreen for Older Adults.

While voice user interfaces offer increased accessibility due to hands-free and eyes-free interactions, older adults often have challenges such as constructing structured requests and perceiving how such devices operate. Voice-first user interfaces have the potential to address these challenges by enabling multimodal interactions. Standalone voice + touchscreen Voice Assistants (VAs), such as Echo Show, are specific types of devices that adopt such interfaces and are gaining popularity. However, the affordances of the additional touchscreen for older adults are unknown. Through a 40-day real-world deployment with older adults living independently, we present a within-subjects study (N = 16; age M = 82.5, SD = 7.77, min. = 70, max. = 97) to understand how a built-in touchscreen might benefit older adults during device setup, conducting self-report diary survey, and general uses. We found that while participants appreciated the visual outputs, they still preferred to respond via speech instead of touch. We identified six design implications that can inform future innovations of senior-friendly VAs for managing healthcare and improving quality of life.

Sound-based cough peak flow estimation in patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Cough impairment is common in individuals with neuromuscular disorders and is associated with respiratory infections and shorter survival. Cough strength is assessed by measuring cough peak flow (CPF) using a flow meter, but this method requires a complex device setup and trained staff. The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of a smartphone app to estimate CPF based on cough sounds in a cohort of individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Individuals with neuromuscular disorders underwent CPF measurement with a flow meter and a smartphone app. A CPF <270 L/min was considered abnormal. Of the 50 patients studied, 26 had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (52%), 15 had hereditary myopathies (30%), and 9 had myasthenia gravis (18%). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the CPF measured with a flow meter and CPF estimated with cough sounds was 0.774 (p < .001) even if the patients had orofacial weakness (ICC = 0.806, p < .001). The smartphone app had 94.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity to detect patients with CPF of less than 270 L/min. Our findings suggest that sounds measured with a smartphone app provide a reliable estimate of CPF in patients with neuromuscular disorders, even in the presence of with orofacial weakness. This may be a convenient way to monitor respiratory involvement in patients with neuromuscular disorders, but larger studies of more diverse patient cohorts are needed.

WTP5.6 Enhanced Monitoring for Better Recovery and Cancer Experience in Greater Manchester (EMBRaCE-GM): A Qualitative Study of Clinician Experiences on Deploying and Supporting Consumer Wearable Devices

Abstract Introduction Consumer wearables such as smart watches and rings have the potential to provide continuous monitoring of patients receiving cancer treatment in their prehabilitation and rehabilitation phases of care. Enhanced Monitoring for Better Recovery and Cancer Experience in Greater Manchester (EMBRaCE-GM) is a multi-centre prospective trial evaluating feasibility and acceptability of wearable technologies for patients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, lung cancer or lymphoma within Greater Manchester (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05099237). We report the initial findings of the clinician’s perspective on deploying and supporting the use of wearable devices. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to ascertain the experiences of researchers who recruited participants to EMBRaCE-GM. Three interviewers conducted structured interviews and a thematic analysis was performed. Results Thirteen researchers were interviewed, and 3 major themes identified. The first identifies the importance of the device set-up phase, such as integration into the patient’s existing technological ecosystem, and the training provided to clinical teams. The second theme was patient engagement with the technology, such as the burden of interacting with the device (‘digital load’), and comfort and aesthetics. The final theme involved the support infrastructure for technical issues and device maintenance as well as safe protocols and governance for responding to device alerts, particularly if patients were unwell. Discussion Wearable technologies have the potential to provide ongoing benefit through continuous monitoring outside the hospital setting for patients receiving cancer treatment. This study, as part of the EMBRaCE-GM project, identifies important themes critical for future patient and clinician adoption of wearable devices.

Numerical analysis of a finite volume scheme for charge transport in perovskite solar cells

Abstract In this paper, we consider a drift-diffusion charge transport model for perovskite solar cells, where electrons and holes may diffuse linearly (Boltzmann approximation) or nonlinearly (e.g., due to Fermi–Dirac statistics). To incorporate volume exclusion effects, we rely on the Fermi–Dirac integral of order $-1$ when modeling moving anionic vacancies within the perovskite layer, which is sandwiched between electron and hole transport layers. After nondimensionalization, we first prove a continuous entropy-dissipation inequality for the model. Then, we formulate a corresponding two-point flux finite volume scheme on Voronoi meshes and show an analogous discrete entropy-dissipation inequality. This inequality helps us to show the existence of a discrete solution of the nonlinear discrete system with the help of a corollary of Brouwer’s fixed point theorem and the minimization of a convex functional. Finally, we verify our theoretically proven properties numerically, simulate a realistic device setup and show exponential decay in time with respect to the $L^2$ error as well as a physically and analytically meaningful relative entropy.

Estimation of Lower Extremity Joint Moments and 3D Ground Reaction Forces Using IMU Sensors in Multiple Walking Conditions: A Deep Learning Approach.

Human kinetics, specifically joint moments and ground reaction forces (GRFs) can provide important clinical information and can be used to control assistive devices. Traditionally, collection of kinetics is mostly limited to the lab environment because it relies on data that are measured from a motion capture system and floor-embedded force plates to calculate the dynamics via musculoskeletal models. This spatially limited method makes it extremely challenging to measure kinetics outside the laboratory in a variety of walking conditions due to the expensive device setup and large space required. Recently, employing machine learning with IMU sensors are suggested as an alternative method for biomechanical analyses. Although these methods enable estimating human kinetic data outside the laboratory by linking IMU sensor data with kinetics dataset, they are limited to show inaccurate kinetic estimates even in highly repeatable single walking conditions due to the employment of generic deep learning algorithms. Thus, this paper proposes a novel deep learning model, Kinetics-FM-DLR-Ensemble-Net for single limb prediction of hip, knee, and ankle joint moments and 3 dimensional Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs) using three IMU sensors on the thigh, shank, and foot under several representatives walking conditions in daily living, such as treadmill, level-ground, stair, and ramp. This is the first study that implements both joint moments and GRFs in multiple walking conditions using IMU sensors via deep learning. Our deep learning model is versatile and accurate for identifying human kinetics across diverse subjects and walking conditions and our model outperforms state-of-the-art deep learning model for kinetics estimation by a large margin.

Use of a Prophylactic Retrograde-Flushing Device in High-Risk Pediatric Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: A Technical Note

Introduction: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction rates are as high as 40% in the first year with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) patients having the highest proximal occlusion risk. Debris, protein, and cellular ingrowth most commonly obstruct the proximal ventricular catheter and/or valve. Historically, no preventative methods have demonstrated efficacy. We present a technical note and case series describing the use of a retrograde proximal flushing device and prophylactic flushing protocol to maintain ventricular catheter patency and reduce proximal shunt occlusions. Methods: We present our 2.8–4-year follow-up data on the first 9 pediatric cases of ReFlow (Anuncia Inc, Scottsdale, AZ) device implantation combined with routine prophylactic flushing. Rationale for device implantation, patient selection, surgical procedure details, postoperative follow-up, and prophylactic flushing protocol are discussed as well as pre- and postimplantation ventricular catheter obstruction rates. We include a technical note on the device setup and prophylactic flushing protocol. Results: Patient average age was 5.6 years and all patients had PHH. Minimal follow-up was 2.8 years (range 2.8–4 years). Prophylactic flushing was initiated between 2 and 14 days after ReFlow implantation and has continued as of the last follow-up. In 7 patients, ReFlow implantation occurred during the revision of an existing shunt and in two, implantation was coincident with initial VPS placement. In the 2 years preceding ReFlow and prophylactic flushing, 14 proximal shunt failures occurred in the 7 patients with existing VPS. This was reduced to only one proximal shunt failure in all 9 patients during the full follow-up period after ReFlow and prophylactic flushing. Conclusion: Pediatric VPS placement carries high rates of proximal catheter occlusion, often leading to emergency surgery, morbidity, or even death. The ReFlow device along with routine prophylactic flushing may reduce proximal obstruction and need for revision surgery. Higher patient numbers and longer follow-up periods are necessary to further elucidate the safety and effect of such a device on longer term shunt failures and revision surgery.

Use of the endoscopic powered resection device for the management of scarred polyps.

The endoscopic powered resection (EPR) device (EndoRotor, Interscope Inc, Northbridge, Mass, USA) is a novel nonthermal device that can be used for polyp and tissue removal in the GI tract. Here, we review the EPR device and illustrate its use for resection of scarred or fibrotic lesions in the GI tract. In this article and accompanying video, we describe the EPR device features, provide step-by-step instructions for device setup, and review case examples in which the EPR device was used for scarred polyp resection. We also review the current literature describing the use of the EPR device for scarred or challenging polyps. Four lesions with scarring or fibrosis were successfully resected with the EPR device, either with the EPR device alone or as an adjunct to conventional resection methods. No adverse events occurred. A follow-up endoscopy was available in 1 case, which demonstrated no endoscopic or histologic evidence of residual or recurrent lesion. The endoscopic powered resection device can be used alone or as an adjunct to facilitate resection of lesions with significant fibrosis or scarring. This device serves as a useful addition to endoscopists' toolbox in the management of scarred lesions where other modalities might be technically challenging to use.

An efficient microfluidic pressure sensing structure optimization using microcantilever integration

Microfluidic pressure sensors are extensively present in a wide range of applications such as wearable devices, drug detection, and many healthcare applications. Integrated microfluidic pressure sensors are highly desirable in many fields where it offers high sensitivity, non-toxicity, and high biocompatibility. In the present work, an integrated microfluidic pressure sensing mechanism is analyzed in a microfluidic device. The device is composed of poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) based material with a microcantilever of the same material integrated on one side of the microchannel. The pressure of fluid in the microchannel is measured by deflection generated on the PDMS microcantilever while the fluid is made to be drive-in. The pressure-based deflection measurement process is analyzed for different types of fluids and the geometry of microcantilevers. The designs for the microcantilevers are considered rectangular-shaped, T-shaped, and Pi-shaped cantilever. The modelling and analysis are done in the commercially available software tool COMSOL Multiphysics®. The results have shown that maximum deflection is achieved with a Pi-shaped microcantilever in fluid plasma (37.05 μm) and in water (30.98 μm) at 8000 μm/s fluid inlet velocity. This maximum deflection was found to be in cooperation with the pressure value at the channel inlet 125.1 Pa for Pi-microcantilever. The optimization is achieved for improved fluid pressure sensing with an integrated microcantilever, which reduces the device setup for fluid pressure analysis. The purpose of research and study is to control fluid pressure inside microfluidic channels, which can pave the way for efficient small setup cytometry and cell separation microfluidic devices.

Development of a direct observation method and the influence of formulation parameter on frozen ice cream microstructure

Ice cream microstructure is influenced by the ingredients used and processes conducted during production. The equipment required to observe the microstructure of this temperature-sensitive material is very expensive and might not be affordable for most small-scale ice cream business entrepreneurs. This study aimed to develop an economical and affordable device setup and method to capture images of ice cream microstructure in sub-freezing conditions. The arrangement comprises a portable Dino-Lite microscope placed in a freezer with a surrounding temperature of -21.5oC. The commissioning of the setup was conducted by viewing the microstructure of ice cream made with different percentages of oil content i.e., 0%, 4%, 5%, and 6% at 500× magnification. Several analyses were conducted to correlate the microstructure with the physical quality of ice cream i.e., overrun and melting rate. It was found that ice cream with higher fat content had smaller air cell sizes and well-distributed microstructural components. The air cell radius (r) decreased from 0.089 mm (0% oil) to 0.056 mm (6% oil). Ice cream with lower fat content had higher overruns and vice versa. Overrun of ice cream with 0% and 6% oil were 55.12% to 33.38%, respectively. The overrun decreased linearly with fat content (R 2 = 0.9859). The melting rate of ice cream with 0% and 6% oil contents were 1.82 g/min and 1.66 g/min, respectively. Ice cream with higher fat content melts slower and decreased linearly with oil content (R 2 = 0.9413). The device and method developed are reliable in characterizing the size of the microstructure of ice cream, which provides a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the ingredients used with the microstructure of ice cream for small-scale ice cream business entrepreneurs and even researchers.

PD28-12 ROBOT-ASSISTED FLUOROSCOPY VERSUS ULTRASOUND-GUIDED RENAL PUNCTURE FOR NEPHROLITHOTOMY IN THE SPINE POSITION: MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD28-12 ROBOT-ASSISTED FLUOROSCOPY VERSUS ULTRASOUND-GUIDED RENAL PUNCTURE FOR NEPHROLITHOTOMY IN THE SPINE POSITION: MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE STUDY Teruaki Sugino, Kazumi Taguchi, Tatsuya Hattori, Ryusuke Deguchi, Rei Unno, Shimpei Yamashita, Shuzo Hamamoto, Ryosuke Ando, Atsushi Okada, and Takahiro Yasui Teruaki SuginoTeruaki Sugino More articles by this author , Kazumi TaguchiKazumi Taguchi More articles by this author , Tatsuya HattoriTatsuya Hattori More articles by this author , Ryusuke DeguchiRyusuke Deguchi More articles by this author , Rei UnnoRei Unno More articles by this author , Shimpei YamashitaShimpei Yamashita More articles by this author , Shuzo HamamotoShuzo Hamamoto More articles by this author , Ryosuke AndoRyosuke Ando More articles by this author , Atsushi OkadaAtsushi Okada More articles by this author , and Takahiro YasuiTakahiro Yasui More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003313.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We previously reported the efficacy of robot-assisted fluoroscopy-guided (RAG) percutaneous renal puncture for nephrolithotomy. An improved version of the robotic system with biplane fluoroscopy methods which can be used for the puncture in the spine position has been recently developed. In the current study, we compared RAG puncture with an improved robotic system version with ultrasound-guided (USG) puncture. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective benchtop study with a renal phantom model using an improved version of the robot system. Seventeen urologists punctured the renal phantom model from the side using RAG and USG techniques. The single puncture success rates, time from device setup to puncture, puncture time, and fluoroscopic usage time were recorded, and the surgeon’s self-assessment using the NASA-Task Load Index was conducted for the analyses. RESULTS: The single-puncture success rates of the RAG and USG techniques were 100% and 58.8%, respectively (p<0.01). In the RAG technique, the median device setup time was longer (143 and 24 s, p<0.01), the median needle puncture time was shorter (18 and 36 s, p<0.01), and the median time of fluoroscopic exposure was longer (47 and 16 s, p<0.01) than in the USG technique. The results of the surgeon’s self-assessment showed that the mean weighted workload score was lower in the RAG technique than in the USG technique (16.7 and 59.3, p<0.01); the mental workload was significantly smaller in the RAG technique. CONCLUSIONS: The RAG technique showed higher accuracy rates of puncture and a smaller mental workload than the USG technique for renal puncture. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e823 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Teruaki Sugino More articles by this author Kazumi Taguchi More articles by this author Tatsuya Hattori More articles by this author Ryusuke Deguchi More articles by this author Rei Unno More articles by this author Shimpei Yamashita More articles by this author Shuzo Hamamoto More articles by this author Ryosuke Ando More articles by this author Atsushi Okada More articles by this author Takahiro Yasui More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN LAST MILE ON DEMAND FOOD DELIVERY : PERSPECTIVE FROM FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO COIMBATORE CITY, TAMILNADU, INDIA

On-demand food delivery workers play an important role in the ODFD (On-Demand Food Delivery) supply chain. This study investigates the technological problems that riders encountered while delivering meals. A questionnaire distribution was done in order to gather information from users of the Swiggy and Zomato platforms, and 100 people participated in the study. The study's ndings imply that the respondents are dealing with a variety of difculties, including technological ones brought on by the device (a mobile phone) and platform algorithmic setup..The key problems are the overall setup of the algorithm, its boss-like forcefulness, lack of safety as a result algorithmic setup, and its boss-like setup.

Dissolved Solute Sampling Across an Oxic-Anoxic Soil-Water Interface Using Microdialysis Profilers.

Biogeochemical processes shift rapidly in both spatial (millimeter scale) and temporal (hour scale to day scale) dimensions at the oxic-anoxic interface in response to disturbances. Deciphering the rapid biogeochemical changes requires in situ, minimally invasive tools with high spatial and temporal sampling resolution. However, the available passive sampling devices are not very useful in many cases either due to their disposable nature or the complexity and extensive workload for sample preparation. To address this problem, a microdialysis profiler with 33 individual polyethersulfone nanomembrane tubes (semipermeable, <20 nm pore size) integrated into the one-dimensional skeleton (60 mm) was established to iteratively sample the dissolved compounds in porewater across the soil-water interface at a high resolution of 1.8 mm (outer diameter plus one spacing, i.e., 0.1 mm between probes). The sampling mechanism is based on the principle of concentration gradient diffusion. The automatic loading of degassed water allows minimal disturbance to the chemical species across the oxic-anoxic interface. This paper describes the procedures of device setup and continuous porewater sampling across the soil-water interface on a daily basis. Concentration-depth profiles were selectively measured before (on Day 6) and after (on Day 7) disturbances induced by irrigation. The results showed that concentration-depth profiles were undergoing rapid changes, especially for redox-sensitive elements (i.e., iron and arsenic). These protocols can help investigate the biogeochemical responses across the soil-water interface under various disturbances caused by physical, chemical, and biological factors. The paper thoroughly discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this method for potential use in the environmental sciences.

White light emission from coumarin and rhodamine derivatives based on RGB multicomponent system

The mixture of red, green, and blue (RGB) organic fluorophores in a single blend is becoming more relevant to produce metal-free, low cost and color tunable white light emission. Herein we describe the combination of pure organic molecules based on the coumarin and rhodamine frameworks that generated broad or multi-band emission in both solution and solid forms. The derivatives of coumarin (CB), furocoumarin (CG) and rhodamine (CR1 and CR2) were synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR and ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The “closed-form” of the synthesized rhodamines have been further elucidated with the single crystal X-ray analysis. Their photophysical, thermal stability and electrochemical properties have been investigated, accompanied by DFT calculations to assess the plausible mechanism responsible for white light along with their eminent characteristics. Single mixture of ethanol-solubilized CR2:CG:CB in the ratio of 3:10:3 showed extremely pure white light fluorescence with CIE coordinates of (0.32, 0.33) when excited at 360 nm while CR1:CG:CB revealed almost pure white light (0.27, 0.32) in the ratio of 1:2:1 when excited at a much longer wavelength (λex = 395 nm). The results obtained are very encouraging in such a way that only minimal proportions of the blue and green fluorophores are required in the single mixture for a highly efficient FRET system when combined with the newly synthesized rhodamine derivatives. The ratio differences can be down to 30–42 % as compared to white light mixture with the commercial red R640. Furthermore, all of the synthesized RGB components exhibit reasonably good thermal stability with onset of decomposition above 210 °C, endowing their suitability for general applications of optoelectronic devices. The HOMO-LUMO energy band gaps from the cyclic voltammetry and geometrical optimized structures of the ground state are generally in nice agreement. White light emission was also generated when the polymer mixtures containing each RGB emitters was coated on a commercial UV-LED, demonstrating potential low cost and purely organic device set-up.

Triboelectric nanogenerators enhanced by a metal–organic framework for sustainable power generation and air mouse technology

In this study we have synthesized a Cd-MOF and explored for TENG performance. MOF-TENG device utilzed for various low powered electronics. Furthermore, device was attached to the finger of a glove to control the mouse movement. This device setup was used for biomechanical energy harvesting.

Reactivity modulation experiments for nuclear data in CROCUS within a CEA-EPFL collaboration

In nuclear research reactors, integral experiments are powerful tools to measure integral core parameters, such as the delayed neutron fraction. Within the scope of the point kinetic approximation, reactivity modulation experiments can be used for probing the reactor transfer function and then infer integral parameters of the core. In this context, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have been collaborating for developing a probe device (PISTIL) and measurement setup adapted to the CROCUS zero power research reactor operated by EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland). Despite some mechanical limitations of PISTIL, its maximum reactivity worth was measured with a good precision and repeatability using different methods (8.82 ±0.07 pcm), and its value is found rather close to the simulated one using TRIPOLI-4 (9.4 ± 0.4 pcm with JEFF-3.3). Above 1 Hz, the shape of the used modulation is pseudo-sinusoidal, with only a few well defined harmonics of excitation. The strongest harmonic only was analyzed using standard signal processing algorithms such as the Fourier transform and the Bartlett estimator. Twelve data points were produced in the range 0.5 Hz to 200 Hz, with uncertainty ranging from 1 % to 15 %. The prompt decay constant was measured at 150 ± 3 rad/s. Below 1 Hz, stepwise modulations were used with pseudo-random time sequences, which allowed exciting at once a large number of frequencies. Around 150 data points were produced in this particularly interesting frequency domain, between 1.6 mHz and 0.75 Hz, thanks to the use of three distinctive sequences with different base frequencies and overlapping ranges. The amplitude and phase of the RTF were measured satisfactorily, with uncertainties below 1 % for the strongest harmonics. The shape of the RTF was found consistent with the predictions of both JEFF-3.3 and ENDF/B-VII.1 libraries.

IMPROVING VIDEO DEVICE USAGE AMONG OLDER RURAL VETERANS WITH USER-CENTERED DESIGN

Abstract The Veterans Administration (VA) established pathways to provide VA-issued tablets and increased access to internet for Veterans without these resources. Veterans aged above 65, experience barriers with telemedicine such as access and usability. We sought to improve the usability and experience of telemedicine for rural, older Veterans receiving a VA-issued tablet by modifying materials and qualitatively evaluating their experience with set-up and preparing for their first appointment, guided by user-centered design. We conducted a rapid exploratory evaluation, to understand Veteran and care partner experiences setting up VA-issued tablets and logging into their first appointment using standard 9-page instructions. We interviewed telehealth technicians, and providers to better understand patient barriers from their perspective. Using insights from interviews and evidence-informed guidelines on educational materials for older adults, we created a two-page guidance. A group of Veterans and care partners reviewed the materials and provided feedback. Received feedback provided 17 suggestions, 8 of which were utilized, including enlarging graphics, clarifying abbreviations (or wording), consolidating the instructions further and emphasizing pertinent information further. Modified materials reduced standard written instructions from nine pages to two. Feedback suggests that updated materials are helpful, aesthetically pleasing and preferred over current materials. Utilizing user-centered design methods, addressed barriers experienced by older, rural Veterans with initial telemedicine device and appointment set-up. Veterans, care partners, providers, and telehealth technicians perceived materials adapted for older adults as supportive of video device usability, helping to alleviate barriers that prevent Veterans from initiating telemedicine.

Cost‐Effective and Robust Multispectral Light‐Emitting Diode Device for the Readout of Plasmonic Microarray Sensors

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a phenomenon known for more than 100 years, which arises from the interaction of light with metallic nanoparticles. In recent years, the field of LSPR sensing has become increasingly important in bioanalytics. Herein, a simple and robust device setup to perform time‐resolved LSPR measurements with inexpensive array sensor chips is presented. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles are spotted onto glass substrates under different conditions (droplet size/number, temperature, and humidity) to achieve an optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio. To verify the setup and the spotted sensor chips, bulk sensitivity measurements with solutions of varying refractive index and surface sensitivity measurements with layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition are performed. It is shown that slower drying minimizes the edge effects of ring‐like deposits (coffee ring effect) and that the spots with higher particle densities are more suitable for sensor applications. In general, the use of six light‐emitting diode (LEDs) enables a simple centroid calculation as well as an evaluation via individual LED intensities. The presented cost‐effective system allows parallel reading of more than 100 spots in a label‐free platform, and together with the optimized low‐cost sensors, it provides an interesting alternative for the development of future on‐site diagnostics.

Study on ion dynamics of hafnium oxide RRAM by electrode thermal effect

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) has become one of the representatives of the next generation of nonvolatile memory because of its excellent performance, and the data reading function is caused by the growth and fracture of the conductive filament (CF) in the switch layer. Therefore, the study of the thermal properties of materials on the conductive mechanism is a step that cannot be ignored. In this paper, a numerical model of filament dissolution caused by the coupling effect of Joule heat and electric field in resistance elements is established. The influence of the thermal field on the electric field and ion mobility during device setup and reset is explained by solving partial differential equations. On this basis, the importance of electrode parameters for resistive switching behavior is emphasized. The results show that the best performance can be obtained at 298 K when TiN is selected as the top electrode material of the equipment. This work has deepened the understanding of RRAM resistance switch characteristics and has guiding significance for selecting memristor materials and promoting its industrialization process.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection in the colon with adaptive traction device: resection strategy and device setup.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains technically demanding. Traction seems to ease this procedure [1], but all traction strategies have their limitations [2], the main one being that traction force tends to decline as the dissection advances. An adaptive traction device, able to be tightened to increase traction during the procedure, has been described to overcome this limitation [3], but its installation remains challenging. We describe here the setup and strategy ([Video 1]) using the traction device (A-TRACT-2 + 2; Hospices civils de Lyon, France) combining two linked loops that could be tightened with two free loops to obtain a multipolar traction on the four edges of the lesion ([Fig. 1]).