Utilization Of Devices Research Articles

A Practical Clinical Approach to Navigate Pulmonary Embolism Management: A Primer and Narrative Review of the Evolving Landscape

Advances in imaging, pharmacological, and procedural technologies have rapidly expanded the care of pulmonary embolism. Earlier, more accurate identification and quantification has enhanced risk stratification across the spectrum of the disease process, with a number of clinical tools available to prognosticate outcomes and guide treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants have enabled a consistent and more convenient long-term therapeutic option, with a greater shift toward outpatient treatment for a select group of low-risk patients. The array of catheter-directed therapies now available has contributed to a more versatile and nuanced armamentarium of treatment options, including ultrasound-facilitated thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Research into supportive care for pulmonary embolism have explored the optimal use of vasopressors and volume resuscitation, as well as utilization of various devices, including right ventricular mechanical support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Even in the realm of surgery, outcomes have steadily improved in experienced centers. This rapid expansion in diagnostic and therapeutic data has necessitated implementation of pulmonary embolism response teams to better interpret the available evidence, manage the utilization of advanced therapies, and coordinate multidisciplinary care. We provide a narrative review of the risk stratification and management of pulmonary embolism, with a focus on structuralizing the multidisciplinary approach and organizing the literature on new and emerging therapies.

Cohesion in L2 writing: assessing the role of pre-task planning and topic familiarity through a task-readiness lens

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of pre-task planning and topic familiarity on the use of cohesive devices in second language (L2) writing. Cohesion, achieved through the appropriate utilisation of cohesive devices (local, global, and text), enhances text coherence and readability. However, the influence of pre-task planning and topic familiarity on cohesive device usage in L2 writing has received limited attention. To address this research gap, 32 L2 learners from an American university’s 15-week English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme were randomly assigned to planning and no-planning groups. Participants completed both a familiar and an unfamiliar writing task, determined by a survey conducted at the outset of the study, with task order counterbalanced. The writing performances were analysed using 25 cohesion measures to examine the use of different cohesive devices. Results showed that pre-task planning and topic familiarity significantly impacted local and global cohesion measures, while text cohesion measures were sensitive solely to topic familiarity. Furthermore, planning and topic familiarity effects varied across different cohesion measures and aspects; connective usage was lower in the pre-task planning condition, whereas adjacent paragraph overlap in content lemmas and adjacent sentence overlap in all lemmas were higher in essays by pre-task planners.

Properties of Electrospun Fibers That Influence Foreign Body Response Modulation.

Improving the utility of biomedical devices implanted in subcutaneous tissue by modulating the innate immune response common to these implants is of great interest to improve their utility. Uncontrolled, most biomedical devices produce an immune reaction known broadly as the foreign body response (FBR), which ultimately isolates the device from the native tissue. The use of electrospun fibers to create a porous surface that promotes tissue in-growth and regeneration represents a new paradigm in FBR modulation. A vast number of parameters can be adjusted in the electrospinning process to tune the type and quality of the resulting electrospun matrix, which in turn has varying outcomes with respect to the FBR. In this review, the fabrication and utility of electrospun fiber scaffolds for mitigating the FBR are described, with details of how fiber properties and surface modifications alter immune response for specific biomedical applications.

Enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy and Curie temperature in the CrOCl monolayer: strain effects

Abstract Magnetic monolayers offer a wide variety of applications in enhancing the functionalities of storage devices including higher thermal stability, lower power consumption, and higher operation speed, owing to their intrinsic long-range spin ordering. Herein, we study the biaxial ([110]) strain range of ± 5% influence on the formation energetics, electronic structure, and magnetic behaviour of the CrOCl monolayer (ML) based on the ab-initio calculations including spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effects. It is predicted that the system displays an insulating character having an energy band gap (E g ) of 2.05 eV with a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state in its unstrained state. The estimated partial spin magnetic moment on the Cr ion is +2.7 μ B /f.u. (per formula unit) with S = 1.5 and lies in a + 3 oxidation state with an electronic distribution of t 2 g 3 ↑ t 2 g 0 ↓ e g 0 ↑ e g 0 ↓ . Along with this, [001] (c-axis) is found to be the easy magnetic axis, which results in a magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) of 0.2 meV having an MAE constant of 0.25 mJ m−2 and the computed Curie temperature (T c ) using Ising model is 157 K. Furthermore, the system shows the robustness of the FM insulating behavior against considered strains. However, a significant shift in the conduction band edge (CBE) position to lower energies is evident for tensile strains, which substantially reduces the E g up to 13%. The decrease in E g value is evidence of higher absorption in the visible range which makes it the best option for optoelectronics and photocatalysis. Simultaneously, our results revealed that strain enhances the MAE and T c up to 190% and 43%, respectively. Hence, optimized E g , MAE, and T c within a considerable strain range, make the CrOCl ML a potential candidate for its utilization in magnetic memory devices.

Ti3C2Tx and Mo2TiC2Tx MXenes as additives in synovial fluids - towards an enhanced biotribological performance of 3D-printed implants

Synovial joints, critical for limb biomechanics, rely on sophisticated lubrication systems to minimize wear. Disruptions, whether from injury or disease, often necessitate joint replacements. While additive manufacturing offers personalized implants, ensuring wear resistance remains a challenge. This study delves into the potential of Ti3C2Tx and Mo2TiC2Tx nanosheets in mitigating wear of additively manufactured cobalt-chromium tungsten alloy substrates when incorporated as additives into synovial fluid. The colloidal solutions demonstrate an excellent stability, a crucial factor for reproducible assays and potential clinical applicability. Analysis of contact angles and surface tensions reveals MXene-induced alterations in substrate wettability, while maintaining their general hydrophilic character. Viscosity analysis indicates that MXene addition reduces the dynamic viscosity, particularly at higher concentrations above 5 mg/mL, thus enhancing dispersion and lubrication properties. Friction and wear tests demonstrate a dependency on the MXene concentration, while Ti3C2Tx exhibits stable friction coefficients and up to 77 % wear reduction at 5 mg/mL, which was attributed to the formation of a wear-protecting tribo-film (amorphous carbon and MXene nano-sheets). Our findings suggest that Ti3C2Tx, when supplied in favorable concentrations, holds promise for reducing wear in biotribological applications, offering avenues for future research into optimizing MXene utilization in load-bearing joint replacements and other biomedical devices.

Experimental Analysis and Cost Assessment of a Novel Variable-Volume Air Storage Device Designed for Compressed Air Energy Storage

One significant reason limiting the widespread application of compressed air energy storage is the high cost of ground-level air storage devices. Previous work by the authors’ team proposed a novel variable-volume air storage (VVAS) device based on working fluid phase change, effectively increasing the air storage capacity. However, the early study only focused on thermodynamic performance analysis. Therefore, this study established an experimental platform for the VVAS device to test its feasibility and developed a cost assessment model to analyze its economic performance. The results demonstrate that the VVAS device allows the air in the storage tank to continue near-isobaric release under the displacement of gaseous R134a at the other side of the bladder when the air pressure in the storage tank decreases to equal the air pressure at the throttle valve outlet. The effective air storage density of the VVAS device can be increased by over 50% under the different air storage pressures. The efficient utilization of the air storage device can significantly reduce its volume and lower storage costs. The cost analysis indicates that the unit air storage cost for the VVAS device is 50.20 $/kg, which is significantly lower than the conventional device (80.34 $/kg).

In Situ Photo Responsive Biodegradable Nanoparticle Forming Intrauterine Implant for Drug Delivery to Treat Ovarian Diseases: A Rationale-based Review.

Ovarian disease constitutes various types of endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cancer, premature ovarian failure, ovarian endometriosis, and ovarian cysts. The prevalence of ovarian-related diseases is highly vulnerable in the world. The utility of various drug delivery systems for ovarian diseases has resulted in varied success. Moreover, most of them lead to severe adverse effects and are incapable of ameliorating the signs and symptoms of the condition. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have positioned themselves as a mechanism to deliver the drug for various ovarian-related diseases. Thereby avoiding various stability-related issues arising due to various physiological barriers of the female reproductive tract. However, the use of intrauterine devices for drug delivery to the ovaries has not been fully explored. This is attributed to the fact that they cause cysts in the ovaries and skepticism among patients and physicians. Photo-sensitive devices are an appealing approach for managing disorders affecting the ovaries. Photo-sensitive in situ forming intrauterine implants (IUIs) have several advantages, including simplicity in application, reduced invasiveness, as well as improved site-specific drug release control. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) loaded with a drug may be a suitable choice to provide sustained release, alter the pharmacokinetics, and reduce the dose and dosing frequency. The current manuscript hypothesizes the utility of a PNP-loaded biodegradable photo-responsive intrauterine implantable device as an alternate novel strategy for ameliorating ovarian-related diseases.

Development of a GPS-GPRS tracked surface drifter for monitoring of surface currents in tidally dominated estuaries

The Vembanad estuary is one of the largest estuarine systems in India, heavily influenced by monsoonal variations and coastal dynamics. As industrial development and navigation activities increase in the region, understanding the estuary's circulation patterns, predominantly driven by tidal currents, has become crucial. This is essential for assessing the dispersal of industrial waste, sediment transport and ensuring safe and efficient navigation for meeting any disaster preparedness. However, collecting precise circulation data near shorelines remains difficult with traditional field deploying current meters and satellite altimeters due to different logistic challenges and land-sea interactions respectively. Additionally, advanced instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) are not well-suited for shallow water environments. To address this challenge, an indigenously developed surface drifter, based on the Lagrangian technique, has been designed and tested for real-time monitoring of circulation and tidal currents in the estuary. The drifter is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) module, allowing for real-time tracking. By analyzing GPS data collected at regular intervals, current patterns in the estuarine region can be effectively studied. A comparison between current flow patterns measured by the surface drifter and an in situ current meter demonstrated a strong correlation, validating the drifter’s accuracy in capturing estuarine circulation data which signifies the utility of such devices for remotely monitoring.

Investigations of optoelectronic, magnetic, and transport properties of Zintl-phosphides BaX2P2 (X=Cd, Sn, Cu) for green technology: First principle calculations

One way to decarbonize the world's energy generation is through thin-film photovoltaics (PV), there are significant problems with elemental abundance, stability, or performance with the thin-film solar absorbers that are now on the market. We present the optoelectronic and transport properties of Zintl-phosphides BaX2P2 (X = Cd, Sn, Cu) using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Our calculations show that increasing the band gap of Cd/Sn and Cu-based phosphides from 0.5 to 4.0 eV enables fine adjustment of bandgaps, structure, and optoelectronics, broadening the material's potential applications in the semiconducting industry. Strong absorption occurs in the energy range of 4–8 eV; it concluded that their optical characteristics, such as natural and imaginary dielectric functions, refractive index, and absorption coefficient, might make them useful in optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. In the 50–800 K temperature range, power factor (PF), electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient were investigated. With PFs of approximately 7.5 × 1010 W/K2ms, respectively, the compound demonstrated a considerable potential utility in thermoelectric devices. An assessment of radiation shielding performance was conducted using the XCOM tool across a broad energy range ranging from 15 keV to 15 MeV. The findings indicated that the mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC) values increased proportionately of BaCd2P2, BaSn2P2, and BaCu2P2 samples. The GMAC peaked for all sample compositions at around 0.015 MeV, with values spanning from 42.94 cm2/g for BaCd2P2 to 51.96 cm2/g for BaCu2P2. Nevertheless, when elevating the energy level beyond 15 keV, a notable decline in GMAC values was observed. This is likely mostly attributable to the predominance of photoelectric interactions at lower energy levels. These compounds' strong absorption patterns and high PF make them promising materials for thermoelectric and photovoltaic applications.

Molecular diagnostics using the QIAstat-Dx syndromic device for covering avian influenza pandemic preparedness

IntroductionA key factor in influenza pandemic preparedness is the ability to detect zoonotic influenza virus strains as they emerge in humans through spillover events, ideally before human-to-human transmission occurs. DesignIn this study, the utility of the QIAstat-Dx syndromic device for influenza surveillance was evaluated. Bioinformatic analysis was performed on all WHO-recommended influenza Candidate Vaccine Viruses (CVVs), including the common strains recommended for the 2023–2024 influenza vaccine composition in the northern hemisphere, and 16 different H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and two H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) strains. For laboratory validation, engineered gene fragments and real HPAIV and LPAIV samples were tested using the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel. ResultsDuring the bioinformatic screening, common influenza strains were positive including influenza A subtypes, and all H5 HPAIV and LPAIV H9N2 were detected as Influenza A positive without subtype discrimination. In all cases, laboratory validation confirmed all bioinformatic results. ConclusionQIAstat-Dx can detect all tested potentially zoonotic influenza A virus strains, and discriminate them from human sesonal influenza A viruses, ensuring a correct diagnosis. Any tool available for surveillance and pandemic preparedness is essential for a rapid response to reduce healthcare costs and severity of future influenza pandemics.

CO2 Microbubbles in Silicone Oil (Part II: Henry's Constant and Anomalous Diffusion).

This work demonstrates the utility of microfluidic devices for characterizing diffusion mechanisms. We determined Henry's constant and characterized the diffusion process of gaseous CO2 in silicone oil. Using microfluidic techniques, we analyzed the evolution of the CO2 bubble size in a solvent flowing through a microchannel system. The reduction in bubble size due to the mass transfer of gaseous CO2 into the solvent fluid primarily affects their length. A microfluidic device was used to produce bubbles, consisting of a pressure-driven injection system for the gas and a flow-driven system for the liquid. Additionally, an optical device was coupled for tracking and studying the bubbles in the microchannels, enabling us to study their spatial and temporal evolution using image analysis. From this study, we found two diffusion regimes. The first is a superdiffusive process for short times. In this regime, due to the high concentration gradient values at the gas-liquid interface, we observed a higher rate of carbon dioxide transfer to the silicone oil. At longer times, we see that the gas transfer rate significantly decreases compared to the previous regime, leading to a subdiffusive process. In this latter regime, it was found that if we increase the gas pressure, the system approaches a normal diffusive process that coincides with previously conducted studies by other researchers. It is suggested that the subdiffusion could be due to the high degree of confinement of the bubbles within the microchannel, similar to what occurs in porous media, the high viscosity of the fluid, and the low gas pressure used in the tests. The microfluidic device proved to be a very efficient method for determining the diffusion process and Henry's constant in this case. Its easy fabrication and low cost make this type of device appropriate for substance characterization.

Determinants of immediate uptake of Post-Partum Intrauterine Device among women delivered in hospitals in West Wolegga Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices during the postpartum period supports women’s need for spacing births and prevents them from unplanned pregnancies. However, in developing countries, utilization of immediate postpartum contraceptives is low. This increases the risk of maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, preterm birth, child mortality, low birth weight, and small gestational age in subsequent pregnancy with interpregnancy interval.ObjectiveTo assess immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device utilization and the associated factors among women who gave birth in Hospitals in West Wolegga Zone in 2020.Methods and materialsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals in the West Wolegga Zone from 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2020 among 290 postpartum women. The sample size was proportionally allocated to six hospitals by considering their monthly delivery. Study subjects were taken by systematic sampling technique (Kth=N/n =1025/290=3.53), thus every 4th woman who gave birth in the hospital was recruited in each hospital until the total sample size for this study was obtained.Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of independent variables with immediate postpartum intrauterine device utilization. A significance level of 0.05 was used to assess the statistical significance of the study’s associations.ResultsIn this study, the magnitude of the Immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device utilization was 19.3%.factors like Early initiation of antenatal care [AOR=4.46 95% CI:1.84-10.78], Planning of future pregnancy [AOR=3.7(95% CI: 1.43-9.54)], Ever heard of the immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device [AOR=2.67(95% CI: 1.08-6.58)] and Counseling about postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device [AOR=5.15(95% interval: 2.00-13.28] were associated with immediate postpartum intrauterine device utilizations.ConclusionThe use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices is low compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia. Age, early antenatal care initiation, pregnancy planning, hearing of the immediate postpartum intrauterine device immediately inserted after delivery, and counselling on the immediate postpartum intrauterine device were significantly associated with mothers’ use of immediate postpartum intrauterine devices. Health Program directors should develop strategies to increase the use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices.

Assessing Cell Viability and Genotoxicity in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Exposed to 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz Electromagnetic Field Radiations

The escalating utilization of wireless electronic devices, notably cellular phones, has led to a substantial augmentation in the levels of electromagnetic field radiation (EMF-r) within the environment. Consequently, an imperative arises to investigate the impact of these radiations on biological systems, specifically on plants. In this study, we examined the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz EMF-r on the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. test system, evaluating parameters such as percentage germination, growth characteristics, biochemical activities, cell viability and chromosomal aberrations. The roots and shoots of T. foenum-graecum L. were exposed to 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz EMF-r for varied exposure durations (0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h/day) (at a power density of 10.0 dBm). Substantial reductions in root and shoot lengths were observed after a exposure period of 4 h and 8 h at a frequency of 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz. Genotoxic studies revealed both physiological and clastogenic effects of EMF-r, as evidenced by an increase in chromosomal aberrations (CAs). Biochemical analyses demonstrated elevated malondialdehyde levels and activities of various antioxidative enzymes following 2 h and 4 h per day exposure to 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz EMF-r. Chromosomal aberrations increased by 2.88% to 14.86% and 2.84% to 18.49% (0.5 h to 8 h per day) exposure to 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz, respectively when compared to that of the control group. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF-r) at both 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz resulted in reduced cell viability. This study examines the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF-r) at 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz on plant root meristems. The results reveal more pronounced genotoxic effects at 2100 MHz, highlighting the frequency-dependent nature of EMF-r impacts. By providing insights into these frequency-specific effects, this research addresses a critical gap in understanding how EMF-r influences plant cellular health and offers guidance for mitigating potential environmental risks from mobile communication technologies.

Utilization and Outcomes of Temporary Percutaneous Right Ventricular Assist Devices in Cardiogenic Shock

Acute right ventricular failure (RVF) is a common finding in cardiogenic shock (CS), yet the optimal method of supporting the failing RV remains unclear. This study aimed to describe CS patients receiving percutaneous right ventricular assist devices (pRVADs) using the multicenter Cardiogenic Shock Working Group (CSWG) registry. Among 6,201 patients with CS, 152 (2.4%) received pRVADs, with ProtekDuo and Impella RP being used in 71% and 29% of cases, respectively. The average age of this group was 58.5 years, with a higher proportion of men (66.4%). Heart failure–associated CS (HF-CS) was observed in 48% of patients, while myocardial infarction–associated CS (MI-CS) was seen in 27% (HF-CS versus MI-CS: 52.8% vs. 21.3% for ProtekDuo; 36.4% vs. 40.9% for Impella RP; p = 0.01). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 54.6%, bleeding complications were more prevalent among ProtekDuo recipients (64.8% vs. 43.2%, p = 0.008), whereas Impella RP recipients had shorter hospital stays (20.4 ± 18.7 vs. 41.9 ± 31.5 days, p < 0.001). ProtekDuo was more commonly used in patients with HF-CS and was associated with higher rates of bleeding and longer hospital stays compared with Impella RP, although overall mortality was similar. Further investigation is required to determine the ideal timing and clinical conditions warranting pRVAD deployment in CS.

Revolutionizing X-ray Imaging: A Leap toward Ultra-Low-Dose Detection with a Cascade-Engineered Approach.

X-ray detection technology is essential in various fields, including medical imaging and security checks. However, exposure to large doses of X-rays poses considerable health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the radiation dosage without compromising detection efficiency. To address this concern, we propose an innovative cascade-engineered approach that uses two interconnected single-crystal devices to mitigate dark current and enhance the detection limit. Using laboratory-grown methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite single crystals, we engineered devices that significantly reduced detection thresholds and improved signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The detection threshold dropped from 590 nGy·s-1 with the conventional method to 100 nGy·s-1 using the cascade approach, surpassing the most recent record of 500 nGy·s-1 achieved for MAPbBr3 devices under nearly identical conditions. The dark current was halved compared to that of conventional devices, and spatial resolution improved from 5.6 to 8.5 lp·mm-1. Imaging trials confirmed improved resolution and effectiveness at low doses, highlighting the approach's potential for medical diagnostics that prioritizes reducing radiation exposure without compromising image quality. The groundbreaking nature of this approach is highlighted by its adaptability across diverse electrical environments and crystal types, as evident in CdTe crystals, indicating its potential for widespread utilization in low-dose leakage monitoring and commercial X-ray devices.

Advances in wearable biotechnology for cardiac monitoring

Wearable biotechnology is enhancing cardiac health monitoring by enabling continuous data collection for early detection and better management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Recent advancements, such as multi-sensor integration, combine electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate variability, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation monitoring to provide a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and improve diagnostic precision. Innovations in energy-harvesting technologies, like thermoelectric and piezoelectric materials, extend battery life, reducing the need for frequent recharging and increasing patient adherence. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly concerning data security, which requires robust encryption methods and secure data transmission protocols. Regulatory frameworks like the GDPR and HIPAA need to evolve to accommodate technological progress, ensuring new devices are safe and quickly brought to market. Enhancing interoperability with electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial to maximizing the clinical utility of wearable devices. Future research should focus on developing biochemical sensors to detect specific biomarkers in bodily fluids, refining AI algorithms for personalized diagnostics, and establishing standards for data sharing and integration. Collaboration among healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and technology developers is essential to overcoming current barriers, expanding clinical applications, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health.

Abstract 4141488: Initial Real-World Experience with a Novel Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Background: The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) can reduce sudden cardiac death; effectiveness depends on adherence. A novel WCD designed for sex specific comfort and noise immunity has reported improved compliance. Hypothesis: Patient compliance with the WCD maximizes device utility in treating significant arrhythmia. Aims: Report WCD patient compliance and efficacy in a cohort with balanced gender representation. Evaluate WCD performance in minimizing noise artifact leading to false alarms and unnecessary shocks. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients prescribed the ASSURE WCD at the Cleveland Clinic. Clinical data was collected via medical chart review. All device-detected arrhythmia episodes were manually adjudicated by a Board-certified Electrophysiologist. Detected rhythms that persist, result in an audible alarm notifying that a shock is imminent. A conscious patient can manually divert a shock. An alarm was deemed true and shock appropriate if the underlying rhythm was sustained VT/VF. Results: Fifty-five patients were fitted with a WCD. Median daily use 22 hr/day (IQR 13,24) and median duration of use 43 days (IQR 8,79). Female representation was 49%, significantly greater than prior reports of WCD experience. 4 episodes of sustained VT/VF were detected in 4 patients. A single shock terminated VT/VF in 2, while spontaneous termination of VT/VF occurred in the other 2 patients who diverted shocks. One shock for hemodynamically unstable atrial fibrillation with heart rate >200bpm was delivered and deemed necessary. No deaths occurred while wearing a WCD. Of 163 recorded episodes, 62 (38%) persisted and triggered an alarm (Figure 1). 10 patients experienced a median of 1 (IQR 1,9.5) alarm during the WCD wear period. The majority (97%) of alarms were associated with a significant tachyarrhythmia, with only 3% due to noise artifact. No inappropriate, unnecessary shocks were delivered. Discussion: Patient compliance with the ASSURE WCD was high in this real-world observational study with equal representation of both sexes. The WCD effectively terminated sustained hemodynamically significant tachyarrhythmias, emitted few false alarms due to noise and resulted in no unnecessary and inappropriate shocks.

A Comprehensive Multi-Objective Energy Management Approach for Wearable Devices with Dynamic Energy Demands

Recent advancements in low-power electronics and machine-learning techniques have paved the way for innovative wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, these devices suffer from limited battery capacity and computational power. Hence, energy harvesting from ambient sources has emerged as a promising solution for powering low-energy wearables. Optimal management of the harvested energy is crucial for achieving energy-neutral operation and eliminating the need for frequent recharging. This task is challenging due to the dynamic nature of harvested energy and battery energy constraints. To tackle this challenge, we propose tinyMAN, a reinforcement learning-based energy management framework for resource-constrained wearable IoT devices. tinyMAN maximizes the target device utilization under battery energy constraints without relying on the harvested energy forecast, making it a prediction-free approach. It achieves up to 17% higher utility while reducing battery constraint violations by 80% compared to prior work. We also introduce tinyMAN-MO, a multi-objective extension of tinyMan for applications with time-varying energy demands. It learns the tradeoff between meeting the application’s energy demand and maintaining the battery energy level. We deployed our framework on a wearable device prototype using TensorFlow Lite for Micro, leveraging its small (less than 120 KB) memory footprint. Evaluations show that tinyMAN-MO operates within 10% of the Pareto-optimal solutions with only 1.98 ms execution time and 23.17 μJ energy consumption overhead.

Tuning properties of binary functionalization of Sc2C MXenes for supercapacitor electrodes

Surface functionalization of two-dimensional (2D) materials like Sc2C MXenes offers a promising avenue for tailoring their properties for various applications. At the same time, significant research has focused on pure terminations involving oxygen (-O), fluorine (-F), or hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Binary surface functionalization still needs to be explored. Our work addresses this gap by investigating binary functionalized Sc2C monolayers, specifically Sc2CFN and Sc2COS. Using first-principles calculations, we explore the structural, electronic, and quantum capacitance (CQ) properties of pristine Sc2C and functionalized Sc2CFN and Sc2COS. The CQ measurements reveal distinctive electronic behaviour, with Sc2CFN and Sc2COS exhibiting indirect bandgaps of 0.90 and 1.48 eV, respectively. Introducing functional groups induces a metal-to-semiconductor transition, enhancing charge storage at the cathode and increasing the CQ to 371.64 and 341.23 μF/cm2 for Sc2CFN and Sc2COS, respectively. As far as energy applications are concerned, we also calculate the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) efficiency, which is a widely accepted quantity to get an estimate of the photovoltaic efficiency of 28.77 % for Sc2CFN and 32.97 % for Sc2COS materials. Additionally, we analyze the current-voltage (IV) characteristics, uncovering negative differential conductance (NDC) effects in Sc2COS, indicative of its potential for fast molecular switching applications. Our study provides valuable insights into the properties of binary functionalized Sc2C MXenes, paving the way for their utilization in energy storage and nanoelectronic devices.

In situ synthesis of Cu(OH)2 and carbon nanotube electrodes: A promising approach for high-performance one-dimensional flexible supercapacitors

Amidst the rapid surge in electrical device utilization, there is an urgent need for advanced power supply solutions. Flexible supercapacitors, renowned for their remarkable electrochemical properties, emerge as a promising remedy. This study employs in situ techniques on copper wire (CW) to obtain active materials for both the electrodes. The positive CW@Cu(OH)2 electrode, synthesized through vapor-phase reaction between CW and NH3·H2O, yields copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) nanosheets via an alkali-assisted oxidation process. Comparative analysis of CW@Cu(OH)2 electrodes under varying reaction conditions revealed that the Cu(OH)2 nanosheets, characterized by their small size and high distribution density on CW, significantly enhance electrochemical performance. The optimized CW@Cu(OH)2 electrode achieved a specific capacitance of 195.7 mF cm−2. This in situ growth method effectively prevents active material detachment, resulting in electrodes with minimal internal resistance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), also synthesized in situ via chemical vapor deposition on CW, serve as the active materials for the negative electrode. Assembled in parallel, the flexible supercapacitor, CW@Cu(OH)2//KOH-PVA//CW@CNTs, achieves a specific capacitance of 1.59 F cm−3 at a current density of 0.1 A cm−3, with an energy density of 0.496 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 15 mW cm−3. Demonstrating robust capacitance retention across varying current densities and diverse bending angles, this supercapacitor signifies a versatile and stable power storage solution.