Electronic Devices Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Electronic and Paper Ballot Systems in Modern U.S. Elections

A Comparative Study of Electronic and Paper Ballot Systems in Modern U.S. Elections

Investigating feasibility of clinical validation of repeat homecare prescriptions by an accredited checking technician (ACT) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (STH)

Abstract Introduction The Hackett report (Hackett, 2011) recommended that all NHS homecare prescriptions are clinically validated by a pharmacist prior to transfer to homecare delivery providers. The recent RPS professional standards for homecare evolved this, such that the validation may be undertaken by any competent healthcare professional (Mulford, 2024). Other regional Trusts have standard operating procedures (SOP) facilitating repeat (defined as a continuation of previous treatment, dose, frequency and formulation) homecare prescription validation by Accredited Pharmacy Technicians (ACT). In 2023, of 4979 of 5790 (86%) dermatology and rheumatology homecare prescriptions were repeats. Validation of these represents a significant workload for pharmacists, whilst not optimising their clinical expertise. Aim We aimed to assess the clinical risk and patient safety concerns associated with validation of repeat homecare prescriptions by ACTs, as supported by new RPS standards. Methods (including an ethical approval statement) The ACT screened repeat prescriptions in accordance with the STH clinical validation SOP for a 6-week period, between April and May 2023. Anonymised data from all prescriptions was recorded by the ACT, including time taken, number and nature of errors identified. In this study, errors were defined as any omission or discrepancy relating to demographic, clinical or pharmaceutical information. The pharmacist undertook a blinded second validation of each repeat prescription checked by the ACT and findings were compared. The study did not require ethical approval as ACT validation was an additional step and all prescriptions were subsequently validated by the pharmacist before dispensing , meaning there was no deviation to standard practice. Results 613 prescriptions were screened, of which 529 (86.3%) were repeats. A total of 33 errors were identified on 33 prescriptions by both the ACT and the pharmacist. The same errors were flagged by both. These errors were categorised as clinical 27 (82%), demographic 3 (9%), and pharmaceutical 3 (9%). Discussion and Conclusion (including study limitations) There were no additional errors identified by the clinical pharmacist, showing there was no added benefit from a pharmacist check. The implication is for improved skill mix, more rational and effective use of staffing resources and further development of the ACT role. Freeing pharmacist time to focus on prescribing or other clinical duties could have additional benefits for patients. It should be noted that all homecare prescriptions are generated in Microsoft Word templates, meaning that the utilisation of an electronic prescribing system capable of pre-filling data into fields has the potential to reduce the instances of clerical errors. 15 of the 33 errors (45%) could be rectified by the ACT without seeking input from the prescriber. Limitations Not all prescriptions in the 6-week study period could be included due to staff availability; those flagged as clinically urgent were processed outside the project to avoid delay.

Service evaluation of the research outputs for 23/24 at a large London teaching hospital

Abstract Introduction The recent report of a UK survey of pharmacy professionals’ involvement in research1 found only small numbers of the pharmacy workforce are currently undertaking research. A number of reasons for this are identified and the report contains a list of recommendations to support the embedding of research into pharmacy careers.1 Within the pharmacy department at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) all research proposals are presented at the pharmacy research and audit group and a log is kept of department research outputs by the clinical academic research lead. The analysis of this data will provide a benchmark. For the purposes of this study, research encompasses audit, service evaluation and research studies as defined by the Health Research Authority defining research table.2 Aim To identify, over the financial year 23/24, the frequency of different types of research outputs from the pharmacy department at KCH broken down by output type, specialty and role. Methods Regular emails were sent April 23 – March 24 to remind staff to identify and share research outputs with the clinical academic research lead. Outputs received were circulated by newsletter to encourage and motivate others. The clinical academic research lead engaged with individual pharmacy teams throughout the year to encourage and support research outputs. Research output data was collected, April 23 – March 24, on an Excel spreadsheet including staff name, role, specialty, type of research output and date the output was completed. Research outputs were categorised into published articles, published abstracts, attendance at conference, abstracts presented at conference and presentations at conference or national webinar. Ethics was not required as the study is defined as a service evaluation. Results There were a total of 89 research outputs by the pharmacy department across the year. These were broken down into published articles (20), published abstracts (16), attendance at conference (24), abstracts presented at conference (26) and presentations at conference or national webinar (3). The two specialty teams who produced or took part in the most research outputs over the year were critical care (15) and liver (11). Consultants pharmacists were involved in the most research activity (32) followed closely by principal pharmacists (26), specialist pharmacists (25) and the deputy chief pharmacists (19). Pharmacy technicians, pharmacists taking part in the STEP programme and non-registered pharmacy staff scored the least in terms of research activity relative to size of staff group. Consultant pharmacists and principle pharmacists were the groups that published the most articles (8 each). Discussion and conclusion The trust implemented a new electronic patient record system during the year which may have impacted the number of research outputs. A limitation to this study is that there are likely to be unrecorded research outputs. The data broken down by specialty and role will allow the pharmacy management group and clinical academic research lead to support, engage and motivate in those areas to allow staff to have the time, skills and guidance to carry out research activities. The results can be used by other healthcare organisations to benchmark against.

Comparison of Al- and Hf-based hybrid photoresists grown by molecular layer deposition for extreme ultraviolet lithography

The continued downscaling of electronic device dimensions requires the development of high-performance resist materials for advanced lithographic patterning. In this study, we examine Al-based hybrid “alucone” thin films grown by molecular layer deposition (MLD) for application to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and compare their resist properties with those of previously studied Hf-based MLD hybrid “hafnicone.” Both alucone films presented here—standard alucone and oxygen-rich alucone—are deposited using the precursors trimethylaluminum and ethylene glycol. Using electron-beam lithography as a proxy for EUV, we demonstrate that alucone behaves as a negative-tone resist capable of resolving line widths down to ∼20 nm. It is found that the sensitivity of oxygen-rich alucone is 4800 μC/cm2 using 0.125M HCl as the developer, whereas standard alucone is somewhat less sensitive. The resolution of alucone is higher than that of hafnicone, although the sensitivity is poorer. By performing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we investigate the degradation mechanism of standard alucone and compare this mechanism to that of hafnicone. We rationalize the observed differences in resist behavior between hafnicone and alucone by considering the oxophilicity of the metal atom in the respective thin films. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between MLD film chemistry and irradiation responsiveness, which can help advance the optimization of resist materials for microelectronics fabrication.

Self-adaptive photochromism.

Organisms with active camouflage ability exhibit changeable appearance with the switching of environments. However, manmade active camouflage systems heavily rely on integrating electronic devices, which encounters problems including a complex structure, poor usability, and high cost . In the current work, we report active camouflage as an intrinsic function of materials by proposing self-adaptive photochromism (SAP). The SAP materials were fabricated using donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) as the negative photochromic phases and organic dyes as the fixed phases (nonphotochromic). Incident light with a specific wavelength induces linear-to-cyclic isomerization of DASAs, which generates an absorption gap at the wavelength and accordingly switches the color. The SAP materials are in the primary black state under dark and spontaneously switch to another color upon triggering by transmitted and reflected light in the background. SAP films and coatings were fabricated by incorporating polycaprolactone and are applicable to a wide variety of surfaces.

A review of carbon nanotube field effect transistor from structure and properties to applications

Abstract. In the pursuit of next-generation electronic devices that overweigh the limitations of traditional silicon-based technologies, Carbon Nano Tube Field Effect Transistors (CNTFETs) have garnered significant attention. Unlike conventional Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), CNTFETs utilize the exceptional properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) as the channel material, promising substantial improvements in performance, power consumption, and scalability. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of CNTFETs, delving into their fundamental structures and underlying principles. It critically examines the unique characteristics that make CNTFETs an attractive alternative, including their superior carrier mobility, reduced leakage currents, and compatibility with nanoscale fabrication techniques. This review explores the application prospects of CNTFETs, spanning from high-speed digital circuits to energy-efficient sensors and beyond. Despite their promising potential, the paper also acknowledges recent challenges associated with CNTFETs, such as challenges in material synthesis, integration with existing semiconductor processes, and cost considerations. By addressing these challenges and fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations, the widespread adoption of CNTFETs in integrated circuits could revolutionize the electronics industry, enabling the development of more efficient, powerful, and sustainable devices for the future.

Design of Ga2O3 Trench Gate MOSFET Devices with Dielectric Pillars

Abstract In this study, a β-Ga2O3 U-groove gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (UMOSFET) with a high breakdown voltage (BV) is proposed. Through TCAD simulation, both forward and reverse electrical characteristics are comprehensively investigated. The integration of traps within the current blocking layer (CBL) is suggested to enable effective current blocking. Furthermore, to optimize the BV, the introduction of oxide dielectric pillars on either side of the drift layer is implemented to enhance the potential distribution during breakdown. The forward and reverse electrical characteristics of the device at different temperatures are also investigated. Additionally, by conducting simulation optimizations of different doping concentrations in the drift layer, CBL layer thickness, and trap concentrations, notable achievements are realized, which include a high BV of 865.2 V, low threshold voltage of 2.587 V, and low specific ON-resistance of 19.2 mΩ·cm2. This study presents a novel structural design to foster the potential application and development of Ga2O3 electronic devices.

Recent advances in LDO chip research

Abstract. With the rapid development of integrated circuit technology and the wide application of Internet of things devices, the demand for power management chips is increasing. Low-dropout regulators (LDO) play an important role in modern electronic devices. It provides a stable low output voltage while maintaining low power consumption. Recently some progress has been made in the research of LDO chips, focusing on improving power efficiency, reducing static current, and enhancing transient response. The study shows that the static current has been significantly reduced by using the subthreshold MOS tube and dynamic current bias technology. In terms of power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), by improving the circuit design, the PSRR of LDO can be maintained above -80 dB under various conditions. In addition, improvements to the transient response result in significantly optimized overshoot and recovery times of the output voltage, ensuring voltage stability when the load changes rapidly. These advances enable LDO chips to meet the demanding requirements of high-performance and Internet of things device applications. Future challenges include further reducing static current, improving PSRR performance in high-frequency environments, and effectively addressing thermal management issues.

Overcurrent system suppression measures for HVDC transmission system

Abstract. LCC-HVDC technology, an essential Commutated Converter based on High Voltage Direct Current, is extensively employed in power system. However, because DC side overcurrent has the potential to seriously affect both system stability and equipment dependability, it has long been the focus of LCC-HVDC systems. This research presents an effective overcurrent suppression technique for the LCC-HVDC side overcurrent. This work first explains the damage caused by DC side overcurrent. A defect or abnormal situation in an LCC-HVDC system can result in DC side overcurrent, which can have a number of negative effects, including equipment damage, power grid instability, and system collapse. Therefore, it is imperative to address the DC side overcurrent issue in order to ensure the system's reliability and safe functioning. The overcurrent suppression method is then presented in this study. This research then presents an overcurrent suppression technique. This approach is predicated on a thorough examination of the properties of DC side pass current in conjunction with power electronic device regulation. First, the primary cause of the DC side pass current is identified by examining its source. Next, a control algorithm is created that has real-time monitoring and suppression capabilities for the DC side overcurrent. The method is able to precisely detect the overcurrent and promptly implement the necessary control measures.This study contrasts simulated trials carried out in the actual LCC-HVDC system with the conventional overcurrent suppression technique. The results show that the proposed overcurrent suppression strategy improves stability and reaction speed while effectively suppressing the DC side overcurrent. Furthermore, the method exhibits strong resilience and flexibility across a range of malfunction scenarios and operational contexts.

Microfabrication Technologies for Interaction Circuits of THz Vacuum Electronic Devices

Advances in manufacturing technology are allowing for the realization of interaction circuit with microstructures. The capability to produce small circuit structures is allowing new opportunities for vacuum electronic devices producing terahertz (THz) frequency radiation, which is impractical with traditional machining technology. This publication reviews recent progress on advanced microfabrication technologies applicable to interaction circuits of THz vacuum electronic devices, including LIGA/UV-LIGA (Ultraviolet Lithographic, Galvonoformung and Abformung), deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), micro/nano computer numerical control (CNC) milling, three-dimension (3D) printing, etc., and describes the current State-of-the-Art of their applications.

Neck pain and distance learning: A pain in the neck for university students during COVID-19

Objective The shift to online learning during COVID-19 led to increased musculoskeletal discomforts and impacted students’ quality of life. Neck pain (NP), once a minor issue, has become more prevalent due to prolonged electronic device use in new learning methods. This study aims to measure the prevalence of NP among University of Sharjah (UOS) students during the COVID-19 online learning period and to investigate the factors that provoked it. Methods This study focused on young adult students aged 17-26 and did not consider gender or athletic status due to the university’s demographics and pandemic restrictions. Demographic data, Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments, and pain management information were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 24 through univariate and bivariate methods. Results The prevalence of NP during COVID-19, among 325 UOS students was found to be 62.7%, 64.41% of which had NP at the time of doing the survey. NDI scores were found to be skewed. The median was 16% which indicates mild NP while the interquartile range was 19.11. Most participants reported experiencing posterior neck pain (38.77%), primarily attributed to prolonged sitting (81.23%). Factors such as lifting, personal care, and emotional well-being were found to have a significant impact on NDI. Participants who did not seek medical attention exhibited significantly higher levels of neck pain disability, as measured by the NDI. The median NDI score for this group was 20, with an interquartile range of 16.89 while, those who sought medical attention had a higher median NDI score of 34 with interquartile range of 22. Conclusion This study highlights the prevalence of neck pain among UOS students, emphasizing the need for postural improvements and further research on prevention strategies in the UAE.

Research on static voltage stability enhancement for new energy station based on grid-forming control strategy

The advent of novel power systems has given rise to a multitude of safety and stability concerns associated with the integration of emerging energy sources and power electronic equipment. The active support of the grid-forming control strategy represents an effective solution to the voltage and frequency stability issues associated with the weak damping and low inertia inherent to high-ratio new energy systems. Firstly, a static voltage stability index based on critical impedance is proposed for assessment of the static stability margin of a new energy grid-connected system, based on the static voltage stability theory of a traditional single-unit single-load system. Secondly, an analysis is conducted of the control principle of the grid-forming control converter and its impedance characteristics. In conclusion, a method for enhancing the static voltage stability margin of grid-connected new energy stations through parameter control of grid-forming converters is presented. The simulation verification of the single-feed and multi-feed systems demonstrates the efficacy and accuracy of the methodology presented in this study.

A Novel Capacitance Estimation Method of Modular Multilevel Converters for Motor Drives Using Recurrent Neural Networks with Long Short-Term Memory

Accurate estimation of submodule capacitance in modular multilevel converters (MMCs) is essential for optimal performance and reliability, particularly in motor drive applications such as permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. This paper presents a novel approach utilizing recurrent neural networks with long short-term memory (RNN–LSTM) to precisely estimate capacitance in MMC-based PMSM drives. By leveraging simulation data from MATLAB, the LSTM neural network is trained to predict capacitance based on voltage, current, and their temporal variations. The proposed LSTM architecture effectively captures the dynamic behavior of MMCs in PMSM drives, providing high-precision capacitance estimates. The results demonstrate significant improvements in estimation accuracy, validated through mean squared error (MSE) metrics and comparative analysis of actual versus estimated capacitance. The method’s robustness is further confirmed under varying operating conditions, highlighting its practical utility for real-time applications in power electronic systems.

The Application of Secondary Effects in Optimizing Analog Circuits

Abstract. This study delves into the application of secondary effects, specifically body effect, channel length modulation effect, and subthreshold conduction effect, in the optimization of analog integrated circuits. The research highlights the critical role these effects play in modern circuit design, especially as device dimensions continue to shrink. Through a systematic analysis, the study presents key strategies for mitigating these effects to enhance circuit performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Notably, the implementation of a transient BD scheme in partially analog-assisted D-LDOs (Digital Low Dropout Regulators) has shown a performance improvement of over 10% compared to schemes without this enhancement, while also significantly reducing total coupling. Techniques such as DIBL effect compensation have proven effective in reducing load sensitivity and power consumption. This study provide valuable insights and practical approaches for the design and optimization of high-performance, energy-efficient electronic systems, making a significant contribution to the field of integrated circuit design.

TELEMONITORING IN ONCOLOGICAL PALLIATIVE CARE: PERSPECTIVES OF PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Over the years, care during the oncology patient's journey has demonstrated benefits for physical, social, psychological and spiritual well-being. Palliative Care (PC) is offered to all patients diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, regardless of curative interventions. The focus is on the person, for whom there is always something to offer, even with active disease and limited time to live. Telecare has shown positive results when employing electronic technology in patients undergoing palliative care and with advanced cancer, improving symptom control and reducing the use of emergency rooms and hospitalizations, being a promising approach for maintaining quality of life.

Exploring challenges and enablers for community pharmacists using electronic prescriptions (Wasfaty) in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework

BackgroundTransition to electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems, such as Wasfaty, represents a significant advancement in healthcare. Introduced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health in 2019, Wasfaty aims to enhance medication availability and streamline healthcare delivery. This study explores the challenges and enablers community pharmacists face when using the Wasfaty system in Saudi Arabia. This study uses the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to analyse behavioural and contextual factors influencing pharmacists’ adoption of electronic prescriptions. TDF identifies key challenges and enablers across multiple behavioural domains, making it well-suited for understanding complex healthcare implementation processes.MethodsA qualitative study design was employed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand factors affecting Wasfaty use. Participants were purposively sampled, focusing on community pharmacists experienced with Wasfaty prescriptions. Recruitment and interviews occurred from June to August 2024. Data saturation was achieved at 18 interviews. Transcripts were coded and mapped into TDF domains to identify barriers and enablers.ResultsFive key TDF domains influenced Wasfaty use: environmental context and resources; social influences; beliefs about capabilities; social/professional role and identity; and knowledge. Challenges included high prescription volumes, medication shortages, technical difficulties, resistance from elderly patients, and inconsistent training. Some pharmacists reported inadequate training as a barrier, while others highlighted effective programs as enablers.ConclusionSignificant barriers, such as insufficient training and high prescription volumes, impede effective Wasfaty use. However, continuous training, prior experience with electronic systems, and organisational support were crucial enablers. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions can enhance e-prescription efficiency, improving patient care and outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development and supportive work environments in fostering pharmacists’ competence in electronic systems.

Analysis of the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes in medical students at a college in a countryside city of the State of São Paulo

Objectives: Smoking remains a public health issue today, despite the efforts of authorities to reduce this habit. Unfortunately, what is witnessed today is similar to what was seen around the time of the introduction of cigarettes in the 1950s, since electronic smoking devices emerged as a new interface for smoking, even presenting themselves as a way to reduce the habit. This present study conducted at a medical school aimed to highlight smoking, whether through conventional cigarettes or electronic smoking devices, among medical students and the reasons why they engage in this behavior. Methods: For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quantitative, descriptive, and statistical analysis of the data was conducted. Results and Conclusion: After analysis, it was observed that smoking initiation mostly occurred during undergraduate studies, with stress being the most commonly cited reason for this habit. It was also inferred that the majority of smokers are male, and that women have a greater intention to quit the habit.

Exploring the structural and electronic properties of N-doped Ti2C MXenes for novel applications in advanced materials and devices: A DFT study

MXenes, a category of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have attracted significant interest owing to their distinctive characteristics. This study utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) to examine the effects of nitrogen doping on the structural and electrical properties of Ti2C MXenes. N-doping induces significant alterations in the lattice structure and electronic properties, culminating in an elevated density of states at the Fermi level, indicating improved conductivity. Furthermore, optical characteristics such as reflectivity and loss function are affected by N-doping, resulting in a shift in the intensity of the reflectivity peak. The alterations provide N-doped Ti2C MXenes viable candidates for advanced applications in energy storage, catalysis, and electronic devices, facilitating future empirical and theoretical investigations in MXene-based materials.

Polymorphism in Type-II Dirac Semimetal WSi2 under Pressure: Structural, Mechanical, and Electronic Insights.

The type-II Dirac candidate semimetal WSi2 is a promising candidate for electronic devices, quantum computing, and topological materials research, owing its distinct electronic structure and superior mechanical properties. Here, we synthesized high-quality WSi2 materials and systematically investigated their compressive behavior, and structural and electronic properties under high pressure using in-situ high pressure experiments, complemented by first-principles calculations. The results confirms that WSi2 has the properties of a type-II Dirac semimetal. Our results demonstrate that WSi2 maintains structural stability under high pressure but undergoes an electronic phase transition from a semimetal to a metal around 40 GPa. Additionally, the mechanical hardness softens discontinuously at this pressure. The structural stability of WSi2 under high pressure is attributed to the strong hybridization of Si-3p and W-5d electrons, the rigid crystal lattice, and the adaptable electronic structure. The pressure-induced electronic phase transition and softening are primarily governed by the energy band reconstruction and W-5d orbitals. This study provides valuable insights into the high-pressure behavior of type-II Dirac semimetal, highlighting their potential for advanced applications in electronic devices and topological quantum computing under extreme conditions by elucidating their structural stability and electronic phase transition mechanisms.

Research Progress of Lithium Iron Phosphate in the Cathode of Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been a new candidate for various industries. Unlike other types of lead-acid batteries, LIBs have a very high energy density, power density, and nominal voltage, making them a beneficial choice of battery for many electronic devices like electric vehicles. The role of cathode material in the battery is to start the electrochemical reaction, and the rate capacity is highly dependent on the ion-diffusion rate at the cathode. This makes the cathode the most critical component in the battery. Therefore, it is essential to have excellent cathode material to perform its function. Lithium iron phosphate has always been a desirable cathode material due to its stable structure, high safety, and low cost. By choosing the appropriate material, high capacity and performance can be achieved. By modifying the material through different strategies, LFP has the potential to exceed its theoretical capacity and be applied in the broader field of the electronics industry. First, this article focuses on a comparison of different cathode materials and explains why LFP is superior. Then, it will introduce the synthesis methods, including solid-state, hydrothermal, and sol-gel methods. Finally, it will discuss ways to modify LFP, including nanostructured LFP, carbon coating, and doping. This paper aims to serve as a guide and reference for research in the battery industry.