Information Technology Devices Research Articles

Improving care pathways through BPM and telemedicine: an Italian study

PurposeThe future increase of chronic diseases in the world requires new challenges in the health domain to improve patients' care from the point of view of the organizational processes, clinical pathways and technological solutions of digital health. For this reason, the present paper aims to focus on the study and application of well-known clinical practices and efficient organizational approaches through an innovative model (TALIsMAn) to support new care process redesign and digitalization for chronic patients.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to specific clinical models employed to manage chronic conditions such as the Population Health Management and Chronic Care Model, we introduce a Business Process Management methodology implementation supported by a set of e-health technologies, in order to manage Care Pathways (CPs) digitalization and procedures improvement.FindingsThis study shows that telemedicine services with advanced devices and technologies are not enough to provide significant changes in the healthcare sector if other key aspects such as health processes, organizational systems, interactions between actors and responsibilities are not considered and improved. Therefore, new clinical models and organizational approaches are necessary together with a deep technological change, otherwise, theoretical benefits given by telemedicine services, which often employ advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and devices, may not be translated into effective enhancements. They are obtained not only through the implementation of single telemedicine services, but integrating them in a wider digital ecosystem, where clinicians are supported in different clinical steps they have to perform.Originality/valueThe present work defines a novel methodological framework based on organizational, clinical and technological innovation, in order to redesign the territorial care for people with chronic diseases. This innovative ecosystem applied in the Italian research project TALIsMAn is based on the concept of a continuum of care and digitalization of CPs supported by Business Process Management System and telemedicine services. The main goal is to organize the different socio-medical activities in a unique and integrated IT system that should be sustainable, scalable and replicable.

Electrical engineering of topological magnetism in two-dimensional heterobilayers

The emergence of topological magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials and their heterostructures is an essential ingredient for next-generation information technology devices. Here, we demonstrate the all-electric switching of the topological nature of individual magnetic objects emerging in 2D vdW heterobilayers. We show from the first principles that an external electric field modifies the vdW gap between CrTe2 and (Rh, Ti)Te2 layers and alters the underlying magnetic interactions. This enables switching between ferromagnetic skyrmions and meron pairs in the CrTe2/RhTe2 heterobilayer while it enhances the stability of frustrated antiferromagnetic merons in the CrTe2/TiTe2 heterobilayer. We envision that the electrical engineering of distinct topological magnetic solitons in a single device could pave the way for novel energy-efficient mechanisms to store and transmit information with applications in spintronics.

BDPM: A secure batch dynamic password management scheme in industrial internet environments

The rapid development of Industrial Internet has promoted the deep integration of Information Technology (IT) and Industrial Control (IC), so that network attacks have gradually invaded IC zone. Password security is the first line of defense to ensure the security of IC devices. In this paper, we propose a secure Batch Dynamic Password Management (BDPM) scheme in Industrial Internet environments. Aiming to automatically configure strong passwords for IC devices, our scheme can achieve a batch password generation algorithm based on SM3 Cryptographic Hash Algorithm, which encrypts the input string and then intercepts and replaces the hash value to ensure the uniqueness and crack resistance of passwords. Moreover, we continuously monitor the status of vulnerable IT devices through a zero trust anomaly monitoring mechanism and introduce a password updating mechanism for relevant IC devices, which is triggered by sending an alarm to IC devices that have interaction rights with the compromised IT device. Subsequently, we construct a resilient blockchain called PS_chain and execute two different password storage schemes based on the threshold of password updates to ensure storage security and reduce the load on block storage. The security analysis shows that our scheme can defend against the threat model and can comprehensively improve the security of IC device passwords. The simulation results show that our scheme can enhance the strength of IC device passwords while securely storing IC device passwords in a low-load manner.

Design and Development of an Integrated Virtual-Reality Training Simulation Sand Table for Rail Systems

With the rapid development of the economy, it is imperative to improve the quality of training for operational and managerial talents in the railway industry. To address issues such as efficiency, safety, and cost in railway industry practical training, it is crucial to establish a more comprehensive and efficient high-value virtual–real integration simulation experimental training resource. Therefore, this paper takes the actual work process as the core driving force, utilizes advanced information technology and intelligent devices, and is based on the comprehensive training platform for automatic control of physical trains combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipment. It achieves the integration of hardware and software construction to design and develop a comprehensive simulation training sand table system that incorporates functions such as training, demonstration, testing, and experiments. This system builds an integrated platform for training simulation functions, capable of simulating a railway centralized traffic control system, enabling railway dispatching simulation, driving simulation, and inspection simulation experiences. Additionally, it designs experimental processes at three levels: cognition, practical operation, and enhancement, tailored to the needs of talent development. The rail transportation training simulation sand table effectively reduces training costs and enhances the practical ability training quality of railway operation management personnel, meeting the requirements for talent development in the railway and related industries under new circumstances.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND STUDENTS’ HEALTHCARE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN EDO STATE

The global outbreak of Covid-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 altered how information and communication technology platforms and devices were used. Virtual learning was incorporated into traditional classrooms by schools, digital marketing platforms were purchased by marketers, online transactions increased in financial services, online ticketing was purchased by transportation companies, and so forth. People adopted digital technology as a way of life as a result of this. Most locals became heavy users as a result. Has this had a negative impact on Edo State citizens' access to healthcare in the post-COVID-19 era? The goal of this study is to determine whether digital technologies have any detrimental effects on students' access to healthcare in Edo State's institutions of higher learning. Three research questions and hypotheses were presented and developed to direct this investigation, and the survey research methodology was chosen. For this study, 900 respondents were chosen using the basic random sample approach. The Digital Technology and Healthcare Questionnaire is the tool used to gather data (DTFHQ). At the 0.05 level of significance, the hypotheses were tested using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was shown that students' health in postsecondary institutions is significantly impacted by their usage of ICT technologies. It is advised that the usage of ICT tools in many spheres of life be moderated in light of these findings. Furthermore, it is advised that medical professionals and home managers conduct an awareness training regarding the potential health risks associated with the use of ICT technologies.

Digital Forensics in Modern Society: Exploring Investigations of Computer Crimes in the Context of the Russian Federation's Criminal Code

In this work, the authors raise the issue of the need to use and improve digital forensics methods in the investigation of various types of computer crimes. The goals and features of digital forensics are considered, as well as special operational-search activities are identified that are related to the specifics technical equipment and are necessary when investigating computer crimes. Almost every science has developed its own understanding of information and studied its various forms and aspects. In the 20th century, a new type of information appeared - information circulating in computers, and subsequently, in other information technology devices. However despite the fact that more than 7 decades have passed since the appearance of the first computer (we believe that the first computer can be considered the British Colossus, launched in 1943), and from the theoretical justification of developments in the field of computers and computer information even more time (the theory was laid down by Charles Babbage in 1830), even a generally accepted term that reflects the essence of this information, as well as a universal approach to the interpretation of the category under consideration. The life of modern society is difficult to imagine without the use of computer equipment, smartphones, tablets, as well as provided such devices for accessing the virtual space of the Internet, social networks, online stores, services provided remotely. However, all the advantages and advantages of the era of widespread digitalization are accompanied by the emergence of criminal activity in this new environment of human existence. This, in turn, causes the need for active research into its specifics and use of the results obtained in law enforcement. Recently it has become quite firmly established and developed as a relatively independent, but organically closely related, based and inseparable from the science of criminology, a direction called digital forensics.

Benefit of Incorporating Technology in Special Education

The objective of this study is the application of technology in the process of learning by students with special needs. The author argued that the integration of information technology and various technological device help in enhancing learning outcome and social skills of students with disabilities., whether in the educational process or in socialization. The research methods used are of the combined type: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative methods are part of the empirical research that involves parents, support teachers, school management, and representatives of associations of persons with disabilities. On the other hand, the qualitative method was employed to the focus group with 6 participants, with disabilities and a support teacher, where the discussion was assisted by the support teacher.

In-Depth Steel Crack Analysis Using Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) with Machine Learning-Based Image Processing Techniques and Evaluating PAI-Based Internal Steel Crack Feasibility

Steel plays an indispensable role in our daily lives, permeating various products ranging from essential commodities and recreational gears to information technology devices and general household items. The meticulous evaluation of steel defects holds paramount importance to ensure the secure and dependable operation of the end products. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) emerges as a promising modality for structural inspection in the realm of health monitoring applications. This study incorporates PAI experimentation to generate an image dataset and employs machine learning techniques to estimate the length and width of surface cracks. Furthermore, the research delves into the feasibility assessment of employing PAI to investigate internal cracks within a steel sample through a numerical simulation-based study. The study’s findings underscore the efficacy of the PAI in achieving precise surface crack detection, with an acceptable root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.63 ± 0.03. The simulation results undergo statistical analysis techniques, including the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, to discern disparities between pristine samples and those featuring internal cracks at different locations. The results discern statistically significant distinctions in the simulated acoustic responses for samples with internal cracks of varying sizes at identical/different locations (p < 0.001). These results validate the capability of the proposed technique to differentiate between internal crack sizes and positions, establishing it as a viable method for internal crack detection in steel.

The Originality of Digital Evidence and the Retention of Seized Digital Devices by Law Enforcement Officers in South Africa

Information and communication technology (ICT) devices, including mobile phones, laptops, computers and data storage mediums, such as memory sticks, are being seized daily by law enforcement agents. These devices are seized for different reasons in terms of the provisions of sections 21 to 23 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and now, in terms of the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020. The seizure and extended retention of such devices by law enforcement can have a devastating impact on businesses and individuals. In virtually all cases, the main objective of seizing an ICT device is to secure its data for purposes of investigation and the collection of evidence. This excludes, inter alia, cases where a device contains contraband and cannot be handed back to the suspect or in a case where circumstances justify forfeiture to the state. This article is limited to cases where the physical device has no evidential value. It is contended that the content of the evidential data and the requirement of originality on an ICT device is met by scientifically created forensic duplicates of the data, which negate law enforcement from unnecessary seizure and retaining the original device. The authors contend that ICT devices should only be seized in situations where a forensic duplicate of the evidential data cannot be created on the scene and, if seized, the evidential data should be forensically duplicated, and the original device returned within a pre-determined period. An extension of the pre-determined period should only be granted by a magistrate upon application. It is recommended that the subject be researched further, to arrive at a reasonable, pre-determined period, and that the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 be amended accordingly.

Utilization of Information Technology for Communication and Learning for Students with Hearing Impairments

Information technology (IT) is important to meet the needs of students with hearing disabilities in Indonesian special schools. The purpose of this study is to analyze the use and opinion of IT for communication and learning of students with hearing impairment in hearing impairment schools. IT in this study includes information devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets. This study used a stratified random sampling method to register the participants. Data were collected from 56 students with hearing loss using a self-administered questionnaire. The results found that most of these students knew about chat applications, for example, Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and face-to-face conversation applications. Furthermore, most of these students contact people with hearing problems by sending messages via Facebook, Line apps, and face-to-face. The main reason why they use IT is for convenience and general conversation. A study of opinions on the use of IT by students with hearing impairment found that most of them agreed that IT devices contributed to their participation in various activities, including conversations with their relatives and friends on social networks.

The Art of Healthy Neurophilocommunication

Communication in the digital age has been transformed into more complicated ways due to various mediums and platforms based on information technology and digital devices. The digital age has brought about complex changes to communication through the use of technology and digital devices. It has more threats as well as benefits and innovations. In the meantime, many people who engaged in communication don’t fully take advantages but fall into miscommunication due to lack of digital literacy. In particular, in the field of health services, the threats of digital communication would make people, for instances the patients, in danger. While it offers benefits and innovations, it also brings new threats, particularly in the field of healthcare where miscommunication can harm patients mentally and physically. The miscommunication, misunderstanding etc. would harm their health mentally and physically. To address these issues, it is crucial to explore and analyze communication from multiple perspectives using scientific approaches. Hence, thinking and research on communication is extremely important. Various scientific approaches should be applied to analyze and sharpen communication in multiple perspectives. This manuscript discusses soft-skills of communication in the field of health issues of the digital era. This study is an attempt to invent the theoretical foundation of the ways in communication throughout analytical and philosophical approaches. It is Neurophilocommunication (NPC) that comprise of thoughts in communication that could be applied in the field of health issues on digital base and platforms.This study proposes NPC, a concept combining communication and neuroscience to enhance communication in healthcare in the digital era. The goal is to establish a theoretical foundation for effective communication and to improve the health outcomes of patients.

Exploring the Impact of CPS-Based Robot-Assisted Teaching in STEM Education: Enhancing Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

Cyber-physical systems (CPS), along with information technology devices such as portable devices and robots, materials including knowledge contents, and Internet resources, can be integrated into curricula to guide learners in observing and experiencing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) knowledge and skills. This integration provides opportunities for learners to cultivate their abilities to design creative works. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a robot-assisted teaching and learning system in STEM education on learners’ academic knowledge, skills, and attitudes. To achieve this objective, an experimental design was employed, with 30 college students assigned to learn and create a Drawdio electronic sound synthesizer using robot teachers and tablet computers. Pre- and post-tests were administered to measure students’ academic achievement in STEM, and a survey was conducted to assess their attitudes toward STEM. The findings of the study indicate that the combination of robot teachers and tablet computers served as a supplementary learning resource within the learning environment. It accelerated knowledge acquisition, expanded hands-on experiences, and improved engagement and motivation among the learners. These results suggest that robot-assisted teaching and learning systems have the potential to enhance learning outcomes and attitudes among students. However, it is important to note that human teachers still outperformed robot teachers in certain aspects, particularly in higher levels of knowledge acquisition according to Bloom’s taxonomy. Therefore, this study suggests the adoption of a collaborative model involving both robot and human teachers to effectively promote STEM education in the classroom.

A validation study for wide-range remote assessment of cognitive functions in the healthy older Japanese population: a pilot randomised crossover trial

BackgroundThe assessment of a wide range of cognitive functions using video teleconference (VTC) systems cannot be applied in practice yet. We aimed to determine the feasibility and reliability of previously unvalidated remote cognitive function tests in Japan using common information and communication technology (ICT) devices, software, and VTC systems compared with face-to-face (FTF) assessment.MethodsThe sample consisted of 26 participants from senior citizens clubs and an employment service centre in Sapporo Japan, including 11 females and 15 males (age averaged 78.6 ± 6.8 years). Tests included the RCPM, Story recall, 10/36 spatial recall, selective reminding test, SDMT, PASAT, FAB, TMT-A, TMT-B, visual cancellation task, digit span, tapping span. The experimental design was a counterbalanced crossover randomised controlled trial. Intraclass correlations (ICCs), paired-samples t-tests, Cohen’s Kappa (κ) coefficients, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were calculated to compare the scores between VTC and FTF assessments.ResultsAll ICCs were significant and ranged from 0.47 (RCPM time) to 0.92 (RCPM score and PASAT), with a mean ICC of 0.75. Digit span using Cohen’s Kappa (κ) coefficient was significant, but the tapping span was not. Paired samples t-test showed statistically significant differences in SDMT, RCPM time, and cancellation time.ConclusionsThe results suggest that remote video conference-based neuropsychological tests even using familiar devices and software may be able to assess a wide range of cognitive functions in the Japanese older population. As for the processing speed tasks, we need to create our own standards for the remote condition. For the tapping span, we should consider increasing the number of trials.

Learners’ attitudes towards project works in enhancing English autonomous learning: A case study at Foreign Trade University - Ho Chi Minh City Campus

This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to investigate students’ attitudes towards the use of project works to enhance their autonomous learning in an English speaking class; (2) to find out to what extent students believe that using project works can promote their autonomous learning; and (3) to figure out difficulties that learners have during the time they conduct Video making projects. The study population was 73 second-year students who took the course of English listening and speaking 2. An open-ended questionnaire and 25 semi-structured interviews were employed as research instruments for data collection. The result firstly shows that the students have positive attitudes towards the use of project works in English classes that may have enhanced their autonomous learning. Then, it reveals students’ preference in having more project works to do in their English classes. Nonetheless, using project works’ evaluation as one of criteria for course assessment is a controversial issue among these students. In addition, students’ interest in utilizing information technology devices is remarked as one of the significant findings in this study. Furthermore, some difficulties when conducting projects are found including time constraints, teamwork conflicts, cultural differences and problems with technology. Because of students’ positive attitudes towards Video making project in enhancing their autonomous learning, it is suggested that teachers should consider applying the projects in their language teaching.

Autonomy support encourages use of more-affected arm post-stroke

BackgroundAutonomy support, which involves providing individuals the ability to control their own behavior, is associated with improved motor control and learning in various populations in clinical and non-clinical settings. This study aimed to investigate whether autonomy support combined with an information technology (IT) device facilitated success in using the more-affected arm during training in individuals with stroke. Consequently, we examined whether increased success influenced the use of the more-affected arm in mild to moderate subacute to chronic stroke survivors.MethodsTwenty-six participants with stroke were assigned to the autonomy support or control groups. Over a 5-week period, training and test sessions were conducted using the Individualized Motivation Enhancement System (IMES), a device developed specifically for this study. In the autonomy support group, participants were able to adjust the task difficulty parameter, which controlled the time limit for reaching targets. The control group did not receive this option. The evaluation of the more-affected arm's use, performance, and impairment was conducted through clinical tests and the IMES. These data were then analyzed using mixed-effect models.ResultsIn the IMES test, both groups showed a significant improvement in performance (p < 0.0001) after the training period, without any significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). However only the autonomy support group demonstrated a significant increase in the use of the more-affected arm following the training (p < 0.001). Additionally, during the training period, the autonomy support group showed a significant increase in successful experiences with using the more-affected arm (p < 0.0001), while the control group did not exhibit the same level of improvement (p > 0.05). Also, in the autonomy support group, the increase in the use of the more-affected arm was associated with the increase in the successful experience significantly (p = 0.007).ConclusionsCombining autonomy support with an IT device is a practical approach for enhancing performance and promoting the use of the more-affected upper extremity post-stroke. Autonomy support facilitates the successful use of the more-affected arm, thereby increasing awareness of the training goal of maximizing its use.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0008117; January 13, 2023; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/23875).

노년기 기술수용에 관한 국내 연구 동향: 2000~2020년

The purpose of this study is to investigate the research trends in the field of technology acceptance of older adults and present&#x0D; a review. To this end, this review followed PRISMA guidelines and analyzed 119 dissertations and journal articles published in South Korea&#x0D; from 2000 to 2020. First, as a result of summarizing quantitative trends in the publications, the number of published articles concerning&#x0D; technology acceptance of older adults was very small before 2012, but gradually increased since 2012. Specific research topics were classified&#x0D; into ① the use of information technology and digital devices, ② digital literacy and information gaps, ③ physical and psychological health, ④ support services and facilities for older adults, and ⑤ others. Second, as a result of conducting content analysis, most of the studies&#x0D; dealt with mobile phones or smartphones when it comes to the type of technology. In the case of the studies based on technology acceptance&#x0D; models, most of them adopted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Higher level of education and self-efficacy were one of the motivators&#x0D; to promote technology acceptance among older adults, while old age and higher level of technology anxiety were identified as barriers.&#x0D; Based on these results, the present study synthesized the discussions and proposed suggestions for future research. Additionally, after reviewing&#x0D; the existing literature, we proposed the Technology-Based Active Aging Enhancing Model (T-BAEM)

Amplification and Dynamic Control of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Poly (vinyl Alcohol)/CdSe@CdS Nanorod Assembly Twisted‐Stacking Hetero‐Structures

AbstractChiroptical materials with strong and switchable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties have gained considerable interest due to their feasible applications in optoelectronic devices, sensing, and information encryption. However, in most cases, their luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) and figure of merit (FOM) values remain very low. Herein, a novel heterogeneous twisted‐stacking structure is proposed, which endows with strong CPL amplification (a maximum of ≈15‐fold enhancement) over traditional homogeneous structures and a high FOM value up to 0.11. Interestingly, their CPL performance (including the sign, magnitude, and spectral position) and the FOM values can be precisely manipulated or even inversed by simply uniaxial stretching, since the phase retardation of the anisotropic poly (vinyl alcohol) layer can be controlled. Moreover, by combining with the viologen gel electrochromic system, the in situ voltage‐driven switching and patterning of the CPL signal can be successfully achieved, with low operation voltage and good cycling stability. This study provides a creative strategy for fabricating strong and electrical switchable CPL‐active materials, which promise new opportunities in miniaturized smart electrochiroptical devices for future information technology.

Change and challenge: An online course in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The development of information technology and portable devices has sparked a revolution in the field of education, facilitating access to diverse educational resources and lifelong learning. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition from face-to-face to distance teaching, which requires online education to be provided worldwide. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are key basic medical courses in laboratory-based science that cover complicated theories and applications. The balance between traditional and online courses, and the effectiveness of online courses, are fundamental to the teaching quality of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In this study, we explored the concepts, designs, and practices of a new blended online course and identified potential challenges. We hope that our experiences will provide new ideas for online teaching and promote teaching reform and the development of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology education.

Isometric Arm Forces Exerted by Females at Different Levels of Physical Comfort and Their EEG Signatures.

A variety of subjective measures have traditionally been used to assess the perception of physical exertion at work and related body responses. However, the current understanding of physical comfort experienced at work is very limited. The main objective of this study was first to investigate the magnitude of isometric arm forces exerted by females at different levels of physical comfort measured on a new comfort scale and, second, to assess their corresponding neural signatures expressed in terms of power spectral density (PSD). The study assessed PSDs of four major electroencephalography (EEG) frequency bands, focusing on the brain regions controlling motor and perceptual processing. The results showed statistically significant differences in exerted arm forces and the rate of perceived exertion at the various levels of comfort. Significant differences in power spectrum density at different physical comfort levels were found for the beta EEG band. Such knowledge can be useful in incorporating female users' force requirements in the design of consumer products, including tablets, laptops, and other hand-held information technology devices, as well as various industrial processes and work systems.

Fe-intercalated Fe3GeTe2: Potential quasi-van der Waals magnets

In recent years, with the fast development of magnetic devices for information technology, the demands of magnetic thin films with both high functional stability and integration flexibility rapidly increase. It is believed that building a magnet with complementary advantages of van der Waals (vdW) and non-vdW magnets, which can be described as a “quasi-vdW magnet,” will be highly appreciated. One may expect a quasi-vdW magnet to have chemical bonding between the neighboring sublayers for strong magnetic coupling, but to preserve clean surfaces with vdW feature for flexible interface engineering. For this purpose, an intercalation of magnetic atoms into the interlayer gaps of vdW magnets, as a powerful method for tuning the interlayer coupling, can be a practical approach. In this work, using the first-principles calculations, we study the potential to utilize the Fe-intercalation to transform the vdW magnets Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) into quasi-vdW magnets. As two extreme cases, it is revealed that: (i) the Fe-intercalated FGT bilayer Fe-[Fe3GeTe2]2 (Fe-[FGT]2) does have remarkable interlayer ferromagnetic coupling based on covalent bonding between the intercalated Fe atom and FGT monolayers and retains low exfoliation energy with vdW feature, suggesting that the Fe-[FGT]2 bilayer can be regarded as a quasi-vdW magnet; and (ii) the Fe-intercalation can transform the vdW FGT bulk into a non-vdW Fe-Fe3GeTe2 (Fe-FGT) bulk magnet. Accordingly, as for the intermediate cases, it is suggested that Fe-intercalated FGT multilayers (Fen−1-[FGT]n, n &amp;gt; 2) can also be potential quasi-vdW magnets, forming a family of magnetic thin films that provide alternative building blocks for microminiaturized magnetic devices.