Mobile IT Devices Research Articles

Side window buffeting: a smartphone investigation on a car trip

Movement of air over a hole or cavity typically generates sound, which can have both noisy and tonal components (cavity noise, cavity tones). Such acoustic phenomena often tend to be a nuisance, e.g. for ‘buffeting’ or ‘wind throbbing’ noise, where airflow over an open side window or sunroof in a moving vehicle can produce low-frequency, high-amplitude ‘booming’ sound signals. The present contribution provides a first description of this curious phenomenon of everyday physics at an intermediate difficulty level, comparing a simplified theoretical model based on a Helmholtz resonator with experimental data obtained by everyday mobile IT devices—namely smartphones or tablet PC. Readers thus are able to reproduce and study the buffeting frequency of a car interior, based on relatively inexpensive equipment using their own mobile devices for data acquisition and analysis.

Integration of Mobile Learning in Education: Perceptions of Prospective Teachers

M-Learning is the use of mobile and handheld IT devices for learning. It became a cheaper source of information and communication, which is now in the access of anyone, anytime and anywhere using mobile devices. This qualitative research was conducted on 21 prospective teachers from the University of Education selected through stratified and random sampling techniques to explore the awareness and perception regarding M-Learning. The semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect the data. It was got validated by experts. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study concluded that prospective teachers used mobile devices for communication, academics, recreation and social networking. M-Learning created ease in learning and improved it. It made learning flexible, gave better understanding and saved time. Lack of facilities, unethical use and traditional classroom environment were the hurdles in its implementation. Facilities needed to be provided; parents and teachers should protect the youngsters from unethical use.

Promise and reality of post-lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities

Energy density is the main property of rechargeable batteries that has driven the entire technology forward in past decades. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) now surpass other, previously competitive battery types (for example, lead–acid and nickel metal hydride) but still require extensive further improvement to, in particular, extend the operation hours of mobile IT devices and the driving mileages of all-electric vehicles. In this Review, we present a critical overview of a wide range of post-LIB materials and systems that could have a pivotal role in meeting such demands. We divide battery systems into two categories: near-term and long-term technologies. To provide a realistic and balanced perspective, we describe the operating principles and remaining issues of each post-LIB technology, and also evaluate these materials under commercial cell configurations. Post-lithium-ion batteries are reviewed with a focus on their operating principles, advantages and the challenges that they face. The volumetric energy density of each battery is examined using a commercial pouch-cell configuration to evaluate its practical significance and identify appropriate research directions.

A Mobile Based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool

Introduction:
 Mobile learning refers to the use of mobile and handheld IT devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones, laptops and tablet PC technologies, in teaching and learning. It is a new form of learning, using mobile network and tools, expanding digital learning channel, gaining educational information, educational resources and educational services anytime, anywhere. Learning a language requires explicit learning of vocabulary and language rules. This can be supported by mobile learning. An initial survey of this project showed me most foreigners consider Tigrigna language as a barrier to be involved in different local activities of Tigray Tigrigna speakers and no one is developed Tigrigna language tool before. 
 Objective: 
 To develop Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool.
 Methods: 
 This project develops a Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool to support Tigrigna Language speaking, listening and writing for foreigners in a Tigrigna’s environment. The main emphasis is to teach beginners, the basic alphabets, words and common conversation they might come across. To achieve this goal, the main effort of this project is based on three aspects: designing and delivering Tigrigna alphabets, words and conversation lessons, by integrating audio and picture for the words, alphabets and common conversations. By giving exercises for each the lessons and allowing the user to keep track of his/her profile. 
 The Tool contains three modules like Tutorial management module, Exercise Module and User Profile Module each of the modules are contained different components and functionalities it also includes a scenario-based fulfilling activities associated of learners and it encourages users to speak, listen and write in Tigrigna through the mission tasks of the project .This Tool may increase learners’ motivation to continue their Tigrigna learning. Besides, mobile devices provide the opportunity to learn Tigrigna outside the classroom and to interact directly with a genuine living environment.
 
 Results:
 This project is viewed by the institution of Tigrigina language and litrature Addiss Ababa University and they are interested on the tool. I deployed on the actual device it works exactly as expected and different beginner Tigrigna learners are using the tool.
 Conclusion:-
 I believe that Tigirigina mobile learning are personalization of learning environment, learning Experience outside the classroom, learning by recording, organizing over time, taking advantage of the benefits of an information, be more motivated, no more forced to use PC as the only Objects to have access to materials and knowledge.

Effects of target location and display position on touch performance of desktop touchscreen interface

Finger touch interface has been less popular for desktop touchscreens than for mobile IT devices, and it could be attributable to difficulties in reaching and conducting touch gestures comfortably and accurately. In the current study, performance variation of tap gesture by target location and display position was quantitatively evaluated to generate empirical data that can be used to determine proper target location and display position for improving usability of desktop touchscreen interface. Twenty one participants in three handedness groups participated in a laboratory experiment. Touch error, time to complete a single tap gesture, and a hand of choice for tap gesture were measured while conducting repetitive tap gestures on fifteen distributed targets in two positions (upright, near flat) of a 23” touchscreen display. Results found significant differences (p<0.05) in the performance measures and hand preference between target locations. Greater touch error and shorter completion time were observed from targets on the lower area of the display. To improve the usability of desktop touchscreen, it is recommended to place targets in lower areas with larger sensing area or target size. It is also recommended to determine proper target location and size depending on user’s individual handedness.

Application of a New Co-Polyimide Binder Material to Improved High-Temperature Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely used for mobile IT devices and various electric vehicles (xEVs). Especially, since large-format LIBs are operated in the severe environments like -30 or 60 oC, their electrochemical performances and safety should be secured for at least 10 years. Recently, Yoon et al. reported that the degradation was closely related to the contact loss at the electrode/current collector interface and between active material particles1. Thus, the dimensional stability of electrode should be maintained even at high temperatures.In this study, the effects of a thermally stable co-polyimide-based polymeric binder on the performance of a cathode electrode are investigated. The introduction of co-polyimide (P84) into a conventional polymeric binder system based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) enhances the cycle performance under high temperature conditions (60 oC). Because of the inherent mechanical and thermal stabilities of the co polyimide, P84 retains outstanding adhesive/cohesive strength within the electrode composite, as well as between the electrode composite and the aluminium current collector. These findings are further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscope, and studies using a Surface and Interfacial Cutting Analysis System (SAICAS®) 2.

Ownership versus on-campus use of mobile IT devices by university students

This study investigated ownership and on-campus use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, using survey information on Dutch university students. We show that 96% of students own at least one of the...

Ownership versus on-campus use of mobile IT devices by university students

This study investigated ownership and on-campus use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, using survey information on Dutch university students. We show that 96% of students own at least one of these mobile IT devices (i.e., a laptop, tablet, or smartphone). Using econometric modelling, we also show that student income, parental income, gender, immigrant parents, and household type (e.g., living with parents) have a statistically significant but small effect on mobile IT device ownership. The demand for tablets is relatively income inelastic, and the demand for laptops and smartphones extremely so. Therefore ownership rates are high for all student groups, including lower income students. However, students leave their laptops (and tablets) at home most of the time, mainly because they find it cumbersome to carry a laptop, and the vast majority of students hold the opinion that abolishing computer labs while facilitating laptop use is a bad idea, despite the didactical advantages this may have during lectures. Thus, it appears that the current high ownership rates of mobile IT devices by no means imply students' preference or support for university Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategies.

The Human Vehicle Interface System for Integrating and Managing the In-Vehicle Interactions with IT Devices

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the system to integrate and manage the in-vehicle interactions between the drivers and the in-vehicle mobile IT devices. Background: As the mobile IT technology is being used anywhere, the drivers are interacting with the mobile IT device on driving situations. The distraction of the driver's attention causes the car accidents. It is necessary to develop the HVI(Human Vehicle Interface System) to integrate and manage the in-vehicle interactions with IT devices. Method: The HVI System is designed not as the interfacing subject but as the supervising system to monitor the driver's status and support the driver to concentrate on the primary tasks. The HVI system collects the status information of the car and driver and estimate the driving workload. Results: The HVI system controls how to provide the output information based on the driving workload. We implemented the HVI system prototype and applied in the real vehicle with the HVI cell phone and the HVI car navigation system. Conclusion: Depending on the driving situations, the HVI system prevented the information output in dangerous situation and diversified the modality and the intensity of the output information. Application: We will extend the HVI system to be connected the other various IT devices and verity the effectiveness of the system through various experiments.

Design of Planar Power Inductor for DC-DC converter used in mobile IT devices

Design of Planar Power Inductor for DC-DC converter used in mobile IT devices

Cell-phone based assistance for waterworks/sewage plant maintenance

Cell-phones are now incorporating the functions necessary for them to be used as mobile IT devices. In this paper, we present our results of the evaluation of cell-phones as the mobile IT device to assist workers in industrial plants. We use waterworks and sewage plants as examples. By employing techniques to squeeze the SCADA screen on CRT into a small cell-phone LCD, we have made it easier for a plant's field workers to access the information needed for effective maintenance, regardless of location. An idea to link SCADA information and the plant facility information on the cell-phone is also presented. Should an accident or emergency situation arise, these cell-phone-based IT systems can efficiently deliver the latest plant information, thus the worker out in the field can respond to and resolve the emergency.