Device Quality Research Articles

Lexical Cohesive Devices and English Writing Quality

This mixed-methods study investigated the use of lexical cohesive devices (LCD) for 56 Arab English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in the UAE. The quantitative descriptive approach was used to find out the frequency of LCD in learners’ essays, and the quantitative correlational approach was implemented to examine the association between LCD and the writing quality. However, the qualitative descriptive approach utilized semi-structured interviews of 4 EFL teachers and 15 EFL learners to identify the challenges that they encountered regarding using LCD in essay writing. The findings demonstrated that repetition and collocations were the most frequently used LCD, while meronyms and hyponyms were the least common in participants’ essays. There was also a moderate positive correlation between cohesive density and the writing quality. The difficulties reported by the participants in dealing with LCD included themes pertaining to awareness and instruction, de-contextualization of cohesive devices (CDs) and feedback and correction.

Health Care Providers' Experiences of a Mandatory Nationwide Transition to an Adalimumab Biosimilar.

Transitioning patients to biosimilars has become common to reduce costs and improve access. However, it is unclear how the transition process impacts health care providers at the frontline of the brand change. This study explores health care providers' experiences of a mandatory brand change to an adalimumab biosimilar. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand with 164 providers involved in the nationwide adalimumab brand change. Rheumatologists (n=39), rheumatology nurses (n=16), and pharmacists (n=109) completed a survey that assessed their satisfaction with logistics and supply, information and education, support, and administrative workload and reported what did and did not go well during the transition. The mean satisfaction score (0-10) with the transition was 5.7 (SD=2.6). Providers were the least satisfied with training for the biosimilar device, information from government agencies, and administrative workload during the transition. Satisfaction with adalimumab safety, efficacy and device quality, and the availability of sharps bins, alcohol wipes, and patient support was lower following the transition. Satisfaction with administrative workload (B=0.37, P < 0.001) and training for the device (B=0.20, P = 0.020) predicted overall satisfaction. Providers reported that a poorly implemented initial authorization process, loss of a patient support program, and insufficient communication between providers complicated the transition. The citrate-free preservative and longer authorization duration after the transition were viewed positively. Providers experienced an increased workload and reported less satisfaction with the biosimilar following the transition. Experiences may be improved by ensuring training for the device, a high-quality patient support program, and functioning authorization processes throughout the transition.

Differences in the B-mode imaging quality of ultrasound devices in the mid-price segment.

A meaningful sonographic examination is decisively dependent on the B-scan quality of the ultrasound device. When selecting a suitable ultrasound device, B-scan quality should be an important purchase criterion. Although there is no generally accepted method to measure B-scan quality, we tried to evaluate comparable sonography devices from different manufacturers regarding B-scan quality. We systematically assessed the B-scan quality in ultrasound devices of seven different manufacturers from the mid-price segment. All 7 ultrasound units tested had comparable equipment features and the purchase value of approximately $20,000. We recorded video sequences and compared B-mode image quality. We used both physiological sectional images and pathological findings from abdominal ultrasound. We identified three ultrasound units that scored significantly better in measuring the B-scan quality than the other devices. The Canon Xario 200, the General Electric Logiq P7 and the Mindray DC70 (in alphabetical order) were the units that outperformed all others.The differences identified were found to be statistically significant. A subgroup analysis showed that the contrasts in quality were more pronounced in near-field examinations than in examinations with greater penetration depth. There are considerable qualitative discrepancies in B-scan ultrasound devices despite being similar in terms of equipment and price. Our findings show that these differences are statistically detectable and likely clinically relevant.

Development of 3D-Printed Bicompartmental Devices by Dual-Nozzle Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery.

Dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technique that allows for the simultaneous printing of two polymeric filaments and the design of complex geometries. Hence, hybrid formulations and structurally different sections can be combined into the same dosage form to achieve customized drug release kinetics. The objective of this study was to develop a novel bicompartmental device by dual-nozzle FDM for colon-specific drug delivery. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were selected as matrix-forming polymers of the outer pH-dependent and the inner water-soluble compartments, respectively. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was selected as the model drug. Drug-free HPMCAS and drug-loaded PVA filaments suitable for FDM were extruded, and their properties were assessed by thermal, X-ray diffraction, microscopy, and texture analysis techniques. 5-ASA (20% w/w) remained mostly crystalline in the PVA matrix. Filaments were successfully printed into bicompartmental devices combining an outer cylindrical compartment and an inner spiral-shaped compartment that communicates with the external media through an opening. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray tomography analysis were performed to guarantee the quality of the 3D-printed devices. In vitro drug release tests demonstrated a pH-responsive biphasic release pattern: a slow and sustained release period (pH values of 1.2 and 6.8) controlled by drug diffusion followed by a faster drug release phase (pH 7.4) governed by polymer relaxation/erosion. Overall, this research demonstrates the feasibility of the dual-nozzle FDM technique to obtain an innovative 3D-printed bicompartmental device for targeting 5-ASA to the colon.

Adequate UV photoemission from Ga2O3/ZnO/Ga2O3 thin film epistructures

Epistructures of Ga2O3/ZnO/Ga2O3 were grown on c-Al2O3 substrate using pulsed laser deposition route. Thickness of ZnO layer varied to form these epistructures were investigated structurally, micro-structurally and optically using respective techniques. The modification made with the epistructures are observed to change the peak position of longitudinal optical phonon plasmon (LPP) i.e. A1(LO) mode of the wurtzite ZnO. The specific mode position observed suggests the presence of optical phonon confinement, defects and impurities present at the interface of the layer with others. However the photoluminescence spectra recorded on these epistructures showed quenching of unwanted visible emissions generally observed in device quality of ZnO and gallium oxide films/crystals is interesting. Further the temperature dependent PL investigations performed on selected specimens confirmed that the donor and acceptor excitonic emissions observed are purely governed by either the electron phonon interactions or due to the lattice dilation and the electron phonon interactions both, depending on the thickness of a sandwiched layer i.e. ZnO. The results observed herewith are encouraging considering use epistructures in thin film form to fabricate UV detectors where cost, repeatability and ease of manufacturing are one of the prerequisites.

Operational Quantum Average-Case Distances

We introduce distance measures between quantum states, measurements, and channels based on their statistical distinguishability in generic experiments. Specifically, we analyze the average Total Variation Distance (TVD) between output statistics of protocols in which quantum objects are intertwined with random circuits and measured in standard basis. We show that for circuits forming approximate 4-designs, the average TVDs can be approximated by simple explicit functions of the underlying objects – the average-case distances (ACDs). We apply them to analyze the effects of noise in quantum advantage experiments and for efficient discrimination of high-dimensional states and channels without quantum memory. We argue that ACDs are better suited for assessing the quality of NISQ devices than common distance measures such as trace distance or the diamond norm.

Assessment of GNSS observations and positioning performance from non-flagship Android smartphones

Abstract Android smartphone has gained attention in precise positioning applications since it can collect raw observable GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data. Some studies have reported that the positioning accuracy may reach the sub-decimeter level. However, these studies mostly rely on a flagship Android smartphone that is made with better internal hardware, while the use of a non-flagship Android smartphone is not reported for this field. In this study, therefore, we explore non-flagship Android smartphones for positioning applications. We assessed the observable data quality and positioning performance of two non-flagship Android GNSS smartphones of a Samsung M21 and a Redmi Note 7. The data quality assessment includes satellite tracking and carrier-to-noise density ratio analysis. Also, the positioning performance was assessed for Single Point Positioning (SPP) and relative positioning methods in static and open-sky conditions. In addition, the residual properties of GNSS measurements were also evaluated. The results were further compared to the high-grade GNSS device. We found that the observable pseudorange and carrier phase measurements from Android smartphones were about 70 % and 36 % of what high-grade GNSS obtained. Furthermore, within a span of 1 h of observations, a considerable amount of cycle slips, amounting to as many as 518 instances, were noted in the observations from Android GNSS devices. While for the carrier-to-noise density ratio in Android smartphones, it was estimated to be about 15 dB-Hz lower than in high-grade GNSS devices. The spread of the residuals for pseudorange and carrier phase from Android smartphones was estimated to be about ±15 and ±6 m, respectively. The 3D positioning error for SPP was estimated to be about 4.7 m, with a position spread reaching tens of meters. At the same time, the 3D positioning error was calculated to be 4.6 m with the estimated standard error at the centimeter level when using the relative positioning method. To improve the positioning performance, applying a C/N0 mask to the observations become the best solution. The 3D positioning error for the relative positioning method reduces to 2.7 m when applying a C/N0 mask of 30 dB-Hz. The observable data quality of non-flagship Android GNSS devices possibly causes relatively poor performance of positioning applications.

Role of Oxygen in Amorphous Carbon Hard Mask Plasma Etching.

In the current and next-generation Si-based semiconductor manufacturing processes, amorphous carbon layer (ACL) hard masks are garnering considerable attention for high-aspect-ratio (HAR) etching due to their outstanding physical properties. However, a current limitation is the lack of research on the etching characteristics of ACL hard masks under plasma etching conditions. Given the significant impact of hard mask etching on device quality and performance, a deeper understanding of the etching characteristics of ACL is necessary. This study aims to investigate the role of oxygen in the etching characteristics of an ACL hard mask in a complex gas mixture plasma etching process. Our results show that a small change of oxygen concentration (3.5-6.5%) can significantly alter the etch rate and profile of the ACL hard mask. Through our comprehensive plasma diagnostics and wafer-processing results, we have also proven a detailed mechanism for the role of the oxygen gas. This research provides a solution for achieving an outstanding etch profile in ACL hard masks with sub-micron scale and emphasizes the importance of controlling the oxygen concentration to optimize the plasma conditions for the desired etching characteristics.

Design Validation and Reliability Assurance of Electronic Systems Using the Next Generation RGT Models

Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model (AAGT) is the next generation accelerated testing models used for design validation and reliability assurance of electronics systems. These models are used in design and manufacturing phases towards reliability enhancement of the system respectively. AAGT Models uses Highly Accelerated Stresses for screening of the components towards uncovering Compared to traditional qualification test methods, design flaws, latent defects, component selection problems, and manufacturing flaws can be detected fast. The procedure includes thermal dwells and quick temperature changes while subjecting the test unit to increasing degrees of stress. Dynamic stresses (Pseudo-Random Vibration covering all 6DOF systems) and a combination of thermal and dynamic PSD stresses towards quickly precipitating inherent/hidden defects quickly. These Accelerated models used to qualify modern active array radar modules like Transmit Receive Modules (TRMs) which will be in large numbers and It will be difficult and time-consuming to filter these modules individually using the traditional way. To increase the quality and dependability of electronic devices, much accelerated life tests have been extensively adopted. However, extremely accelerated life tests may only be used as a qualitative approach to assess a product's dependability; they cannot be used to quantify a product's reliability, such as MTBF/MTTF. Consequently, in order to efficiently assess the level of product reliability while improving product reliability in a timely manner. HALT/HASS uses Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model that is an effective technique used for screening of the module with in short period. This paper discuss in detail with a case study on active array modules deliberating about the test methodology, challenges faced during Using Arrhenius accelerated test models, rapid testing and assessment of these Four channel TRMs used for airborne Fire Control Radar for combat operations.

Nursing Students’ Perceptions of English Online Learning

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of fourth-semester students of the nurse study program regarding the online learning process for the English nursing course, along with the obstacles encountered and potential solutions to solve the obstacles. The questions of this study are; what are the perceptions of fourth-semester students in the nursing study program regarding the online learning process for the English nursing subject, what are the obstacles encountered in the online learning of the nursing English subject and what are the potential solutions to overcome these challenges? The research utilized a mixed-methods research method by administering questionnaires to all participants and interviewing 5 of them to collect data. The participants were selected by applying purposive sampling in choosing one out of two classes. There are 42 nursing students who actively participated in the English nursing course were chosen to become the participants of this study. The result shows that the students generally held positive perceptions of online learning in the Nursing English subject during the Covid-19 pandemic. They considered the utilization of online methods for teaching the subject to be acceptable and acknowledged the value of online learning as a viable alternative, particularly in the context of the pandemic. They also recognized that online learning had significant merits in the field of education, particularly when faced with obstacles such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Several obstacles were identified, including limitations in the interaction between teachers and students, inadequate network connectivity, the internet quota is limited due to financial aspects, substandard quality of mobile devices, minimal engagement during the lectures, causing adverse effects on students’ eye health, inadequate internal device memory, challenging in understanding the subject matter and limited monitoring of students. To address these, recommendations include: providing clear and structured materials, improving technical support, integrating interactive elements, balancing assignments with explanations, encouraging time management, creating engaging content, facilitating peer interactions, ensuring content accessibility, and establishing clear communication channels. These strategies mitigate challenges, ensuring a seamless learning experience that fosters holistic growth. In essence, this study underscores the significance of overcoming obstacles and implementing effective strategies to create a robust and supportive online learning environment for fourth-semester nursing students in the English nursing course.

A dual-parameter measuring method for wet steam based on the characteristics of differential pressure under phase-isolation state

To achieve accurate measurement of steam injection volume in the process of steam-driving heavy oil, a low-cost online metering device for wet steam flows is urgently needed. Primarily, the traditional Venturi device has a relative error due to the wet steam flow patterns. Therefore, a new physical model for wet steam measurement composed of a swirler and a Venturi was designed, based on the phase-isolation technology for multi-phase flow measurement. A theoretical explanation of the differential pressures was then proposed. Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate wet steam measurement, specifically under the condition of 10∼20 MPa. A new correlation for the steam quality and mass flow rate with the pressure drop was developed by the multiphase flow model via Eulerian. A novel wet steam dual-differential pressure measurement model was established by considering the effects of temperature and pressure, which predicts the wet steam overall mass flow rate and steam quality of the measurement device. Block P601 and Block P6 of the oilfield located in eastern China were selected as the development test area, and the differential pressure prediction was carried out for 68 different working conditions of two Wells based on the dual-parameter measurement model, which was then calibrated. The experimental fieldwork on Block P601 demonstrated that the feasibility of the dual-parameter measuring method was verified, with relative deviations of ±7% between the predicted and experimental values of differential pressure. After calibration of the measurement model, the predicted values were compared with the experimental values, yielding relative deviations of ±3.5% and ±5% for mass flow rate and steam mass measured online for wet steam, with Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) of 1.73% and 2.21%. Thus, the dual-parameter measuring method has a certain engineering significance for the steam injection technology of heavy oil in oilfields.

Evaluating change in a pressured healthcare system: a cross-sectional study of implementation outcomes using routine data indicators and proxies

BackgroundImplementation evaluation should focus on implementation success, guided by theories and frameworks. With high staff vacancies in the health services, it is important to consider pragmatic methods of data collection for implementation evaluation. This paper presents a cross-sectional rapid evaluation of a handheld medical device designed for remote examinations, piloted in Northern England. By using downloaded device data and administrative records mapped to domains from the implementation outcomes framework, this evaluation offers a pragmatic example of assessing implementation success.MethodsThe pilot design was pragmatic: sites volunteered, decided which services to use the device in, and launched when ready. The pilot and evaluation together lasted 1 year. Data was downloaded from the devices, and administrative records for the pilot accessed. Variables were mapped to five of the implementation outcomes, after reviewing with the device manufacturer and pilot team to assess robustness.ResultsN=352 care episodes were recorded using the device with 223 patients. Out of 19 sites ‘signed up’ to the pilot, 5 launched and delivered 10 of 35 proposed projects: a site and project adoption rate of 26 and 29%, respectively. Six sites signed up to an extension period; three had launched and three had not during the original timelines, indicating some sustainability. Feasibility was high, with only one in seven care episodes needing to be repeated due to poor device quality or error (sound/audio/internet). Fidelity of device usage was low for two of the eight available device examinations. Device and staffing costs were high but potential cost savings were attributable to fewer in-person appointments.ConclusionsThrough using device and administrative data, this evaluation minimised burden on busy healthcare staff yet was still guided by an evaluation framework. Five out of the eight implementation outcomes were measured, including sustainability and costs. The findings give insight into implementation challenges, particularly around adoption. For future research, it is recommended to engage with staff to prioritise outcome measurements and to focus on meaningful interpretation of indicators.

Privacy‐preserving model splitting and quality‐aware device association for federated edge learning

AbstractFederated edge learning (FEEL) provides a promising device‐edge collaborative learning paradigm, which enables edge devices to parallel participate in model co‐creation while preserving user privacy, opening countless opportunities to enable edge intelligence. With the growing demand for intelligent services, extensive FEEL deployment is inevitable. Nevertheless, existing FL schemes neglect two unique features (i.e., resource heterogeneity and data heterogeneity) in real‐world edge learning and thus may negatively affect the training efficiency and accuracy. Specifically, (1) heterogeneous and limited device resources cause massive laggards, which bring intolerable training delay; (2) heterogeneous data distribution causes device quality divergence, bringing severe training accuracy degradation. This article proposes a split‐based FEEL framework and an adaptive model splitting and quality‐aware device association scheme (MSDA) to tackle the aforementioned challenges. MSDA contains two levels: at the model splitting level, according to device capability and model structure, an adaptive splitting mechanism is proposed to provide a low‐latency and privacy‐preserving model splitting strategy for each device and guide subsequent device association. At the device association level, each device is simulated as a player with a quality weight in the potential game. Then a quality‐aware decentralized device association mechanism is designed to ensure that more high‐quality devices upload local updates before the deadline with the help of the edge server. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that MSDA yields significant improvements, achieving up to 3.1 training speedup and 39% accuracy improvement compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods.

Bipolar charge transport and contact phenomena in Al2O3

The device quality amorphous alumina films (Al2O3) deposited in an industrial batch tool on different metal and semiconductor substrates were investigated and simulated. To describe the charge injection at an interface, the modified Lundstrom-Svensson approach was used. Metal-insulator-semiconductor structures having metal electrodes with large work function differences were characterized to reveal bulk conductivity mechanisms. Experimental results showed that the conductivity in a-Al2O3 films is limited by both bulk and interface conditions. Electrons and holes are involved in the charge transport. The charge transport in Al2O3 is satisfactorily described by the multiphonon mechanism of electron and hole trap ionization with thermal WT = 1.5 eV and optical WOPT = 3.0 eV trap ionization energies, respectively.

Charge pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance of silicon carbide power transistors

Silicon carbide (SiC) power devices are becoming central components in high voltage electronics. However, defects at interfaces and in the bulk continue to severely impact their reliability and performance. Here, we develop a charge pumping method to characterize SiC/SiO2 interface defects in fully fabricated commercial SiC power metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The method is then used to address spin states at the SiC/SiO2 interface via charge pumping electrically detected magnetic resonance (CP-EDMR). We apply these methods to investigate the power MOSFET after electron irradiation over a dose range of 1013−1017 cm−2. We finally discuss CP-EDMR as a technique to interrogate spins during device operation for real-time monitoring of the device quality, performance, and degradation and as a probe for local magnetic fields.

Medical device regulation and oversight in African countries: a scoping review of literature and development of a conceptual framework

Regulatory and other governance arrangements influence the introduction of medical devices into health systems and are essential for ensuring their effective and safe use. Challenges with medical device safety, quality...

Skill Enhancement Through Electronics Installation and Maintenance Training For Forum Jamaah Mushola Al-Hidayah Members

At present, electronic equipment is one of the most important means for the smooth implementation of worship. One of them is a sound system, which is very commonly used during events such as recitations, sermons, and other religious activities. Over time, the influence of environmental factors, usage age, poor installation, and poor maintenance can cause the quality of electronic devices to decrease and even the components to deteriorate quickly. This is generally due to improper installation, poor operation, or poor maintenance. This service is planned to partner with the Jamaah Forum and Takmir Musala Al Hidayah in Kragilan Hamlet, Sidoluhur, Godean, where there is a problem with the lack of an optimal indoor sound system in the prayer room. The solutions offered to overcome these problems are development, installation, and operational training, as well as maintenance of indoor prayer sound systems and procurement of portable sound systems. The output targets of this program are publications in scientific forums and mass media, videos of community service activities, and the transfer of technology applications to partners. In order for the service objectives to be achieved, the service team uses several stages, namely the initial stage in the form of analyzing the needs of partners by discussing with them, preparing service proposals, the program implementation stage, making publication outputs and final reports, and the evaluation stage of service activities. All of the series of service activities have been carried out according to plan and are running well. Members of the Al Hidayah Jamaah forum participated in the activity, which was training for electronics installation and maintenance. At the end of the activity, a partner satisfaction survey was conducted with satisfactory results.

Explored the Function of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of Medical Devices from the Perspective of Test

To improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) quality of medical devices, improve the efficiency of EMC testing, and promote the speed of market approval. The unqualified cases of EMC test items of medical devices in recent years were statistically analyzed, and the reasons of low EMC quality of medical devices were analyzed from the perspective of test. Based on the analysis of the reasons, the suggestions were given from the perspectives of medical device manufacturers and testing organizations. In order to ensure the quality of EMC of medical devices, medical device manufacturers, regulatory authorities and inspection and testing institutions should strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of medical device electromagnetic compatibility, to ensure the safety of products work together to promote the development of the medical device industry healthily and orderly.

Applied artificial intelligence: Acceptance-intention-purchase and satisfaction on smartwatch usage in a Ghanaian context

Technology and its continuous advancement facilitate human beings to get rid of their criticality and limitation. Applied artificial intelligence (AAI) is one of the latest forms that delimited the limitation of human beings. Smartwatch acts as an applied artificial intelligence to assist various patients to check medical care without going to hospital and physicians. This (three) multiple-study research focused on the intention to use, purchase, and their satisfaction and spread positive word of mouth among others in the Ghanaian. To investigate these issues two renowned theories were underpinned- TAM theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S–O-R). Total 550, 320, and 170 respondents were interviewed with Google forms due to COVID-19 using social media. AI-enabled smartwatch considering Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Credibility (PC), Perceived Self-Efficacy (PSE), and Perceived Financial Cost (PFC) were significant on intention to adoption and adoption intention on actual purchase. The final study showed device quality, its service level, their usage experience, perceived value, and the extent to which the satisfied customers made positive word of mouth to their friends and family, colleagues and followers. This research is significant in understanding the usage of AI-enabled smartwatches as a device doctor or electronic doctor (e-doctor).

A Pneumatic Low-Pass Filter for High-Fidelity Cuff-Based Pulse Waveform Acquisition.

Cuff-based pulse waveform acquisition (CBPWA) devices are reliable solutions for non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostics. However, poor signal resolution has limited clinical applications. This study aims to demonstrate the improved signal quality of CBPWA devices by implementing passive pneumatic low-pass filters (pLPF). Conventionally, pressure sensor output resolution is a percentage of the operating range. Therefore, measurement of small pressure changes in a large range must sacrifice signal resolution to accommodate for the large mean pressures. We design a pLPF to obtain the running mean pressure and combine it with a high-resolution differential pressure sensor for isolating the signal's pulsatile component. Thirty-one volunteers participated in a device proof-of-concept study at Caltech. Volunteers were measured at rest in the supine position on the left arm. The filtering behavior is mathematically modeled and experimentally verified, showing good agreement between measured and predicted cutoff frequencies. In the human study, the device successfully captured high-fidelity pulse waveform measurements for all volunteers: a blood pressure (BP) reading was followed by inflate-and-hold acquisition in diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and supra systolic BP (sSBP). The study demonstrated the reliability and high signal resolution of pLPF for CBPWA. Considering the widespread use of the brachial cuff, a system for high-resolution CBPWA motivates the clinical implementation of non-invasive pulse waveform analysis (PWA).