Types Of Devices Research Articles

Superconducting flux qubit with ferromagnetic Josephson π-junction operating at zero magnetic field

Conventional superconducting flux qubits require the application of a precisely tuned magnetic field to set the operation point at half a flux quantum through the qubit loop, which complicates the on-chip integration of this type of device. It has been proposed that by inducing a π-phase shift in the superconducting order parameter using a precisely controlled nanoscale-thickness superconductor/ferromagnet/superconductor Josephson junction, commonly referred to as π-junction, it is possible to realize a flux qubit operating at zero magnetic flux. Here, we report the realization of a zero-flux-biased flux qubit based on three NbN/AlN/NbN Josephson junctions and a NbN/PdNi/NbN ferromagnetic π-junction. The qubit lifetime is in the microsecond range, which we argue is limited by quasiparticle excitations in the metallic ferromagnet layer. Our results pave the way for developing quantum coherent devices, including qubits and sensors, that utilize the interplay between ferromagnetism and superconductivity.

Temperature dependence of the low-frequency noise in AlGaN/GaN fin field effect transistors

Low-frequency (LF) noise measurements are compared for Schottky-gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure planar and fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) as functions of gate voltage and measuring temperature. The noise of each device type is consistent with a carrier number fluctuation model. Similar effective defect-energy Eo distributions are derived for each of the two device architectures from measurements of excess drain-voltage noise-power spectral density vs temperature from 80 to 380 K. Defect- and/or impurity-related peaks are observed in the inferred energy distributions for Eo < 0.2 eV, Eo ≈ 0.45 eV, and Eo > 0.6 eV. Significant contributions to the LF noise are inferred for nitrogen vacancies and ON and FeGa impurity complexes. Ga dangling bonds at fin interfaces with gate metal are likely candidates for enhanced noise observed in FinFETs, relative to planar devices. Reducing the concentrations of these defects and impurity complexes should reduce the LF noise and enhance the performance, reliability, and radiation tolerance of GaN-based high electron mobility transistors.

Evaluation of an Outpatient Cervical Ripening Program Using Osmotic Dilators and Foley Balloon Catheters.

This study aimed to describe patient characteristics, satisfaction, and outcome measures for patients undergoing outpatient cervical ripening. A retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from March 2020 to March 2022 from a large health system. The sample included patients with a low-risk singleton pregnancy undergoing outpatient cervical ripening with either an osmotic dilator or Foley balloon catheter. A subset of patients completed satisfaction surveys. Frequencies and means were used to describe the population and conduct comparisons by device type. Inverse probability of treatment weighted estimates were generated to address baseline differences between patients in the two device groups. Outpatient cervical ripening was completed by 120 patients (80 osmotic dilators and 40 Foley balloon catheters). The mean time from insertion to inpatient admission was 16.2 ± 4.8 hours. The mean change in simplified Bishop score (SBS) was 1.8 ± 1.4 and the mean change in dilation was 1.8 ± 1.1 cm. There were no differences in the amount of cervical change by device type. Patients returned earlier than planned 16.7% of the time, primarily for contractions or rupture of membranes. Following outpatient cervical ripening, the time from admission to delivery was 19.9 ± 10.3 hours, with no difference by device type. Vaginal delivery occurred for 74.8% of patients. Patients reported overall satisfaction with the outpatient cervical ripening experience, with the highest satisfaction among those with osmotic dilators. Patients with both device types stated they would recommend outpatient cervical ripening to others, and experienced low levels of stress and discomfort at home prior to hospital admission. Patients participating in outpatient cervical ripening with osmotic dilators or Foley balloon catheters experienced clinically meaningful changes in dilation and SBSs while at home and reported general satisfaction with the outpatient program experience. · Outpatient use of osmotic dilators or Foley balloon catheters improved Bishop scores.. · Patient and device complications were comparable to other research findings.. · Patients reported overall satisfaction with outpatient cervical ripening..

TRANSFORMATIVE PEDAGOGY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: UNRAVELING THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in education, significantly influencing students. This research explores AI's impact on learning experiences, academic performance, career guidance, motivation, self-reliance, social interaction, and AI dependency. Utilizing a descriptive-comparative design, 194 student respondents were chosen through stratified sampling. The results show that students generally perceive AI positively. Students agree that AI enhances personalized learning, engagement, and critical thinking, although practical hands-on learning experiences received less favorable feedback. Academically, students concur that AI helps them identify weaknesses, improve assignments, and track progress, despite some reservations about its efficacy in exam preparation. For career guidance, students agree that AI effectively matches skills with career options, recommends internships, and provides resources, though it is less effective for long-term planning. Students also believe AI boosts motivation through gamified learning and progress tracking and fosters self-reliance via self-directed learning and critical thinking support. Socially, students agree that AI facilitates collaboration, peer learning, and networking. Additionally, students demonstrate a reliance on AI for their learning processes. Notably, female students report a more significant impact on social interactions than male students. The type of device used (laptop vs. cellphone) significantly affects the learning experience, with laptop users reporting a more substantial impact. Differences in AI's impact are noted among various courses, particularly benefiting education students more than those in hospitality management and agriculture. However, age and family income do not significantly influence AI's overall impact. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, descriptive-comparative, impact on learning, higher education

A A corpus-based study on the use of cohesive devices in the lesson plans of pre-service teachers

This study explores the use of cohesive devices in lesson plans (LPs) prepared by pre-service teachers across various subjects, specifically focusing on English, Math, and Biology majorships in a state university in the Philippines. The research highlights the prevalent use of personal references among English pre-service teachers, who favor the word "you" for its role in maintaining a second- and third-person perspective. In contrast, Math and Biology pre-service teachers predominantly employ nominal substitutions and conjunctions to enhance coherence in their LPs. The study also notes the absence of ellipsis in the analyzed LPs and identifies the predominant use of nominal substitution and extension conjunctions across subjects. By comparing the frequency and types of cohesive devices used, the research underscores the variations in linguistic strategies employed by pre-service teachers of different disciplines. The findings suggest a need for greater awareness and training on the effective use of cohesive devices to improve lesson planning and instructional clarity.

Comparison of waitlist and post-transplant outcomes in patients supported with total artificial heart versus continuous biventricular assist devices.

Durable biventricular support may be necessary to bridge patients with end-stage biventricular failure to heart transplantation. This study compares waitlist and post-transplant outcomes between patients supported with continuous flow, durable biventricular assist devices (BiVAD), and total artificial heart (TAH). Using the UNOS registry, we analyzed adult (≥18 years old), first-time transplant candidates with TAH or BiVAD at the time of listing or transplantation from 10/1/2010-10/31/2020, with follow-up through 3/31/2022. Multivariable proportional subdistribution hazards models and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare death/deterioration or heart transplantation on the waitlist between cohorts. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate one-year post-transplant survival and evaluate difference in outcomes based on annual transplant center volume. The waitlist cohort included a total of 228 patients (25% BiVAD). Waitlist outcomes between device types were similar. The transplanted cohort included a total of 352 patients (25% BiVAD). There was a trend towards worse one-year post-transplant survival in patients bridged with TAH versus BiVAD (log-rank p-value = 0.072) that persisted after adjusting for age, gender, policy, and removing dual-organ recipients (HR 1.94 (0.94, 3.98) p-value = 0.07). There was a difference in one-year post-transplant survival amongst TAH-bridged patients when stratified by annual transplant center volume (log-rank p-value = 0.013). One-year post-transplant survival between TAH-supported patients from high annual transplant volume centers and BiVAD-supported patients was similar (p-value = 0.815). BiVAD and TAH are reasonable support strategies with TAH implantation at high-volume transplant centers (51+ transplants/year) having similar 1-year post-transplant survival to BiVAD-supported patients.

Challenges and Opportunities of Stretchable Electroluminescent Devices and Displays

AbstractStretchable electroluminescent (EL) devices have been studied for more than 10 years, and their EL and mechanical performance, such as brightness, efficiency, stretchability, and stretching stability show significant improvement. Stretchable display is considered to be the most promising next‐generation display technology, which has broad application prospects in various emerging fields, such as deformable displays, electronic skins, and biomedical devices, and it attracts much attention from worldwide manufacturers. However, no commercial application cases for stretchable displays are reported to date. There are many reasons for this situation, including deficient device performance, immature preparation process, and diversiform device structures and materials. On the other hand, although researchers devise a number of possible applications for stretchable EL devices, it is still controversial what unique and interesting functions stretchable displays can play in these scenarios, and whether they can be replaced by flexible, bendable, and rollable devices with better EL and mechanical performance. Therefore, the future of stretchable displays is full of both opportunities and challenges. In response to the above concerns, this review summarizes the characteristics, problems, and possible solutions of various types of stretchable EL devices, aiming to promote their development and application.

The Design of Multi-Connector IoT Central Gateway Based on Raspberry Pi and Docker

With the vigorous development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the demand for communication and data exchange between different types of IoT devices is increasing day by day. To solve the problems of diversity and complexity of communication protocols between devices, this paper proposes a design scheme of a multi-connector IoT central gateway based on Raspberry Pi and Docker. Through the research and application of related technologies, by integrating multiple communication interfaces and utilizing containerization technology, an efficient, flexible, and scalable IoT central gateway has been realized, which can support the connection and data interaction of multiple communication protocols and provide strong support for the stable operation and development of the IoT system.

Multi-Bioinspired Fog Harvesting Structure with Asymmetric Surface for Hydrogen Revolution.

The urgent need for sustainable energy storage drives the fast development of diverse hydrogen production based on clean water resources. Herein, a unique type of multi-bioinspired functional device (MFD) is reported with asymmetric wettability that combines the curvature gradient of cactus spines, the wetting gradient of lotus, and the slippery surface of Nepenthes alata for efficient fog harvesting. The precisely printed MFDs with microscale features, spanning dimensions, and a thin wall are endowed with asymmetric wettability to enable the Janus effects on their surfaces. Fog condenses on the superhydrophobic surface of the MFDs in the form of microdroplets and unidirectionally penetrates its interior due to the Janus effects, and drops onto the designated area with a better fog harvesting rate of 10.64gcm-2 h-1. Most significantly, the collected clean water can be used for hydrogen production with excellent stability and durability. The findings demonstrate that safe, large-scale, high-performance water splitting and gas separation and collection with fog collection based on MFDs are possible.

Total harmonic distortion estimation in piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical-system loudspeakers via a lumped elements approach

In the context of the increasing trend towards miniaturization required by new wireless audio devices, piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) loudspeakers are getting extensive attention. Finite Element Methods (FEM) and Lumped Element Methods (LEM) models able to accurately predict their linear response have been recently proposed in the literature. However, a nonlinear model able to predict the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of theses types of devices is to date not available. In this paper we present a FEM- assisted lumped-parameters equivalent circuit accounting for piezoelectric hysteresis which demonstrates good agreement with experimental THD results carried out on piezoelectric MEMS loudspeakers prototypes fabricated by STMicroelectronics. The nonlinear electro-mechanical domain is simulated through a Reduced Order Model (ROM) which considers as basis function the pre-stressed undamped actuated mode of the device computed via FEM, to simulate loudspeaker diaphragms of arbitrarily complex geometry. The parameters of the acoustical circuit are instead derived through analytical formulas.

Adverse Events of the Over The Scope Endoscopic Clips and Cutters: A MAUDE Database Analysis

The OVESCO® clip system, including the Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC) and Full-Thickness Resection Device (FTRD), has demonstrated efficacy in managing various gastrointestinal pathologies. However, real-world data on device malfunctions and patient complications are limited. This study aimed to analyze adverse events associated with OVESCO® clips and cutters reported to the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. The MAUDE database was searched for reports related to OVESCO® clips and cutters from January 1, 2007, to August 30, 2024. Event date, device type and model, manufacturer, event type, device problem, and patient complications were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Forty-two reports were identified, with 41 involving OVESCO® clips and one involving an OVESCO® cutter. The most common device problem for OVESCO® clips was failure to deploy (61.0%), followed by unintended deployment or misfiring (17.1%). Gastrointestinal perforation was the most frequently reported patient complication (60%). The OVESCO® cutter report described device component breakage and foreign body retention. No clear trends in adverse event reporting were observed over the study period. OVESCO® clips and cutters are associated with potential device malfunctions and patient complications, particularly gastrointestinal perforation. The findings highlight the need for careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and close post-procedural monitoring. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential to optimize device safety and efficacy. Continued post-marketing surveillance and real-world data analysis are crucial for monitoring the performance of endoscopic devices and improving patient outcomes.

A Dataset of Visible Light and Thermal Infrared Images for Health Monitoring of Caged Laying Hens in Large-Scale Farming.

Considering animal welfare, the free-range laying hen farming model is increasingly gaining attention. However, in some countries, large-scale farming still relies on the cage-rearing model, making the focus on the welfare of caged laying hens equally important. To evaluate the health status of caged laying hens, a dataset comprising visible light and thermal infrared images was established for analyses, including morphological, thermographic, comb, and behavioral assessments, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the hens' health, behavior, and population counts. To address the issue of insufficient data samples in the health detection process for individual and group hens, a dataset named BClayinghens was constructed containing 61,133 images of visible light and thermal infrared images. The BClayinghens dataset was completed using three types of devices: smartphones, visible light cameras, and infrared thermal cameras. All thermal infrared images correspond to visible light images and have achieved positional alignment through coordinate correction. Additionally, the visible light images were annotated with chicken head labels, obtaining 63,693 chicken head labels, which can be directly used for training deep learning models for chicken head object detection and combined with corresponding thermal infrared data to analyze the temperature of the chicken heads. To enable the constructed deep-learning object detection and recognition models to adapt to different breeding environments, various data enhancement methods such as rotation, shearing, color enhancement, and noise addition were used for image processing. The BClayinghens dataset is important for applying visible light images and corresponding thermal infrared images in the health detection, behavioral analysis, and counting of caged laying hens under large-scale farming.

Techno-economic comparison between commercial energy recovery devices in complex Water Distribution Networks

Water Distribution Networks (WDN) proved to be viable for the exploitation of throttling hydraulic energy. Researchers often focused their attention on the study of Pumps as Turbines (PaTs) for WDNs without considering other solutions. Actually, PaTs are not the only machines that can be employed. Indeed, other solutions exists, e.g. Cross-Flow Turbines, and commercially available Energy Harvesting Control Valves. The novelty of this study regards the selection, for each node, of the best technology among these machines rather than choosing only among PaTs, in order to help the water utilities in the techno-economic decision processes. Regarding PaTs, the authors have updated and integrated PaT-ID, their proprietary decision making tool. A complex real WDN has been used as a case study, characterized by 8 reservoirs and 16 Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) installed to balance the network and to reduce water leakages. Although all the three considered type of devices show at least 40% of recovered available energy within the WDN, the best solution form an energy point of view not always could be feasible from an economic point of view.

Indwelling Urological Device Biofilm Composition and Characteristics in the Presence and Absence of Infection

ObjectiveTo characterize microbial biofilms associated with different device types used in the urological field including ureteral stents, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices, penile prostheses, and artificial urinary sphincters (AUS). Materials and MethodsData from four studies, each reporting biofilm composition of a particular device type, were pooled and included for inter-device analysis. Studies recruited adults scheduled for ureteral stent, SNM, IPP, or AUS removal/revision. Device (n=115) biofilms and controls were analyzed with multi-omics approaches, and compositions were compared across device types and clinical factors. ResultsMicrobiota present on each device type was distinct from that of perineal, rectal, or urine flora (p<0.01). Biofilm microbial counts (p<0.001) and diversity (p=0.024) differed by device type. Ureteral stents had greater microbial counts than other device types (p<0.001). Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Ureaplasma were commonly detected across devices. Device biofilms harbored a greater proportion of Proteobacteria phylum, and the rectal, perineal, and urine flora harbored a greater proportion of Firmicutes. Unique microbe-metabolite interaction networks were identified in presence and absence of infection. Antibiotic resistance genes including sul2 (sulfonamide resistance) and rpoB (rifampin resistance) were detected in biofilms across device types. Biofilm reconstitution in vitro differed by device type from which strains were isolated. ConclusionsUreteral stents, sacral neuromodulation devices, penile prostheses, and artificial urinary sphincters harbored unique microbial and metabolite profiles that differed from those of skin, urine, and rectal flora. The findings of this study set the groundwork for investigation of novel strategies to reduce device-associated infection risk within and outside urology. Data availability statementData are available from corresponding author upon reasonable request.

The incidence of meniscal cyst formation following meniscal repair using the all-inside suture anchor device is comparable to conventional techniques.

Post-operative meniscal cyst formation occurs following all-inside device meniscal repair. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cysts in patients who underwent meniscal repair with and without all-inside suture devices. This retrospective study included 227 knees that underwent meniscal repair between 2021 and 2022. The incidence of post-operative meniscal cysts was compared between patients who underwent repair using an all-inside suture anchor device (Group SA) and those who did not use an anchor (Group NA), based on post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Risk factors, such as the number of anchors used, were investigated. Using a subgroup analysis, the incidence of meniscal cysts based on the type of device used was investigated. Groups SA and NA comprised 125 and 102 knees, respectively. Group SA had 11 cases of cysts (9% incidence), whereas Group NA had 7 cases (7% incidence), and no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.63). Symptomatic cysts were observed in two patients (1.6%) in Group SA, whereas none was observed in Group NA (0%); the difference was not significant (p = 0.50). Factors such as the number of anchors and sutures used and MRI timing were not identified as risk factors. Cyst incidence varied according to anchor type: Stryker AIR+ (4 out of 55, 7%), Smith & Nephew Fast-Fix 360 (7 out of 56, 13%) and Arthrex Fiber Stitch (0 out of 26, 0%), with no significant difference found (p = 0.14). The incidence of cysts in patients undergoing meniscal repair with an all-inside suture anchor device was 9%, showing no significant difference compared with Group NA. Cyst incidence was not affected by device type. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Characterization by key performance indicators of SFERA-III project to ALTAYR packed-bed prototype

The objective of this study is to assess the viability of implementing the methodology proposed in the SFERA-III project for the assessment of key performance indicators (KPIs) of thermal storage prototypes in a specific packed-bed device. SFERA-III project is an EU funded project aiming, among others, to upgrade the infrastructures and services related to Concentrating Solar Thermal technologies. In order to improve the quality of services in relation to the testing of thermal energy storage prototypes, a protocol and KPIs were defined and validated with different types of devices, though none of them was a packed-bed. This study elucidates the challenges encountered in the implementation of the protocol on a packed-bed prototype, alongside the proposed alternative solutions and their influence on the resulting KPIs. The analysis demonstrates that the SFERA-III Key Performance Indicators are an appropriate means of evaluating packed bed thermal energy storage prototypes. Consequently, the use of these KPIs as a standard is supported.

Influence of procedural timing on the preventive yield of percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure

BackgroundThe benefit of patent foramen ovale closure (PFOC) ≤9 months after a cryptogenic stroke has been demonstrated in several randomised clinical trials. There is, however, insufficient data to support PFOC...

Cultural values and digital gap: Overview of behavioral patterns.

The study uses different statistical techniques to understand the relationship between variables explaining the digital divide and classification based on The Inglehart-Welzel Cultural Map for 2023. To achieve this purpose variables focusing on Digital Penetration (the percentage of internet and social media users and mobile cellular connections), Operating Systems share (iOS and Android), Device Traffic (laptop/mobile phone-based web traffic) as well as Mobile Commerce variables (bills and payments using mobile internet) were included in the analysis. To minimize any effects arithmetic means of data was calculated.: The results from one-way ANOVA tests indicate significant differences among groups classified by cultural values for almost all measured variables of digitalization. The mean squares and F-values across variables like cellular mobile connections, internet users, and active social media users are significant indicating a shift towards more secular and self-expressive cultural values. The results of the GLM procedure show that significant portions of the total variance in digitalization variables are associated with membership in groups based on the cultural map. This suggests that cultural classifications can explain substantial differences in digital behavior and preferences across populations. Spearman's correlation coefficients showed strong positive correlations between Traditional/Secular values and several digitalization metrics, such as the use of mobile phones or the internet for payments, and negative correlations with others like share of web traffic by device type (mobile vs. laptop/computer). These correlations suggest that cultural values play a substantial role in influencing digital habits and accessibility.

Flavor and Device Choices Among People Who Use ENDS: Results From the PATH Study

IntroductionIn guidance published in February 2020, the FDA described their intent to prioritize enforcement against the sale of flavored cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) except tobacco and menthol flavors. This guidance was specific to cartridge-based ENDS and did not apply to other ENDS types or e-liquids sold in the United States (U.S.). It remains unknown if use of certain types of ENDS devices and flavors changed following the publication of this guidance. MethodsThis analysis includes PATH Study data from Wave 5 (W5, 2018-2019) and Wave 6 (W6, 2021) and examines cross-sectional estimates of 1) use of flavored ENDS and 2) use of different device types. All analyses in this study were stratified by self-reported age (youth – aged 12-17 years at W5 and aged 14-17 years at W6, and adults – aged 18-20, 21-24, and 25+). Analyses were conducted in 2023-2024. ResultsAmong adults aged 21 years and over, there were significant increases in the use of menthol or mint flavored ENDS. There were no substantial changes in flavors of ENDS used among youth or adults aged 18-20 years. Among all age groups, the use of cartridge-based ENDS was lower in 2021 than 2018–2019, with a notable shift to disposable-style ENDS. ConclusionsFederal-level tobacco control actions taken in the U.S. in early 2020 prioritized enforcement against “any flavored, cartridge-based ENDS product (other than a tobacco- or menthol-flavored ENDS product)”. Based on this analysis, there was a shift following the policy to menthol or mint-flavored ENDS and disposable-style ENDS.

Two-stage robust optimization for optimal operation of hybrid hydrogen–electricity storage system considering ladder-type carbon trading

The prominent problems of renewable energy curtailment and its uncertainty have become a hot topic. To the end, with consideration of environmental friendliness, energy utilization efficiency and operation cost, this paper proposes a hybrid hydrogen–electricity storage system (HHES) operation framework comprising assorted types of coupling devices and carbon capture system (CCS) under ladder-type carbon trading (LCT) mechanism. By considering energy balance constraints, equipments’ operation constraints and erratic rates of RESs and multiple loads, a scheduling model with source-load uncertainties is developed with the goal of minimizing the system’s operation cost and carbon emission. Then, a two-stage tri-level robust model is built to find the optimal scheduling plan under multiple uncertainties given the various sources and loads. The first level is to make an optimal dispatch plan and the second level is to find the worst scenario under the given uncertainty set. The third level aims at enhancing renewable energy accommodation rate and reducing load shedding rate in the worst case. Since the model is formed as a tri-level mixed integer optimization problem, the Column and Constraint Generation (CCG) method is adopted to achieve the optimal result. Finally, numerical analyses are performed. The results show that the proposed approach realizes a flexible dispatch of multiple energy and a high utilization level of multiple storages. Furthermore, this paper studies the influence of uncertainty and uncertainty budget parameters with the comparison of the deterministic model and robust models with different uncertainties. The results show that the proposed HHES has strong robustness and can provide a good reference for energy dispatch.