Numerical Investigation of Power Transmission Efficiency in a RF Plasma

Capacitively coupled radio frequency discharges are used in a variety of applications in which the power transmission efficiency of the discharge is an important performance parameter. While previous research addressed the discharge properties and discharge modeling, little analysis has been done on the dependence of the power transmission efficiency on main discharge paremeters such as applied voltage, operating frequency and pressure. To investigate the effects of a dual frequency waveform on the power transmission efficiency, Particle-InCell/Monte-Carlo Collison (PIC/MCC) methods are used to simulate RF co-axial plasma discharge. Plasma characteristics are studied for a range of operating pressures and radii, as electrode voltages were varied between 0, 100 and 250V. The investigation concludes that the addition of a RF power source to the outer electrode increase power transmission efficiency by about 100%. Power transmission efficiency increases with a decrease in radius and an increase in pressure, in general. Low-frequency high-voltage power source combination is found to generate a more efficient discharge than a high-frequency high-voltage power source

MIDユーザインターフェイスプラットフォームの現状と展望

1. ALTOとユーザインターフェイス　2. ALTOベースのパラダイムの限界　3. ARM系プラットフォームの狙う逆転のシナリオ　4. MIDと新たなユーザインターフェースへの挑戦　5. 新世代へのアプローチと新たな競争　6. 結

MID 市場に向けてのインテルの戦略ポジションとその問題点

1 NetbookからMIDへ 2 「Intel MID」の概要 3 「Intel vs. ARM」の構図 4 MID上のパワーゲーム 5 境界線を巡る攻防 6 Wintelの不在の構

Application of handheld devices to field research among underserved construction worker populations: a workplace health assessment pilot study

This is the final version of the article. Available from BioMed Central via the DOI in this record.BACKGROUND: Novel low-cost approaches for conducting rapid health assessments and health promotion interventions among underserved worker groups are needed. Recruitment and participation of construction workers is particularly challenging due to their often transient periods of work at any one construction site, and their limited time during work to participate in such studies. In the present methodology report, we discuss the experience, advantages and disadvantages of using touch screen handheld devices for the collection of field data from a largely underserved worker population. METHODS: In March 2010, a workplace-centered pilot study to examine the feasibility of using a handheld personal device for the rapid health assessment of construction workers in two South Florida Construction sites was undertaken. A 45-item survey instrument, including health-related questions on tobacco exposure, workplace safety practices, musculoskeletal disorders and health symptoms, was programmed onto Apple iPod Touch® devices. Language sensitive (English and Spanish) recruitment scripts, verbal consent forms, and survey questions were all preloaded onto the handheld devices. The experience (time to survey administration and capital cost) of the handheld administration method was recorded and compared to approaches available in the extant literature. RESULTS: Construction workers were very receptive to the recruitment, interview and assessment processes conducted through the handheld devices. Some workers even welcomed the opportunity to complete the questionnaire themselves using the touch screen handheld device. A list of advantages and disadvantages emerged from this experience that may be useful in the rapid health assessment of underserved populations working in a variety of environmental and occupational health settings. CONCLUSIONS: Handheld devices, which are relatively inexpensive, minimize survey response error, and allow for easy storage of data. These technological research modalities are useful in the collection and assessment of environmental and occupational research data.This study was supported in part by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)'s Deep South Educational Research Center at the University of Alabama (sub-contract: 288477-10) as a Graduate Student Pilot Grant Award; the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) grant F31AR057687 and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) grant R01 OH003915

Improving Appropriate Use of Antifungal Medications: The Role of an Over-the-Counter Vaginal pH Self-Test Device

Objectives: To determine whether patients can understand and use the vaginal pH device in the diagnosis of vaginitis. To compare whether vaginal pH readings determined by patients and healthcare providers are similar. To determine whether vaginalpHcan reduce inappropriate over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication use and improve the correct diagnosis of vaginitis. Methods: One hundred and fifty-one women indicated their belief about the cause of their vaginal infection, read the instructions of the vaginal pH device package insert, used the device and interpreted the findings. The patient interpretations were compared with results obtained by healthcare providers, blinded to patient findings. Results: Over 96% of patients stated that they could easily read the instructions, use the vaginal pH device and interpret the readings. They obtained the same readings as healthcare professionals (Kappa = 0.9). Restricting the use of OTC antifungal medications to those individuals with vaginitis symptoms and vaginal pH ≤ 4.5 significantly reduced inappropriate use by approximately 50%, Fisher's exact test,p-value = 0.018. Conversely, seeking healthcare provider assessment with vaginal pH > 4.5, leads to correct diagnosis of vaginitis. Conclusions: The vaginal pH device can be used as an OTC diagnostic tool by consumers when a vaginal infection is suspected. Vaginal pH readings would direct patients whether to purchase an antifungal medication or seek professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Understanding and use of this vaginal pH device could reduce inappropriate use of OTC antifungal medications by approximately 50% and improve the correct diagnosis of vaginitis

<報告>左側半側空間無視に対する新しい光学福祉機器の開発と試用

左側半側空間無視に対する, 新しい福祉機器を開発した。無視をしている左側の空間をビデオカメラとフェイスマウントディスプレーを用いて被検者に見せ, 無視側の空間の情報を患者に入力させるという原理を用いた機器である。この機器を左側半側空間無視の症例に使用し, 良好な効果を認めた。今後, 改善すべき問題はあるものの, 新しい福祉機器としての発展が期待できると考えている。We developed a new optical device to improve visual perception in stroke patients with unilateral visual neglect. This system consists of a CCD color video camera and a face mounted display. The camera rotates towards the left to recognize the left field. We observed the effectiveness of this device in countering unilateral spatial neglect. It is anticipated that the system, which is now under development, will provide a new device for patients with unilateral visual neglect.国立情報学研究所で電子