Parallel software design enabling high-speed reliability testing of inkjet printheads

With new functional applications emerging in the digital printing industry, the need for quantitative knowledge of the reliability of drop-on-demand inkjet printheads increases. Continuous ink circulation using TF Technology™and the resulting channel self-recovery is one of the technologies which decrease the down-time of a single nozzle, but in turn increase the difficulty of an accurate reliability test. Current measuring techniques, namely the a-posteriori verification of printouts on paper proved to be inappropriate. This paper proposes a novel software approach, exploiting signal processing techniques, strong control loops and powerful system design methodologies in order to allow for the correct detection of single missing droplets at run-time. This new system is meant to relieve the effects of the indefinite environment and sources of human error. Preliminary results and the proof-ofconcept demonstrates both the system's and the design method's versatility and potential.QC 20140627</p

Parallel software design enabling high-speed reliability testing of inkjet printheads

With new functional applications emerging in the digital printing industry, the need for quantitative knowledge of the reliability of drop-on-demand inkjet printheads increases. Continuous ink circulation using TF Technology™and the resulting channel self-recovery is one of the technologies which decrease the down-time of a single nozzle, but in turn increase the difficulty of an accurate reliability test. Current measuring techniques, namely the a-posteriori verification of printouts on paper proved to be inappropriate. This paper proposes a novel software approach, exploiting signal processing techniques, strong control loops and powerful system design methodologies in order to allow for the correct detection of single missing droplets at run-time. This new system is meant to relieve the effects of the indefinite environment and sources of human error. Preliminary results and the proof-ofconcept demonstrates both the system's and the design method's versatility and potential.QC 20140627</p

Development of a high-throughput roll-to-roll production platform for the micro-manufacturing and assembly of lighting devices

Micro-products are nowadays used in a wider range of fields, for example medical, biotechnology, consumer and automotive. However, emerging micro-products as innovative display solutions, lab-on-a-chip systems, micro-energy supplies or light emitting panels, increasingly require the integration of different functionalities and present challenging demands in terms of high volume and low cost production. To successfully implement these technologies at large scale it is necessary to develop solutions that enable high-volume manufacturing roll-to-roll platfom for lighting displays which incorporates die self-assembly techniques, photo-polymerization and advanced ink-jet printing technologies

Psychosocial determinants of intention to screen for Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND: There is little information about how receptive older adults are to discuss memory problems with healthcare providers. Here we test the psychosocial factors explaining older adults’ intention to undergo screening for Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: A population-based, random-digit dialing strategy surveyed 1039 older adults. The Behavioral Model of Health Services Use was used as a conceptual framework for a questionnaire testing constructs from several behavioral theories. Structural equation modeling assessed the relationship of latent variables to each construct with goodness-of-fit indices. RESULTS: The study had an 82% response rate and 72% completer rate. The respondents’ mean age was 62.7 ± 10.2 y (range 50–97). The sample was 67% women, 86% were Caucasian and less than 40% had personal experience with AD. Respondents were nondemented (Short Blessed scores = 1.7 ± 2.2). Predictors of intention to screen included perceived benefits (γ=.35), knowledge of dementia (γ=.26), self-efficacy (γ=.23), preventive health behaviors (γ=.17), and perceived susceptibility (γ=.14). Knowledge was positively correlated with perceived benefits (φ=.29) and susceptibility (φ=.20). Preventive behaviors (φ=.20) were positively correlated with perceived benefits. Self-efficacy correlated positively with preventive behaviors (φ=.24) and perceived benefits (φ=.37) and negatively with perceived susceptibility (φ=−.11). Goodness-of-fit indices suggested a good fit of this model (RMSEA =.037, CFI = 0.98, RFI = .96). DISCUSSION: Older adults who have knowledge of dementia and perceive benefit from diagnosis and treatment are more likely to exhibit willingness and confidence to be tested for cognitive problems. Individuals with high self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility and positive preventive health behaviors are also more likely to exhibit intention. These constructs can now be used to develop interventions to evaluate cognitive health in the elderly