Power system stability enhancement in a deregulated environment using FACTS devices

In deregulated versions of free-market electricity, producers will be free to send power along other utilities. The price of power strongly depends and fluctuates according to mutual benefit index of both supplier and consumer. In such a situation, strong interaction among utilities may cause instabilities in the system. As the frequency of market-based dispatch increases market forces tend to destabilize the stable system dynamics depending on the value of Ks/τλ(market dependent parameter) ratio. This tends to destabilize the coupled dynamics. The implementation of TCSC can effectively damp the inter area modes of oscillations of the coupled market system.

Enhancing security of linux-based android devices

Our daily lives become more and more dependent upon smartphones due to their increased capabilities. Smartphones are used in various ways from payment systems to assisting the lives of elderly or disabled people. Security threats for these devices become increasingly dangerous since there is still a lack of proper security tools for protection. Android emerges as an open smartphone platform which allows modification even on operating system level. Therefore, third-party developers have the opportunity to develop kernel-based low-level security tools which is not normal for smartphone platforms. Android quickly gained its popularity among smartphone developers and even beyond since it bases on Java on top of "open" Linux in comparison to former proprietary platforms which have very restrictive SDKs and corresponding APIs. Symbian OS for example, holding the greatest market share among all smartphone OSs, was closing critical APIs to common developers and introduced application certification. This was done since this OS was the main target for smartphone malwares in the past. In fact, more than 290 malwares designed for Symbian OS appeared from July 2004 to July 2008. Android, in turn, promises to be completely open source. Together with the Linux-based smartphone OS OpenMoko, open smartphone platforms may attract malware writers for creating malicious applications endangering the critical smartphone applications and owners� privacy. In this work, we present our current results in analyzing the security of Android smartphones with a focus on its Linux side. Our results are not limited to Android, they are also applicable to Linux-based smartphones such as OpenMoko Neo FreeRunner. Our contribution in this work is three-fold. First, we analyze android framework and the Linux-kernel to check security functionalities. We survey wellaccepted security mechanisms and tools which can increase device security. We provide descriptions on how to adopt these security tools on Android kernel, and provide their overhead analysis in terms of resource usage. As open smartphones are released and may increase their market share similar to Symbian, they may attract attention of malware writers. Therefore, our second contribution focuses on malware detection techniques at the kernel level. We test applicability of existing signature and intrusion detection methods in Android environment. We focus on monitoring events on the kernel; that is, identifying critical kernel, log file, file system and network activity events, and devising efficient mechanisms to monitor them in a resource limited environment. Our third contribution involves initial results of our malware detection mechanism basing on static function call analysis. We identified approximately 105 Executable and Linking Format (ELF) executables installed to the Linux side of Android. We perform a statistical analysis on the function calls used by these applications. The results of the analysis can be compared to newly installed applications for detecting significant differences. Additionally, certain function calls indicate malicious activity. Therefore, we present a simple decision tree for deciding the suspiciousness of the corresponding application. Our results present a first step towards detecting malicious applications on Android-based devices.

Approaches to designing for older adults' intuitive interaction with complex devices

Many older people have difficulties using modern consumer products due to increased product complexity both in terms of functionality and interface design. Previous research has shown that older people have more difficulty in using complex devices intuitively when compared to the younger. Furthermore, increased life expectancy and a falling birth rate have been catalysts for changes in world demographics over the past two decades. This trend also suggests a proportional increase of older people in the work-force. This realisation has led to research on the effective use of technology by older populations in an effort to engage them more productively and to assist them in leading independent lives. Ironically, not enough attention has been paid to the development of interaction design strategies that would actually enable older users to better exploit new technologies. Previous research suggests that if products are designed to reflect people's prior knowledge, they will appear intuitive to use. Since intuitive interfaces utilise domain-specific prior knowledge of users, they require minimal learning for effective interaction. However, older people are very diverse in their capabilities and domain-specific prior knowledge. In addition, ageing also slows down the process of acquiring new knowledge. Keeping these suggestions and limitations in view, the aim of this study was set to investigate possible approaches to developing interfaces that facilitate their intuitive use by older people. In this quest to develop intuitive interfaces for older people, two experiments were conducted that systematically investigated redundancy (the use of both text and icons) in interface design, complexity of interface structure (nested versus flat), and personal user factors such as cognitive abilities, perceived self-efficacy and technology anxiety. All of these factors could interfere with intuitive use. The results from the first experiment suggest that, contrary to what was hypothesised, older people (65+ years) completed the tasks on the text only based interface design faster than on the redundant interface design. The outcome of the second experiment showed that, as expected, older people took more time on a nested interface. However, they did not make significantly more errors compared with younger age groups. Contrary to what was expected, older age groups also did better under anxious conditions. The findings of this study also suggest that older age groups are more heterogeneous in their capabilities and their intuitive use of contemporary technological devices is mediated more by domain-specific technology prior knowledge and by their cognitive abilities, than chronological age. This makes it extremely difficult to develop product interfaces that are entirely intuitive to use. However, by keeping in view the cognitive limitations of older people when interfaces are developed, and using simple text-based interfaces with flat interface structure, would help them intuitively learn and use complex technological products successfully during early encounter with a product. These findings indicate that it might be more pragmatic if interfaces are designed for intuitive learning rather than for intuitive use. Based on this research and the existing literature, a model for adaptable interface design as a strategy for developing intuitively learnable product interfaces was proposed. An adaptable interface can initially use a simple text only interface to help older users to learn and successfully use the new system. Over time, this can be progressively changed to a symbols-based nested interface for more efficient and intuitive use.

Hydrogen gas sensing performance of Pt/SnO2 nanowires/SiC MOS devices

This paper presents material and gas sensing properties of Pt/SnO2 nanowires/SiC metal oxide semiconductor devices towards hydrogen. The SnO2 nanowires were deposited onto the SiC substrates by vapour-liquid-solid growth mechanism. The material properties of the sensors were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The current-voltage characteristics have been analysed. The effective change in the barrier height for 1% hydrogen was found to be 142.91 meV. The dynamic response of the sensors towards hydrogen at different temperatures has also been studied. At 530°C, voltage shift of 310 mV for 1% hydrogen was observed.

A study of hydrogen gas sensing performance of Pt/Graphene/GaN devices

In this work, we present an investigation on Pt/graphene/GaN devices for hydrogen gas sensing applications. The graphene layer was deposited on GaN substrate using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique and was characterised via Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The current-voltage (I-V) and dynamic response of the developed devices were investigated in forward and reverse bias operation at an optimum temperature of 160°C. Voltage shifts of 661.1 and 484.9 mV were recorded towards 1% hydrogen at forward and reverse constant bias current of 1 mA, respectively.

Nurse-led trials of medical devices: General principles and good practice

Aim To provide an overview of key governance matters relating to medical device trials and practical advice for nurses wishing to initiate or lead them. Background Medical device trials, which are formal research studies that examine the benefits and risks of therapeutic, non-drug treatment medical devices, have traditionally been the purview of physicians and scientists. The role of nurses in medical device trials historically has been as data collectors or co-ordinators rather than as principal investigators. Nurses more recently play an increasing role in initiating and leading medical device trials. Review Methods A review article of nurse-led trials of medical devices. Discussion Central to the quality and safety of all clinical trials is adherence to the International Conference on Harmonization Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice, which is the internationally-agreed standard for the ethically- and scientifically-sound design, conduct and monitoring of a medical device trial, as well as the analysis, reporting and verification of the data derived from that trial. Key considerations include the class of the medical device, type of medical device trial, regulatory status of the device, implementation of standard operating procedures, obligations of the trial sponsor, indemnity of relevant parties, scrutiny of the trial conduct, trial registration, and reporting and publication of the results. Conclusion Nurse-led trials of medical devices are demanding but rewarding research enterprises. As nursing practice and research increasingly embrace technical interventions, it is vital that nurse researchers contemplating such trials understand and implement the principles of Good Clinical Practice to protect both study participants and the research team.

The evolving emotional experience with portable interactive devices

Emotions play a significant role in people’s lives, including interactions with portable devices. The research aimed to understand the evolving emotional experience between people and portable interactive devices (PIDs). Activity Theory was the theoretical framework used to contextualise the research approach and findings. Two longitudinal experiments were conducted investigating emotional experiences with PIDs over six months. Experiment 1 focused on media / entertainment PIDs while Experiment 2 focused on medical / health PIDs. Mixed research methods consisting of diaries, interviews and codiscovery sessions were used to collect data. Results identified that more social interactions were experienced with media PIDs than medical PIDs. Different Task Categories, and their emotional responses, were also revealed including Features, Functional, Mediation and Auxiliary Categories. Functional and Mediation categories were characterised as overall positive while Features and Auxiliary Categories were characterised as overall negative. Further, the consequences of Negative Personal and Social interactions on the overall emotional experience were determined. For media PIDs, Negative Social experiences adversely impacted the evolving emotional experience. For medical PIDs, both Negative Social and Negative Personal experiences adversely impacted the evolving emotional experience. As a result of the findings the Designing for Evolving Emotional Experience framework was developed, outlining principles to promote positive, and avoid negative, emotional experiences with PIDs. Contributions to knowledge from the research include methodological contributions, advancing understanding of emotional experiences with PIDs, expanding the taxonomy of emotional interactions with PIDs and broadening emotion design theory and principles. The thesis concludes with an outline of implications to design research, design and related fields, future research potentials, as well as the positive contributions to designing for meaningful and enjoyable experiences in everyday life.

Monitoring user activity on smart mobile devices

The invention relates to a method for monitoring user activity on a mobile device, comprising an input and an output unit, comprising the following steps preferably in the following order: detecting and / or logging user activity on said input unit, identifying a foreground running application, hashing of a user-interface-element management list of the foreground running application, and creating a screenshot comprising items displayed on said input unit. The invention also relates to a method for analyzing user activity at a server, comprising the following step: obtaining at least one of an information about detected and / or logged user activity, an information about a foreground running application, a hashed user-interface-element management list and a screenshot from a mobile device. Further, a computer program product is provided, comprising one or more computer readable media having computer executable instructions for performing the steps of at least one of the aforementioned methods.

Percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure : outcomes with the Premere and Amplatzer devices

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has rapidly evolved as the preferred management strategy for the prevention of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with cryptogenic stroke and presumed paradoxical embolus. There is limited outcome data in patients treated with this therapy particularly for the newer devices. METHODS: Data from medical records, catheter, and echocardiography databases on 70 PFO procedures performed was collected prospectively. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 70 patients (mean age 43.6 years, range 19 to 77 years), of whom 51% were male. The indications for closure were cryptogenic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 64 (91%) and peripheral emboli in two (2.8%) patients and cryptogenic ST-elevation myocardial infarction in one (1.4%), refractory migraine in one (1.4%), decompression sickness in one (1.4%), and orthodeoxia in one (1.4%) patient, respectively. All patients had demonstrated right-to-left shunting on bubble study. The procedures were guided by intracardiac echocardiography in 53%, transesophageal echocardiography in 39%, and the remainder by transthoracic echo alone. Devices used were the Amplatzer PFO Occluder (AGA Medical) (sizes 18-35 mm) in 49 (70%) and the Premere device (St. Jude Medical) in 21 (30%). In-hospital complications consisted of one significant groin hematoma with skin infection. Echocardiographic follow-up at 6 months revealed that most patients had no or trivial residual shunt (98.6%), while one patient (1.4%) had a mild residual shunt. At a median of 11 months' follow-up (range 1 month to 4.3 years), no patients (0%) experienced further CVA/TIAs or paradoxical embolic events during follow-up. CONCLUSION: PFO causing presumed paradoxical embolism can be closed percutaneously with a low rate of significant residual shunting and very few complications. Recurrent index events are uncommon at medium-term (up to 4 years) follow-up.

The clinical effectiveness of interventions to assist perioperative temperature management for women undergoing Cesarean Section : a systematic review

Background Women undergoing Cesarean Section (CS) are vulnerable to the adverse effects associated with perioperative core temperature drop, in part due to the tendency for CS to be performed under neuraxial anesthesia, blood and fluid loss, and vasodilation. Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) is a common condition that affects patients undergoing surgery of all specialties and is detrimental to all age groups, including neonates. Previous systematic reviews on IPH prevention largely focus on either adult or all ages populations, and have mainly overlooked pregnant or CS patients as a distinct group. Not all recommendations made by systematic reviews targeting all adult patients may be transferable to CS patients. Alternative, effective methods for preventing or managing hypothermia in this group would be valuable. Objectives To synthesize the best available evidence in relation to preventing and/or treating hypothermia in mothers after CS surgery. Types of participants Adult patients over the age of 18 years, of any ethnic background, with or without co-morbidities, undergoing any mode of anesthesia for any type of CS (emergency or planned) at healthcare facilities who have received interventions to limit or manage perioperative core heat loss were included. Types of intervention(s) Active or passive warming methods versus usual care or placebo, that aim to limit or manage core heat loss as applied to women undergoing CS were included. Types of studies Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria, with reduction of perioperative hypothermia a primary or secondary outcome were considered. Types of outcomes Primary outcome: maternal core temperature measured during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of care Secondary outcomes: newborn core temperature at birth, umbilical pH obtained immediately after birth, Apgar scores, length of Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) stay, maternal thermal comfort. Search strategy A comprehensive search was undertaken of the following databases from their inception until May 2012: ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, Dissertation and Theses PQDT (via ProQuest), Current Contents, CENTRAL, Mednar, OpenGrey, Clinical Trials. There were no language restrictions. Methodological quality Retrieved papers were assessed for methodological quality by two independent reviewers prior to inclusion using JBI software. Disagreements were resolved via consultation with the third reviewer. An assessment of quality of the included papers was also made in relation to five key quality factors. Data collection Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included papers using a previously piloted customized data extraction tool. Results 12 studies with a combined total of 719 participants were included. Three broad intervention groups were identified; intravenous (IV) fluid warming, warming devices, leg wrapping. IV fluid warming, whether administered intraoperatively or preoperatively, was found to be effective at maintaining maternal (but not neonatal) temperature and preventing shivering, but does not improve thermal comfort. The effectiveness of IV fluid warming on Apgar scores and umbilical pH remains unclear. Warming devices, including forced air warming and under body carbon polymer mattresses, were effective at preventing hypothermia and reduced shivering, however were most effective if applied preoperatively. The effectiveness of warming devices to improve thermal comfort remains unclear. Preoperative forced air warming appears to aid maintenance of neonatal temperature, while intraoperative forced air warming does not. Forced air warming was not effective at improving Apgar scores and the effects for umbilical pH remain unclear. Conclusions Intravenous fluid warming, by any method, improves maternal temperature and reduces shivering for women undergoing CS. Preoperative body warming devices also improve maternal temperature, in addition to reducing shivering.

Writing the visible page : a multimodal approach to graphic devices in literary fiction

This practice-led project has two outcomes: a collection of short stories titled 'Corkscrew Section', and an exegesis. The short stories combine written narrative with visual elements such as images and typographic devices, while the exegesis analyses the function of these graphic devices within adult literary fiction. My creative writing explores a variety of genres and literary styles, but almost all of the stories are concerned with fusing verbal and visual modes of communication. The exegesis adopts the interpretive paradigm of multimodal stylistics, which aims to analyse graphic devices with the same level of detail as linguistic analysis. Within this framework, the exegesis compares and extends previous studies to develop a systematic method for analysing how the interactions between language, images and typography create meaning within multimodal literature.

A framework to better understand emotional experiences with portable interactive devices : preliminary trial

Two longitudinal experiments were conducted exploring emotional experiences with PIDs over six months including media and medial Portable Interactive Devices (PIDs). Results identifying the impact of negative social and personal interactions on the overall emotional experience as well as different task categories (Features, Functional, Mediation and Auxiliary) and their corresponding emotional responses have previously been reported [2,3,4,5]. This paper builds on these findings and presents the Designing for Evolving Emotional Experience (DE3) framework promoting positive (and deals with negative) emotional experiences with PIDs including a set of principles to better understand emotional experiences. To validate the DE3 framework a preliminary trial was conducted with five practicing industrial designers. The trial required them to consider initial design concepts using the DE3 framework followed by a questionnaire asking about their use of the framework for concept development. The trial aimed to analyse the effectiveness, efficiency and usefulness of the framework in assisting in the development of initial concepts for PIDs taking into account emotional experiences. Common themes regarding the framework are outlined including the ease of use, the effectiveness in focusing on the personal and social contexts and positive ratings regarding its use. Overall the feedback from the preliminary trial was encouraging with responses suggesting that the framework was accessible, rated highly and most importantly permitted designers to consider emotional experiences during concept development. The paper concludes with a discussion regarding the future development of the DE3 framework and the potential implications to design theory and the design discipline.

Mixing higher education teaching and learning with mobile devices and social media

The use of mobile devices and social media technologies are becoming all-pervasive in society: they are both transformative and constant. The high levels of mobile device ownership and increased access to social media technologies enables the potential for ‘anytime, anywhere’ cooperation and collaboration in education. While recent reports into emerging technologies in higher education predict an increase in the use of mobile devices and social media technologies (Horizon Report, 2013), there is a lack of theory-based research to indicate how these technologies can be most effectively harnessed to support and enhance student learning and what the impacts of these technologies are on both students and educators. In response to the need to understand how these technologies can be better embraced within higher education, this study investigated how first year education students used mobile devices and social media technologies. More specifically, the study identified how students spent most of their time when connected online with mobile devices and social media technologies and whether the online connected time engaged them in their learning or whether it was a distraction.

Digitally enabled?! An analysis of law and justice students' use of smart devices

The research seeks to understand the nature of law and justice students’ use of technology for their learning purposes. There is often an assumption made that all students have, and engage with, technology to the same degree. The research tests these assumptions by means of a survey conducted of first year law and justice students to determine their actual use of smart devices inside and outside classes. The analysis of results reveals that while the majority of respondents own at least one smart device; most rarely use their device for their learning purposes.