Human somatosensory systems based on sensor-memory-integrated technology.

As a representative artificial neural network (ANN) for incorporating sensing functions and memory functions into one system to achieve highly miniaturized and highly integrated devices or systems, artificial sensory systems (ASSs) can have a far-reaching influence on precise instrumentation, sensing, and automation engineering. Artificial sensory systems have enjoyed considerable progress in recent years, from low degree integrations to highly advanced sophisticated integrations, from single-modal perceptions to multimode-fused perceptions. However, there are issues around the large hardware area, power consumption, and communication bandwidth needed during the processes where multimodal sensing signals are converted into a digital mode before they can be processed by a digital processor. Therefore, deepening the research into sensory integration is of great importance. In this review, we briefly introduce fundamental knowledge about the memristor mechanism, describe some representative human somatosensory systems, and elucidate the relationship between the properties of memristor devices and the structure. The electronic character of the sensors, future prospects, and key challenges surrounding sensor-memory integrated technologies are also discussed.

Willingness to reduce alcohol consumption predicted by short-form video exposure, media involvement, psychological bias, and cognitive factor.

Introduction: Through previous studies, Chinese college students are known to be prone to alcohol consumption, which can lead to health-risk behaviors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. However, little is known about how popular social media platforms (e.g., short-form video applications) can positively impact their willingness to reduce alcohol consumption. This study was guided by the theory of optimistic bias; we investigated the direct, mediated, and moderating effects of exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and short-form video involvement on Chinese college students' willingness to reduce their alcohol consumption. Methods: The current study has an empirical cross-sectional design and employed an online survey from September 1st, 2022, to November 1st, 2022. The survey specifically targeted Chinese college students, who are the most common users of short-form video applications. The accumulated data underwent rigorous examination, including hierarchical regression, mediation, and moderation analyses, all conducted using the PROCESS macro 4.0 within SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 434 participants, aged 18-24 years, were included in this study. There were mediating effects regarding Chinese college students' exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos (ß = 0.35, p < 0.01, 95% CI [0.17, 0.63]) and short-form video involvement (ß = 0.44, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.20, 0.65]) on their willingness to reduce alcohol consumption via reversed optimistic bias. Moreover, perceived prevention of heavy drinking control (ß = 0.05, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]) played mediating roles in the relationship between exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and willingness to reduce alcohol consumption. Conclusion: This study is one of the earliest studies to examine the intricate effects of exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos and short-form video involvement on the willingness to reduce alcohol consumption among Chinese college students. In addition, this study confirms that regardless of whether Chinese college students are conscientious, exposure to anti-alcohol consumption short-form videos did not increase their level of reversed optimistic bias. The empirical findings of this study are critical and can provide practical insights for Chinese health departments that encourage Chinese college students to minimize alcohol consumption.

The effect of social media environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior.

With the threat of global warming, countries worldwide have enhanced their environmental campaigns on social media to increase users' willingness to take pro-environmental actions. In this study, we examined the direct and indirect effects of exposure to environmental information on Chinese young adults' (18-25 years old) intention to participate in environmental protection actions (e.g., recycling, using public transportation, involvement in an environmental group, and participation in eco-friendly events). Data were collected from a sample of 291 Chinese young adults using a web-based survey and a thoroughly designed questionnaire. The accumulated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Hierarchical regression and mediation analysis were performed for testing hypotheses. The results indicated that exposure to environmental information on Chinese social media platforms (WeChat and Xiaohongshu) positively affected individuals' intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior, perceived pro-environmental behavior control, pro-environmental attitude, and fear of victimization. The indirect effect demonstrated that pro-environmental behavior control and attitude mediated the relationship between exposure to environmental information on both WeChat and Xiaohongshu and the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior. Extending the existing literature, this study provides empirical evidence on the influence of environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in environmental protection among Chinese adults. In addition, it provides valuable insights into the mediating mechanisms involving cognitive, psychological, and emotional factors in this relationship. Policy makers should implement effective pro-environmental promotions on social media to inspire individuals to engage in environmentally friendly actions. In addition, social media managers should strictly authenticate and remove misleading environmental content.

Exposure to Healthy Weight Information on Short-Form Video Applications to Acquire Healthy Weight-Control Behaviors: A Serial Mediation Model.

This study explored the effects of Chinese college students' (20-34 years old) exposure to healthy weight information on short-form video applications on their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors (reducing high-fat diet intake, accessing physical activity to control body weight, etc.). Specifically, this study investigated the direct and mediated effect on such a relationship via healthy weight awareness, the first-person effect, and perceived herd. The data were collected using a web-based survey and thoroughly tested questionnaire with a sample of 380 Chinese college students. Hierarchical regression, parallel mediation, and serial mediation analysis were applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that healthy weight awareness, first-person effect, and perceived herd all played mediator roles that induced the relationship between Chinese college students' exposure to healthy weight information and their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors. In addition, healthy weight awareness and the first-person effect sequentially mediated this relationship.

Highly Stretchable Graphene Scrolls Transistors for Self-Powered Tribotronic Non-Mechanosensation Application.

Owing to highly desired requirements in advanced disease diagnosis, therapy, and health monitoring, noncontact mechanosensation active matrix has drawn considerable attention. To satisfy the practical demands of high energy efficiency, in this report, combining the advantage of multiparameter monitoring, high sensitivity, and high resolution of active matrix field-effect transistor (FET) with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), we successfully developed the tribotronic mechanosensation active matrix based on tribotronic ion gel graphene scrolls field-effect transistors (GSFET). The tribopotential produced by TENG served as a gate voltage to modulate carrier transport along the semiconductor channel and realized self-powered ability with considerable decreased energy consumption. To achieve high spatial utilization and more pronounced responsivity of the dielectric of this transistor, ion gel was used to act as a triboelectric layer to conduct friction and contact electrification with external materials directly to produce triboelectric charges to power GFET. This tribopotential-driving device has excellent tactile sensing properties with high sensitivity (1.125 mm-1), rapid response time (~16 ms), and a durability operation of thousands of cycles. Furthermore, the device was transparent and flexible with the capability of spatially mapping touch stimuli and monitoring real-time temperature. Due to all these unique characteristics, this novel noncontact mechanosensation GSFET active matrix provided a new method for self-powered E-skin with promising potential for self-powered wearable devices and intelligent robots.

Perceived Information Overload and Intention to Discontinue Use of Short-Form Video: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive and Psychological Factors.

The current study investigated the effects of Chinese young adult users' perceived information overload (i.e., the daily perception of exposure to excessive information) on their intention to stop using short-form video applications. Specifically, this study accomplished this by measuring the direct and indirect effects of social media fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction in relation to users' intention to discontinue their use of short-form video applications. The data were collected using a web-based survey and validated questionnaire, with a sample of 340 young adult (18-26 years old) respondents. The results indicated that perceived information overload had a direct effect on the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications. Moreover, short-form video fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction all played mediating roles in the relationship between perceived information overload and the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications among young adults in China.

Low energy consumption fiber-type memristor array with integrated sensing-memory.

The increasing growth of electronic information science and technology has triggered the renaissance of the artificial sensory nervous system (SNS), which can emulate the response of organisms towards external stimuli with high efficiency. In traditional SNS, the sensor units and the memory units are separated, and therefore difficult to miniaturize and integrate. Here, we have incorporated the sensor unit and the memory unit into one system, taking advantage of the unique properties of the ion-gel system. Meanwhile, the weaving-type memory array presents paramount advantages of integration and miniaturization and conformal lamination to curved surfaces. It is worth noting that the electrical double layer (EDL) within the ion gel endow the device with a low operation voltage (<1 V) to achieve low energy consumption. Finally, according to the relationship of pressure stimuli and electrical behavior, the integrated responsiveness-storage external stimuli ability is achieved. Our work offers a new platform for designing cutting edge SNS.

The Effect of Different Treatment Methods on Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia.

Objective: The application of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in the treatment of paralytic strabismus has been recognized, but there are few studies on the treatment of acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE). This study was aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of AACE and compare the therapeutic effects of BTXA and traditional surgery. Methods: 78 patients with AACE in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between March 2019 and March 2021 were reviewed. The relevant medical records of the patients were collected, and they were divided into surgical group (n = 46) and botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) group (n = 32) according to different treatment approaches. The surgical group was treated with squint correction, whereas the BTXA group was treated with microinjection of BTXA in MR. Eye alignment, esotropia, stereopsis, and complications were examined before and after treatment in both groups. Results: The refractive status of 78 patients with AACE was mostly myopic refractive error. In general, the angle of esotropia at distance was larger than which at near, with a statistically significant difference. At follow-up assessments of 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment, the total effective rates of the surgical group and the BTXA group were 100% and 90.48%, respectively. The residual angle of esotropia of both groups was lower after treatment. Additionally, the incidence rate of complications in the BTXA group was significantly lower than that in the surgical group. Conclusion: AACE occurs mostly in people with myopic refractive errors and is associated with prolonged near work. Besides surgical treatment, micro-injection of BTXA is also an effective and safe treatment for AACE.

Piezoelectric Materials: Properties, Advancements, and Design Strategies for High-Temperature Applications.

Piezoelectronics, as an efficient approach for energy conversion and sensing, have a far-reaching influence on energy harvesting, precise instruments, sensing, health monitoring and so on. A majority of the previous works on piezoelectronics concentrated on the materials that are applied at close to room temperatures. However, there is inadequate research on the materials for high-temperature piezoelectric applications, yet they also have important applications in the critical equipment of aeroengines and nuclear reactors in harsh and high-temperature conditions. In this review, we briefly introduce fundamental knowledge about the piezoelectric effect, and emphatically elucidate high-temperature piezoelectrics, involving: the typical piezoelectric materials operated in high temperatures, and the applications, limiting factors, prospects and challenges of piezoelectricity at high temperatures.

Clinical characteristics and aetiology of acute acquired comitant esotropia.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) is characterised by the acute onset of diplopia which affects work and life. BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical characteristics and discuss the aetiology of acute acquired comitant esotropia. METHODS: The medical records of 51 patients with AACE were retrospectively analysed, and their age, occupation, daily average time spent on near work, angle of deviation, refractive error and aetiology were analysed. RESULTS: The age at onset of AACE was eight to 55 years. Thirty-nine patients were aged 12 to 36 years (76.5%), and 42 patients (82.4%) were myopic. The angle of deviation was 20Δ (12Δ to 35Δ) during near fixation and 25Δ (18Δ to 40Δ) during distance fixation. The deviation during distance fixation was larger than that during near fixation, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.001). The daily average time of near work before onset was 9.0 h (8.0 h to 10.0 h); 35 patients (68.6%) spent more than 8 h performing near work. Their occupations included students, accountants, information technology staff, and those who required electronic use for a long time. There is no correlation between the angle of deviation and the time of near work (p > 0.05). Among the 51 patients, three had intracranial diseases. Diplopia resolved in 47 cases following treatment. The angle of deviation post-treatment was 0Δ (0Δ to 5Δ) during near and 0Δ (0Δ to 3Δ) during distance fixation. CONCLUSION: AACE occurs mostly in myopic older children and adults. The onset of esotropia is related to long-term near work. AACE patients mostly present an angle of deviation that is larger during distance than near fixation. Intracranial disease is an infrequent but important cause of AACE that needs to be excluded in all cases.

Self-powered bifunctional sensor based on tribotronic planar graphene transistors.

With the development of material science, micro-nano-fabrication and microelectronics, the higher level requirements are posed on the electronic skins (E-skin). The lower energy consumption and multiple functions are the imperative requirements to spurred scientists and mechanists to make joint efforts to meet. To achieve lower energy consumption, a promising energy-harvesting style of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) is incorporated into the field effect transistors (FETs) to play the important role for sensor. For bifunctional sensor, to harness the difficult for reflecting the magnitude of frequency, we resorted to synaptic transistors to achieve more intelligentization. Furthermore, with regards to the configuration of FET, we continued previous work: using the electrolyte gate dielectrics of FET-ion gel as the electrification layer to achieve high efficient, compact and extensively adoption for mechanosensation. The working principle of the GFET was based on the coupling effects of the FET and the TENG. This newly emerged self-powered sensor would offer a new platform for lower power consumption sensor for human-machine interface and intelligent robot.

Direct-current generators based on conductive polymers for self-powered flexible devices.

Direct-current generators, especially those based on the Schottky contacts between conductive polymers and metal electrodes, are efficient in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical energy. In contrast to triboelectric and piezoelectric generators, direct-current generators readily produce direct-current outputs and high currents that are crucial for integrating multiple energy-harvesting units in large scale and driving some types of devices. We are focusing on the relationship between Schottky barrier height and performance, systematically investigating the effects of various conductive polymers and electrodes on the outputs by both theoretical simulation and experiments. Tailoring the Schottky barrier height between conductive polymers and metal electrodes is demonstrated a significant approach to design the new DC generators. The preparation method of electrochemical deposition endows the generators flexibility, the linear relationship of current/voltage output vs. strain applied on the generators, combined with the large outputs offer advantages for the generator to work as flexible sensors. Furthermore, a mechanosensation-active matrix array based on direct-current generator for the strain monitoring demonstrated its promising prospects in flexible electronics. The direct-current generators with improved performance could serve as a stream new blood for versatile sensory systems and human-machine interactive interfaces.

Mechanosensation-Active Matrix Based on Direct-Contact Tribotronic Planar Graphene Transistor Array.

Mechanosensitive electronics aims at replicating the multifunctions of human skin to realize quantitative conversion of external stimuli into electronic signals and provide corresponding feedback instructions. Here, we report a mechanosensation-active matrix based on a direct-contact tribotronic planar graphene transistor array. Ion gel is utilized as both the dielectric in the graphene transistor and the friction layer for triboelectric potential coupling to achieve highly efficient gating and sensation properties. Different contact distances between the ion gel and other friction materials produce different triboelectric potentials, which are directly coupled to the graphene channel and lead to different output signals through modulating the Fermi level of graphene. Based on this mechanism, the tribotronic graphene transistor is capable of sensing approaching distances, recognizing the category of different materials, and even distinguishing voices. It possesses excellent sensing properties, including high sensitivity (0.16 mm-1), fast response time (∼15 ms), and excellent durability (over 1000 cycles). Furthermore, the fabricated mechanosensation-active matrix is demonstrated to sense spatial contact distances and visualize a 2D color mapping of the target object. The tribotronic active matrix with ion gel as dielectric/friction layer provides a route for efficient and low-power-consuming mechanosensation in a noninvasive fashion. It is of great significance in multifunction sensory systems, wearable human-machine interactive interfaces, artificial electronic skin, and future telemedicine for patient surveillance.

Hydrogen bonding and coordination bonding in the electronically excited states of Cu2(L)2 (L=5-(4-pyridyl)tetrazole)MeOH: a TDDFT study.

The luminescent metal organic framework (MOF), Cu2(L)2·MeOH (L=5-(4-pyridyl)tetrazole), was studied using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). A combination of frontier molecular orbitals and electronic configuration analysis revealed that the emission mechanism was a ligand to metal charge transition (LMCT) rather than a metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT). Hydrogen bonding significantly changed the nature of the frontier orbital and the luminescence. Electronic transition energies predicted that the hydrogen bonding in excited state would become weaker with an electronic spectral blue-shift. The bond lengths, frequencies, and binding energies indicated weakening of the hydrogen bonding in the excited state, which can affect emissions in two ways, including: (i) a decrease in the electronic coupling between methanol and the motif and suppressing the occurrence of the photo-induced electron transfer (PET); and (ii) increasing the energy gap between S1 and S0, leading to radiative transition. Coordination bonding was also investigated in the excited state through bond lengths, frequencies, and bond orders. Coordination bonds were found to become stronger in the excited state leading to an enhancement of the luminescence.