Enhancing IV Insertion Skill Training: Integrating Bimanual Haptic Feedback in Mixed Reality.

In this study, we present the development of an advanced bimanual intravenous (IV) needle insertion simulation system, leveraging the capabilities of mixed reality and haptic feedback technologies. The system offers an immersive experience by simulating real-world variability in a clinic environment. Our approach involves the integration of an exoskeleton haptic glove for left-hand interaction with a virtual patient's hand and a modified stylus haptic device for performing IV needle insertion into a virtual vein, visualized through the HoloLens 2 device.

Impact of hydrophilic side chains on the thin film transistor performance of a benzothieno-benzothiophene derivative.

Side-chain engineering in molecular semiconductors provides a versatile toolbox for precisely manipulating the material's processability, crystallographic properties, as well as electronic and optoelectronic characteristics. This study explores the impact of integrating hydrophilic side chains, specifically oligoethylene glycol (OEG) units, into the molecular structure of the small molecule semiconductor, 2,7-bis(2(2-methoxy ethoxy)ethoxy) benzo[]benzo[4,5] thieno[2,3-] thiophene (OEG-BTBT). The investigation includes a comprehensive analysis of thin film morphology and crystallographic properties, along with the optimization of deposition parameters for improving the device performance.

Memory Effect by Melt Crystallization Observed in Polymorphs of a Benzothieno-Benzothiophene Derivative.

This work provides a comprehensive illustration of a crystalline melt memory effect recorded for three solvates of the 2,7-bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)benzo[]benzo[4,5] thieno[2,3-]thiophene (OEG-BTBT) molecule with dichloromethane (DCM) molecules. Combined optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements at different temperatures are used to get an overview of the structural and morphological properties like melting points, isotropic transition temperatures, induction times, and crystallization kinetics of the three forms. An outstanding observation is made upon annealing the three polymorphs at temperatures well above their respective melting points as well as above the optical clearance temperature.

Synergistic Effect of Solvent Vapor Annealing and Chemical Doping for Achieving High-Performance Organic Field-Effect Transistors with Ideal Electrical Characteristics.

Contact resistance and charge trapping are two key obstacles, often intertwined, that negatively impact on the performance of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) by reducing the overall device mobility and provoking a nonideal behavior. Here, we expose organic semiconductor (OSC) thin films based on blends of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT-C8) with polystyrene (PS) to (i) a CHCN vapor annealing process, (ii) a doping I/water procedure, and (iii) vapors of I/CHCN to simultaneously dope and anneal the films. After careful analysis of the OFET electrical characteristics and by performing local Kelvin probe force microscopy studies, we found that the vapor annealing process predominantly reduces interfacial shallow traps, while the chemical doping of the OSC film is responsible for the diminishment of deeper traps and promoting a significant reduction of the contact resistance.