We present a method for determining the shear modulus of an elastic material wherein a spatially-modulated acoustic radiation force is used to generate a disturbance of known spatial frequency (wavelength). The propagation of this initial displacement as a shear wave is measured using ultrasound tracking methods and the temporal frequency of the shear wave is estimated. Given the known wavelength and material density and the measured estimate of temporal frequency, the shear modulus at the point of excitation may be calculated easily. Using this method, the shear moduli of two gelatin phantoms was estimated to be 1.4 and 5.8 kPa, in good agreement with 1.5 and 5.6 kPa values determined though quasistatic material testing.

Driving demands significant psychomotor attention and requires even more when drivers are engaged in secondary tasks that increase cognitive workload and divert attention. It is well established that age influences driving risk. Less is known about how culture impacts changes in attention. We conducted parallel driving simulations in the US and Korea to measure the extent to which age and culture influence dual-task performance. There were 135 participants divided into two groups: a younger group aged 20-29, and an older group aged 60-69. Whereas some differences by culture appeared in absolute control measures, the younger participants showed similar mean velocity and compensatory patterns associated with increased cognitive load in the urban setting; however, the results from the older samples were less similar.

Technology-enabled solutions have been increasingly developed for aging-in-place. Previous studies have developed systems to assist older adults in managing medications and maintaining social connections. However, although developed for direct user interaction, most have failed to be sufficiently evaluated by users. This paper describes the development and testing of a home solution for older adults' medication management and communications. The system integrates RFIDbased medication management and communications technologies with an intuitive interface. A long-term field trial was conducted for an extensive usability testing and evaluation. With its current design, the system was found to be useful, easy to use, and satisfying.

No abstract