Small Electronic Devices Research Articles

Cochlear implants – An Overview. Are CIs world’s most successful sensory prostheses?

Cochlear implants (CIs) have greatly improved over the last 2 decades and now are the world’s most successful sensory prostheses, that restored hearing to more than 800,000 deaf people. CIs are small electronic devices that consists of an external portion that is located behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically fixed under the skin, they replace the function of the inner hair cells in the cochlea by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. Although cochlear implantation has been used for almost 50 years, the indications for this procedure are subject to constant modifications but the main indication is the inability to achieve sufficient speech understanding. Properly implanted, fitted, and rehabilitated hearing prostheses allow to achieve open speech understanding in 70-80% of post-lingual deafness patients and very good speech development results in children. These days cochlear implantation has become the treatment of choice for people with significant hearing loss and are constantly being developed intensively.

Improved Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Tile‐Nanostructure for Wireless Human Health Monitor

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as promising candidates for integrating with flexible electronics as self‐powered systems owing to their intrinsic flexibility, biocompatibility, and miniaturization. In this study, an improved flexible TENG with a tile‐nanostructured MXene/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite electrode (MP‐TENG) is proposed for use in wireless human health monitor. The multifunctional tile‐nanostructured MXene/PMMA film, which is self‐assembled through vacuum filtration, exhibits good conductivity, excellent charge capacity, and high flexibility. Thus, the MXene/PMMA composite electrode can simultaneously function as a charge‐generating, charge‐trapping, and charge‐collecting layer. Furthermore, the charge‐trapping capacity of a tile nanostructure can be optimized on the basis of the PMMA concentration. At a mass fraction of 4% PMMA, the MP‐TENG achieves the optimal output performance, with an output voltage of 37.8 V, an output current of 1.8 μA, and transferred charge of 14.1 nC. The output power is enhanced over twofold compared with the pure MXene‐based TENG. Moreover, the MP‐TENG has sufficient power capacity and durability to power small electronic devices. Finally, a wireless human motion monitor based on the MP‐TENG is utilized to detect physiological signals in various kinematic motions. Consequently, the proposed performance‐enhanced MP‐TENG proves a considerable potential for use in health monitoring, telemedicine, and self‐powered systems.

Constructed multifunctional CuOx core and electrodeposited nickel‑cobalt sulfide for high areal energy-power density supercapacitor

Construction of heterostructure is regarded as an effective strategy for enhancing the electrochemical performance of electrode materials for supercapacitor. Moreover, the relatively poor conductivity and commonly structural design severely decrease the electron transfer ability and surface utilization of nickel cobalt sulfides during charge-discharge process. In this work, three unique core structures of Cu, CuO, and CuOx (Cu-Cu2O-CuO) were successfully constructed on copper foam via an in-situ redox strategy. Among them, the CuOx cores exhibit higher capacity and lower voltage drop because of the high conductivity of Cu, the generation of built-in electric field between Cu2O and CuO, as well as rich active areas. Three-dimensional interconnected NiCoS nanosheets grown on the surface of CuOx cores with high areal-loading and robust interfacial adhesion. Benefited from the unique structural advantages and synergistic effect of multi-metallic active centers, the CuOx/NiCoS composite exhibits high specific capacitance of 3305 mF cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2, outstanding rate capability of 68.3% when the current density increases to 60 mA cm−2, and long-term lifespan. Notably, the assembled CuOx/NiCoS//PAC asymmetric supercapacitor delivers a high areal energy density and power density (263.3 μWh cm−2 at 2.4 mW cm−2), which can drive some small electronic devices. This study offers a novel pathway for further design of a core-shell structured electrode materials with an enhanced capacity and rate capability for advanced energy storage devices.

Nonlinear Dynamics and Energy Harvesting of a Two-Degrees-of-Freedom Electromagnetic Energy Harvester near the Primary and Secondary Resonances

Energy harvesting is a useful technique for various kinds of self-powered electronic devices and systems as well as Internet of Things technology. This study presents a two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) electromagnetic energy harvester that can use environment vibration and provide energy for small electronic devices. The proposed harvester consists of a cylindrical tube with two moving magnets suspended by a magnetic spring mechanism and a stationary coil. In order to verify the theoretical model, a prototype electromagnetic harvester was constructed and tested. The influence of key parameters, including excitation acceleration, response to a harmonic frequency sweep, and electromechanical coupling on the generated characteristics of the harvester, was investigated. The experimental and theoretical results showed that the proposed electromagnetic energy harvester was able to increase the resonance bandwidth (60–1200 rad/s) and output power (0.2 W). However, due to strong nonlinearity, an unstable region occurred near the main first resonance, which resulted from the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation.

Plasticizer structural effect for sustainable and high-performance PVC gel-based triboelectric nanogenerators

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) produces electrical energy by the accumulation of electric charges when two different materials rub against each other. In this study, the characteristics, and stabilities of adipate PVC gels with different adipate plasticizers were investigated for the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for sustainable energy harvesting. Various plasticizers with different numbers of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain were used to synthesize PVC gels, and their triboelectric properties, permittivities, and electrical conductivities were evaluated. In particular, we investigated the relationship between the surface charge dissipation rate and electrical resistivity of the PVC gel, which can maximize the TENG performance. The DOA5-based PVC gel TENG showed the highest output performance (198 V, 15.6 µA, and 384 µW/cm2) and stable output performance without plasticizer leakage for over 30 days at a high temperature. The developed TENG can be used as a power source for small electronic devices, maintaining a stable and high-output performance with high durability, making it ideal for self-powered systems in harsh environments requiring continuous power supply.

Foam nickel-PDMS composite film based triboelectric nanogenerator for speed and acceleration sensing

As a new energy conversion technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can use the coupling of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction effect to convert tiny mechanical energy into electrical energy, powering small electronic devices. In this paper, a vibration sensing triboelectric nanogenerator (V-TENG) based on a foam nickel-PDMS composite film was prepared, which can convert low frequency and small-amplitude mechanical energy into electrical energy, and the open circuit voltage of V-TENG can reach 3.6V at a vibration frequency of 4 Hz. In addition, the V-TENG can be used as a self-powered speed/acceleration sensor to detect speed changes in the range of 0.3 m/s to 1.5 m/s and acceleration changes in the range of 3 m/s2 to 13 m/s2.

Penyuluhan Bahaya Kesehatan Akibat Gadget pada Anak dan Remaja di Wilayah Kelurahan Purwosari Kota Semarang

A gadget is a small electronic device that has many functions, is designed with high technology, is practical to use, and is constantly undergoing updates. The use of gadgets is growing very quickly in all age groups, especially children and adolescents. The dangers of using gadgets can have an impact on the physical and psychological condition of the child. In 2019 and 2020 there was an increase in the number of children who had to be referred to psychiatric hospitals related to gadget addiction, soit was necessary to socialize about the dangers of gadgets in health. The purpose of this community service is to increase children's knowledge about the health hazards caused by the use of gadgets. Activities in the form of socializationabout gadgets and their dangers to health, with material in the form of understanding, types of gadgets, health impacts caused, and how to control and prevent them. The methods used are socialization, giving leaflets, and interactive discussions. The subjects targeted were children and adolescents assisted by the Nareswari Thematic Village, Purwosari Village, North Semarang District. The results of community service showed a higher knowledge score after socialization than before counseling.

Pengaruh Smartphone Terhadap Anak Usia Dini

This article aims to find out the development of smartphones and the resulting impact. The definition of a smartphone is a small electronic device that has various functions and the latest technology, which makes human life more practical. In the context of early childhood development, the use of smartphones has an influence on their development. Technology can be an effective learning medium and can increase children's creativity, but it must be balanced with interaction with the surrounding environment. Research shows that smartphone use can have a negative impact on early childhood social development. Excessive use can cause children to become introverted, experience sleep disturbances, tend to be alone, show violent behavior, inhibit creativity, and increase the risk of cyberbullying. To overcome this problem, the solution is to limit the use of smartphones, supervise children while using smartphones, and involve themselves as parental figures who play an active role. Providing an appropriate time schedule for children to use smartphones is also important, so that smartphone use does not hinder early childhood social development. The role of parents in this case is very important to provide appropriate supervision and direction. By taking these steps, it is hoped that the negative effects of smartphone use can be minimized, while early childhood social development is well maintained.

Synchronous Generation of Electrical and Cellular Energies via Body-Mediated Energy Transfer: Inevitable Electric Field Concentration

The effect of body-mediated energy transfer and harvesting on biological tissues has not been considered yet. We demonstrate through clinical protocols that body-mediated energy harvesting concentrates inevitable and local electric fields in biological tissues, which reduces muscle fatigue (6.4%, P-value = 0.020). The waveform (AC and DC) and intensity (∼3000 mV/mm) of these electric fields can be adjusted by controlling several variables (grounding method, external resistance, charging capacitor) depending on the purpose (usefulness, energy strength) without using any additional battery or wiring. Moreover, the harvested energy can be used to operate small electronic devices semipermanently. These findings indicate that body-mediated energy harvesting is a promising solution for powering wearable technologies and as a noninvasive treatment for harvesting energy and stimulating biological tissues synchronously.

Wearables in rheumatology

As a result of digitalization in medicine wearable computing devices (wearables) are becoming increasingly more important. Wearables are small portable electronic devices with which the user can record data relevant to health, such as number of steps, activity profile, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart and breathing frequency or oxygen saturation. Initial studies on the use of wearables in patients with rheumatological diseases show the opening up of new possibilities for prevention, disease monitoring and treatment. This study provides the current data situation and the implementation of wearables in the discipline of rheumatology. Additionally, future potential fields of application as well as challenges and limits of the implementation of wearables are illustrated.

A rotating piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid harvester for water flow energy

Water contains a great amount of potential energy, out of this, an energy harvesting and converting solution from water is very promising for green renewable energy. In this paper, a hybrid energy harvester (HEH) is proposed, which has a combination of piezoelectric and electromagnetic mechanisms for energy conversion. Two piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH) and two electromagnetic energy harvesters (EMH) can work synchronously to achieve high-performance output. The structural variables of the prototype are studied and analyzed through the self-designed experimental test system. When the prototype is assembled with optimal structural parameters, the maximum output voltages of a single PEH and EMH are 56.24 V and 1.016 V. The maximum output power of HEH is 22.78mW, which is 21 % higher than that of PEH and 253011 % higher than that of EMH. Subsequent underwater tests and a series of application tests were performed to verify the performance of the HEH, showing that it can easily power some commercially available sensors and small electronic devices. Experimental results show that HEH is promising in wireless self-powering and self-sensing. It provides a new power supply scheme for laying power supply without grid for monitoring equipment in deep sea and ocean environment.

Photo-rechargeable battery with an energetically aligned beetroot Dye/Cl-Graphene quantum dots/MoO3 nanorods composite

A stand-alone, low-cost non-aqueous photo-rechargeable zinc ion battery configuration is presented. The photo-battery integrates the functions of energy conversion and storage in a single device thus minimizing space and material requirements as well as cost. The cell is based on a photocathode with TiO2 and MoO3-nanorods (NRs) as the storage layers, with additional roles of electron transport layer and photosensitizer for TiO2 and MoO3 respectively. Photoactive beetroot (BT) dye and Cl-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were also incorporated therein to yield the TiO2/BT/Cl-GQDs/MoO3-NRs composite photocathode for broad spectral utilization. Under irradiance, the BT dye, Cl-GQDs and MoO3 undergo electron-hole separation, channel the electrons to the external circuit via TiO2 through aligned energy levels and simultaneously charge the battery to ∼1 V, without the application of any external bias or current. The photo-charging and discharge capacities of the photo-battery: TiO2/BT/Cl-GQDs/MoO3-NRs/Zn2+/Zn-AC in the biased mode under an applied current density of 21 mA g−1 and under 1 sun irradiance (100 mW cm−2, AM 1.5 G) are 104 mAh g−1 and 240 mAh g−1 respectively. The photo-charging capacity under 1 sun irradiance in the unbiased mode is ∼75 mAh g−1. A Zn-activated carbon composite (derived from lemon pieces) as the anode electro-catalyzes the reduction of Zn2+ during photo-charging, leading to a power conversion efficiency of 4.03 % under one sun illumination. This has a cycle life of 200 cycles and offers a constant photocurrent of 8.3 mA cm−2 with a hold time of more than 100 s under irradiance which can easily charge any small electronic device. It is an economically viable configuration with huge technological potential for possible commercialization.

Hybrid Aerogel Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on the Synergistic Effect of Solid-Solid/Gas-Solid Triboelectricity and Piezoelectric Polarization.

Aerogels, due to their unique interconnected 3D networks, and large number of air-filled pores, extend the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of the nanoscale to the macro level. However, aerogels made from a single component can hardly meet the needs of multifunctional energy harvesting/supply situations. Here, a BaTiO3-based hybrid aerogel (BTO HA) with 3D network structure was prepared. When the BTO HA is used as the electrode of triboelectric nanogenerator (BTO HA-TENG), high electrical output performances were obtained, which is due to the synergistic effect of solid-solid contact electrifications between the two electrification layers, the gas-solid contact electrifications between the inner surface of BTO HA and the air filled in the aerogel pores, and the piezoelectricity of the doped BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The BTO HA-TENG exhibited excellent fatigue resistance and structural stability after 12,000 cycles of alternatively contact/separation tests, and it can not only provide stable power supply for commercial capacitors, drive small mobile electronic devices but also can be used as a self-powered sensor to monitor human motion signals. Compared with traditional TENGs depending on surface charge transfer, the BTO HA-TENG exhibited its unique advantage that it can generate and transfer triboelectric charges by 3D volume, which boost TENGs' electrical output performances.

Biodegradable, transparent, and antibacterial alginate-based triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting and tactile sensing

The utilization of natural biomaterials in the construction of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) has significant implications for the advancement of sustainable self-powered devices. Sodium alginate (SA), an eco-friendly and biodegradable triboelectric material with excellent transparency, is considered an ideal material for wearable TENGs. In this work, we report a biodegradable, transparent, and antibacterial SA-based TENG for mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered tactile sensing. The addition of glycerol, an environment-friendly additive, can enhance flexibility and adhesiveness of the SA, which resulted in well-transferred AgNWs/SA electrodes with high transparency and conductivity. The major parameters that affect the output performance of the fabricated TENG are investigated, including the frequency, thickness and area of the triboelectric layers. The output voltage, transferred charge, and peak power of the TENG could reach up to 53 V, 18 nC, and 4 μW, respectively, which is sufficient to power small electronic devices. In addition, the fabricated TENG device also shows excellent antibacterial and biodegradable capabilities. Finally, the TENG is demonstrated to be an effective self-powered tactile sensor for pressure mapping, human movement monitoring, and wearable human–machine interfacing. This work provides a new strategy to design flexible transparent TENGs with biodegradable SA and paves the way for developing next-generation self-powered transient electronics.

Study of the Power Generation Performance of Impact Piezoelectric Energy Capture Devices.

In order to solve the problem of conventional energy shortages, a non-resonant impact piezoelectric energy capture device using a (polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric film at low frequency is proposed, and related theoretical analysis and experimental studies are conducted. The device has a simple internal structure, is green and easy to miniaturize, and is capable of harvesting energy at low frequencies to supply energy to micro and small electronic devices. First, to verify the feasibility of the device, the structure of the experimental device is modeled and dynamically analyzed. Then the modal, stress-strain, and output voltage of the piezoelectric film are simulated and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. Finally, the experimental prototype is built according to the model, and the experimental platform is constructed to test the relevant performance. The experimental results show that the output power produced by the capturer varies within a certain range when the capturer is excited externally. With an external excitation force of 30 N, a piezoelectric film bending amplitude of 60°, and a piezoelectric film size of 45 × 80 mm, the resulting output power voltage is 21.69 V, the output current is 0.07 mA, and the output power is 1.5176 mW. This experiment verifies the feasibility of the energy capturer and provides a new idea for powering electronic components.

Bridging Gaps in Access for Youth: Youth Feedback on a Novel Sexual and Reproductive Health Digital Platform [ID: 1377818

INTRODUCTION: Youth bear a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Youth face barriers to STI testing, such as fear of breaches in confidentiality, lack of transportation, and anticipated stigma. Also, youth struggle with knowing when and where to get tested because of a lack of education about sexual and reproductive health (SRH). We sought to obtain feedback from youth about a digital health platform designed to address these barriers. METHODS: The Health Belief Model was used to develop a prototype digital health platform that offered interactive SRH education, free STI testing and safe sex products, and an anonymous ask column. Five focus group discussions (IRB approved) were conducted, each lasting 45–60 minutes with five to six youth living in a high-prevalence STI region of Baltimore, Maryland. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight youth (aged 14–19) participated. Three domains emerged: 1) the need for a reliable source of SRH information, 2) approval of the digital health platform, and 3) suggestions for improvement. Youth expressed concerns about the reliability of SRH information they receive from school, peers, and media. Participants preferred to access SRH resources on their phones or other small electronic devices as opposed to laptops or computer screens that may feel more exposed. Additionally, participants desired to access this information for free as that removes barriers of parental approval and financial support. CONCLUSION: Overall, youth viewed the digital health platform as an acceptable tool for sexual and reproductive health care education. The platform met their preferences of being free, accessible, and reliable.

Evaluation of jacketed telemetry in rats for cardiorespiratory phenotyping at exercise

The challenge of cardiorespiratory function through physical exercise is highly relevant to reveal pathological phenotypes, both in humans and animals, but available monitoring tools (implanted telemetry, metabolic chamber) remain challenging to use in the context of exercise. Recently, jacketed telemetry systems for small laboratory animals have been developed, allowing non-invasive physiological monitoring in various conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility, using this new technology, to monitor cardiorespiratory function during treadmill exercise in rats. The effects of a moderate-intensity treadmill exercise protocol were monitored using a non-invasive telemetric jacket on a group of untrained male wistar rats (N = 9, 9–10 weeks). This incremental protocol consisted in increase the speed level of 5 cm/sec every 2 minutes (Speed: from 10 to 35 cm/sec max). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RespR) and activity level (AL) were monitored with a small electronic Bluetooth device (15 g) and analyzed during a control state (Baseline), the last 30 seconds of each speed level and at post-exercise recovery. The animals were equipped with the device and placed back in their home cage. After 25 minutes of stabilization, HR was 392 ± 36 bpm, RespR was 173 ± 53 brpm, and AL was 15 ± 12 mg. All animals successfully ran on the treadmill with the jacket to the maximum speed of 35 cm/sec. Exercise induced a significant physiological increase in HR (+26%, 104 ± 21 bpm, P < 0.01) and RespR (+73%, 126 ± 22 brpm, P < 0.01). In conclusion, this novel telemetry jacket can be used to monitor cardiorespiratory parameters adaptation during a standard forced exercise protocol. Jacketed telemetry provides a completely non-invasive way to study the phenotypes of animals avoiding any additional risk on fragile pathological models and meeting the regulatory 3Rs requirements. As illustrated phenotype characterization can be enriched with a monitoring of the animal in various situations (treadmill, home cage, but also metabolic or hypoxia cage, etc.…).

Moisture-Induced Ionovoltaic Electricity Generation by Manipulating Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Halide Perovskites

Attempts to satisfy the vast demands for electric power in our daily lives and to address the depletion of existing fossil fuels have led to the development of new energy conversion technologies. Herein, we present a different type of electric generation, called ionovoltaic electricity generation (IEG), that results from manipulating organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite structures with moisture. This IEG can generate an open-circuit voltage of up to ∼0.5 V and a short-circuit current density of ∼0.1 mA cm–2, which is sufficient to power small electronic devices. In this work we have utilized the transformation of structurally zero-dimensional perovskite, specifically MA4PbBr6·2H2O, to three-dimensional MAPbBr3 in the presence of humidity. Flexible power supply devices made of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite layers are designed and fabricated for harvesting the energy from human breath and some other real-life conditions. This work opens a new direction in the field of organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites and offers an extremely simple method for energy conversion of practical importance.

Enhancing output performance of wearable triboelectric nanogenerators by manipulating the permittivity of BaTiO3-base/PVA composite films

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been widely used in wearable devices for their low cost, portable and self-powered properties. However, the positive triboelectric materials of TENG are still facing problems of low output performance, poor environmental friendliness, and a complicated manufacturing process. We proposed a wearable BP-TENG using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) doped BaTiO3-base ceramic powder (BTO-base) with high permittivity. It is worth mentioning that PVA has strong electron-losing ability, and it also has the advantages of low cost, good biocompatibility, environmental protection, and a simple preparation process, which make it an ideal choice as a wearable TENG positive triboelectric material. Different mass ratios of BTO-base are doped into the PVA film, and its doping enhances the charge trapping and storage capacity of the composite film. The maximum output performance is obtained at a doping mass ratio of 8% and a thickness of 70.68 μm, with an open-circuit voltage of 72 V and a short-circuit current of 2.5 μA, which are 80% and 78.6% higher than those of pure PVA film, respectively. In addition, the BP-TENG can be connected to a capacitor through a rectifier circuit to form an energy storage system that can power small electronic devices such as calculators and LCDs. At the same time, BP-TENG can be worn on different parts of the body to sense human motion signals, demonstrating its application potential in the field of wearable electronics.

An Edible Rechargeable Battery.

Edible electronics is a growing field that aims to produce digestible devices using only food ingredients and additives, thus addressing many of the shortcomings of ingestible electronic devices. Edible electronic devices will have major implications for gastrointestinal tract monitoring, therapeutics, as well as rapid food quality monitoring. Recent research has demonstrated the feasibility of edible circuits and sensors, but to realize fully edible electronic devices edible power sources are required, of which there have been very few examples. Drawing inspiration from living organisms, which use redox cofactors to power biochemical machines, a rechargeable edible battery formed from materials eaten in everyday life is developed. The battery is realized by immobilizing riboflavin and quercetin, common food ingredients and dietary supplements, on activated carbon, a widespread food additive. Riboflavin is used as the anode, while quercetin is used as the cathode. By encapsulating the electrodes in beeswax, a fully edible battery is fabricated capable of supplying power to small electronic devices. The proof-of-concept battery cell operated at 0.65V, sustaining a current of 48µA for 12min. The presented proof-of-concept will open the doors to new edible electronic applications, enabling safer and easier medical diagnostics, treatments, and unexplored ways to monitor food quality.