Search Results (27)

Cycling is now a very popular sport and leisure activity or commuting tool around the world, with its popularity growing especially during the epidemic. The traditional bicycle depends on a chain driving mechanism to move forward (This paper is an extended version of our paper published in The 16th Intelligent Living Technology Conference, Taichung, Taiwan, 2 June 2022). However, its transmission chain is easily dirtied and loosened so that regular maintenance is highly demanded to sustain normal function. To achieve the idea of maintenance-free, self-calibrating, and efficient mechanism operation, a wireless-controlled gear shifter for shaft driven bicycles is proposed, not only to overcome the limitations of the traditional chain driving mechanism, but also to make riding control more convenient. Firstly, an actuated gear shifter module coordinated with the gear positioning system was designed. Secondly, a remote controller module with information organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and shift operation buttons was developed. Both modules use independent batteries and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface to communicate with each other for wireless shifting control. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of accuracy, rapidness, and robustness. Full article

Different from new product development, design improvement aims to solve the problems of existing products. Although design knowledge and effect tools have been applied in product improvement, the existing methods for design improvement are limited in their specific application areas. A general method of product improvement is proposed in this paper using the knowledge mining and effect analogy. The length–time dimension is introduced to link the problem analysis and problem-solving for the first time. This method includes the effect knowledge base construction, length–time dimension extraction, effect retrieval, effect ranking, analogy object selection, and effect structure mapping. This method integrates a variety of algorithms and software tools in design knowledge mining to improve the efficiency of the effect analogy for product improvement. Through the comparative analysis of three effect retrieval methods and design improvement of a button battery ring device, the superiority and feasibility of the proposed method are verified. Full article

Background. Foreign body (FB) ingestion remains a common cause of pediatric emergency department referrals, and the gold standard for detection is whole-digestive-tract radiographic examination. Our study explores whether handheld metal detectors (HHMD) can effectively identify the presence and location of ingested metal objects, potentially reducing the need for additional radiographic examination. Methods. We collected medical data from children with suspected metal FB ingestion who were referred to our emergency department (October 2017–March 2023), focusing on object type and correlating metal detector findings with radiographic images. Results. Data from 43 children (39.5% female; mean age: 4 y) referred to our emergency department were analyzed. Coins (32.6%), button batteries (18.6%), and hairpins (11.6%) were the most common ingested objects. Metal detectors detected the presence of FBs in 81.4% of cases (sensitivity: 89.7%; specificity: 100%). Radiographs, taken for 40 children, showed that the most common locations were the stomach (37%) and intestine (33%). The metal detector signals matched the radiography results in 69.8% of cases. According to HHMD, 34.9% of objects were accessible via endoscopy, contrasting with 51.2% via radiography (p < 0.05). Conclusion. While the findings obtained using handheld metal detectors often correlate well with radiograph findings in detecting metal FBs, for an important number of children, this confirmation is lacking, especially when determining the exact location of an object. Full article

Background. Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) represents a leading cause of death among unintentional injuries in children less than one year of age. This study reviewed case reports and case series reporting non-food FBA in children to characterize aspirated foreign bodies, describing the clinical presentations and the outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. Case reports and case series presenting non-food FBA in children (up to 18 years) were eligible to be included. Information regarding study characteristics, child demographics, foreign body characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcome were extracted. Results: The review included 248 articles published between 1965 and 2023, corresponding to 294 cases. The male gender was the most prevalent (194 cases, 66%), and the median age was 3.5 years (Interquartile Range: 1–8 years). Button batteries were the objects most frequently reported (21 cases, 7.1%). Objects were located most often in the bronchus (102 cases, 35%). The most common symptom was cough (181 cases, 62%), followed by respiratory distress (160 cases, 54%) and wheezing/stridor (127 cases, 43%). Conclusions: The present systematic review may have relevant public health implications, since characterizing objects that cause foreign body injuries is essential to reduce the burden of this phenomenon. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have received much attention because of their high safety, low pollution, and satisfactory energy density (840 mAh g⁻¹), which is important for the research of new energy storage devices. However, problems such as short cell cycle life and low coulombic efficiency (CE) of zinc (Zn) anodes due to disorderly growth of Zn dendrites and side reactions of hydrogen corrosion have delayed the practical application of ZIBs. In this work, a new “self-growth” method is proposed to build a robust and homogeneous three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous structure of tin (Sn)-coated Zn anodes (ZSN) in just 10 min by a simple and fast reaction, which can largely raise the surface area of the electrode plate. The ZSN not only provides abundant Zn nucleation sites, but also reduces the corrosion current, thus alleviating the self-corrosion of the electrolyte, reducing the occurrence of hydrogen precipitation side reactions, and effectively inhibiting the growth of Zn dendrites during cycling. Thus, a symmetric cell with a ZSN anode can be stabilized with very low voltage hysteresis (30 mV) for 480 h of stable plating/stripping cycles and can operate well for 200 h even at high current densities of 10 mA cm⁻². Supercapacitors and button cells were assembled, respectively, to verify the performance of ZSN electrodes in different energy storage tools. The ZSN||AC supercapacitor exhibited superior capacity (75 mAh g⁻¹) and high reversibility (98% coulombic efficiency) at a current density of 2 A g⁻¹. With a MnVO (MVO) electrode as the cathode, the ZSN||MVO full cell presents excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 95.4% after 500 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹, which far exceeds that of the bare Zn cell. Full article

The lithium-ion battery separator plays roles of separating the positive and negative electrodes and providing ion channels, and at the same time, it can play a more important role in the safety of the lithium-ion battery. In this work, a modified PP (polypropylene)/PAN (polyacrylonitrile)/cotton fibers composite membrane with a thermal shut-off function was prepared by a wet-laid process. The results are as follows: When the fibers’ mass fraction was 50%, the composite membrane had the best combination properties, with a tensile strength of 1.644 KN·m⁻¹, the porosity was 63%, and it had good wettability with an aspiration height of 39 mm and a liquid absorption rate of 269%. The thermal shrinkage of the composite membrane was less than 4% after thermal treatment under 160 °C. More importantly, the DSC curve showed that the modified PP/PAN/cotton fibers composite membrane had a thermal shut-off function with the temperature between 110 °C and 160 °C. After thermal treatment under 160 °C for 1 h, the ionic conductivity of the fiber membrane decreased to 0.32 mS·cm⁻¹ from 1.99 mS·cm⁻¹. Electrochemical performance tests showed that the button battery using the fiber composite membrane had a slightly better initial discharge, capacity retention and cycle performance at different rates than the button battery equipped with the PP membrane. The results show that the modified PP/PAN/cotton fibers composite membrane improves the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery. Full article

Viruses and bacteria, which can rapidly spread through droplets and saliva, can have serious effects on people’s health. Viral activity is traditionally inhibited using chemical substances, such as alcohol or bleach, or physical methods, such as thermal energy or ultraviolet-light irradiation. However, such methods cannot be used in many applications because they have certain disadvantages, such as causing eye or skin injuries. Therefore, in the present study, the electrical stimulation method is used to stimulate a virus, namely, coronavirus 229E, and two types of bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, to efficiently reduce their infectivity of healthy cells (such as the Vero E6 cell in a viral activity-inhibition experiment). The infectivity effects of the aforementioned virus and bacteria were examined under varying values of different electrical stimulation parameters, such as the stimulation current, frequency, and total stimulation time. The experimental results indicate that the activity of coronavirus 229E is considerably inhibited through direct-current pulse stimulation with a current of 25 mA and a frequency of 2 or 20 Hz. In addition, E. coli activity was reduced by nearly 80% in 10 s through alternating-current pulse stimulation with a current of 50 mA and a frequency of 25 Hz. Moreover, a self-powered electrical stimulation device was constructed in this study. This device consists of a solar panel and battery to generate small currents with variable frequencies, which has advantages of self-powered and variable frequencies, and the device can be utilized on desks, chairs, or elevator buttons for the inhibition of viral and bacterial activities. Full article

Proper and uniform seed depth within the optimum range increases crop germination rate, which directly affects yield. Seed depth mainly depends on seed placement techniques. In conventional seed drill and planters, variations and fluctuations in seeding depth were recorded. This issue can be resolved by adaption of intelligent crop sowing machinery. A real-time seed depth control system was designed and developed to monitor and maintain the required seed depth. The developed system was installed on a tractor-mounted conventional seed drill. The materials used were ultrasonic sensors, a micro-controller, an RTC module, buzzers, an LCD, an SD card module, a power battery, and switch buttons. The system read height difference as a reference value. The seeding depth data was stored in the SD card. The results showed by introducing real time depth control system in existing seeders, it is possible to achieve desired plant population and homogeneous germination. The average cumulative germination rate (GR) of wheat with the seed depth control system was 126 plants/m², and with a conventional seed drill (without SDCS) 117 plants/m². The yield of wheat with the seed depth control system was 1225 kg/acre, and with the conventional seed drill (without SDCS) 1124 kg/acre in an arid region. Result shows that the crop yield could be enhanced by proper seed placement at the required seed depth by using the seed depth control system. Further field trials on different soils, regions and environmental conditions could improve the results. Full article

This paper presents the design, development, and testing of an IoT-enabled smart stick for visually impaired people to navigate the outside environment with the ability to detect and warn about obstacles. The proposed design employs ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection, a water sensor for sensing the puddles and wet surfaces in the user’s path, and a high-definition video camera integrated with object recognition. Furthermore, the user is signaled about various hindrances and objects using voice feedback through earphones after accurately detecting and identifying objects. The proposed smart stick has two modes; one uses ultrasonic sensors for detection and feedback through vibration motors to inform about the direction of the obstacle, and the second mode is the detection and recognition of obstacles and providing voice feedback. The proposed system allows for switching between the two modes depending on the environment and personal preference. Moreover, the latitude/longitude values of the user are captured and uploaded to the IoT platform for effective tracking via global positioning system (GPS)/global system for mobile communication (GSM) modules, which enable the live location of the user/stick to be monitored on the IoT dashboard. A panic button is also provided for emergency assistance by generating a request signal in the form of an SMS containing a Google maps link generated with latitude and longitude coordinates and sent through an IoT-enabled environment. The smart stick has been designed to be lightweight, waterproof, size adjustable, and has long battery life. The overall design ensures energy efficiency, portability, stability, ease of access, and robust features. Full article

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is not uncommon, especially when the child beings coordination of the hands and mouth from 6 months to 5 years of age. However, FB ingestion in the neonatal period is extremely rare. We present a one-month-old baby with button battery ingestion to report the unusual age of presentation, unusual clinical findings, and child abuse. A radiopaque, spherical FB was visible in the upper chest on the chest X-ray. After performing an oesophagoscopy, the battery was removed, and the patient was put on a plan of anti-GERD medications and gradual nasogastric tube feeding. The patient was coping well under the supervision of the healthcare professional. However, the patient’s father decided to take the patient home against medical advice, and since then, no follow-up has been conducted by the patient’s guardians. In conclusion, neonatal foreign body ingestion is rare, and early detection and management can save neonates’ lives. Saudi Arabia’s national child protection teams, working under the National Family Safety Program, should strictly implement approved programs to prevent child abuse and teach positive parenting skills. Full article

In this study, manganese-containing porous carbon was synthesized from jujube shells by two-step carbonization and activation and was then covered with Ti₃C₂Tx to obtain double-doped biomass composites. In order to improve the interfacial properties (surface tension and wettability) between Ti₃C₂Tx and porous carbon, the effects of two media (deionized water and acetone solution) on the electrochemical properties of the composites were compared. The acetone solution changed the surface rheology of Ti₃C₂Tx and porous carbon, and the decreased surface tension and the increased wettability contributed to the ordered growth of 2D-Ti₃C₂Tx on the surface of the porous carbon. Raman analysis shows the relatively higher graphitization degree of JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx (acetone). Compared with JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx, JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx (acetone) can maintain better rectangle-like properties even at a higher scanning rate. Under the effect of the acetone solution, the pseudocapacitive ratio of JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx (acetone) increased from 10.1% to 30.7%. At the current density of 0.5 A/g, the specific capacitance of JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx (acetone) achieved 96.83 F/g, and the specific capacitance of 58.17 F/g was maintained even at the high current density (10 A/g), which shows excellent magnification. Under the condition of the current density of 10 A/g, JSPC&Ti₃C₂Tx (acetone) can obtain a power density of 52,000 W/kg while maintaining an energy density of 8.74 Wh/kg. After 2000 cycles, the symmetrical button battery assembled with this material can still have a capacitance retention rate of more than 90%. This method realized the deep utilization of green and low-cost raw materials by using biomass as the precursor of composite materials and promoted the further development of carbon-based supercapacitor electrode materials. Full article

Button battery ingestion (BBI) is common in children and its prevalence has increased in the last decades. BBI can be responsible for very severe and potentially fatal complications if not promptly detected. We describe the successful management of two cases of BBI that occurred in two previously healthy infants. Both patients presented with vague symptoms and no witness of foreign body ingestion. The prolonged time of exposure to the corrosive effects of disk batteries was responsible for the development of tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) and aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF). We demonstrate how prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for the infants’ survival. Full article

Foreign bodies (FBs) in the nasal cavity are commonly encountered in otorhinolaryngology. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2009 and December 2020. The nasal FB frequencies were investigated according to age and sex. The type, shape, and location of the FBs, onset, and clinical features were obtained. In a total of 1228 cases, the average age was 3.9 ± 5.7 years. We found a higher incidence in patients 2–4 years old. The most frequent nasal FBs were beads (24.0%), toys/plastics (17.8%), and beans/corn (15.8%). However, there were some differences in the nasal FB types according to the age group. There was no difference in the location of the nasal FBs according to age group, but nasal FBs were found more frequently in the right nasal cavity in the 1–3-years-old groups. Most patients (97.5%) visited the hospital the same day when the nasal FB insertion was suspected, and most were asymptomatic. After the removal of the nasal FBs, most patients were free of complications. Of the nine cases involving button batteries, septal perforation was observed in two patients who visited the hospital one or two days after the FB insertion. There were specific age-based characteristics of the nasal FBs that may serve as a basis for specific precautions. Full article

Background: Management of the child who has swallowed a foreign body should be guided by the risk of complication. Objective of the Review: This review discusses the patient and foreign body characteristics most likely to be associated with complications. Discussion: Most swallowed foreign bodies will pass through the GI tract without complication. Children with pre-existing GI tract abnormalities of any sort, or those who swallow higher-risk foreign bodies, are at higher risk. Higher-risk foreign bodies include long, sharp, or pointed objects, button batteries, and small magnets. Nearly any child who presents to an Emergency Department or other acute care setting after foreign body ingestion should undergo plain radiography; other forms of imaging may also be appropriate. Primary care providers may opt for an initial observation period when there is lower risk of complication. Esophageal button batteries should be emergently removed; other esophageal objects should be promptly removed or, if low risk, allowed a brief period to pass spontaneously. Most lower GI tract foreign bodies will pass spontaneously. Prevention, while not always possible, is preferable to management of foreign body ingestion. Conclusions: Management strategies for children who have swallowed foreign bodies can be optimized by considering relevant patient and foreign body factors, and how they contribute to the risk of complication. Full article

The prosperity of intelligent wearables brings an increasingly critical problem of power supply. Regular rechargeable lithium or disposable button batteries have some problems, such as limited capacity, frequent replacement, environmental pollution, etc. Wearable energy harvester (WEH) can fundamentally solve these problems. Among WEHs, thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a promising option due to its independence of light condition or the motion of the wearer, and thermoelectric conversion (TEC) has the characteristics of quietness and continuity. Therefore, TEG has become a suitable choice for harvesting low-grade heat energy such as human body heat. Ionic thermoelectric gel (iTEG) has the advantages of a large Seebeck coefficient, freely defined shape and size, low processing cost, wide material sources, easy encapsulation, etc. In this paper, the gelatin-based iTEG is regulated and optimized by silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs). The optimal compound quantity of SiO₂ NPs is determined, and the optimization mechanism is discussed through a series of characterization tests. Based on the iTEG, a kind of scalable flexible TEGs is proposed, and its preparation method is described in detail. A small wristband TEG (STEG) was made, and its Seebeck coefficient is 74.5 mV/K. Its bendability and stretchability were verified, and the impedance matching experiment was carried out. By charging a capacitor, the STEG successfully lights up an LED at a temperature difference (ΔT) of ~15.5 K. Subsequently, a large extended oversleeve TEG (LTEG) was prepared, and a set of heat sinks was added at the cooling end of the LTEG. Being worn on a volunteer’s forearm, the LTEG output a voltage of more than 3 V at ~20 °C. Through storing the converted energy in a capacitor, the LTEG directly drove a calculator without a DC–DC booster. The proposed iTEG and TEGs in this paper have the prospect of mass production, extending to people’s clothes, harvesting human body heat and directly powering wearable electronics. Full article