On-chip electrochemical capacitors and piezoelectric energy harvesters for self-powering sensor nodes

On-chip sensing and communications in the Internet of things platform have benefited from the miniaturization of faster and low power complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) microelectronics. Micro-electromechanical systems technology (MEMS) and development of novel nanomaterials have further improved the performance of sensors and transducers while also demonstrating reduction in size and power consumption. Integration of such technologies can enable miniaturized nodes to be deployed to construct wireless sensor networks for autonomous data acquisition. Their longevity, however, is determined by the lifetime of the power supply. Traditional batteries cannot fully fulfill the demands of sensor nodes that require long operational duration. Thus, we require solutions that produce their own electricity from the surroundings and store them for future utility. Furthermore, manufacturing of such a power supply must be compatible with CMOS and MEMS technology. In this thesis, we will describe on-chip electrochemical capacitors and piezoelectric energy harvesters as components of such a self-powered sensor node. Our piezoelectric microcantilevers confirm the feasibility of fabricating micro electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) size two-degree-of-freedom systems which can address the major issue of small bandwidth of piezoelectric micro-energy harvesters. These devices use a cut-out trapezoidal cantilever beam, limited by its footprint area i.e. a 1 cm$^2$ silicon die, to enhance the stress on the cantilever\u27s free end while reducing the gap remarkably between its first two eigenfrequencies in the 400 - 500 Hz and in the 1 - 2 kHz range. The energy from the M-shaped harvesters could be stored in rGO based on-chip electrochemical capacitors. The electrochemical capacitors are manufactured through CMOS compatible, reproducible, and reliable micromachining processes such as chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanofibers (CNF) and spin coating of graphene oxide based (GO) solutions. The impact of electrode geometry and electrode thickness is studied for CNF based electrodes. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated an improvement in their electrochemical performance and yield of spin coated electrochemical capacitors through surface roughening from iron and chromium nanoparticles. The CVD grown CNF and spin coated rGO based devices are evaluated for their respective trade-offs. Finally, to improve the energy density and demonstrate the versatility of the spin coating process, we manufactured electrochemical capacitors from various GO based composites with functional groups heptadecan-9-amine and octadecanamine. The materials were used as a stack to demonstrate high energy density for spin coated electrochemical capacitors. We have also examined the possibility of integrating these devices into a power management unit to fully realize a self-powering on-chip power supply through survey of package fabrication, choice of electrolyte, and device assembly

A Survey on Zinc Status among Chronic Allergic Asthma and in Atopic Phenotype

Background: Incidence of allergic asthma has increased in the worldwide. Zinc has significant effects on the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. However, Zinc deficiency caused the enhanced allergy state. Investigations on the recent issue have been less often considered, and only a few studies were found in the literature review. Zinc status particularly has not been known in adult's allergic asthma. The aim of the study was to assess the sera level of zinc in chronic allergic asthma patient with atopic phenotype.Methods: A total 48 chronic allergic asthma phenotype enrolled among asthmatic population based on the protocol. Skin prick test was applied with six standard extract allergens. Total Immunoglobulin E antibodies and zinc level were measured in sera with the recommendation manufacturer.Results: The mean age was 32.75±9.86 SD years. Gender distribution was 52% females and 48% males. Mean of total IgE and zinc levels in sera was higher in males than females. 27% of participants had hypozincemia. Hypozincemia subset had a higher mean of total IgE level than a normal zinc level subset. Atopic phenotype was detected in 21% target population. Atopic asthmatic phenotype disclosed hypozincemia status with frequency 23%. Marked differences were observed between zinc and total IgE levels (p=0.04).Conclusion: The outcome disclosed there was a hypozincemia in the target population and atopic phenotype subset. Hypozincemic allergic asthmatic patients had a higher mean of total IgE level than normal Zinc level subjects. Allergic marker and hypozincemia were marked in the male and female focus population, respectively

Anguishing Reports of Ambient Air Pollution in Tehran Capital of Iran

Benzene is the aromatic hydrocarbon, organic and petrochemicals. It has high octane number and used as ethybenzene. It composed a few percent of gasoline mass less than 1%. Benzene was used before 1950 but after that year replaced with tetraethyl lead. The recent material was associated with environmental pollution so came back again benzene in the petrol cycle production.Human is exposed withbenzeneby several ruts; gasoline fumes, motor vehicle exhaust, and smoking. Inhalation is the main route of toxicity in urban area.Standard threshold of benzene concentration is 1.56 part per billion (PPB) in accepted air quality. The current study displayed that benzene concentrationin Tehran (capital of Iran) was between 2-20 times higher than the standard (1).  This is the first official report published aboutambient air pollution in 2013. However,IranMinistry of Health announced that Asbestos and benzene levels had 50-100, respectively. It means that there were 10 times more than standard levels in the Tehran urban area(2). These materials, specially benzeneBenzene has potential ability  as  cancer risk factor  to  inducing  acute and chronic bloods leukemia (3). In addition, there arerelations between benzene exposure and lung cancer (4).  Benzene can induce aryl hydrocarbon receptor which leads to tumorigenesis (5).The vision of information dictates assumption of planning in two aspects. The arrangement may be suggestedthat  the sources of pollutants will be  reduced in the environment thought activation of dependable organizations and investigation  of at-risk population based on the prioritizes

Towards an on-chip power supply: Integration of micro energy harvesting and storage techniques for wireless sensor networks

The lifetime of a power supply in a sensor node of a wireless sensor network is the decisive factor in the longevity of the system. Traditional Li-ion batteries cannot fulfill the demands of sensor networks that require a long operational duration. Thus, we require a solution that produces its own electricity from its surrounding and stores it for future utility. Moreover, as the sensor node architecture is developed on complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology (CMOS), the manufacture of the power supply must be compatible with it. In this thesis, we shall describe the components of an on-chip lifetime power supply that can harvest the vibrational mechanical energy through piezoelectric microcantilevers and store it in a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based microsupercapacitor, and that is fabricated through CMOS compatible techniques. Our piezoelectric microcantilevers confirm the feasibility of fabricating micro electro- mechanical-systems (MEMS) size two-degree-of-freedom systems which can solve the major issue of small bandwidth of piezoelectric micro-energy harvesters. These devices use a cut-out trapezoidal cantilever beam to enhance the stress on the cantilever’s free end while reducing the gap remarkably between its first two eigenfrequencies in 400 - 500 Hz and 1 - 2 kHz range. The energy from the M-shaped harvesters will be stored in rGO based microsupercapacitors. These microsupercapacitors are manufactured through a fully CMOS compatible, reproducible, and reliable micromachining processes. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated an improvement in their electrochemical performance and yield of fabrication through surface roughening from iron nanoparticles. We have also examined the possibility of integrating these devices into a power management unit to fully realize a lifetime power supply for wireless sensor networks

Assessment of Allergic Markers and Atopic Phenotype among Sulfur Mustard Induced Small Airway Diseases with Persistent Wheezes in Iranian Veterans; Post Wartime

Background: A wheezes is originated from small airway obstruction. Phenotypes of the wheeze have different in causal factors etiology.  Persistent wheeze detects in allergic and atopic disorders. Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potential chemical warfare agent. It can develop small airway diseases (SAD) with wheezes. The aim of the study was assessed prevalence of allergic markers and atopic phenotype among sulfur mustard induced small airway diseases with the persistent wheeze in Iranian veteran’s post wartime.Methods: The study designed in two stages; diagnosis of SM induced SAD and detection of atopic subjects. Skin prick test, Total immunoglobulin E antibody’s concentration in serum and peripheral blood eosinophil count applied on samples of study.Results: Sixty-three male chemical veterans associated with SAD meet criteria of the study. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma diseases had prevalently the frequency in focus population. Frequency of allergic status and atopic phenotype was observed in 56% and 22% of study population, respectively. Mean age recorded 45.98±9.99 SD years (ranged 35-67). The Mean±SD of total IgE (TIgE) concentrations and peripheral blood eosinophilia were 283.15±263.86 Iu/dl (range 5-900) and 266.60±240.94. A highly relevant difference in TIgE denoted between allergic and non-allergic subgroups (P<0.001). There were significant differences between allergic status with atopic phenotype (χ<0.001).Conclusion: The study demonstrated the noticeable prevalence of allergic marker and atopic phenotype among SM induced SAD with persistent wheezes. They markedly distributed in the subgroup of bronchial asthma and COPD asthma-phenotype of target population

Red-Alarm against Fibers Concentration of Asbestos in Atmospheric Urban Area of Tehran Capital of Iran

Asbestos is the natural silicate minerals with attractive physical properties such as; resistant to fire, electrical and chemical solvents. It composes of six types of materials include; Serpentine group; Chrysotile, Amphibole groups; amosite (Brown), Crocidolite (Blue) and other materials. It is popular for low cost favorable properties. All the six types have asbestiform fiber crystal, and can induce carcinogen in human. It was generally used during the boom of the industrial revolution since 1866, and the first publish of the unhealthy effect of asbestos reported nearly 30 years after industrial usage since 1899. The most common usage types of asbestos consist of chrysotile and the crocidolite. All the current types widely use in the building structures, brake pads (1) and clutch disc (2).Daily inhalation of asbestos occurs in the ambient air of cities which associated with poor air quality control. This event leads to generation of asbestosis disease (3), cancer development and mortality (4) and morbidity among at-risk population, such as asbestos –exposed workers (5), non-occupational subjects, people who living in  the asbestos fibers exposed environment (6).Corresponding author: Agin Kh, MD. Associated Professor of the Respiratory Medicine. Logman Hakeem General Teaching Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranE-mail: [email protected]    &       [email protected] time exposure with asbestos leads to the development of chronic lung disease. It can be developed as occupational and non-occupational conditions (7, 8). Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the known causes of the asbestos exposure (9). In addition, it produces risk development of esophageal gastric, colorectal cancer (10) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (11). Children also are at risk of cancer by asbestos inhalation (12). The accepted threshold for asbestos is 100 fiber/liter that measured by phase-contrast optical microscopy (PCM) (13). There is a direct relationship between high level of asbestos in air and lung cancer (14). The first use of asbestos in Iran returns to World War II during the foundation of railroad and beginning product of cement manufacture in 1958 (15). Meanwhile, asbestos is producing up to 55000 tones cement in Iran annually, and near the 94% of produced cement that used in our country. The current output predominantly detected in the manufacture of building material (16), as pipe in the water delivery network (5000 Kilometer), brake pads (17) and pad shoes (15, 18).  The most common types of asbestos observed in the ambient urban area of Tehran, including; Chrysotil (60%), tremolite (10%), antophylline (10%) (19). The rate of asbestos in air of Tehran- Iran was 68 times higher in the USA in 2009 (19). Our ministry of health in 2013 reported that the asbestos levels in the Tehran was 50-100 times more than the standard definition of the world (20).It seems that the deadline of depreciating has been finalized to the issue of asbestos fibers in our atmospheric cities. It requires a national decision, though the creating practice planes in reducing the level of usage and replacement that with safe materials

The effectiveness of using brain based strategies in classroom instruction to enhance student learning

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using Brain-Based strategies to teach science content. Data was gathered over a ten-week period, which encompassed the entire third marking period. The results were found using primarily the students\u27 test scores. The scores were presented in two categories: whole class averages as well as the special education students\u27 averages. The subjects of this study include forty-six fifth grade students, ranging in ages from 10-11. Twenty-one are enrolled in the researcher\u27s homeroom class, and twenty-one in a comparable fifth grade class in the same school. The researcher is the science teacher for both classes. Included in each class are five special education students. The classes are entirely Caucasian with the exception of one African American girl. Results of this study showed that the class receiving a brain-based type of instruction scored higher on the content portion of the tests than the class receiving a direct instruction method. On the contrary, the class receiving the direct instruction method scored higher on the vocabulary part of their tests. Even though there were numerous variables that influenced these results, it was consistent throughout the entire trial period. The special education students\u27 scores were looked at as well in a separate table. The special education students receiving brain-based instruction scored consistently higher on both the content and vocabulary portions of the test. Many of the variables present could have influenced these scores as well

Assessment Seroprevalence of Toxocara Canis Antibodies among Children's Outpatient with the Wheezing in Urban Public of Tehran

Background: Toxocariasis is a zoontic helminthes infection, occurring in human by the accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis (TC) and less frequently, Toxocara catis (TCC). Children are on the front line of encounter group. Clinical features may mimic respiratory symptoms as; asthma–like symptoms plus producing bronchial airway hyper-reactivity. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of TC infection among children’s outpatient with the wheezing symptom among urban public of Tehran. Method: All of the children with current wheezing symptom that was coming in the chest clinic, sequentially enrolled as sample population. Diagnosis of known diseases associated with the wheezing was made possible. Anti TC Ig G antibodies in serum were measured based upon the recommendation commercial kit. Results: A total 89 children meet the study criteria. Mean age was 9.7±3.8 SD years, ranged 2-15 years. Boy/girl ratio was 1.2. Seropositive for TC antibody was 16%. TC infection was noticeable in boys subgroup 53%. Conclusion: Seroconvertion of TC infection was meaningful among children, 2-15 years in Tehran. School-aged group had been higher rated infection than other groups. Toxocariasis among children of target population was associated with eosinophilia and allergic reaction

Screening of Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium Status among Sulfur Mustard Inducing Chronic Small Airway Diseases

Background:Magnesium is an abundant intracellular divalent cation, and has significant efficacy on the respiratory system. Its homeostasis links with calcium and potassium electrolytes. Small airway diseases (SAD) of the lung can be induced among sulfur mustard gas-exposed victims(SM). The purpose of the present study was to determine status of magnesium, calcium and potassium among SM victims in Iran.Method:The current study followed design of the protocol. Victims of the SM gas-exposed were sequentially enrolled among patients with defined criteria of SAD.Results:A total of 145 victims completed criteria of the study.  Means of total Mg, Ca and K serum concentrations were 1.96 ± 0.2 SD, 9.42 ±   0.53 SD and 4.16 ± 0.36SD, respectively.  Frequency of hypomagnesemia,hypocalcemiaand hypokalemia was found 16.6%, 9.7% and4.8%, respectively.Conclusion:Noticeable deficiency of magnesium, calcium and potassium was disclosed among sulfur mustard-induced chronic SAD. Evaluation of recent electrolytes improves the outcome management of SAD.Copyright©2012 Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Allrights reserved

Perbaikan Kualitas Produk Hasil Pengelasan di PT. XYZ dengan Metode Six Sigma dan Seven Tool

Pengendalian kualitas merupakan faktor penting dalam menghasilkan produk yang sesuai dengan yang diinginkan oleh konsumen. Tingginya kualitas produk sangat berpengaruh terhadap efisiensi biaya yang dikeluarkan saat proses produksi berlangsung. PT. XYZ merupakan kontraktor yang bergerak dibidang jasa konstruksi baja. Proses pengelasan merupakan bagian terpenting dalam pembuatan produk konstruksi. Tingginya angka kecacatan hasil pengelasan menjadi faktor kendala yang mengakibatkan tingginya biaya produksi. Metode Six Sigma adalah metode manajemen baru yang digunakan terfokus terhadap pengendalian kualitas dengan mengurangi tingkat kecacatan produk. Seven tools adalah alat yang mendukung pengendalian kualitas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jenis cacat dan faktor penyebabnya serta tindakan yang dilakukan untuk mengurangi jumlah cacat sehingga dapat meningkatan efisiensi biaya produksi. Hasil pembahasan diketahui bahwa jumlah produksi sebesar 12499 pcs dengan jumlah cacat sebesar 2712 pcs. Cacat terbesar adalah jenis cacat porosity yaitu sebesar 724 pcs dengan sigma level 3,11. Perbaikan yang dilakukan adalah pengarahan dan pelatihan terhadap tenaga operator las untuk memahami penggunaan bahan dan material pengelasan, menjaga kebersihan material bahan baku, pengecekan secara berkala terhadap peralatan las dan bahan baku, menjaga workshop dalam kondisi yang memenuhi syarat dalam proses pengelasa