Nixie, Peri Air Selamatkan Dehidrasi Bayi
BANDUNG, LK- Dehydration is a common problem for both adults and children. Unlike adults who can act quickly when experiencing symptoms, babies and toddlers still require adult assistance to manage the condition. Moreover, sometimes even adults caring for the baby may not realize that the baby is dehydrated.
Seeing this phenomenon, three ITB students created a device to detect dehydration in babies called Nixie, which means water fairy. They are Andre Subagja Manurung (Electrical Power Engineering 2018), Fathiya Rahma (Biomedical Engineering 2016), and Novianti Rossalina (Product Design 2015). They won two gold medals for posters and presentations at the 32nd National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) 2019 in the Student Creativity Program (PKM-KC) category at Udayana University, Bali, August 27-30.
Symptoms of dehydration, especially mild dehydration, can only be recognized by a doctor, hence the invention of Nixie. This device is designed to monitor fluid levels in a baby's body. real time This can be a preventative measure against the dangers of dehydration. According to the National Basic Health Research, diarrhea with severe dehydration is the cause of one in three infant and toddler deaths in Indonesia.
There are currently many dehydration detection devices on the market. However, these devices are considered only effective for adults because they measure water content based on skin elasticity. This measurement is not accurate enough for infants.
Unlike dehydration detectors already on the market, Nixie doesn't just show water levels in the body. "Those devices already on the market use parameters like skin elasticity, which is affected by sweat, and babies don't sweat much," Novi said.
To enhance the results of the baby's water level calculation, the Nixie is equipped with heart rate and body temperature sensors. In addition to displaying the water level percentage, the device also features educational content about dehydration, including its definition, types, symptoms, and treatment procedures. This allows parents at home to provide immediate treatment.
Not only that, Nixie is also equipped with a hospital contact database that can be sorted by residential address. Connected to a smartphone, this device sends this data to the phone for dialing. It is hoped that this facility will eliminate delays in treating dehydration, especially in infants and toddlers.
Novi said she and her team hope to collaborate with healthcare institutions. "We're eager to see Nixie help and benefit many people," she concluded.