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We have proposed a new model, generalizing the class of the Drude-Lorentz-like models, for describing the conductors in nanostructured form. Now we have performed the quantum version of this model, presenting an interesting mathematical elegance. This version is adequately inserted in the context of the already existing quantum models which regard this sector, and describes very well the dynamic behaviour, as extracted by time resolved techniques.

Recently, an approach for converting nanoscale mechanical energy into electrical energy has been suggested by using piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire arrays. Such devices have been shown to convert ultrasonic energy into electric energy by a deflection of the nanowires via a corrugated electrode operated up and down by the ultrasound. A typical approximately 1 pW output power for a device of a approximately 1 mm2 area and a density of approximately 10(7)/mm2 nanowires can be obtained. In order to reach the approximately 10 nW power needed to operate a nanodevice, nanogenerators of this kind need to be optimized. With the aim of fabricating low cost to efficiency ratio nanogenerators, we have considered ZnO films grown by an electrochemical technique, based on the direct precipitation of Zn hydroxide on a conducting ITO/glass substrate and subsequent heat treatment, and TiO2 films deposited from a colloidal suspension of anatase/rutile commercial powders. These methods allowed us to obtain disordered but quite uniform arrays distributed on the surface of the substrate. Preliminary results on the electrical properties are presented. Under input mechanical strain we find output powers of approximately 10(-9)/cm2 W, which are comparable to those obtained with the ZnO nanoarrays. Possible interpretations of results in terms of piezoelectricity (ZnO) and incipient ferroelectricity (TiO2) are presented and improvements of the devices are discussed.

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The relation between quantum physics and higher brain functions, including the consciousness, is in recent years a top subject of deep discussions from a scientific, philosophical, psychological and existential point of view. Reality is in continuous motion, life is continuously becoming, a movement of propagating energy waves. The quantum revolution undermined the solid nature of reality, opening the door to the primary role of mind, and proposing scenarios with unexpected features. In this paper interesting aspects of quantum physics are considered, with inevitable repercussions on our lives, which can decisively influence our actions and future. These findings underline the importance of building a cognitive resilience with mindfulness training, for improving the ability to regulate emotions, attention to the true surrounding reality, mood and well-being in life.