a. Purpose of the research: Find a potential way to reduce the global warming, and develop a process for the lignocellulosic ethanol production using rice straw, which is an agricultural waste. b. Procedures: One of the greatest challenges for society in the 21st century is to meet the growing energy demand for transportation, heating and industrial processes. This significantly contributes to “Greenhouse Effect.” Rice straw is one of the lignocellulosic biomasses which are renewable organic substance and alternative source of energy. For the first time, rice straw was pretreated using autoclaving or a hypochlorite-hydrogen peroxide (Ox-B) solution, which is broadly used in potable water treatment. The pretreated rice straw was hydrolyzed with two kinds of enzymes: Cellulase and Spezyme. Following hydrolysis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis were inoculated for ethanol production. c. Data: With the 5% Ox-B sample (initial sugar concentration was 5%), the final ethanol concentration was about 1.1%, is 87.3 % of stoichiometric and fermentation efficiency yield. Currently, we’re developing a new mutant, which can use glucose and xylose simultaneously, by using soft X-Ray. In conclusion, for the first time, rice straw was pretreated by using autoclaving or hypochlorite-hydrogen peroxide (Ox-B), solution which is broadly used in potable water treatment. The Ox-B solution treatment was an essential step for efficient hemicelluloase hydrolysis. Using 5% rice straw sugar, 1.1% ethanol was obtained. d. Conclusion: Further optimization study of fermentation process and strain improvement researches are in progress. We hope to see future cultivators to move through the energy of ethanol produced by rice straw. This project has a great emphasis towards understanding the importance of bio-energy and its nature.

近在台灣新發現的筆筒樹萎凋病，造成大量筆筒樹(Cyathea lepifera)枯萎死亡，對於此疾病的防治已成亟需解決的問題。先前的研究中，已確認病原菌為新屬真菌並命名為Ophiodiaporthe cyatheae sp. nov.。本研究則在於以生物交互作用方式進行防治，尋找拮抗菌，針對特性實際應用。 研究中因實驗素材與操作方法的差異分為細菌與真菌類拮抗菌兩大主軸，且皆成功自土壤中各分離出數種有應用潛力的拮抗菌。細菌方面，尋獲並經鑑定為Burkholderia gladioli，對於病原菌有良好抑制效果，然由於此菌本身安全性有疑慮，實用上仍有待商榷。真菌方面，拮抗菌以超寄生方式與快速的生長能力制伏了病原菌，期待透過比較消除病原菌的速度，篩選出其中最強大適切的拮抗菌種，運用於實際田間病殘株處理。

當世界各國正全力朝奈米科技發展，而奈米微粒對環境及人類健康影響與否未明朗之際，有關奈米微粒對人類健康影響之探討是刻不容緩之事。本研究的近程目標是合成金奈米粒子，遠程目標是擬探討金奈米粒子的生物毒性。此份研究主要是描述金奈米粒子的最大表面電漿吸收光譜特性及其最大吸收波長，而金奈米粒子的合成是利用四氯金酸( HAuCl4 )與還原劑—硼氫化鈉( NaBH4 )、聯胺水合物( N2H5OH )或檸檬酸鈉在陽離子界面活性劑的溶液( CH 3(CH2)15N+(CH3)3Br– ，溴化十六烷基三甲基銨，CTAB ) 當保護劑中，利用氧化還原方法直接生成金奈米粒子，並探討四氯金酸的濃度、還原劑的濃度、界面活性劑的濃度及反應溫度，對金奈米粒子生成之影響，另外也探討金奈米粒子的穩定性。有關金奈米粒子的光譜特性則利用UV/Vis 光譜儀測試。研究結果發現在相同的條件下，利用冰浴，以NaBH4 當還原劑所合成出的金奈米粒子之平均粒徑為11.70 nm ，而以N2H5OH 當還原劑所合成出的金奈米粒子之平均粒徑為20.25 nm， 有關金奈米粒子之結構及大小藉由穿透式電子顯微鏡( TEM ) 拍攝出的影像得以驗證。;This study mainly focused on the properties of the maximum surface plasmon absorption of gold nanoparticles and their wavelengths. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles made use of HAuCl4 aqueous solution and reducing agent, through the oxidation reduction method, with reductant, sodium borohydride ( NaBH4 ), hydrazine ( N2H5OH ) or sodium citrate solution in the presence of the cetytrimethylammonium bomide ( C19H42BrN,CTAB ) aqueous solution as protecting agent. The influence of concentration of HAuCl4, reductant, surfactant, and temperature on the synthesis of gold nanoparticles were explored. In addition, the stability of the gold nanoparticles was also explored. Measurements of spectral properties of gold nanoparticles were done by UV/Vis spectrometer.When NaBH4 was used as a reductant, the average diameter of gold nanoparticles was 11.70 nm. When N2H5OH was used as a reductant, the average diameter of the synthesized gold nanoparticles was 20.25 nm. The structures and sizes could be identified by the transmission of electron micrograph (TEM) images.

An exact solution to many current computational problems, such as the famous Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), require a complete tree traversal in order to determine. This is often unfeasible, as the time complexity of the tree traversal grows exponentially with the size of the input, thus leading to an essentially computationally intractable problem. The branch and bound technique is an approach commonly used to speed this process. It entails dynamically pruning off branches of the tree in which the answer is probably not found in, hence reducing the amount of data that is needed to be traversed and the total time and resources required to perform the computation. In this paper, we introduce a new load-balancing strategy for the execution of such a branch and bound algorithm in parallel, using a three-tiered hierarchical approach, to perform fractal image compression, which is essentially a complete tree traversal problem. This novel heuristic is aimed at achieving optimal load-balancing and minimising unnecessary network traffic and bottlenecking, which functions by predicting the optimum search depth and hence controlling the coarseness of the input that is assigned to each worker node. Our scheme additionally enables us to tailor to the specifications of different clusters, as the heuristic is adjusted based on network speed and processor speed, which vary appreciably from cluster to cluster. We further discuss how to apply our method to other large tree search problems, such as the TSP and other NP-complete problems. We have also enhanced an existing load-balancing strategy outlined in Crivelli et. al. (2004, IBM Journal of Research and Development), by prioritising the reallocation of idle worker nodes such that supervisors who are in need of more help receive a larger share of the free workers.

The Red Palm Weevil is a kind of pest commonly found in all coconut and palm growing areas, causing considerable damage to palm trees. The pest at larva stage was found to be a popular food dish for both local people and visitors and has been commercially bred for consumption. This project aimed to develop a farming method to increase the quantity of red palm weevil larvae for commercial use, instead of the natural farming which fed the insects on rare natural materials. Firstly, the most appropriate food formula to boost the multiplication of red palm weevil using local raw materials was determined. Four food formula were developed: 1.combination of palm leaves, coconut fibers, and pig food, 2.palm leaves, coconut fibers, and rice bran,3. palm leaves, coconut fibers and cassava,4. a combination of crushed palm leaves and coconut fibers. The mixture ration were 1:1:1 for formula1-3 and 1:1 for formula 4. Equal number of the adult weevils were raised in the different food formula, the length and weight of the larvae obtained were measured every week for seven weeks. The gross weights and the effectiveness of the red palm weevil farming were analyzed using the feed conversion ratio (fcr), the daily growth rate, and the percentage increase in weight. It was found that. the weevils raised with food formula 1 yielded the larvae which grew the fastest with highest effectiveness. The most appropriate ratio of the food mix which yielded the satisfactory larvae size was determined to be 1:1:1 3.Next, experiment was carried out to improve the quality of the insect larvae for consumption. The larvae produced had some distinct smell which some consumers do not like.To improve the smell, the larvae were fed with the selected food mix added with minced fresh Pandanus leaves 2 days prior to consumption. Food mix with coconut fibers instead of Pandanus were used as control. Consumers were most satisfied with the larvae fed with added Pandanus leaves. Analysis of the food mix, larvae and Pandanus leaves found the common compound, Coumarins. In conclusion, our project found a suitable system of red palm weevil farming an alternative to conventional method which farmed the pest on cut palm trees. The new method resulted in the best yield of insect larvae with the highest consumer satisfaction and reduce destroying natural resource.

我的研究是利用一些特殊的手法來探討所有情況皆會產生共點圓或共圓點。在一個由四條直線(無平行線組、無共點)所構成的圖形中，可以找到四個三角形及它們的外接圓。我知道它會共點，在此稱其為限制點。且若再添加一條直線，則可以任意的取出四條直線，分別找出它的限制點，而這些限制點又會共圓，吾稱其為限制圓。我欲證明此種情況會不斷延續下去。即是六條線時又會有限制點，七條線時又會有限制圓…。在本研究中，我利用了數學歸納法、特殊的編號方法以及「方向角」來做出此證明。由於固定的線組對應至固定的限制點或限制圓，希望能向找出其性質的方向發展。In my study, I use some skills to discuss all the situations which satisfy following conditions. The result is that concurrent circles or concyclic points will be found in every situation. In a graph consisting of four lines, conforming to conditions that any three lines won’t be parallel or intersect at one point, I can find out four triangles and their circumscribed circles. I know these circumscribed circles will be concurrent and I call the point at which all the circles meet “restricted point”. If another line is additionally added in the graph, I can discover that restricted points determined by any four lines in the graph will be concyclic. I call the circle “restricted circle”. What I want to prove is that the above situation will go on. In other words, restricted points will exist when I have six lines, and restricted circles will exist when I have seven lines and so on. In my study, I used Principal of Mathematical Induction, special ways of numbering points and circles, and “orientated angle” to prove my hypothesis. Because of particular line groups corresponding with particular restricted points or restricted circles, the further work I want to attain is to find the relation of them.

My project explores the practicality of biodiesel. It researches the argument of food versus fuel, compares the energy efficiencies of petroleum diesel and biodiesel and studies the effect of temperature on biodiesel. To study the effect of temperature on biodiesel, I blended biodiesel with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel blends are represented by the letter B, and the percentage of biodiesel. I used B5, B10, B20, and B50 blends, as well as pure biodiesel. I then observed the reaction of the biodiesel blends with cold weather. My pure biodiesel and B50 blends gelled to an unusable point within 15 minutes outside at -20oC. The B20 blends didn’t gel until about a temperature of -20oC. I have concluded that the B20 blend would be best for the summer, and the B10 or B5 blends would be the best for winter in northern climates, where I live. Although the B10 blends gelled slightly around -30oC, this would only be a problem for northern climates. As I predicted, more energy is produced by biodiesel than is consumed in the production process. The process of making biodiesel uses 0.31 units of energy to get 1 unit of energy out. More energy (1.2 units) is used to produce petroleum diesel than is yielded (1 unit). Although B20 isn’t as energy efficient as B100, the energy factor is still only 0.98 units of energy in for every 1 unit of energy out. When I started this project I thought that Canada would have enough farmland to produce the canola needed to run the country on biodiesel. This is only partly true. Canada would have enough farmland, but only a fraction of that land is actually used to plant canola. By my calculations, Canada has enough canola to generate enough B20 for a year. This may seem like a drawback but realistically, a higher blend would be impractical due to the gelling factor. Also, if a B20 blend was used, land would be available to grow canola for other markets. If B100 was used, there would only be enough diesel for about three months consumption. By using all of the land for biodiesel feedstock, canola would become unavailable for other markets. If canola exports ceased, the countries that depend on our canola will be in a lot of trouble. Canada already produces a lot of canola and vegetable oil. Most of it goes to the fast food industry. The United States produces over three billion gallons of fryer oil yearly. This could provide Canada with a B50 blend for a year. Utilizing used vegetable oil in making biodiesel actually reduces emissions even more. This is accomplished by using a product that would normally go to waste and decompose, producing more carbon dioxide emissions. During this project, I have found that biodiesel is a practical alternative to petroleum diesel, if it is used in a blend. My experiment proves that biodiesel is a fuel alternative that could be implemented immediately, and one that does not require the research needed for other fuel alternatives such as hydrogen or electricity.

Anthocyanin is a water soluble pigment that may appear in various colors such as red, blue, and purple according to the pH. Ube is a fruit in the Philippines that is 3rd of the most cultivated crops. Since Ube contains a lot of anthocyanin, it helps to make the anthocyanin solution. As Anthocyanin reacts to the oxygen quickly it is also used as air pollution indicator because it changes its color according to what substances they are attached to it. To check if the solution reacts to the pollution such as SO2 and NO. When those pollutions are made artificially, examining the intensity of the anthocyanin solution depending on different Mol of the pollutions was able. The power of penetration of lights though the UV-VIS spectrophotometer increases according to the number of molecules of SO2, and also NO. To examine the change of intensity of anthocyanin solution in actual atmosphere, the solutions were exposed outside for several hours. The power of penetration decreases when exposed to an actual atmosphere. The other substances and oxidation were the causes of the changed in color of the solution To facilitate the usage of anthocyanin solution efficiently, it should be preserved, so that the density of specific color will be preserved when used as real air pollution indicator. In order to check what kinds of chemicals can preserve the anthocyanin solution; different kinds of strong acids, strong base, salts, and metals were added to the solution. After getting the data, the characteristics of the chemical which preserved the anthocyanin were scrutinized, than compared to the density of pure anthocyanin solution. To use anthocyanin as air pollution indication as a solid, the Korean traditional paper and cloth were dyed using ube which contains lots of anthocyanin than checked the pixel of red, green, and blue color. Firstly, chose 6 different salts. And then filter and boiled the anthocyanin solution. And then put each different salt in each paper. After that, dried the paper and check the difference of pixel of each paper. As a result, Calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) has highest pixel point. So, using calcium hydroxide to dye clothes is useful and it’s also useful for the air pollution indicator through the experiment. Especially it reacts to Nox and Sox, according to this experiment, it can use for eco-friendly air pollution indicator.

這是一系列關於水蒸氣冷凝為極細微小水珠的長程實驗。其中可以分為下列三個階段：第一階段是基礎實驗。將水氣導入至潔淨的光滑表面上(蓋玻片)，觀察水珠冷凝的機制。第二階段是在外加磁場及電場作用下，將水氣導入至潔淨的光滑表面（蓋玻片），觀察水珠冷凝的機制。這部分的實驗推翻了一般「水分子是電中性，在電場或磁場中不受影響 」的刻板觀念！實驗所呈現出來的冷凝水珠，不但有明確的自我組成模式( Self assembly pattern)。並且發現：電場會增速凝結水珠的成長(Aggregation)，而磁場則會抑制凝結水珠的成長。第三階段是將水蒸氣導引至超聲波的環境中：我們先將超聲波訊號產生器(變頻、定頻)面向於載台旁，再讓水氣導入至潔淨的光滑表面上(蓋玻片)，觀察冷凝水珠的機制。當使用固定頻率超聲波波源，我們發現：在超聲波場中水珠的成長會受到抑制，且成長速率會隨著頻率的升高而逐漸減小。第一階段與第二階段的實驗結果與討論已分別發表於2004 年及2005 年的台灣國際科學展覽報告中，本作品將詳述第三階段。 This experiment explores the basic nature of the condensation of water vapor into droplets on the surfaces of cover glasses. This condensation occurs because of the difference in temperature between the water vapor and the cover glass. The condensation process is observed under a microscope. The growth of the droplets can be described as: nucleation, aggregation (piling up) and coalescence. The growth is irrelevant to surfaces or environments. It is found that the temperature difference of moist air over the cover glass do not affect the nucleation size of the droplets in simple plain surroundings; while the change of flow rate does. In general, the coalescence is speeded up at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the effects of electric fields 、magnetic fields and ultrasonic waves are also studied. It can be observed that the size of water droplets become smaller and grow more uniformly under magnetic fields or imposed ultrasonic waves; also, the aggregation rate is decreased by imposed magnetic fields or ultrasonic waves, and it is increased by imposed electric fields. These effects of magnetic fields 、electric fields and imposed ultrasonic waves might be related to the flow conditions and the vibration of surrounding air in the system. This experiment provides the first step in the understanding of the formation of water droplets and their self assembly mechanism in different environment.

間歇泉是一種十分奇特的地質景觀，地下水受到火成岩入侵所帶來的穩定熱源加熱，產生水蒸氣，利用水蒸氣形成的空氣柱壓力推動水由地底噴發出地表，也因為熱源穩定使得噴發時間差接近一定值，形成所謂的「週期性」。而根據實驗結果發現，管壁較薄的管子，在噴發之後，會使管中殘餘的水稍作降溫，加上補充的冷水使系統降溫；管長愈長時，蓄水槽中的水量較多，提高溫度所需的時間也較長，而延長了噴發的週期，最後歸納出間歇泉形成及存在的三個主要條件：(1)穩定的熱源;(2)細長的孔道;(3)豐沛的地下水。 The geyser is a very amazing sort of geologic scenery. Its principle is that the heat source of invasive volcanic rock heats the underground water to produce steam that results an air-columnar with a large pressure to erupt through the underground on the surface. Because of the steady supply of heat source, the period between eruptions is closed to a constant called “periodicity.” According to the result of the experiments, the tube that have thin wall can lower the remaining water’s temperature a little and the cold water’s supply can also lower the plumbing system’s temperature after eruption. Besides, the water in the longer tube needs more time to higher its temperature to protract the period because it have more water in its reservoir. Eventually, there are 3 essential conditions of the geysers’ existence concluded: (1) steady supply of heat; (2) a thin and long standpipe; (3) abundant underground water.

The aim of the work is inventing the way in which the power of the ICE is the same and consuming of the fuel decreases. The following methods of investigation were used: analysis of the experience of the improvement of ICE, modeling, the brainstorming, methods of Decition Theory of Invention’s Tasks (DTIT). In this work Ivan Semyonov based on a hypothesis that if the non-supporting combustion exhausts will be drawn with the vacuum from cylinder fuel for the same power it needed less. The practical meaning of this work is in the attempt of studying the question of improving the ICE for getting and making the more perfect ICE.

The applications of digital image are rapidly growing with the developments in computer technology. This enforces digital image industry to produce devices with better quality. Despite the today’s advanced level of technology, it is known that input and output devices somewhat cause color distortions. International Color Consortium suggests that we can use ICC profile to overcome the problem mentioned above. But the related hardwares and softwares are too expensive for the general users. In this study, we base on the ICC profile’s mechanism to develop a color calibration method for low cost image acquisitions. From the theoretical and experimental results, it can be demonstrated that our method appears satisfactory.數位影像的應用隨著電腦資訊科技的快速成長而蓬勃發展，這也促使著數位影像工業的相關產品漸漸地普及與廣泛地使用，時至今日，雖然有著很好的製造技術，但是任何數位影像設備均無法完美無失真地將原有的色彩呈現出來或紀錄下來，或多或少都有色彩偏差的存在，尤其在價格越低廉的設備上更為明顯。雖然可以依據國際色彩協會的建議，使用每項設備的專屬色彩描述檔來克服色差的缺點，但是用來產生色彩描述檔的相關軟硬體均價格昂貴，實非一般使用者所能承受的負擔，本篇研究以色彩描述檔的色彩轉換機制為基礎，發展出針對廉價取像設備的色彩校正程序，無論從理論數據上的探討以及實際影像上的測試看來，我們的校正方法確實有效，讓原有的色彩能精準地重現。