當幼苗從土壤萌發接觸到陽光時，會產生生理上的變化以適應環境，稱為光形態發生。microRNA是一種轉錄後調控因子，可以幫助植物適應環境的快速變化。因此我們推測microRNA在植物的光形態發生中可能扮演一個很重要的角色。在實驗中，我們選擇阿拉伯芥 (Arabidopsis thaliana) 作為測試對象。為了驗證我們的假說，我們從實驗室先前的次世代定序結果，選出可能的候選miRNA-target pairs，再透過北方墨點法 (Northern blot) 和即時聚合酶連鎖反應 (Real-Time PCR) ，確認microRNA和其目標message RNA在植物光照後的實際表現量。最後我們選擇miR396s和miR858s，因為其表現量在北方墨點法的結果中是受光調控的，而且從即時聚合酶連鎖反應的數據，我們可以看到miRNA和其目標基因 (mRNA) 的量有明顯的負相關。接著，我們藉由突變株的觀察，了解目標基因 (mRNA) 的缺失對植物生長的影響。為了進行光形態發生的表徵觀察，我們篩選出含有同型T-DNA插入子的植株。目前，阿拉伯芥幼苗在缺少MYB6和GRF7時，對於光的刺激較敏感，像是花青素及葉綠素的量較多、具有較大的子葉。由於我們無法取得miR858的突變株，而且在同一microRNA家族內會有functional redundancy的現象，使我們挑選的microRNA的功能被削弱。因此，我們將target mimicry 的construct引入。此外，我們也正在篩選MIR396B和MIR858A的過度表現株。我們會利用這些突變種進行光形態發生的表徵觀察。透過研究與觀察光形態發生的表徵，我們可以找出miRNA-target pairs在光形態發生中的調節功能。

Wildfires have become increasingly frequent and severe due to global climatic change, demanding improved methodologies for wildfire modeling. Traditionally, wildfire severities are assessed through post-event, in-situ measurements. However, developing a reliable wildfire susceptibility model has been difficult due to failures in accounting for the dynamic components of wildfires (e.g. excessive winds). This study examined the feasibility of employing satellite observation technology in conjunction with artificial neural networking to devise a wildfire susceptibility modeling technique for two regions in California. Timeframes of investigation were July 16 to August 24, 2017, and June 25 to December 8, 2017, for the Detwiler and Salmon August Complex wildfires, respectively. NASA’s MODIS imagery was utilized to compute NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), land surface temperature, net evapotranspiration, and elevation values. Neural network and linear regression modeling were then conducted between these variables and ∆NBR (Normalized Burn Ratio), a measure of wildfire burn severity. The neural network model generated from the Detwiler wildfire region was subsequently applied to the Salmon August Complex wildfire. Results suggest that a significant degree of variability in ∆NBR can be attributed to variation in the tested environmental factors. Neural networking also proved to be significantly superior in modeling accuracy as compared to the linear regression. Furthermore, the neural network model generated from the Detwiler data predicted ∆NBR for the Salmon August Complex with high accuracy, suggesting that if fires share similar environmental conditions, one fire’s model can be applied to others without the need for localized training.

Sustainable mobility concepts are playing an increasingly important part in today's social developments. As a promising mode of future transportation, quadcopters play a special role, and their further development and optimization is being advanced along many disciplines. Even in my hometown of Zurich this trend has not passed by without leaving its marks. Since 2019, the Swiss National Postal Service has been testing autonomous means of transport together with the Zurich University Hospital as part of a pilot project. However, quadcopters are not exclusively used for transportation purposes. Geologists use them for landscape modeling and the insurance industry utilizes them for damage assessment. Quadcopters have also become an integral part of photography and agriculture, where they are used for pest control, for example [2]. I first became intensively involved with quadcopters in 2017, when I received a hobby model for my birthday in the form of the Mavic Pro from the Chinese company Da-Jiang Innovations Science and Technology Co., Ltd (DJI). In October of the same year, I completed an internship in the biofluid mechanics department of the Institute for ImplantTechnology and Biomaterials e.V., where I studied the aerodynamics of airfoils. With my Mavic Pro in my backpack, I had the idea to develop and prototype my own functional rotor for my quadcopter as part of my upcoming Swiss Matura thesis paper. The rotor would be considered functional if it generates enough lift to keep the quadcopter hovering. The focus of this project was the investigation of aerodynamic properties. The influence of other factors, such as the material used, was not the primary focus of the work and therefore not investigated in detail.

本研究藉由基因誘導之第二型糖尿病小鼠（Male B6.BKS-Leprdb mice; db/db mice）做為動物模型，並利用氫質譜儀與代謝體學之平台（1H NMR-based untargeted metabolomics）了解第二型糖尿病所導致的腎病變之疾病進程中的代謝途徑變化，及白胺酸的介入對於疾病進程的影響。研究發現，三羧酸循環及支鍊胺基酸代謝途徑中的代謝物，在基因誘導之第二型糖尿病小鼠尿液中有顯著下降，此發現指出糖尿病腎病變所造成的粒線體能量代謝功能下降。在肝臟組織萃取中，脂化膽固醇（esterified cholesterol）的上升及 β-胡蘿蔔素（β-carotene）、維生素Ａ（vitamin A）及維生素Ａ酸（retinoic acid）的下降顯示肝臟產生脂肪肝及其氧化壓力之上升。白胺酸的介入對於減緩腎臟粒線體受損及降低脂肪肝與氧化壓力並無顯著功效，此現象可歸因於支鍊胺基酸啟動mTORC1代謝途徑。本研究所標定之代謝物可被應用於第二型糖尿病及其所導致之腎病變的生物指標。

This report includes the design and prototyping of a portable automatic bag-valve mask (BVM), or commonly known as the Ambu bag. This development is for use in emergency transport, resource-poor environments, and mass casualty cases like the COVID-19 pandemic. This device replaces the need for human operators whose job is to squeeze the BVMs for extended periods of time. The prototype is made from a stainless-steel skeleton, measuring 470 x 240 x 230 mm, with the addition of acrylic coverings. A repurposed motor from a car is used to drive the squeezing arm. The speed of the arm for inspiration and expiration along with the pausing time between each breath can be adjusted with this prototype. It also features an LCD screen to display the arm speed, along with real-time pressure graph displayed on both phones and computer monitors. For future versions, an app is to be developed to enable the control of the automatic bag-valve mask from phones and tablets, further creating ease for users and increasing portability. Additionally, important requirements will be added: alarm system for over pressurization, control for inspiration to expiration ratio, number of breaths per minute, control for tidal volume, pressure relief valve, and assist-control mode. The cost of this prototype is approximately $430. With this design of an automatic BVM, it allows for the production of a ventilator-like technology that will be able to perform main functions of basic ventilators at a fraction of the current cost.

『火柴遊戲』(The game of Match)，一個中國最古老的二人遊戲，有人稱之為『筷子遊戲』(The game of Chopstick)、『拈子遊戲』或『尼姆遊戲』(The game of Nim)，在遊戲中，對戰的兩人可不斷的改變規則，並設法去找尋所謂的致勝技巧。但是其中最吸引人的就是『先取的人可以拿任意根火柴，但不可以一次取完，而後取的人所拿的數量不可超過上一人所取的二倍，同樣是取走最後一根火柴的人就獲勝』及『每次取的數目是1〜5根，先取的人不可以一次取完，而後取的人所拿的數量不可與上一人所取的相同，同樣是取走最後一根火柴的人就獲勝』。好奇的我們於是決定悠遊於火柴棒的遊戲中……。

Cancer is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to reach over 13 million in 2030. Thus, developing a device that has the capability to solve today’s toughest global challenge is crucial by utilizing a simple yet robust approach - “SEEING THE UNSEEABLE” through bold innovation. Although removing cancer is much more effective than either radiation or chemotherapy, when unseen residual cancer cells remain, they could grow back into tumour overtime. The reoccurrence of cancer contributes to a greater risk of death. Hence, launching a system that is able to distinguish between the cancerous cell and normal cell is ultimately essential to make sure no cancer is left behind during surgery. This robust optical system is established with quantitative approach by exploring the integration of an algorithm into the developed software. The end result of this device has the capability to provide users an accurate numerical pH value. The developed system is integrated with the smart IoT gateway capability whereby this powerful analytical device is incorporated with the real-time monitoring, data transformation and data analyzer. Harnessing the power of technology lets us fight cancer better. Each time a pathologist analyzes tissue after operation, it can take up 2 to 3 days because the tissue has to be frozen, thinly sliced, and stained so it can be viewed under the microscope during the process of biopsy. Thus, it is crucial to invent this Surgeons’ VisionMetric device which has an IoT-based microcontroller that is capable of providing real-time numerical value on-site.

Colorants are used in many industries, especially in the textile industry. These substances both cause visual pollution and create an anaerobic environment for aquatic creatures. In this study, it is aimed to examine the usability of activated carbon synthesized from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, which is an important environmental problem, in removing the pollution caused by the colorants caused by industrial activities in water resources.

The main goal of this study was to address a variety of topics concerning the role of the Ih current in HCN channels of SHANK Wild-Type and Knock-Out Thalamus Neurons (as described further below). This research explored the cellular effects of sedation (like Dexmedetomidine) and laser light stimulations on the Ih current of neurons, as well as discovering novel biomarkers for detecting Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study also showed that methods (like utilizing laser therapy with and without various photosensitizers) have the potential in raising depressed Ih currents of SHANK Knock-Out neurons.

澎湖牡蠣養殖受扁形動物危害嚴重但缺乏相關研究。本研究首次採集活體澎湖蚵蛭Stylochus ( Imogine ) orientalis splendida Bock, 1913進行捕食行為研究。觀察澎湖蚵蛭捕食過程分為攻擊期、捕食期和消化期，並首次報導攻擊期中發現新型的離體咽。離體咽具負趨光性( P <0.01 ** )能朝向牡蠣殼內暗處移動，使其開閉殼頻率與死亡率增加。離體咽也顯著影響文蛤死亡率 ( P <0.01** )，20條以上離體咽即可導致文蛤死亡率 60% 以上，造成文蛤外套膜萎縮，且與數量呈高度正相關 ( R2 = 0.964 )，外套膜切片顯示離體咽可導致外套膜肌肉變細且形成許多空洞。經離體咽均質和硫酸銨沉澱法萃取蛋白質後，通過SDS蛋白質電泳比較澎湖蚵蛭離體咽、咽、與其他部位的粗萃物，分離出目標蛋白質，以MALDI-TOF質譜儀分析分子量約為10 kDa。證據顯示離體咽是蚵蛭成功捕食牡蠣的重要關鍵，亦是海洋扁蟲從未被報導過的新行為。

Tissue engineering has developed novel therapies such as many types of wound dressings, bio-pads, scaffolds and bandages, in order to reduce the effects of deep and extensive skin wounds. Here, we have produced an electrospun nanofiber scaffold, based on biodegradable materials such as gelatin (as a natural and hydrophilic polymer) and cellulose diacetate (with optimal biodegradability), in order to increase wound healing using nanotechnology. We also used green tea extract for its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effect, to improve the biological properties of the scaffold. In the fabrication process, two polymer solutions: 1. Gelatin (with acetic acid solvent) and 2. Cellulose Diacetate (with acetone solvent) mixed with green tea extract, were prepared. Then they were spun using a two-nozzle electrospinner to produce a hybrid nanofiber scaffold. SEM images showed enough finesse and uniformity of the produced scaffold to simulate the extracellular matrix. Further, measuring the contact angle of water droplet and the web surface, indicated optimal hydrophilicity of the nanofiber scaffold, which controls the level of scaffold degradability and cell adhesion. Also, the results of antibacterial tests for two bacterial strains (E. coli and S. aureus) showed the antibacterial characteristics of the extract-containing scaffold. In addition to previous tests, evaluation of fibroblast morphology on the nanofiber scaffolds, indicated appropriate cell adhesion and expansion, that confirms the biocompatibility of this produced scaffold.

It is known that copper foil undergoes a color change in heating by oxide thin layer formation. Therefore, we focused on the color change by the oxidation of brass foil. Brass foil (Akaguchi (Cu87%Zn13% alloy) and Aoguchi (Cu85%Zn15% alloy)) also undergoes color change by oxidation, and it shows heating time and temperature dependence. Brass foil need longer heating time to appear color change than copper foil, and we can visually confirm that the brass has corrosion resistant. In addition, color change of brass foil depends on the percentage of copper in the brass, and Aoguchi shows rapidly color change in same heating condition. We show that brass has different physical properties than copper, even with a high percentage of copper in brass, and this was verified through comparison using diffusion length and RGB data in Aoguchi and Akaguchi. We demonstrate these colored brass foils are used as art materials, and our results expanded material using possibility of brass foil.