全國中小學科展

2008年

滑鼠狂想曲

光學滑鼠會以很高的速度不斷地對著接觸面拍照,藉由比對每幅影像間的變化來偵測滑鼠移動的速度與方向,本研究利用此特點而設計一個簡易的光學量測系統,其中包括透鏡、光源與接觸面材質的選擇,以及利用Raw Input 模式讀取個別滑鼠移動訊息而發展出來的量測程式,使得此系統可以在無接觸與無摩擦的情況下來測量外界物體的移動速度與距離,經由實驗證明,在光學感測器還可以感應與追蹤的範圍內,量測的數據還蠻精準的。接觸面到光學感測器透鏡的距離越遠,能夠測得移動物體的極速也越高,但是會造成感測器的解析度下降,如此限制了接觸面的材質種類,無法量測表面較為光滑的物體,但是在設計得宜的情況下,仍有蠻多方面的用途,日後若能採用較高效能的光學感測器並加上測距儀的輔助,相信此系統的應用層面會更為廣泛。Optical mouse can take continuous snapshots very quickly of the contact surface and compare the images sequentially to detect the direction and amount of movement. This study uses this feature to design a simple optical measurement system, including lens, illumination and contact surface choice, as well as the measurement program using raw input model to accept the movement information from the mouse. This system can measure the distance and speed of the motion object under the non-friction condition. From the experiment test result, this optical measurement system is workable and satisfactory. Contact surface to optical sensor distance farther, can measure the higher speed of the motion object, but will cause the lower resolution of the optical sensor. This will limit the variety of the contact surface; superficial smoother object is unable to measure. In the future if we can use the high performance optical sensor and assist with rangefinder, believed this system can have more widespread applications.

Blood Brain Barrier Breached!

The purpose of this project is to determine if it is possible to use Ascorbic Acid Sodium- Dependent Vitamin C Transporter Type II, SVCT2, as an effective and safe protein to attach to certain brain tumor treatments to bypass the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Stemming from this problem, a procedure was created to use in vitro engineering with the aid of a professor at the University of Calgary to combine SVCT2 and three specific tumor treatments; Imatinib Mesylate (STI-571), Temsirolimus (CCI-779), and Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA). Following this, a metabolic barrier had to be created to simulate the BBB. To do this, the use of three enzymes were mixed and held together using specific bonds. Finally, a special bio-tracer was placed within the barrier to detect any toxic effects that may be produced. Then two trials were made with each treatment on the barrier at 34°C, 37°C, and 39°C. Once this was done observations could be made. When the newly isolated SVCT2 attaches to the three cancer treatments, they would all be able to connect and form bonds with each other. Once the incubation period is over for the first trial at 34°C, 37°C and 39°C, several things would be observed within the data. When counting the number of cells that were able to get into the engineered metabolic barrier, it could be seen that there was a dramatic increase in the number of cells in the 37°C range. SVCT2 can be a powerful tool in combating cancer. Because of its specificity, it may prove to be more advantageous over the currently used drugs which may have unwanted toxic side effects on the CNS. In the near future, SVCT2 could have the potential to be adopted as a promising therapy against cancer and certain tumors. Furthermore, SVCT2 has the potential to be applied to many situations and can be modified to fit a number of situations that deal with getting past the Blood Brain Barrier. Initially, SVCT2 was only modified with three forms of treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme, STI-571, CCI-779, and SAHA, however there are countless other treatments that have been developed, but that are not in use due to the BBB. This project was successful in determining an appropriate temperature of 37°C for the procedure to be used. The limitations of this experiment include the fact that this experiment was performed in vitro and so complexity among individuals cannot be analyzed. However, this is an early step for the future of SVCT2 as a treatment, and clinical trials to test SVCT2 in vivo may not be too far off.

為「世紀之毒」找解藥!- 探討以Pseudomonas mendocina 菌株降解污染土壤中戴奧?

本研究採自中石化安順廠戴奧辛污染場址之土壤,篩選出一株純 菌微生物(Pseudomonas mendocina NSYSU) , 其含有PCDD/Fs (Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDD/Fs)土壤於實驗室進行微生物降解試驗,結果顯示約21 天即有 明顯降解結果;本研究同時觀察到該微生物能在汞濃度達50 ppm 之 戴奧辛土壤中,仍具有相當程度之耐受度,並進一步降解戴奧辛化合 物。 我更以標準品探討菌種對於戴奧辛類化合物(Dioxin like congener) 之降解效果,成功地發現這株菌種不僅對於PCDD/Fs 有降 解能力,對於戴奧辛類化合物也有明顯之降解效果。 由研究結果,明顯看出P. mendocina 菌株為「世紀之毒」找到了 解藥,開發出以生物復育改善污染環境的一種新方法。A dioxin-degrading bacterial strain Pseudomonas mendocina NSYSU was isolated from dioxin contaminated soil by selective enrichment techniques. In our previous study, P. mendocina NSYSU was found to be able to use pentachlorophenol (PCP) as its sole carbon source and energy source and was capable of completely degrading this compound. Moreover, P. mendocina NSYSU was also able to mineralize a high concentration of PCP up to 150 mg/L. In this study, P. mendocina NSYSU was investigated for its ability to degrade polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs). Results show that P. mendocina NSYSU could grow well in media containing both PCDFs and PCDDs, and was able to degrade both compounds efficiently. In this study, isotope dilution method and a high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) technique were applied for the analyses of PCDFs and PCDDs. Investigation results reveal that significant biodegradation of octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) and octachlorinated dibenzofuran (OCDF) by treating with P. mendocina NSYSU resting cells was observed. The results also indicate that this bacterial strain is able to biodegrade OCDD and OCDF effectively under anoxic conditions due to its facultative anaerobic character. No accumulation of inhibitory toxic byproducts was found in this study. These findings suggest that in situ or on-site bioremediation of dioxin-contaminated soils by using indigenous microorganisms or inoculated P. mendocina NSYSU strain would be a feasible technology for field application.

Titania Nanotubes for Solar Energy and Catalysis

Introduction The discovery of titania (TiO2) nanotubes suggests vast improvements over extant titania properties. Titania nanotubes are aligned in highly-ordered arrays with a large geometric surface area, making them the ideal material for many applications. However, the mechanism responsible for the growth rates of highly-ordered nanotubes with optimal adhesive properties is not fully explained or understood. Purpose of Research The aims of this project were threefold: to explore the effects of different anodizing parameters on the fabrication of titania nanotubes; to study the photocatalytic activity of the nanotubes; and to deposit gold nanoparticles into the nanotubes. Methodology Nanotube Fabrication: Titanium foil was subjected to potentiostatic anodization with the use of various fluorinebased electrolytes, anodization voltage and duration to compare the effects of different parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the nanotube diameter and length of the anodized samples. Photo-electrochemica1 Water-splitting: A PEC cell was assembled using the nanotubes as the photoanode and the samples were anodically polarized in a 1M KOH electrolyte. A potentiostat was employed to control the applied bias and to measure the photocurrent response under light irradiation. Overall photoconversion efficiency (ηc) of the samples was then calculated. Catalyst Support: A gold precursor solution was prepared with HAuC14‧3H2O. Using a novel depositionprecipitation (DP) protocol, gold nanoparticles were deposited on the nanotubes. SEM was used to scan for traces of gold and their locations. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to confirm the identity of the gold nanoparticles. Data and Discussion Nanotube Fabrication: Preliminary studies found the glycerol/water and glycerol/formamide combinations to be the most promising. In glycerol/water-based electrolytes, higher water content corresponded to a decrease in nanotube length while higher anodization voltage resulted in a significant increase in tube diameter and length. In glycerol/formamide-based electrolytes, higher water content corresponded to a decrease in nanotube diameter while higher fluorine concentration resulted in an increase in inter-tubular spacing. The effects of various fabrication parameters were better understood, contributing to greater control over array dimensions. Photo-electrochemical Water-splitting: A higher anodizaion voltage resulted in a significant improvement in photoconversion efficiency. However, this trend was reversed in chlorine-doped samples, where a longer anodization duration corresponded with better photoconversion efficiency. Doping was found to enhance the photoresponse of the samples, with 6.32 % photoconversion efficiency obtained, suggesting new strategies for light harvesting and a step closer towards commercially-viable solar energy. Catalyst Support: Gold nanoparticles (5-10 nm) were successfully deposited onto the titania nanotube samples. Based on current literature, this was the first successful attempt at depositing gold nanoparticles into titania nanotubes. An EDX spectrum confirmed the identity of the gold nanoparticles. Compared to current catalytic converters, the gold/titania nanotube structure offered a larger catalytic surface area for reactants and the ability to function at low temperatures. Conclusion: By understanding the effects of various parameters on titania nanotube fabrication, the anodization process can be optimized to enable more precise control over array dimensions. High photocatalytic efficiency has also been achieved. In addition, doping is found to improve the photoresponse of titania nanotubes. Gold nanoparticles have been deposited, to our knowledge for the first time, onto the surface and inner walls of titania nanotubes.

SEAWEED ON THE NAMIBIA COAST EXTRACTION OF AGAR & USE OF KELP AS FERTILIZER

In Swakopmund we have a problem with seaweed deposits on our beaches. Tons of seaweed are throwni away yearly. The reason I did this project was to see if the seaweed on the Namibian coast can he used instead of just being thrown away.Seaweed is a rich source of natural minerals and vitamins such as calcium, potassium iodine and also Vitamin A, BI and K. The seaweed on our coastline cannot he eaten as the salt content is too high. Seaweed is a marine algae that works like a sponge absorbing nutrients and minerals from the water.I extracted agar (a jelly) from red seaweed called(GracilariaVerrucosa). I dried the agar and seaweed, and I also grew mushroom spawns and bacteria on the agar plates. Secondly, I researched the possibility of using kelp (Laminaria Pallida), as fertilizer and livestock supplements. The unemployment rate in Namibia is very high. With adequate financial resources and proper marketing, seaweed can he used to increase the economy. We can market the agar to pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, and also supply it to the university for students in Biology to grow bacteria and other micro organisms. The ferti lizer can be used to boost agriculture in Namibia. It is cheap and the farmers will he able to p1 ant vegetables with better nutritional value.All this was done to promote of biggest natural resource to create more work and to find a way for the less fortunate to create a better life for themselves.

M&m Sequences 之研究

本專題的目的是研究以任意實數 a1 、 a2 、 a3 為起始的M&m Sequences 之穩定性質。我們主要關心的問題是:(1) 是否任給定三數a1 、 a2 、 a3 為起始的M&m 數列皆會穩定?(2) 若上述的M&m 數列穩定,則其穩定的長度與a1 、 a2 、 a3的關係為何?(3) 其穩定的值與a1 、 a2 、 a3的關係為何?我們研究的主要步驟及結果如下︰1. 當1 2 3 a 1) 為起始的M&m 數列。3. 我們證明了下列性質:(1) 若M&m 數列中前n 項所成數列的中位數為n m ,則下式成立: (2) 當存在 k > 4 , k ? N ,使得 ?1 ?2 = k k m m 成立時,則此數列穩定,且穩定長度p 滿足:min{ | 4 } ?1 ?2 = > = k k p k k 且m m ,其中p 必為奇數。(3) { n m }為單調遞增且, 5 1 ? ? ? a m n n n4. 如果x ? 41.625,則{?x,1, x}為起始的M&m 數列,其對應的數列有相同的大小次序且此M&m 數列會穩定,穩定值為41.625,且穩定長度為73。5. 我們觀察發現:如果x 1). 3. We prove the following properties: (1) If the median of the former n numbers of the M&m sequence is n m , we obtain (2) There exist k > 4 , k ? N such that ?1 ?2 = k k m m , then the sequence is stable and the stable length min{ | 4 }?1 ?2 = > = k k p k k and m m , where p must be an odd number. (3) { n m } is monotone increasing and , 5 1 ? ? ? a m n n n . 4. Suppose x ? 41.625, then the all M&m Sequences beginning with –x , 1 , x are the same, and the sequences will be stable, the stable value is 41.625 and the stable length is 73. 5. By the computer experiments, we observe that if x is any positive real number less than 41.625, the M&m Sequence starting with –x, 1, x, will be also stable but does not appear to follow any clearly discernible pattern of behavior. However, the stable lengths are much variant and exist some unknown relation with point format of x. Moreover, we have the following properties: (1)If x is a node, then the stable value is x and the stable length equals to the index of median of the node + 2; (2)Near the branch of 41.625, the stable length is almost a constant except at the edge area,the stable length of (-x,1,x) as x around branch 1 is chaos; (3)If x near the node (K= 3, 5, 7, …, 67, 69), then the stable length is l(K)+K?1 where the positive integral l(K) is determined by Prop1 (see Table 6 and 7).

蝌蚪游泳能力之探討

本研究主要探討蝌蚪之游泳運動特性,及游泳速度(V)與尾鰭長度(SL)、尾鰭高度(SH)、身體質量(M)、尾鰭擺動頻率(TBF)、擺動幅度(AMP)之關係,並分析蝌蚪游泳之體軸變化及流場變化。祈能了解蝌蚪之游泳運動特性,進而探討其適應環境之機制。研究結果顯示:黑眶蟾蜍蝌蚪體重(M)愈重,則鰭長、鰭高亦隨之生長,並呈現高度相關性(R2=0.9381、R2=0.9809)。另外,尾鰭生長時之長度增加較多。蝌蚪體重(M)與鰭長(SL)、鰭高(SH)之迴歸方程式(M=0.027SL+0.342SH-0.078,R2=0.9832)。黑眶蟾蜍蝌蚪之游泳速度,會隨著尾鰭擺動頻率之增加而提高。尾鰭長度愈短之蝌蚪,增加游泳速度時尾鰭擺動頻率增加較多。蝌蚪游泳速度(V)與鰭長(SL)、擺動頻率(TBF)之迴歸方程式(V=0.480TBF+4.804SL-4.381,R2=0.9110)。不同尾鰭長度蝌蚪之擺幅對體長之比率並無明顯變化,其擺動幅度(AMP)的範圍介於0.45(BL)至0.56(BL)之間。蝌蚪游泳時各部分體軸之擺動幅度自吻端開始(P=0)至P 為0.24 時逐漸遞減,且在P 為0.24 時呈現最小擺幅,但P 超過0.24 之後直至尾鰭部分卻又大幅遞增,其最大值出現在尾鰭末端(P=1)。蝌蚪游泳是以尾鰭快速向中心軸擺動,產生較大的前進動力,過了軸線則慢速擺動,以減少阻力。This investigation is to explore the swimming habits of tadpoles- the relationship between their swimming velocity, length and height of their tails, mass, the frequency at which their tails movement, and the amplitude of the tail’s movement, as well as analysis their body axes, and the flow distribution of the water, in order to understand how the swimming patterns of the tadpoles are affected by the changes in their environment. The results of this investigation have shown that as the mass of the tadpoles increases, both the length and the height of their tails also increase according to the R values of the tail increases according to the R values of 0.9381 and 0.9809. However, it is observed the length of the tail increases at a faster rate than its height during the tadpoles’s growth. The formula which models the regression relationship between the tadpole’s mass, tail length, and tail height are found to be (M=0.027SL+0.342SH-0.078,R=0.9832). It’s also noted that as the length of the tadpole’s tail decreases, the velocity and the frequency of the tail would increases (the length of the tail is inversely proportional to the tadpole’s velocity and tail frequency). The formula which models the regression relationship between the tadpole’s velocity, tail length and tail frequency is (V=0.480TBF+4.804SL-4.381,R=0.9110) The different frequency model by tails of different lengths do not appear to have an apparent relationship with the tail length, given that the amplitude is between 0.45(BL) and 0.56(BL). As the tadpole swims, the angle between its oscillating body axes decrease as the P values increases from 0 to 0.24, their force the angle is at a minimum whom the P is at 0.24.Yet when P exceeds 0.24 the angle would increase dramatically. The maximum value is observed when P=1.The tadpole’s swimming motion mainly relays on the rapid oscillations of the tail about the centre of mass (body axis)-producing a stronger driving force, and slowing down towards the end of each oscillation to minimise the friction forces acting on the tadpole, which in furn, decrease its velocity.

紫蝶幻影

The main purpose of this experiment is to discuss the characteristics of iridescent colors of Taiwanese Euploea’s wings, inclusive of the relations between the colors of wings and squamas. According to the results from scanning electron microscope, we discovered that the iridescent colors had a close relation to nanostructure and arrangements of squamas. We inferred that both the nanostructure and the arrangements would influence the formation of iridescent colors and the basic colors on wings. In addition, the basic colors on wings are related to different types of scales. To compare with the diverse formations of different sorts of Taiwanese Euploea’s wings, we took SEM pictures of Elymnias hypermnestra as well, discovering that its iridescent colors had similar relation with scales. And there was the regulation that Elymnias hypermnestra had only one type of scales at iridescent area, and two different scales at not-iridescent area as well as Euploea’s. 本實驗目的為探討台灣地區紫斑蝶蝴蝶翅膀幻色的特性,以及翅膀幻色與鱗片的相關性。由結果得知,幻色實驗中利用掃描式電子顯微鏡發現紫斑蝶幻色的形成和其鱗片的細微結構與排列方式有密切相關。我們推論紫斑蝶的鱗片細微結構與排列皆會影響其幻色的形成,而顏色的不同則與不同類型的鱗片相關。除此之外,我們亦對同具幻色的紫蛇目碟進行拍照分析,發現其幻色亦與鱗片有相關性。紫蛇目蝶的幻色區具有單一種鱗片構成的規則性,非幻色區則有兩種鱗片,與紫斑蝶相同。

Shock Induced Battery

a. Purpose of the Research Evidence has shown that people are becoming more aware of environmental protection than in the past. Not only has the government made every effort to implement the policies of environmental protection, but Hong Kong citizens are also more willing to cooperate and help out. However, when it comes to conservation of energy and reduction of wastage, many people still regard it as a burden and they just take it lightly. In fact, environmental protection can be achieved in a convenient and simple way. We can easily put in practice in our daily lives. Because of this, we would like to introduce our invention - “shock Induced battery” by using our knowledge of Physics. b. Procedures The “Shock Induced battery” makes use of locomotion of human bodies to generate electricity. The electrical current generated from the specially designed generator will pass through the diode bridges, which adjust the current to one direction. This enables the electrical energy to be stored in the capacitor. This energy will be released when the battery is correctly connected to a circuit with a switch and a resistor. One of the features of the battery is that it is portable. It is mainly used to charge up electrical devices. But it is hoped that it will replace non-chargeable cells one day, and can directly be used in any electrical devices. In fact, our ultimate goal is to reduce the wastage of materials for making the cells, and to solve the problem of disposal of these cells. c. Data The induced a.c. voltage is full-wave rectified by the diode bridge. d. Conclusions In a word, we are trying to provide a chance for people to put environmental protection in practice, so as to raise the awareness of people about environmental protection. After all, high-tech products only solve the power-saving problem to a certain extent, but it is the awareness and the initiatives of the public which matter. We are convinced that environmental protection brings fun to your daily lives, as you will find practices on environmental protection both convenient and simple.

台灣2008年國際科學展覽會評審總評語