以Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4 菌株轉化農業廢棄纖維素為葡萄糖以發展生質酒精
我們得知從高雄糖廠及堆肥中篩出的嗜高溫好氧菌Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4,是本種細菌首先被報導具有纖維素分解能力的菌株,但目前僅止於學術研究階段,尚未實際應用於廢棄纖維素的分解上。本研究以廢棄農作物纖維素取代學術研究所用的羧甲基纖維素(Carboxymethyl Cellulose,CMC) ,將T4菌株置於稻稈與米糠培養基內,進行分解效能比較,再利用酵母菌的發酵作用進一步將葡萄糖轉化為酒精。本研究發現,在60℃的環境中,活化的T4 菌株可在CMC、稻稈及米糠培養基中生長繁殖且發揮其分解纖維素為葡萄糖的能力,尤其在米糠培養基中的分解效果最快也最好。此外,將生產的葡萄糖加入酵母菌之後,初步發現也能成功地進行發酵作用產生酒精,生質酒精的產出指日可待!;The Research on Using Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4 to Turn the Deserted Cellulose in Agriculture into glucose in Order to Produce Bio-Renewable Energy It has been found that Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4, a thermophilic aerobic bacterial strain isolated from a sugar refinery wastewater (55-60℃)in Kaohsing, Taiwan, can secrete thermostable endocellulase and hydrolyze carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)in some academic research, but it is stillunknown whether T4 hydrolyzes deserted cellulose in Agriculture. The aim of this study is to investigate the best conditions of T4 cellulase activity after mixing with deserted cellulose (such as rice bran and rice straw) by measuring the glucose concentration and bacteria number, and to produce the ethanol by activated yeast. T4 was added rice bran and rice straw medium, and cultured in 60℃ for 10 hours. The number of T4 and the concentration of glucose were measured every two hours. The best conditions were examined by comparing the hydrolyzation efficiency of T4 in different cellulose medium. We observed that T4 grew efficiently in different cellulose medium and hydrolyzed cellulose into glucose, especially in rice bran medium. The yeast also converted glucose into ethanol. Our research may shed light to the development of bio-renewable energy!
愛的教育,鐵的紀律-果蠅的學習與記憶
The main purpose of this study is to explore whether fruit flies (Drosophila melanogasters which background is 2U) can distinguish and memorize different colors and smells by learning. Futhermore, to find out the relation between age and learning ability, and analyze the influence of repeated training on how long the memory would last. According to our experiment, in smell training, the fruit flies are able to distinguish and memorize different smells, and young fruit flies have better memory than old flies. In color training, the fruit flies can distinguish and memorize different colors, but the effect was less than that of smell training. In intensive learning, proper times of learning increased the memory ability, but excessive learning exhibited an opposite effect. In the labyrinth experiment, we select and nurture the fruit flies having the best color memory in order to further understand the gene correlated with the memory learning. In addition, in one-time training, fruit flies are able to remember the smells and colors in four minutes, and young ones have the better ability. In six-time training, fruit flies have the ability to remember the smells and colors in twelve minutes. In the end, we hope you can know more about the learning and memory ability of fruit flies through our report. 本實驗主要探討果蠅是否可經由學習分辨、記憶顏色與氣味,並探討年齡與學習能力的相關性、分析多次訓練對記憶時間的影響。由實驗結果得知,氣味方面,果蠅有辨識記憶氣味的能力,以年輕果蠅的效果較佳;顏色訓練方面,果蠅亦可分辨記憶顏色;密集學習方面,適當學習次數內,有助於增加果蠅的記憶能力,但過度的學習刺激會降低學習效果。並且,我們選顏色訓練中記憶較佳的一組進行迷宮實驗,經三次的岔路選擇,選出對顏色記憶最佳的果蠅,希望能探討訓練過的果蠅子代能否有較優良的記憶。至於記憶時間方面,一次氣味學習,果蠅在四分鐘內皆有記憶,且年輕果蠅記憶效果較強,達六分鐘;另外,多次氣味學習,果蠅於第四次訓練效果最佳,且記憶能力可達十二分鐘。希望藉本實驗報告,以期更瞭解果蠅學習與記憶的資料。
竹嵌紋病毒及其衛星核酸5'端非轉譯區與複製競爭關係之探討
RNA 病毒在複製過程中容易產生錯誤,導致其族群具中有很大的遺傳歧異度,累積的錯誤再加上選汰的壓力造成往後之變異。由於RNA 基因體之病毒變異較大,使得RNA 病毒在單一寄主上具有quasispecies 的特性,提供病毒產生新基因體的機會以適應環境或演化成新病毒。例如流行性感冒病毒與之前造成恐慌的嚴重急性呼吸道症候群病毒(severe acute respiratorysyndrome,SARS)以及禽流感病毒 (avain influenza virus) 皆為RNA 病毒,意味著RNA 病毒知不穩定性,並容易造成一些目前我們無法及時反應的危害。大部分的植物病毒又為RNA 病毒,本研究將以竹嵌紋病毒 ( Bamboo mosaic virus , BaMV )及其衛星核酸 (satellite RNA, satBaMV)為材料,進一步探討核?酸序列之變異對其族群在複製競爭上的影響。
綠色陶土分子篩-污染大剋星
現今日常生活充斥著有機污染物,然而處理含有有機污染物的廢水需要極高的成本,有鑑於此,我們參考Fenton Reaction,從成本、毒性、活化能、操作方便性、二次污染及經濟效益的多方考量下,選擇以分子篩來固定鐵、鈷、鎳、錳、鋅之金屬離子,並決定以鐵分子篩為研究主軸,並探討其催化過氧化氫對有機物的分解。鑒於粉末狀的分子篩容易流失,我們以陶土固定分子篩,製作成反應杯槽,發現了分子篩與陶土的結合性。接著藉由二氧化碳感測器及光譜儀來感測有機物的分解速率,在控制溫度,濃度等條件下,探討分解有機物的反應及其反應時的特性。由實驗結果得知,分子篩能有效分解簡單醇類、氯仿、四氯化碳及indigo。使用0.35克陶土鐵分子篩,1M 以下的雙氧水50ml,其分解異丙醇所生成二氧化碳的速率可達0.34-0.55ppm/sec 之間(3.1-4.9×10-9mol/sec),此外有機氯化物分解後生成無毒性的氯離子;indigo染料分解後褪色。本實驗證實,陶土鐵分子篩:一、可以重複使用;二、可在較低濃度環境下運作;三、在酸性較弱環境下運作;四、可在低溫環境下運作(10℃);五、不須對大量鐵離子做沉澱回收的工作(此五點優於Fenton Reaction)。相較於TAML 等人工合成的催化劑雖有避免污染的優點,但卻有無法重複使用的缺點,綜合以上幾點看來,陶土鐵分子篩在操作方便性及經濟與環境保護上具有相當的潛力及價值。With organic pollutants everywhere and the high cost to dispose of them, this study, a two-stage experiment, aimed first to evaluate the efficiency of zeolite with different metal ions and then to compare their rates in reacting to the decomposition of organic matter with hydrogen peroxide as the catalyst. Since zeolite powder can be easily washed away, we tested zeolite with clay to hold such metal ions as Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Zn and finally used the Argillaceous Fe-zeolite for its superiority on the basis of cost, toxin, activation energy, easy operation, and contamination. A carbon dioxide sensor and a spectrometer for visible light were used to measure the decomposition rate of organic matter under controlled temperature and resolution concentrations. The results of the experiments showed that zeolite achieved excellent effects in decomposing organic chlorides such as lower alcohols, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. When 0.35g of zeolite and less than 1M of hydrogen peroxide resolution were used the rate of carbon dioxide production reached 0.34-0.35 ppm/sec (3.1-4.9x10-9 mol/sec). The decomposition of organic chloride produced nontoxic Cl and the indigo dye faded after it was decomposed. Our experiments proved that Argillaceous Fe-zeolite has the following five advantages over Fenton Reaction. First, it can be reused. Second, it performed well at lower concentrations. Third, it worked well under weak acid conditions. Fourth, it worked at a lower temperature (20℃). And finally, there was no need to recycle a large amount of Fe ions. Argillaceous Fe-zeolite was also found to be superior to TAML, which has the advantage of avoiding contamination but is not reusable. The above observation and discussion demonstrate that Argillaceous Fe-zeolite possesses very significant value in terms of easy application, economy, and environmental protection.
共點圓、共圓點
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.
螺旋狀剝皮對樹木影響之初步研究
本研究的目的在於探討螺旋狀剝皮對植物生存以及芭樂果實的影響。實驗的設計是將選擇的植株或其枝幹分成四組,分別施予環狀剝皮、螺旋狀剝皮一圈、螺旋狀剝皮三圈及不剝皮等處理。 研究結果顯示,螺旋狀剝皮不會導致植株死亡,且於處理部位下方會長出新的枝葉。芭樂果實經100 天的生長之後,不剝皮處理之枝幹長出的芭樂重量都在 300g 以下,而螺旋狀剝皮一圈之枝幹長出的芭樂有重達300-400g(5%)及 400-500g(5%),最重的達 490g;螺旋狀剝皮三圈之枝幹長出的芭樂也有重達 300-400g(占 7.7%)。此外,與不剝皮處理者比較之,螺旋狀剝皮也有助於高甜度芭樂比例的提升。 本研究成果若能成功應用在其他果樹上,有助於提高果農產收的經濟價值。 The purpose of our study is to examine spiral bark-stripping’s effects on trees, and observe what will happen with this treatment, especially in the survival of trees and fruit of Guava. The experimental design is as below. First, we divided tree samples or branches into 4 groups randomly, and then treated each group differently with girdling, spiral bark-stripping a circle, spiral bark-stripping 3 circles, or non-stripping on the trunks or branches. As a result, spiral bark-stripping did not cause death of trees. Instead, new green leaves grew below treated area. After 100 days of growth, the fruit of Guava treated with non-stripping weighed below 300 grams, while some fruit weighing above 300-400 grams(5%) and 400-500 grams(5%) grew on those trees treated with spiral bark-stripping a circle, with the heaviest of 490 grams. Besides, there are some fruit weighing 300-400 grams(7.7%) growing on those trees treated with piral bark-stripping 3 circles. The result shows that spiral bark-stripping, compared to non-stripping, promoted the proportion of high-sugar fruit. This study provides a possible way to increase the economic value of fruit harvest if applied to other kinds of fruit trees.
水滴奇遇記-蓮花效應的真面目
Lotus self-cleaning effect arises because the leaves have the superhydrophobic surfaces. When rain falls onto a lotus leaf, water beads up as a result of surface tension. The water drops promptly roll off the surface, taking every dirt with them. This phenomenon is called the lotus effect. With the aid of a light microscope and an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope, we observe and describe the morphology of the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera in detail. We successfully observe the real interface between air, water droplets and the papillae of a lotus leaf, and find the evidence of a composite surface that is formed by epicuticular wax crystals and air. These observations improve our understanding of the two-level composite surfaces that are formed by micro-scale papillae, nano-scale epicuticular wax crystals and air. We try the method of using the critical angle of a static drop beginning to roll on inclined surface to evaluate the self-cleaning ability. We then find out that it may be a more precise criterion compared to using the static contact angle for the evaluation of the lotus effect. Literature review shows that the earlier investigation lacks the height(H) and interval(I) of the projections on the lotus leaf surface. A close relationship between the self-cleaning property and the H/I ratio is found. In this study, we present the experimental data of the height and interval of the projections on four different species of plant leaves that all have lotus effect, which may be of great help to technological applications. 蓮花效應是指蓮葉表面具有超疏水性與自我潔淨的能力,當雨水落在葉面,因為表面張力的作用形成水珠,水滴迅速滾離葉面,把灰塵一起帶走。本實驗以光學顯微鏡和環境式掃描式電子顯微鏡觀察蓮葉,詳細描述其表面形態,成功的發現空氣、水滴和蓮葉乳突真實的接觸界面以及表面蠟和空氣構成複合表面的證據。實驗結果可以使乳突、奈米表面臘質和空氣構成的雙層次複合表面更容易被了解。我們嘗試以水滴傾斜滾動臨界角來評估自潔能力強弱,實驗結果比傳統使用靜止接觸角更為準確。表面高度和間距的比值與蓮花效應有很大的關係,查閱文獻顯示蓮葉缺乏這些資料,本研究提出四種有自潔能力的葉子的實驗數據,這些數據應該對科技應用有很大的幫助。
步步為營
Two soldiers walk on a checkerboard. They can only walk one step once a time and two directions, front and left, are decided randomly. The gunshot is the column and row where a soldier is located, and one will die if he enters the gunshot area of the other. To treat the probability of winning, we first study the cases of 1×n, 2×n, 3×n, and 4×n rectangles iterately. Then we establish a general form of the probability of winning in a general n×k rectangle by using recurrence technique and generating function, respectively. Finally, we extend to the general n×m×k cuboid case to obtain the first soldier’s probability of winning.在一個長方形的棋盤中,兩士兵行走,每一次只走一步,而且上和左兩個方向是隨機的,射程範圍是所在的此行和此列,而進入他人射程範圍則死亡。探討其獲勝機率,從1×n 、2×n、3×n、4×n 矩形的情形逐步研究,並分別運用遞迴式的技巧及生成函數,導出 n×k 矩形中先走士兵獲勝機率的一般式。更進一步地,我們也獲得了n×m×k 立體空間先走士兵的獲勝機率。
Biodiesel:does it make cents?
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.
費瑪也瘋狂-平面上存在障礙時連接三定點的最佳網絡問題
在一個有障礙的平面上,給三個定點,我們探討連接此三點的最佳網絡。我們討論了諸如直線、射線、線段、圓、網格狀、三角形……等類的障礙,當網絡每穿越障礙一次,就必須付出代價,例如「拖延5 分鐘」。所以,設網絡穿越障礙的次數為y ,則網絡除了原本的總長度之外,還額外加入y 倍某固定數值的損耗。我們以費瑪點的各種性質及三角形不等式等方法為工具,就不同的穿越障礙次數綜合比較,而找出最佳網絡。在某些情況下,最佳網絡不是以費瑪點來連接三點,而是在障礙(如:直線)上找出符合某種與餘弦值相關特殊性質的點,以該點來連接三點,而此網絡可用GSP 軟體相當精確地作出。另外,我們也探討在考慮障礙造成損耗的情況下,兩點間的「實際距離」為何。 最後,我們考慮「混合障礙」問題。在此類問題中,除了前面所討論的障礙,還另加了如同「河流」的兩平行直線間區域之障礙,在這種障礙區域中,網絡的長度要乘以數倍來計算。我們發現,此類問題的最佳網絡也可用特定的正弦條件配合GSP 而相當精確地作出來。;Considering various kinds of obstacles in a plane, such as a line, a segment, a ray, a circle, a triangle or chessboard grids, which function like a red light, we research into the problem of finding the optimal network connecting three given points A, B, C in the plane amidst obstacles described above. Each time when the network crosses an obstacle, it will cause losses, such as five minute’s delay or a loss of one hundred dollars. Taking advantage of Fermat points, some basic inequalities concerning triangles and some special qualities about sine or cosine functions, we obtain the optimal networks in different situations. Besides, we consider what the “real distance” between two points is when there are obstacles in a plane. We also put another obstacle, including a line and a weighted region between two parallel lines, into consideration. In the region, like a river or a muddy ground in real life, the length of the network should be multiplied by a fixed time. Furthermore, we can use GSP to make the networks very accurately.