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Low-Cost Nickel-based Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Splitting Of Ammonia Towards Clean Hydrogen Production

Increasing energy needs alongside the urgent issues of chemical pollution has prompted the need for developing novel green energy sources. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are of fundamental importance for the ecosystem as their usage has increased eight times in the last fifty years [1]. On the other hand , increased use of nitrogenous fertilizers is followed by higher ammonia emissions, which are dangerous pollutants responsible for deterioration in biodiversity by means of eutrophication, acidification of soil and water, and climate change [2]. Ammonia has the2apacityy to bond with other pollutants including sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides to create particles that cause smog, which is associated with lung disease. Ammonia also increases frost sensitivities and causes necrosis of many plant species [3.] Therefore, there is a need to properly manage the ammonia-rich nitrogen waste to decrease the environmental threat factors. Of the possible approaches suggested for ammonia waste treatment, the ammonia electro-oxidation reaction (eAOR) has various promising features for application in the energy sector. It is economically appealing because Ammonia can serve as an excellent hydrogen carrier due to its storage capabilities and existing transport infrastructure alongside having no net carbon emissions. Apart from this, it requires 95% less of the theoretical energy [4] to perform the process. But the reaction is kinetically slow [5], which has been a research obstacle during the development of (eAOR), due to factors ofmslow reaction rate and large catalytic overpotential that this process consumes an unnecessary amount of power [6]. Nickel-based catalysts are a promising solution to these problems, they are cheaper , more stable and easier to produce than electrocatalysts for water electrolysis which makes it highly energy efficient for widespread use on the industrial scale. N films deposited on the anodic side also allow the creation of N-containing products such as (NH42SO3) and nitrates, which can be converted into fertilizers or renewed into the nitrogen cycle to make the process more environmentally friendly while enhancing the (eAOR) process [7,8]. Compared to Pt and Ir which are the most used noble metals, they are less poisoned on the potentials less than 0.65V and are more stable [9,10]. However , noble metals are scarce, and their cost is high for industrial applications as well as the energy they waste during (eAOR) [11].

KidneyLifePlus+ : Retinal Imaging Analysis for Kidney Disease Risk Assessment

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant public health challenge, often referred to as a “silent disease” due to its asymptomatic progression during early stages (1–2). Consequently, most diagnoses occur during advanced stages (3 and beyond), where treatment options are more complex and outcomes are less favorable. Globally, CKD affects over 850 million individuals, with 434.3 million cases in Asia alone. Despite its prevalence, early-stage awareness remains alarmingly low, with only 5% of affected individuals aware of their condition. Existing screening methods are predominantly hospital-based, expensive, and time-intensive, limiting their accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This underscores an urgent need for more accessible and efficient diagnostic tools to enable early intervention. In response to this critical problem, we developed KidneyLifePlus+, an AI-powered platform that leverages advanced machine learning models, including U-net, ResNet-50, and YOLO v8, to analyze retinal images for early CKD detection. These models are integrated to ensure high screening accuracy by identifying subtle biomarkers indicative of CKD progression. Complementing the software, we designed proprietary hardware capable of capturing high-resolution retinal images, delivering performance comparable to hospital-grade equipment. By ensuring affordability and ease of use, the system extends screening capabilities beyond clinical environments, making it suitable for deployment in community healthcare settings. KidneyLifePlus+ addresses key limitations of traditional methods by offering a rapid, cost-effective, and highly accurate diagnostic solution. The platform’s potential to enhance early detection rates could significantly improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for CKD patients. Furthermore, this innovation contributes to global efforts to reduce the burden of CKD by promoting equitable access to diagnostic services, particularly in underserved regions.

The Future of Carbon Capture Technology

Carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) has tremendous potential to enable the use of fossil fuels while reducing the emissions of CO₂ into the atmosphere, and, consequently, combating climate change. CCS faces several challenges such as energy consumption, cost, low practical applications and environmental friendliness. In this work, a new approach to carbon capture that is not energy intensive is proposed.

猜拳與轉向中的運籌帷幄- 探討人類與鼠婦在連續決策行為 的偏好與決策經驗依賴等特性

本研究記錄人類進行「剪刀石頭布」遊戲時的決策行為,也設計T型迷宮建立鼠婦之負趨光行為作為動物模式,探討行為偏好與決策依賴性等特性。我們發現「出石頭」的機率較高,且時間間隔縮短後,「出剪刀」的機率增加而「出石頭」的機率減少,並會展現負相關的決策經驗依賴性,其中「慢出組」更為明顯,代表出拳間隔縮短而減少意識作用,負相關的決策經驗依賴性即會減弱。另一方面,鼠婦在負趨光性刺激剛消失後,仍呈現負趨光性的選擇方向,具有習慣性。鼠婦在選擇行走方向多次後,會呈現與前次選擇的正向相關性。在負趨光性的環境刺激後,上述的現象會先消失,而後再現。若負趨光性刺激方向轉換,則原先的趨光行為消失,應是因方向選擇的習慣性干擾了負趨光性的選擇。

BeeMind AI: Development of an AI-Based System to Assess Honeybee Health, Behavior, and Nutrient Effects on Learning and Memory

Due to their pollination services, honeybees are one of the most ecologically vital animals, being singlehandedly responsible for nearly 80% of global agricultural pollination [1]. However, in recent years, they have experienced large declines in populations, and as a survey reported roughly 50% of beekeepers in the US lost their honeybee colonies [2]. These losses are experienced globally due to a combination of many factors, including but not limited to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and other invasive species [3, 4]. One of the biggest factors attributed to the decline of honeybee colonies is the usage of pesticides, specifically neonicotinoids [3-6]. Neonicotinoid compounds have been used globally since their introduction in the early 1990s [4]. Studies have shown that neonicotinoids can have both sublethal and lethal effects on honeybees, depending on the dosages that they are exposed to, as neonicotinoids bind to nervous system receptors of honeybees [7]. These effects can range from behavior changes to altered motor functions [7-9]. Among the reported effects, one of the more significant ones is the effect of neonicotinoids on honeybee learning and memory [10, 11]. Additionally, there is a lack of availability for methods of monitoring of honeybee hives, essentially meaning that the only methods to track honeybee health are through obtrusive physical methods of inspection. This paper aims to develop a novel AI-based honeybee health assessment system, able to monitor beehives using the following functions: continuous temperature and humidity monitoring both inside and outside the hive, as well as video and audio recording to assess honeybee health as well as population. In addition, this system can be used for honeybee-related studies such as nutrition effects and evaluation on health, learning, and memory. To do this, four types of nutrition have been studied and their effects have been analyzed by a deep learning approach.

果蠅緯度相關晝夜節律特徵:穩定性、活動量分佈與演化意義 Latitude-Dependent Circadian Traits in Drosophila: Stability, Activity Peaks, and Evolutionary Implications

生物時鐘可對生物體的行為與生理造成影響,在探討晝夜節律特徵的差異時,過去研究常侷限於北美大陸的品系,缺少赤道及南半球品系的晝夜節律特徵探討。有鑒於黑腹果蠅在全球各大洲的廣泛分佈,因此我們以黑腹果蠅(近赤道與中高緯度品系)為材料,研究果蠅是否因緯度而有相異的晝夜節律特徵?結果顯示不同緯度的果蠅品系展現出相異的晝夜節律特徵。赤報品系在全暗狀態下仍維持原本光暗12小時的穩定節律,而南北半球的中高緯度品系則具有相似節律特徵,即在全暗狀態下的節律不對齊原本正常光源的穩定節律,其他如活動量、週期、及節律強度等皆有著品系間的差異。更進一步比對實驗中各個品系基因序列,研究發現per和tim在調控區段有許多SNP變異,顯示其與晝夜節律特徵的關係,有助於後續尋找更多造成晝夜節律特徵差異的可能遺傳變異並探討。

Anti-forma Chitogel

Formaldehyde is an air-borne, carcinogenic indoor pollutant. It may cause adverse effects on human health such as irritation of eyes and respiratory system. Shells of hermetia illucens, Black Soldier Flies (BSF) are leftovers when the insects mature from pupae to adults. BSF shells are rich in chitin which can be converted into chitosan by demineralisation and deacetylation. Chitosan and its ammonium salt (chitogel) can remove formaldehyde via condensation of water. In this investigation, the efficiency of removal of formaldehyde by different substrates were compared including shells of BSF before and after demineralization, deacetylation and action of vinegar; and common commercial products and Anti-Forma Chitogels made from shells of BSF and some crustaceans. Anti-Forma Chitogel of BSF was found to be effective in removing (91.2%) formaldehyde (1:20 by mass) among shells of BSF with different treatments and its efficiency was better than all commercial products tested. Concentration of formaldehyde in the container with deacetylated Anti-Forma Chitogel is 0.54 mg/m3. It removed 74.8% of formaldehyde compared to the control (2.14 mg/m3). Concentration of formaldehyde in the container with Anti-Forma Chitogel without deacetylation is 0.76 mg/m3 . It removed 64.5% of formaldehyde compared to the control (2.14 mg/m3). The Anti-forma Chitogel of BSF was found to be eco-friendly with high formaldehyde removal efficiency when placed in a drawer (removal of 54.8% of in 24 hours), the chamber of a newly renovated room (removal of 84.9% in 30 minutes reducing the conc. of formaldehyde from 0.53 mg/m3 to 0.08 mg/m3; cf. the safety limit of formaldehyde <0.125mg/m3) and drawers of a new wardrobe (removal of 83.7% at 20.2oC in 1 day reducing the conc. of formaldehyde from 0.49 mg/m3 to 0.08 mg/m3 & kept the conc. of drawers below 0.125mg/m3 most of the time over a month when temperature was below 21oC). Conc. of formaldehyde in air-tight boxes (5g of construction adhesive in 9.3 dm3) with air purifiers with and without Anti-forma Chitogel as filter before and after 3 hours was reduced by 44.5% (from 6.25mg/m3 to 3.47mg/m3 ) and 27.7% respectively showing that Anti-forma Chitogel as filter in air purifier outperformed that without by 160%. Besides, anti-forma Chitogel is antibacterial, so it would also kill bacteria when used in air purifiers. [1] proving that Anti-forma Chitogel is effective in removal of formaldehyde on the spot and can be applied to households. It can also help achieve Target 3.9 and 12.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Reviving Resources: Harnessing Soap Nut Greywater for Sustainable Plant Growth

Due to widespread water shortages, there is an increasing need for innovative water conservation strategies, such as reusing greywater from laundry. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes greywater as suitable for plant irrigation, but commercial laundry detergents contain synthetic chemicals that can harm both the environment and plant health. Soap nuts, derived from the Sapindus mukorossi tree, offer a natural alternative. Their pericarp is rich in triterpenoid saponins, amphiphilic compounds, composed of hydrophilic sugar group and hydrophobic triterpenoid sapogenins. These saponins mimic the chemical structure of surfactants in detergents, allowing soap nuts to act as natural foaming and surface-active agents in water. As a result, soap nuts have long been used as a sustainable option for shampoo and laundry detergent in many Asian countries (Sochacki & Vogt, 2022). Greywater, an often overlooked resource, is generated from household activities like laundry, showers, and basins. Unlike blackwater, it contains lower levels of pathogens and bacteria. However, due to a lack of awareness, greywater is frequently mixed with blackwater and directed to the same sewage treatment systems (Greywater Systems: From Recycling to Filtration, n.d.). Greywater accounts for 50-80% of a household’s daily wastewater (Wong, 2011). Repurposing greywater offers a promising and sustainable solution to address water conservation challenges.

Decoding Climate Resilience: Functional Profiling of Protein Phosphatase 2C Family Genes for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice

Problem • Rice is the primary cereal crop consumed by nearly half the population worldwide • By 2050, there will be a 50% increase in demand for rice • The world’s poor populations depend more on rice, both for income and consumption, than any other food. Rice is the single-largest source of employment and income for rural people • Worldwide, 51–82% of agricultural crop yield is lost annually due to abiotic stress due to climate change • Climate change causes extreme temperatures, erratic rainfall, dangerous droughts, and increased salinity from rising sea levels Solution • To adapt to abiotic stress, rice has intricate signaling pathways, particularly those mediated by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), that cause an increase in stress tolerance • Clade A genes of the Protein Phosphatase 2C (PP2C) gene family are known to be negative regulators of the ABA signaling pathway. • “Deleting” these genes activates the ABA pathway and increases stress tolerance in rice without inducing stress CRISPR gene editing technology is the ideal solution Research Goal • While the role of PP2C genes in stress response is recognized, there is a gap in understanding the specific genes within this family that contribute significantly to stress signaling. Furthermore, there is a need for a detailed investigation into the effects of targeted CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) genome editing on rice stress response pathways.

基於特徵解耦的視覺轉換器之指靜脈辨識模型

發展安全且可靠的身份辨識技術是當今的重要議題,而指靜脈因其高安全性及難以偽造特性成為我們的主題。本研究提出一種基於Transformer模型架構的指靜脈辨識模型稱為GLA-FD,旨在解決現有技術對指靜脈影像特徵表示與提取的局限性。透過開發特徵解耦與重建模組(FDRM),模型能夠有效區分指靜脈的背景資訊與紋理特徵,並將其重新組合以提升辨識準確度。此外,本研究開發的全域-局部注意力模組(GLAM)能同時捕捉影像的全域與局部特徵,進一步強化模型對指靜脈特徵的理解。GLA-FD在FV-USM、PLUSVein-FV3、MMCBNU-6000、UTFVP、NUPT-FPV 資料集中的正確辨識率(CIR)達到100%、98.47%、99.75%、96.11%、99.82%,展現卓越的穩定性與泛化能力。此外,本模型在處理不同年齡層、國籍與影像模糊度的資料下,仍能保持高辨識準確度,顯示其在需要高安全性辨識的應用場景中具備廣泛的實用性。