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.
Beyond Limits: An Intelligent Wheelchair for Inclusive Living
The aim of this project is to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities, particularly aiding them in navigating stairs and challenging terrains. Across the world, powered wheelchair employ various methods, primarily categorized into two: 1) tracked mechanisms and 2) robotic wheelchair utilizing intricate robotic systems. The design presented by our team belongs to the latter category, which is recognized for its lighter build when contrasted with the former. However, despite its lightweight structure, this wheelchair design incorporates equipment that renders it more cost-effective and practical than conventional designs within the same category. Our design integrates three distinct mechanisms to adjust the height and center of mass of the passenger during stair climbing and maintain balance and surface contact. Utilizing an array of sensors, it continuously monitors the position of the person on the wheelchair and the wheelchair on the surface. This data guides adjustments in the mechanisms, ensuring stability. This innovation harbors the potential for enhancing various functionalities, including: GPS integration for user navigation. Real-time monitoring of vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature). In an emergency, this data can be transmitted to ambulance centers to pinpoint the individual's location and immediate assistance. A simplified ambulance request system, accessible via a single button press. Overall, this innovative wheelchair prototypes aims to revolutionize accessibility, granting enhanced mobility and independence to individuals with disabilities.
Straw manufacturing for epidemic prevention
Recently,thefeedpricesforlivestockfarmshavebeencontinuouslyincreasing, while the prices of calves have been declining, leading to many livestock and dairy farms facing financial losses. If livestock farms are affected by diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, they suffer significant losses. This is because reducedproductivityinlivestocknotonlyaffectstheirproductionbutalsoentails substantial costs for vaccines and treatments. Therefore, there is a need to explore how to effectively prevent diseases, focusing on common diseases in cattle such as subclinical mastitis and mastitis, and alleviate the burden on farms economically and environmentally. This study aims to investigate the production of bacterial growth-inhibiting straw bedding using substances such as illite and charcoal to contribute to disease prevention.
Strict Inequalities for the n-crossing Inequality
In2013,Adamsintroducedthen-crossingnumberofaknotK,denoted by cn(K).Inequalities between the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-crossing numbers have been previously established.We prove c9(K)≤c3(K)−2 for all knots Kthat are not the trivial, trefoil, or figure-eightknot.Weshowthisinequalityisoptimalandobtainpreviouslyunknownvalues for c9(K).