全國中小學科展

2024年

Sequentially bidirectional gastrovascular flows in highly branched digestive tracts of panocerid flatworm

Examination of the predation behavior of polyclad flatworms is extremely rare. This study collects Paraplanocera oligoglena, the most common species in Taiwan. Tank-based feeding experiments reveal that Paraplanocera oligoglena can prey on several species of gastropods, such as sea snails and sea hares. Predation behavior encompasses attack, invasion and ingestion periods. This research pioneers the use of stained clam and static image analysis to observe the highly branched digestive system of flatworms. The sequentially bidirectional flow of gastrovascular cavity is first found in polyclad flatworms by the post-stain active tracking technique. Measuring peristalsis movement in inward and outward directions and segmented movement, the contraction frequencies are roughly the same in subsequent order of given branches. Confirmation is provided that the circular membrane-like muscles within the digestive tract are the main driving force for transporting and mixing food. The food dyeing technology used in this experiment also provides the possibility of future research on food chains in the wild.

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.

Automatic Solar Panel Sprinkler Irrigation System

As the global demand for sustainable agriculture practices and renewable energy sources continues to rise, the integration of solar power technology with irrigation systems has gained significant attention. This abstract presents an overview of an innovative solution known as the "Automatic Solar Panel Sprinkler Irrigation System," which combines solar panels and smart irrigation technology to efficiently manage water resources in agricultural settings. The proposed system leverages solar panels to generate electricity and simultaneously operate an automated sprinkler irrigation system. Solar panels are strategically positioned in proximity to crop fields, utilizing photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electrical power. This energy is then harnessed to power the irrigation system, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly method for crop hydration. In Solar Power Generation the system consists of photovoltaic panels designed to capture solar energy during daylight. This renewable energy source is converted into electrical power, which is stored in batteries for subsequent use. Automated Sprinkler Irrigation is an advanced control system manages the irrigation process, ensuring efficient water distribution based on crop requirements. Soil moisture sensors and weather data are integrated to optimize irrigation scheduling. In Remote Monitoring and Control, farmers can remotely monitor and control the irrigation system through a user friendly interface, accessible via smartphones or computers. This feature enables real-time adjustments and ensures that water resources are utilized optimally. In Water Conservation the system is designed to minimize water wastage by delivering precise and targeted irrigation, reducing over-watering and the associated environmental impact. In Cost Savings the harnessing solar power, this system reduces electricity expenses, making it an economically viable solution for farmers, particularly in regions with ample sunlight. Using a tracker with an automatic solar panel sprinkler irrigation system can be a smart and efficient way to optimize the system's performance. And the most important thing is that in my prototype it is under the panel and will track the location of the Sun and with that it will lead to the Automatic movement of the panel from east to west and when the evening starts it will go back to its position.

First-Ever Study on Groundwater Discharge Zones in Tumon Bay, a Protected Marine Preserve: Novel Insights into Coral Reef Conservation

Current research shows Northern Guam to be composed of porous limestone bedrock which allow groundwater to flow out. One large discharge point has already been identified last year in north-western Guam at Ayuyu Cave. However, little is known about Tumon Bay which is known to comprise karst watersheds which should allow for SGD. This project has examined invisible groundwater discharge using a salinity meter and was able to detect two areas of concentrated freshwater discharges in Tumon Bay, with a few minor ones scattered throughout the bay. These seeps were found to have consistently lower salinity while pH varied, and hosted more marine life than other high salinity areas. Further unique coral growth in Tumon Bay’s inner lagoon was associated with these two freshwater discharges with the pH levels further segregating the types of coral species found during on-site observation. Two coral communities, staghorn Acropora and massive Porites, were found adjacent to the surveyed groundwater seeps. It’s inferred that lower wave energy in eastern Tumon Bay allows for greater plankton and other microbial growth leading to more heterotrophic coral growth, favoring Porites corals, while Western Tumon Bay has higher wave energy which leads to the growth of more autotrophic corals, such as the Acropora found in the first area surveyed. This is the first study to document the presence, location, and consequences of invisible freshwater discharges across the billion-dollar bay. This study gauges the effects of SGD on inner shore habitats, also providing a coral cover assessment across Tumon Bay using transects and quadrats. These discoveries allow for strategic coral planting, designated areas needing government protection, and show areas of appealing inner lagoon coral growth for tourism.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Nutrients' Concentration and Composition on Hydroponically Grown Plant

As the world population grows, the demand of food products grows as well and there will be an expected food crisis in the coming years. To prevent those crises, alternative food farming methods must be used. This paper studied two farming systems in different conditions, to compare and find the best, natural and cost-effective system that will cover the current and future demand. The system which can also be used in those areas where soil is less cultivated with insufficient aeration. The first system is the soil-based system (traditional), and the other is hydroponic system. Hydroponic is a technique of growing plants in nutrient solutions with or without the use of an inert medium. Two types of seeds; peas and spinach were observed in both systems over a period of 25 days. In hydroponic plants coco peat was used in place of soil along with the Aegis nutrient. 8 plants were seeded for both types of plants in different systems, conditions, concentrations and pH to conclude the best condition. Growth parameters of all plants including root, shoot and leaf length were observed and recorded daily. On the uprooting, their weight (g), no. of root hairs and used nutrient’s volume(ml) were also recorded. Fungus and insects were seen in the soil plants. The results executed that the growth was maximum in spinach having normal manufacturer nutrient’s spray concentration(1.25ml/625ml) with pH 6 and in peas having normal supplier concentration (5ml/625ml) with pH 4. So, it can be concluded that hydroponic spinach, which is a green leafy plant, can ideally grow at the pH of 6 and peas in slightly acidic condition. Hydroponic planting system has a better growth effect than traditional soil system and this system don’t need any fertilizer, insecticide, pesticide, fungicide and herbicide. While soil plants’ growth was adversely affected by fungus and insects in the absence of these chemicals which can contaminate our food and make it less hygienic for our health. This result achieves the aim of this paper which is finding a planting system and its conditions that can increase the productivity to cover the food demand.

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.

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.

SVMR: Smart Versatile Medication Robot

In 2565 B.E., 泰國's elderly, comprising 18.3% of the population at 12,116,199, faced health challenges, with diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, arthritis, and lung cancer prevalent. Caregiving hurdles arose as many family members worked outside, impacting the care of elderly individuals with these conditions. To address this, the "SVMR Medication Reminder and Care Robot for the Elderly" was developed. Known as the Smart Versatile Medication Robot (SVMR) or "New Robot," it serves as a user-friendly solution for home-based elderly care. Recognizing the adverse effects of missed medication on health, the SVMR system, combining hardware (New Robot) and software (Application), aimed to alleviate caregiving burdens. The New Robot's hardware includes a customizable medication reminder system, a video call system, closed-circuit camera system, doctor's recommendation display system, and an SOS system for emergency assistance. The Application complements this with features like medication schedule setting, video call communication, activity tracking, daily schedule management, and live camera monitoring. During the SVMR prototype trial, one unit was tested, with developers' relatives trying the medication dispensing system. Positive results emerged, showcasing improved medication adherence among the elderly and affording caregivers more time for other responsibilities. Satisfaction levels, as assessed through interviews, were notably high. Elderly feedback suggested the need for additional compartments for different medications and enhanced notification methods, particularly when they were not in proximity to the medication cabinet. In essence, the SVMR system provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by households with elderly members, ensuring better disease management, increased medication adherence, and support for caregivers, all within a concise and user-friendly framework.

AGRO-GUARD:Machine Learning-Driven Plant Real-Time Disease Detection,Clustering and Community Notifications

Agro-guard aims to revolutionize disease identification and community-based projects in the field of agriculture. Integrating Machine learning, Computer vision, clustering, and community-based technology, this project helped farmers to detect their plant disease with their solution and for early warning of plant disease which was spreading in their community which helped in crop management. The research project is divided into three parts.First,Integrating Machine learning to detect and classify plant disease with their solutions.Second,Integrating Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN),to identify disease and analyze the pattern within agricultural regions.Third,Establishing notification system to notify real-time alerts to farmers about disease spreading in particular region.The research is crucial because it solve one of the crucial problem of our community which is untimely detection of disease.The finding of the research highlight the effectiveness of Agro-Guard framework in early disease detection and community detection.The machine learning models achieved high accuracy in identifying common plant disease and clustering results the pattern in diseases that were very important for notifying the community.The significance of these findings is that it can build powerful system which will overall grow the production of crops and plants due to timely update of the disease prevailing in the community.It contributes in sustainability production of crops and plants which ultimately ensure the good livelihood of farmer.

3D Arithmetic Billiards investigating edge points with a number theoretic approach

The billiard table is a cuboid with integer side lengths. A point-wise ball moves with constant speed along segments making a 45◦ angle with the sides and bounces on these. We allow the ball to start from any of the 8 corners, resulting in a periodic trajectory known as a corner path. The geometry of the path depends on the artihmetic properties of the side lengths (for example if these are pairwise coprime). Points of contact between the ball and edges, known as edge points, are inves- tigated and their characteristics like distribution explicitly described. This generalizes a previous work by Perucca, Reguengo da Sousa and Tronto of University of Luxembourg.