2024年

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.

本研究探討了柏拉圖多面體滾漆問題，並且延伸至半正多面體進行研究。正多面體中分別為正四面體、正六面體、正八面體、正十二面體、正二十面 體。研究中證明柏拉圖多面體滾漆問題中的地圖限制以及有解充要條件。為了簡化問題難度，我們先簡化遊戲規則使「掉落」情況不被討論，再轉換回原規則的問題。在研究中我們於正四、六、八、二十面體使用原本的遊戲地圖，而其他延伸研究則自創地圖進行討論。

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.

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.

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.

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.

此研究是以實驗方式，驗證理論模擬中指出水漂在不同入水模式下，入水攻角為 20 度時皆可產生最佳的彈跳效果。因此我以壓克力板作為模擬水漂的模型，設計了以下四組操作變因，分別是入水攻角、水的流速、水漂邊界形狀以及接觸面的粗糙程度，接著透過Tracker 分析壓克力板的質心彈跳高度及運動軌跡，再利用 Excel 分析數據，找出其中的運動相關性。最後透過座標轉換，可以利用此實驗來分析打水漂的運動行為，成功發現入水攻角在 20 度時的確有最佳的彈跳效果，並以此實驗結果來優化打水漂的運動行為。

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.

球狀星團是星體分布緊密、金屬豐度低的星團。天琴座 RR 型變星經常出現在球狀星團中， 且在恆星演化上有重要意義。僅管目前對此類型變星的其週期、亮度等研究十分完備，分析其組成比例的研究仍略為缺乏。使用 GAIADR3資料庫，首先根據目標星團周圍星體數量繪製熱點圖，求出星團視半徑後，分析二十個球狀星團的天琴座 RR 型變星組成百萬分率，發現影響的主要參數依序為星團年齡、星團半徑與金屬豐度，並分別提出假說解釋 其原理。透過調整三個參數的係數，定義出能代表三者或其中二者共同影響的參數，使變星組成比例成為輔助判斷星團相關參數的依據。另外討論偏離主要趨勢星團的原因，且亦探討以熱點圖概念求出的視半徑和文獻之出入之處。

GROSSMANN, João Miguel Sastre. ReCiPla - Cyclic Soil Microplastic Remover: A way to remove microplastics from soil using electrostatics. 2023. 28 p. Research report – Scientific Apprentice Program, Colégio Dante Alighieri, São Paulo, 2023. Microplastics are the largest form of physical pollution on the planet. Affecting everything from terrestrial and aquatic environments to the air, compounds up to 1 micrometer in size are present inside the human body and can intoxicate the main organs in which they are found, such as the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. Therefore, methods of removing these compounds from nature are essential, which is why this research is based on electrostatically removing MP from the soil. To this end, a vibrating conveyor belt was designed that would act in conjunction with a plate electrified by a Van de Graaff generator to separate the plastic compound using electric field induction. After characterization tests to quantify the voltage produced by the generator, which produced an average of 95 kV, the vibrating belt was made and will be used later in conjunction with the electrostatic method. This methodology suggests that it’s a success even after the electrified plate was applied to its structure. It carried out the proposed processes, such as moving the test masses, vibrating them, and fully supporting the electrified plate. In addition, the electrostatic removal method was tested to verify its efficiency and applicability. It was found that the removal of microplastics ranged it from 10 to 20% efficiency, suggesting it to be an effective method for separating microplastics. It should be noted that these statistics will be improved as the research progresses. In this way, the research proved capable of establishing an electrostatic removal method, as well as a process for transporting the material to be removed, thus achieving the objectives it set out to achieve. Finally, it should be noted that this research is still under development, with a view to applying the process in conjunction with the conveyor belt to carry out sample tests, as well as improving the removal process in the future to make it more efficient.