Massive, complex, interlinked information is collected by scientific research in different spheres of natural and social sciences. Graphs are commonly selected as a model of such information: graphs can successfully represent imprecise, uncertain, noisy data; graphs are well suited for the data structure analysis; graph theory has a well-developed mathematical apparatus forming a solid and […]

For over than thirty years, chemists have applied sulfur-based organic molecules to gold sheets to form coatings with a single molecule thickness. Although these coatings have potential applications in sensors and microelectronics, they gradually decompose under moderate heat and in air, limiting their applications. In 2014, the Crudden group demonstrated that N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), which […]

The purpose of this proposed research is to obtain a nuanced understanding of the potential differences in how symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are manifested and reported by both Japanese and American families living in Okinawa, and how such differences are interpreted by ADHD researchers. This project situates itself at the front-line of social studies […]

Natural hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, threaten communities and infrastructure systems throughout the world. In some cases, these natural hazards may trigger the release of hazardous materials, cause damage to critical lifeline systems, or result in other technological disasters. Assessment of so-called Natech (NAtural disaster-triggered TECHnological disaster) disasters is an area of expertise at […]

Greywater or domestic wastewater (e.g. laundry, sink, and bath water) is characterized for its low organic content that is ideal for water reuse and recycling purposes, in addition to having the potential for significant heat recovery. A full-scale testing of a greywater treatment plant (GWTP) in the Sørhellinga building of the Norwegian University of Life […]

Do interest groups use information to polarize elected officials? Conventional wisdom holds that legislative committees transcend partisan bickering and promote evidence-based policymaking. But there remain gaps in the literature and in our understanding of how and whether committees are able to meet this ideal In this project, I propose a research framework to uncover the […]

Poverty alleviation is the main objective of United Nations Millennium Development Goal and microcredit is used as an effective tool in poverty alleviation around the globe. Microcredit is one of the significant innovations in development policy and a key element for the 21st century’s socio-economic development as micro-credit helps improving socio-economic conditions of the poor. […]

Agriculture and food production heavily rely on the use of pesticides to kill weeds and bugs. To ensure the food is safe, we need to test the concentration of pesticide residues in food products. The standard pesticide analysis in laboratories is complex, slow, expensive, and requires expertise. This project aims to design and make a […]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of the digestive system. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, weight loss and fatigue. IBD is caused by a combination of genetics, environmental factors and irregular immune responses to normal gut bacteria. As the incidence of IBD is increasing in Asia, more […]

Extrapolating from current market trends and financial growth in mobile technology, it is predicted that next generation wireless networks will be required to support about a 1,000-fold increase in data capacity to handle over 100 billion devices featuring peak rates of 10 Gb/s. Consequently, there is a rapid transition to devise and innovate novel mm-wave […]

Hydrogen fuel cells have potential as a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient energy alternative. The proton conduction properties of fuel cells are important in improving existing fuel cells and developing new fuel cell technologies. Imidazole and its derivatives are promising for their proton conducting properties, especially when confined in a porous support framework. In […]

Ice surface chemistry plays a major role in determining the chemical composition over snow in the polar boundary layer, as well as in the presence of ice aerosols under tropospheric/stratospheric conditions. This project aims at elucidating heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry phenomena on ice surfaces using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy. The molecular adsorption at ice surfaces under […]