As urban areas become increasingly dense and vertical, the nature of fire hazards becomes more complex. High-rise buildings, while maximizing space, also create unique challenges for fire safety management. With this growing concern, institutions and researchers worldwide are called to innovate and provide solutions tailored for modern architectural landscapes. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Technology
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have emerged as a noteworthy innovation since their inception in the 1970s. The primary goal of LSCs is to optimize solar energy capture through the use of luminescent materials that can convert and focus sunlight onto photovoltaic (PV) cells. Unlike conventional solar concentrators, which
The emergence of hybrid perovskites marks a significant milestone in the development of high-efficiency electronic devices, particularly in the fields of photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, a critical challenge that persists is the longevity of these materials under operational conditions. As they undergo aging, their efficiency diminishes, thus impeding their viability for extensive commercial
Recent research conducted by Griffith University has unveiled a groundbreaking perspective on the early retirement of coal-fired power plants, questioning previously held beliefs about the financial implications of such moves. The collaboration with Climate Smart Ventures and Fudan University sheds light on the economic benefits of transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources, particularly in
In an age where digital content spreads like wildfire, it becomes increasingly critical to discern genuine media from intricately crafted forgeries. One of the significant challenges in this landscape is the proliferation of misleading information through deepfakes—realistic manipulations of audio, video, and images powered by advancing artificial intelligence. To combat this issue, researchers and innovators
Recent advances in speech emotion recognition (SER) have showcased the transformative potential of deep learning algorithms across various fields, including security, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. As technology evolves, the deployment of convolutional neural network long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) models has become prevalent. These models analyze spoken language to detect emotional nuances, which can greatly enhance
In recent years, South Africa’s Northern Cape province has emerged as a focal point for renewable energy investments, particularly wind and solar power generation. By 2021, 59 of the 112 large-scale renewable energy projects were concentrated in this region, driven by the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). However, while the influx
The evolution of robotics has driven significant advancements in numerous fields, but the quest for autonomous functionality continues to challenge researchers. At West Virginia University (WVU), a team of roboticists is making strides in this arena with a groundbreaking project known as Loopy, an intriguing “multicellular robot.” This innovative device is crafted from an interconnected
The evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally intertwined with advancements in battery technology, particularly in the quest for innovative energy storage solutions that enhance vehicle performance and longevity. Among the promising developments in this realm is the concept of structural batteries, a dual-purpose technology that integrates energy storage within the physical framework of vehicles.
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a global dialogue around its potential risks and rewards, especially in areas that directly impact personal safety and privacy. On August 1, 2023, the European Union took a significant step in this conversation by implementing its AI Act, which functions as a regulatory framework governing the deployment
Seawater electrolysis presents a groundbreaking opportunity to decarbonize energy systems globally. This method promises a sustainable route to generate hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, directly from seawater. Despite this potential, the approach faces several hurdles that have stifled progress. Issues such as corrosion of electrodes caused by chloride ions, unfavorable chemical reactions linked to chloride,
Deep learning has emerged as a potent tool in artificial intelligence, enabling breakthroughs in image recognition, natural language processing, and various other fields. Nevertheless, one significant hurdle that researchers face is the presence of label noise in training datasets. Label noise refers to incorrect or misleading labels that can impair the model’s ability to learn
In an era where climate change looms as an unprecedented threat, innovative solutions to combat carbon emissions have become paramount. A recent study has proposed a groundbreaking initiative that could reshape not only our infrastructure but also our relationship with energy consumption: the installation of solar panel roofs over highways. This concept envisions converting our
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the rapid spread of information—often laced with rumors—can ignite widespread reactions among the public. The ability to accurately gauge public sentiment is not just a matter of academic interest; it is crucial for effective crisis management, combating misinformation, and building public trust. However, traditional approaches have often fallen short in
The urgent need to address climate change has spurred governments and organizations across the globe to explore innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Among the most promising avenues is the electrification of transportation systems, which includes both public transit and private vehicles. In this context, China has emerged as a frontrunner, notably through its initiative