The latest issue includes ‘Research Highlights’ — easy-to-understand summaries of some of the top papers from researchers at the university — as well as news and views from one of Japan’s most dynamic science and technology based universities.
In this issue:
Bioactuator: Vorticella actuation in microfluidic systems. Researchers design a microfluidic device that can exploit the extension and contraction of the stalk on the microorganism Vorticella in response to the presence of Ca2+ ions. These bioactuators may find application in micropositioners and microvalves.
Nanosynthesis: Growth of ~50 nm-diameter multi-walled carbon nanocoils. A new procedure overcomes the large amorphous structures typical of previous carbon nanocoil synthesis methods. The thin structures can maximize potential applications as fillers, electromagnetic wave absorbers and tactile sensors.
Computer science: Powerful algorithm for segmented alignment of ontologies of arbitrary size. Md. Hanif Seddiqui and Masaki Aono developed an algorithm that aligns similar but seemingly different ontologies — the structural frameworks for presenting knowledge. The algorithm may help mitigate problems of disorder associated with the rapidly increasing number of Internet-based ontologies.
Graphene: Patterning and doping. Adarsh Sandhu and Ryousuke Ishikawa demonstrate new levels of control in graphene fabrication technology. They show how to position graphene nanoflakes at specific locations, as well as demonstrating a doping technique that improves the resistivity without compromising optical transparency.
In this issue’s ‘Tech-Overtures’ Toyohashi Tech inventors go the distance. Masahiro Hanazawa and Takashi Ohira devise a means of long-distance electrically powered transport. They propose the use of high-speed inverters implanted along tracks in the road to upconvert energy from power lines. Electric vehicles running on this upconverted energy can travel much longer distances than battery-powered transport allows.
Other features of the Toyohashi Tech e-Newsletter include:
New multipurpose ‘smart’ robots designed for hospitals and care homes. “Instead of spending our funds on building complicated robots of limited use, we’re developing much simpler power-assisted systems that can help the infirm move about comfortably and safely,” Kazuhiko Terashima explains.
News from the Japan Educational Seminar held in Indonesia. Toyohashi Tech faculty and staff promote opportunities at the university to potential students in Asia.
Events and activities of the University such as:
o A university exchange agreement with KTH in Sweden
o Students and researchers having a blast with the Toyohashi wind orchestra
o A visit to Kyoto and the surrounding region by students at Toyohashi Tech
Further information:
Ms. Junko Sugaya and Mr. Masashi Yamaguchi
International Affairs Division
TEL: (+81) 0532-44-2042; FAX: (+81)0532-44-6557
E-mail:[email protected]
About Toyohashi University of Technology:
Founded in 1976, Toyohashi University of Technology is a vibrant modern institute with research activities reflecting the modern era of advanced electronics, engineering, and life sciences.
About the Electronics-Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS):
EIIRIS is Toyohashi Tech’s new flagship research complex launched on 1st October 2010. "The aim of EIIRIS is to produce world-class innovative research," says President Yoshiyuki Sakaki. "To do this we are bringing together ambitious young researchers from diverse fields to collaborate on pioneering new frontiers in science such as brain/neuro-electronics as well as tackling some of the major issues mankind faces today: issues such as environmental changes and aging societies." Website: http://www.eiiris.tut.ac.jp/index.html
