As cities continue to grow in height and density, the complexity and risks associated with urban fires increase dramatically. High-rise buildings, while optimizing limited urban space, introduce unique challenges for fire safety and emergency response. Recognizing these escalating hazards, researchers and academics are devising innovative solutions to strengthen urban resilience against fire threats. The Hong
Technology
Since their inception in the 1970s, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been an intriguing solution for harnessing solar energy more efficiently. Traditional solar collection methods largely rely on mirrors and lenses, which focus direct sunlight onto photovoltaic (PV) cells. However, LSCs diverge from this approach by utilizing luminescent materials to capture not only direct sunlight
Hybrid perovskites have emerged as game-changers in the realm of electronic devices, prominently in the production of solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Their remarkable efficiency and ability to be manipulated at the molecular level make them highly desirable for further development. Despite this promise, a significant barrier to their commercial viability remains: the issue
Recent research conducted by Griffith University, in collaboration with Climate Smart Ventures and Fudan University, has unveiled a thought-provoking paradigm regarding coal-fired power plants. Traditionally, the notion that sustaining or prolonging the life of these plants is economically favorable has been a widely held belief. However, this groundbreaking study presents a compelling counterargument: an early
In an age where information spreads at lightning speed, the proliferation of misleading content poses a significant threat to society. The emergence of deepfakes—manipulated media that can convincingly depict individuals saying or doing things they never actually did—underscores this risk. As digital misinformation becomes increasingly sophisticated, the urgent need for effective detection tools escalates. Researchers
Recent developments in speech emotion recognition (SER) have underscored the vast potential of deep learning technologies to transform emotional analysis across diverse applications. From enhancing human-computer interaction to improving mental health diagnostics, the implications are profound. Nonetheless, with innovation comes risk; these increasingly sophisticated models are not immune to vulnerabilities, particularly against adversarial attacks. This
South Africa’s Northern Cape province is emerging as a focal point for investment in renewable energy, specifically wind and solar power. By 2021, this region boasted 59 out of the 112 large-scale renewable energy projects that were part of the South African government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). While this program aims
At West Virginia University (WVU), a pioneering team of roboticists is delving into the future of robotics with a groundbreaking innovation known as Loopy. Unlike conventional robots that rely heavily on programmed responses, Loopy represents a shift towards a more organic model of robot design and functioning. Comprising a “multicellular” arrangement of interconnected cells formed
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction in the global automotive market, the pursuit of innovative energy storage technologies is becoming increasingly critical. One of the primary challenges these vehicles face is their limited range; drivers demand solutions that can sustain longer trips without compromising safety or performance. To address this, researchers are exploring the concept
The recent implementation of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act marks a significant milestone in the legislative landscape concerning technology. Effective from 1 August, this law intends to regulate artificial intelligence across the EU, addressing the growing concerns regarding the ethical, social, and safety implications of AI systems. As researchers and professors, including Holger
Seawater electrolysis is increasingly recognized as a pivotal technology for decarbonizing our global energy landscape. The challenge lies in its effective deployment, as traditional methods face considerable obstacles, including anode corrosion catalyzed by chloride ions, undesired chloride oxidation reactions, and the prohibitive costs associated with high-performance catalysts. As the world grapples with climate change, effective
Deep learning has made remarkable strides in various fields by leveraging large datasets for model training. However, one persistent challenge that researchers face is label noise. Label noise occurs when the labels of training data are incorrect or misleading, leading to decreased accuracy during the model’s evaluation on test datasets. As models are trained and
Recent studies reveal a revolutionary concept that could significantly alter the landscape of energy generation and road safety: covering highways with solar panel roofs. This innovative idea emerges at a critical time when global efforts to combat climate change intensify. The potential benefits from such a project are substantial, with researchers estimating that it could
In today’s digital age, the speed at which information spreads can significantly shape public perception. With social media and online platforms acting as echo chambers, even minor rumors can elevate into widespread crises, affecting brands, individuals, and institutions alike. Understanding and predicting such fluctuations in public opinion has become vital for effective crisis management and
As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, countries around the world are prioritizing strategies to reduce carbon footprints. One of the most significant approaches involves the electrification of transportation systems. China, a front-runner in this movement, is rolling out electric buses (EBs) to replace traditional fuel-powered vehicles. While this transition holds promise for