This thesis focused on the exploration of monolayer graphene as a membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications, with improvements achieved through plasma exposure or damage- free... Show moreThis thesis focused on the exploration of monolayer graphene as a membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications, with improvements achieved through plasma exposure or damage- free chemical functionalization. The advancements in low-dimensional materials (LDMs) have unveiled a new era where artificial membranes can regulate ion transport with atomic precision.The trade-off between selectivity and conductivity, which has impeded the development of proton exchange membranes, has been overcome through monolayer graphene, making it applicable in large-scale devices such as DMFCs. This work has the potential to solve many challenges faced by devices requiring proton exchange membranes, extending beyond fuel cells. Show less
The study focuses on how to establish prohibited airspace over conflict zones.This study endeavors to answer the following research questions:1) What are the conditions, including legal... Show moreThe study focuses on how to establish prohibited airspace over conflict zones.This study endeavors to answer the following research questions:1) What are the conditions, including legal requirements, for establishing prohibited airspace?2) Who has jurisdiction to establish prohibited airspace?3) How can the status quo be changed with respect to prohibited airspace to enhance aviation security?The establishment of prohibited airspace concerns on the one hand, the principle of air sovereignty, agreed by governments as recognized in Article 1 Chicago Convention, and on the other hand, the object of agreeing on this principle to “develop international civil aviation in a safe and orderly manner”.Threads running through the chapters are the themes of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territory. Show less
This research analyses to what extent China is achieving decent work based on a case study of decent working time. The word ‘achieving’ underlines that China is still in the process of securing... Show moreThis research analyses to what extent China is achieving decent work based on a case study of decent working time. The word ‘achieving’ underlines that China is still in the process of securing this aim. This research builds on a mixed methodology of case study, historical analysis, content analysis, structured critical analysis, and comparative law. The findings show that the development goal of decent work has not been achieved in China, but there are some significant developments. Particularly, many labour standards with regard to workers’ health and safety have markedly been intensified and increased, as have the making and enforcement of Chinese labour laws, which both are signals that China has created an environment receptive to further reform and development on its path to achieving decent work. Show less
The major and ultimate aim of metabolomics is to obtain an answer to a specific biological or clinical question. For that, many strategies have been applied in this field, including NMR and MS... Show moreThe major and ultimate aim of metabolomics is to obtain an answer to a specific biological or clinical question. For that, many strategies have been applied in this field, including NMR and MS-based approaches. CE-MS is one of the techniques in this field but remains underappreciated because of issues such as compromised sensitivity and poor reproducibility. In this thesis, we proposed standardized protocols for CE-MS studies using a sheathless interface and applied them in the metabolic analysis of ultra-small biological samples, such as low numbers of HepG2 cells. Another CE-MS technique used in this thesis is the traditional sheath liquid CE-MS, and it was successfully used in the metabolic profiling of plasma samples. We also introduced CE-MS with both interfaces in the field of nanosciences with our efforts in revealing the adsorption characteristics of polar metabolites to the surface of nanomaterials. This work clearly demonstrates that CE-MS can be reliably performed for metabolomics studies with acceptable repeatability. The use of sheathless CE-MS interface enables us to have in-depth profiling for ultra-small samples, and may become a powerful tool in the emerging field of single-cell analysis. Show less
This thesis is a collection of experimental attempts to enhance photoluminescence of fluorescent molecules and quantum dots with single gold nanorods (GNRs) and relevant applications. Special... Show moreThis thesis is a collection of experimental attempts to enhance photoluminescence of fluorescent molecules and quantum dots with single gold nanorods (GNRs) and relevant applications. Special attention is focused on the interactions between single emitters and GNRs. The idea is to increase the emission of weak emitters by the excellent optical properties of GNRs so that weak light emitters will then be bright enough to be detected and studied individually. We can thus generalize single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy to weakly emitting species which are currently undetectable by conventional single-molecule spectroscopy. The research is important for extending the scope of single-molecule spectroscopy, which is a powerful technique for understanding the dynamic behaviors at the nanometer scale in biological systems and other materials. Show less
