Month: February 2021

Lactate, a compound present in sweat, is an important biomarker to quantify during exercise. However, available wearable sensors can cause skin irritation, which calls for the use of different materials. In a recent study, scientists at the Tokyo University of Science have developed a soft and nonirritating microfluidic sensor for the real-time measurement of lactate concentration in sweat. This wearable device will help monitor the state of the body during intense physical exercise or work.

Their work, which was published in Electrochimica Acta, was led by Associate Professor Isao Shitanda, Mr. Masaya Mitsumoto, and Dr. Noya Loew from the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the Tokyo University of Science, Japan.

The team first focused on the sensing mechanism that they would employ in the sensor. Most lactate biosensors are made by immobilizing lactate oxidase (an enzyme) and an appropriate mediator on an electrode.

A chemical reaction involving lactate oxidase, the mediator, and free lactate results in the generation of a measurable current between electrodes—a current that is roughly proportional to the concentration of lactate.

A tricky aspect here is how to immobilize the enzyme and mediator on an electrode. To do this, the scientists employed a method called “electron beam-induced graft polymerization,” by which functional molecules were bonded to a carbon-based material that can spontaneously bind to the enzyme. The researchers then turned the material into a liquid ink that can be used to print electrodes.

This last part turns out to be an important aspect for the future commercialization of the sensor, as Dr. Shitanda explains, “The fabrication of our sensor is compatible with screen printing, an excellent method for fabricating lightweight, flexible electrodes that can be scaled up for mass production.”

With the sensing mechanism complete, the team then designed an appropriate system for collecting sweat and delivering it to the sensor. They achieved this with a microfluidic sweat collection system made out of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); it comprised multiple small inlets, an outlet, and a chamber for the sensor in between.

“We decided to use PDMS because it is a soft, nonirritating material suitable for our microfluidic sweat collection system, which is to be in direct contact with the skin,” comments Mr. Mitsumoto.

The detection limits of the sensor and its operating range for lactate concentrations was confirmed to be suitable for investigating the “lactate threshold”—the point at which aerobic (with oxygen) metabolism turns into anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism during exercise.

Real-time monitoring of this bodily phenomenon is important for several applications, as Dr. Loew remarks, “Monitoring the lactate threshold will help optimize the training of athletes and the exercise routines of rehabilitation patients and the elderly, as well as control the exertion of high-performance workers such as firefighters.”

The team is already testing the implementation of this sensor in practical scenarios. With any luck, the progress made in this study will help develop the field of wearable chemical sensors, helping us to keep better track of our bodily processes and maintain better health.

Niagara College (NC) and Global University Systems (GUS) announced a partnership today that provides a broad range of opportunities for students from both organizations, sets the stage for collaborative international projects and partnerships, and the delivery of select Niagara College credentials at GUS’s Toronto School of Management (TSoM).

Based in the Netherlands and with a strong presence in Canada, Global University Systems (GUS) is a network of higher education institutions offering undergraduate, graduate and law degree programs, educating more than 85,000 students worldwide. The new agreement has received approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, under provincial policy that creates flexibility for public colleges to partner with private colleges to expand the delivery of programs.

Through the partnership, four Niagara College business and hospitality programs will be delivered at GUS’s Toronto School of Management in downtown Toronto, providing international students with the opportunity to enroll in NC’s programs while accessing the significant employment, recreational and entertainment opportunities offered in Toronto.

The initial programs within the partnership, with the first intake already open for Spring 2021 are for Business General, International Business Management (Graduate Certificate), Hospitality and Tourism Management (Graduate Certificate) and Human Resources Management (Graduate Certificate).

TSoM has been selected as the exclusive partner to deliver these credentials in Toronto. The agreement ensures that the student experience and academic delivery of programming will be aligned with NC’s exceptional student experience.

A comprehensive quality assurance framework will ensure that students at the Toronto location enjoy the same level of academic rigor and quality of student services that are offered at NC’s Niagara-based campuses. Programs will be delivered by expert TSoM faculty, and graduates will receive a Niagara College credential.

“We’re fortunate to have a partner with an exceptional track record in higher education and global engagement, who demonstrates the ability and the commitment to meet the high standards that we set for our programs and our services,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.

“We are honored to have been chosen by a prestigious institution such as Niagara College Canada to work together,” said Ehsan Safdari, Managing Director at TSoM.

“We are equally committed to supporting students with a professional education that will help them in their careers. We believe this will be a great opportunity to provide students with expanded access to Niagara College’s top-quality programs. We look forward to working with them and welcoming their students at our campus.”

The agreement also paves the way for Niagara College students to pursue study abroad, co-op placements, exchanges, and international field studies within the GUS network; pathways from Niagara College diploma programs to GUS degree programs, cooperative global business and educational development programs; and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and English as a Subsequent Language (ESL) project possibilities globally.

“This exciting partnership is an important part of our broader strategy to create new global opportunities for students, and support long-term enrolment stability and growth,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “The agreement is also driven by our entrepreneurial spirit, as we work to identify global partnership opportunities that support our core operations in Niagara.”

“We are excited to see TSoM engage in this innovative and entrepreneurial partnership,” said Cyndi McLeod, GUS Canada CEO. “This collaboration aims to provide all students with high-quality education that prepares them for Ontario’s workforce while meeting the demand from international students for Niagara College postsecondary programs.”

Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed and Abuelsaud Raif Siam Sayed Ahmed, Egyptian postgraduates of the School of Energy & Power Engineering have defended their thesis papers on autonomous electrotechnical complexes and systems. Young scientists are planning to stay at TPU for further work.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ASEAN Academy of Science and Technology (AAET), Academy of Engineering and Technology for the Developing World Sdn Bhd (AETDEW), Malaysian Service Providers Confederation (MSPC), and CourseNetworking Asia Pacific Malaysia (CNAP) via Zoom on 4 February 2021.

Under the MoU, the five parties will work together to promote knowledge sharing and online learning for the benefits of members and the public using CourseNetworking’s online learning platform with the support from UTAR, as well as to share online courses and webinars organized by AAET, AETDEW, and MSPC with UTAR which will be uploaded onto Inspire@Learning of UTAR that is powered by CourseNetworking.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, AAET President Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, AETDEW President Academician Dato’ (Dr) Ir Lee Yee Cheong, MSPC President Dato’ Ts Abdul Radzak Abdul Malek, and CNAP Director Yong Mien Dee; in the presence of UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, AAET Fellow Ir Yau Chau Fong, AETDEW Secretary-General Ts Ir Dr Choo Kok Beng, MSPC Council Member Ts Ir Yam Teong Sian, and CNAP Chairman Datuk Ir Yong Ah Huat.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof Ewe said, “The five-party partnership today was inspired by our shared objectives in promoting and accelerating the progress of research, education and training which is aligned with the sustainable development goals – SDG4 Quality Education and SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

“We see this form of collaboration and networking as a vital growth for the University, as well as creating a holistic experience for our students, especially when they participate in the online courses and webinars.”

“On 3 August 2020, UTAR and CNAP launched Inspire@Learning to endorse UTAR’s commitment to providing a platform for e-learning and continuous professional development courses through online modes. I am happy to note that this collaboration has continued to today’s MoU with further ventures and additional collaboration partners,” he added.

“I always believe we must do the right thing. Although it might be a small thing at the beginning, it could snowball and become important. All of us are trying our very best to create a platform for us to contribute toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),” said Tan Sri Dato’ Chuah in his remarks.

He continued, “We hope, through the support of UTAR and all our partners not only from academics but also from the industry, we will be able to contribute to the SDGs of UNESCO.”

He exemplified the commitment of academic collaboration to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and said, “Education is one that will be very important to uplift the social status and properties of students and their family.”

He mentioned that they were contributing to not only quality education and affordable course, but also towards SDG5 Gender Equality, SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, as well as SDG10 Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries.

On the other hand, Dato’ Lee said, “AETDEW is a very new academy. In 2016, the minister of education has actually promoted a project for industry and university cooperation called Hundred Universities Project. This was meant for giant digital cooperations, such as Alibaba, Hua Wei, etcetera to go to the technical universities.”

The project involved 100 universities throughout the Belt and Road (B&R) countries which are connected to 100 counterpart universities in China for installing big data and artificial intelligence (AI) application innovation centers.

“I am very happy that UTAR is one of the first to participate in this venture. So I hope that China through their giant digital cooperation can provide resources to set up big data and AI centre in universities in the developing world in order for us to upgrade the indigenous human capacity building in digital skills and also entrepreneurship,” he said.

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Yong said, “I want to emphasize that now is the right time. We had never seen such a huge usage ever since we started building this online CourseNetworking platform from the scratch with the CN US team. We have seen almost 200% growth in the usage and adoption rate from teachers and students all over the world.”

She continued, “CNAP ensures people are comfortable with the platform and embrace the platform because it is a very powerful platform that can help people learn and go global. What we did was we provided a lot of online training for people to adapt and adopt the platform.”

She added, “What we can do better, even in such circumstances, is to learn something new, adapt to new changes, and reinvent ourselves so that we can survive, continue to grow, and continue to be better at what we do today. With the use of technology, I am sure that we all can embrace this new change and not only realise new things and new learning ways but also new income, new opportunity, and new learning environment.”

Dato’ Abdul Radzak, on the other hand, expressed his excitement for the virtual meeting and the collaboration. He said, “During the pandemic, we have adopted the technology as a new normal and it has been quite convenient to talk to each other. This is a time for sharing and caring. More collaboration will make us stronger together.” He added, “Today is an important journey for industry, community, and future generations of our country. Hopefully, we all will succeed in our endeavor.”

A presentation was then given by Client Experience Manager of CourseNetworking Savitha Sanathanan on CourseNetworking, followed by another presentation from UTAR Director of Centre for Extension Education (CEE) Dr Lim Jee Hock on Inspire@Learning.

Also present at the ceremony were AAET Executive Secretary Dr Fok Kuk Fai, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, DCInterNet Deputy Director of Kampar Campus Dr Chen I-Chi, CEE Business Development and Administration and Operation Unit Head Joleena Chong binti Muhammad Chong and UTAR staff.

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (MASSCOM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, was recently awarded the Creative Content Development Research Grant from the National Governance Integrity and Anti-Corruption Center (GIACC).

The team led by the Dean of the Faculty, Assoc.Prof.Dr Massila Hamzah and members Dr Suhaimee Saahar@Saabar, Dr Shazleen Mohamed, YM Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad, Abuzar Abdul Halim, YM Raja Putri Nadiah Raja Ahmad, Aeyneda Zairyn Abdul Jalil, Norasikin Alimom, and Muhammad Fadhli Abdul Rahman were awarded the grant valued at RM146,760.00 on 19th January 2021.

According to Dr. Massila, “corruption is a social disease that can ruin the society and destroy a country. Therefore, we must not give up in our efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption. We all have a vital role to play.”

The Dean also hopes that with the cooperation provided by GIACC and MASSCOMM, UiTM, issues on corruption can be solved. Furthermore, it is hoped that this project will help inculcate a culture of anti-corruption among Malaysians.

The funding body, GIACC is a center in the Prime Minister’s Department that acts as an advisory channel in terms of governance, integrity, and anti-corruption to all local and international government and private sectors. It was established in 2018 in line with the government’s seriousness in eliminating corruption.

The grant is hoped to be used to develop creative content for GIACC to help raise awareness on the risks of corruption, as well as to promote integrity in line with the government’s initiative to promote good governance and reduce corruption cases in the country.

For years, anti-corruption measures and policies have been introduced by the Malaysian government and various organizations to eradicate corruption in society. Yet, the strategies have not been fully effective to tackle corruption.

The project is expected to appeal to the younger generation and get more youth engaged in the fight against corruption in the country. This supports one of UiTM’s missions in preparing our students with the skills and knowledge needed in shaping the nation towards excellence and integrity.

Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a next-generation semiconductor electronic device with the world’s best operating speed that can be used as key materials and parts in next-generation mobile communication technology (B5G & 6G) and quantum computing technology.

Professor Dae Hyun Kim and Dr. Hyun Bin Cho of the Department of Electronics Engineering at Kyungpook National University developed the world’s fastest 738 gigahertz (GHz) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT)* electronic device through joint research with QSI, a small and medium-sized enterprise.

The frequency of cut-off (fT) that determines the operating speed is 738GHz, which implements the fastest speed in semiconductor electronic devices with a field-effect transistor (FET) structure. This is expected to enable at least 10 times faster communication than current 5G systems.

“The development of high-performance and multifunctional semiconductor electronic devices is essential for the implementation of next-generation mobile communication systems such as the upcoming 6G,” said Professor Dae Hyun Kim.

It is expected that this research result will speed up the miniaturization, aggregation, and high performance of Terahertz (THz) band electronic systems.

“It can also be used as a key semiconductor device component that identifies fine quantum signals of Quantum computing* systems that are being studied by world’s leading companies such as Google, IBM, and Intel,” explained Professor Dae Hyun Kim.The research results were presented at the International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM), the world’s most prestigious semiconductor-related conference held on December 18 last year. The work has been supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Global Key Talent Training Support Project (IETP) and the Civil-military Cooperation Promotion Agency.

School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other related organizations launched the 2020 Human Development Report “The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene” at Sri Burapa Auditorium, Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Campus.

Assoc.Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, and representatives from the private and public sector, academic institutions, and private organizations attended the event.

Ms. Lovita Ramguttee, Deputy Country Director of UNDP, presented the main points from the 2020 Human Development Report “The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene”.

The exchange of opinion and discourse concerning different issues in the report was led by Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative for UNDP Thailand. Asst.Prof.Dr. Prapaporn Tivayanond, Dean of School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, was present in the discourse.”

The discourse explored various issues, including the biodiversity impact of human action in the Anthropocene, how humans played an important role in climate change, and environmental recovery during the COVID-19 outbreak in the context of Thailand. There was also an exchange of ideas between the public, private, and academic sectors.

The 2020 Human Development Report “The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene” created a new way to conceive human development index. It is called planetary pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI) or human development index concerning environmental impact based on 2 more indicators which are carbon footprint and material footprint.

The PHDI index creates a clearer new perspective of the world by evaluating human progress. For example, this index indicates that more than 50 countries are excluded from high to very high human development regarding fossil energy dependence and material footprint creation in the country.

The new frontier of human development has to work together with nature not destroying it along with the change of social norms, the government’s motivation, and financial measures.

Ilya Sheinman, Associate Professor of the Department of Physics of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, presented the project of a wakefield undulator for the generation of powerful electromagnetic radiation.

The technology will utilize the deviation of the particle beam from the waveguide axis, which is a negative effect in the wakefield accelerators, arising from the interaction of the charged beam with the electromagnetic wave created by it.

“The principle of operation of traditional accelerators is that charged particles, moving in a circle, pass through a special interval in which they increase energy. Over the past 10-20 years, several fundamentally new solutions have emerged for the design of accelerators. One of them is to place the particles in a tube filled with plasma or in a dielectric tube in a metal shell,” the researcher says.

“A beam of charged particles interacts with the filling of the waveguide and creates an electromagnetic field, which is a variant of Cherenkov radiation, in which the speed is close to the speed of light. If a small charged beam is placed in this wakefield wave, it will accelerate. The primary beam that creates the field will lose its energy, and the secondary beam will accelerate to very high values,” Ilya Sheinman adds.

A significant disadvantage of this approach is the shift of the beam relative to the axis of the waveguide. As a result of that, particles are attracted to the wall of a tube, which with huge energy can burn a hole in it.

Ilya Sheinman proposed to use this parasitic effect to create a wakefield undulator, a waveguide in the form of a sinusoid, in which the tail of the main beam or a secondary beam of charged particles, attracted to one wall or another, will oscillate in a transverse direction. Due to such oscillations, the electrons of the beam will move with acceleration and generate electromagnetic waves, which is a necessary condition for creating a free-electron laser.

Following the completion of a World Bank-commissioned project in Vietnam in 2017, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is extending its reach to another ASEAN country in the region.

The University has partnered with five leading higher education institutions in Cambodia, under the World Bank’s Higher Education Improvement project, to build the capacity of higher education teachers.

A highlight of the agreement is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Higher Education Teaching and Learning and Innovation in Cambodia. There will also be knowledge transfer in the areas of design and development of curricula, assessment and pedagogy, the use of digital technologies, and the co-development of a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Teachers from the five partner institutions in Cambodia will be engaged in the EdUHK Doctor of Education program to enhance their capacity for quality research, teaching, and learning.

Welcoming the partnership, EdUHK President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung said, “We are pleased to be able to participate in the professional development of Cambodian higher education teachers, and play a part in the educational transformation and enhancement in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.”

“This project reaffirms our leading role in education in the region, as an important partner in enhancing the quality of teacher education and in collaborative research and knowledge transfer through education and talent exchange.”

EdUHK’s expertise in, and contribution to, education has been recognized regionally and globally. According to the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject, EdUHK ranked second in Asia and 16th in the world in education. It is also the youngest of the world’s top 20 QS-ranked universities in the field.

In addition to the World Bank, EdUHK and its predecessor have worked with the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, UNESCO, and the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.