QS GEN

Lingnan’s successes highlight its commitment to the UN SDGs

Posted on July 1, 2021August 1, 2021 by Editorial Team

Lingnan University ranked 33rd globally in “International Faculty”, and advanced 48 places in “International Students” in the latest QS World University Rankings 2022. The rankings affirmed that internationalisation in research and student learning is a core dimension of the University’s whole-person approach to a quality Liberal Arts education. Lingnan was also judged “very high” in research intensity, the highest of the benchmarks in the internationally recognised ranking exercise.

Lingnan University also saw success in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), organised by the University Grants Committee (UGC), which oversees Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities. For the RAE, the UGC utilises international benchmarks to assess the strengths of universities in Hong Kong, with a view to encouraging world-class research. More than 50 per cent of the research projects submitted by Lingnan were rated “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.

The latest RAE assessed two new categories: research impact and environment. Lingnan is dedicated to serving the community and responding to social needs with impactful research and knowledge transfer activities, and the University’s efforts in these areas have been validated by the results. Lingnan’s commitment to “Impact with Care” means that LU’s research is geared towards providing real-world benefits to communities, and to the betterment of society.

With this in mind, Lingnan’s research is also committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity across the globe. The success of Lingnan’s researchers in the RAE highlights how the University is reflecting the SDGs.

The “Reduced Inequalities” SDG was addressed in “Applying Innovative education practices to combat inequality in education”. Education inequality is still a pressing problem in Chinese society. The research team at Lingnan University’s Department of Economics designed and executed a series of projects in collaboration with local education bureaus in China to solve this problem. The team co-organised a series of studies in Hunan Province, China, and the outcomes of these studies attracted the attention of the local government regarding their future plans for education.

Research by Professor Siu Oi-ling, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, reflected the “Good health and Wellbeing” SDG. In “Application of occupational health psychology theories, and evidence-based interventions, to reduce work stress and improve the workplace”, Prof Siu used occupational health psychology theories and practices to conduct empirical research to reduce stress caused by work and improve safety in Hong Kong. Researchers conducted three training programmes with teachers. As a result of the programmes, teachers reported fewer physical and psychological complaints

The “Peace, Justice and Institutions” SDG was reflected in the research project “Restoration of trust in the administration and the judiciary in Ukraine”. Research by Professor Roman David from Lingnan’s Department of Sociology and Social Policy provided crucial assistance to Ukraine’s national legislators, Supreme Court judges, Ministry of Justice, Bar Association, journalists, and civil society groups in crafting legal options to restore trust in the state of Ukraine from 2014 to 2016.

Scientists develop the coatings for titanium implants to fasten osseointegration

Posted on July 1, 2021 by 5100spbstu

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) in collaboration with colleagues from St. Petersburg State University developed the coatings for titanium implants, which accelerate the implantation of the implant material into the bone
tissue.

“We have developed a method for applying a thin (nanometer size) and uniform titanium oxide coating on titanium carcass structures, which can be used as an implant. The experiments demonstrated that the coatings fasten the implants osseintegration” notes Dr. Maximov of High School of Materials Physics and Technologies, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport SPbPU.

He explained that the researchers tested the properties of a range of titanium implant coatings, differing in composition, thickness, and structure. The coatings were applied by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in special vacuum equipment. After the modification of the implants, the successful studies were carried out on cells in vitro, and then in vivo
(on experimental animals).

“Currently we started applying silver nanoparticles on the surface of titanium since this chemical element obtains useful antibacterial properties and should reduce the risk of implant rejection. However, to use the silver coatings freely, it is necessary to adjust the conditions and the general method of obtaining the material,” said Dr. Nazarov of the Research Park, St. Petersburg State University.

According to scientists, an important part of the study is to select the size and morphology of nanoparticles thus not causing toxic effects of silver on living cells and at the same time preserving the beneficial properties of the previously developed coating. The research and
development of new materials are carried out within the framework of the SPbPU State Assignment No. 0784-2020-0022 and Russian Science Foundation (RSF) Grant No. 20- 73-00067.

LETI developes a new function to verify encrypted messages

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University

Researchers of ETU “LETI” and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have created a new algorithm for constructing hash functions. Taking advantage of chaos theory and adaptive symmetry, the scientists made it harder to break than existing solutions. The results of the study are published in the Chaos, Solitons & Fractals journal.

A hash function is a mathematical function designed to convert some message or data, such as a password, into a bit array called a hash. This way, the system processes code that is unique to each message. It is essentially a way to verify encoded messages, impossible to decrypt unambiguously. For example, when we enter a password in a system that uses hash functions, the server receives not the text of our password itself but its bit array. If it matches the sequence on the server, then we log in to our account. The point is that if intruders intercept our message, they won’t get the plain text of our password but the bit array, which they won’t be able to decrypt correctly.

Hash functions are used in many areas: data encryption, electronic signatures, cryptocurrencies, data sorting and compression. In modern cryptography, one of the most promising areas is chaotic hash functions based on chaos theory. This theory describes the dynamics of nonlinear systems in which changes in initial conditions lead to unpredictable consequences. Such systems include mechanical devices like a double pendulum, atmospheric phenomena models, population dynamics, and even some social processes. But since we need as random a sequence of bits as possible for hashing data, the use of chaotic systems with confusion and diffusion property facilitates this process, enhancing data security. The researchers from ETU “LETI” studied existing chaotic hash functions and developed their improved version.

“Unlike other solutions based on classical chaotic maps, we used modifications with adaptive symmetry. The use of discrete maps with controlled symmetry expands the key space and, consequently, the cryptographic strength of the obtained hash functions. The symmetry of the maps becomes an additional key in their construction while having little effect on the chaotic behavior of the system,” says Alexandra Tutueva, a Ph.D. student at the Department of Computer Aided Design Systems of ETU “LETI.”

After constructing the hash function, scientists have tested it thoroughly. Like any other counterparts, it must have certain properties of cryptographic hash functions. First of all, the authors analyzed the performance – how quickly the input data (keys) is converted into a bit array and back. For comparison, they used the known standard SHA-3 (Keccak) hash function and several currently existing chaotic functions. The development of ETU “LETI” researchers showed a speed of 0.9 Gbit/s, comparable with analogues.

The function also successfully passed the birthday attack test. This method is used in cryptanalysis to break ciphers. It is based on the birthday paradox. For example, in a group of 23 people, the probability that two of them will have the same birthday is greater than the probability that each of these people will have unique birthdays. That seems counterintuitive, but the math shows otherwise. Using this paradox, attackers try to discover the same bit arrays for two different source messages. So scammers using hash functions can send one contract to sign with e-signature, but the victim will end up signing two contracts with different contents at once. However, the scientists have established that for the new function it is enough to generate messages of at least 128 bits in length to prevent the attack. This way, the probability of a bit array match is minimized.

The authors also confirmed the avalanche effect of the function. It means that changes in the original data lead to changes in hashes. The researchers created a text message and then ran it through a hash function, obtaining a specific bit array. They then changed the length and meaning of the original texts and hashed those messages. The result was completely different bit sequences, indicating that the function worked correctly.

The new chaotic hash function passed all the tests and showed its reliability and efficiency. According to scientists, it can be used in cryptography as a more secure version of data transmission. Also, the new function can be the basis for a mechanism that creates realistic models of objects of fractal structure in computer graphics and solid-state modeling – for example, for the generation of clouds and mountains, the surface of the sea, the tensions within solids, and much more.

Head Trauma: Towards a new treatment

Posted on July 1, 2021August 6, 2021 by Taipei Medical University

An international collaboration (NeuroTMULille international laboratory) between Taipei Medical University (Ouada Nebie, Thierry Burnouf) and Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (David Blum, David Devos, Luc Buée) just published in the journal “Brain” that the complex pathological consequences of TBI can be alleviated by the delivery of a Human Platelet Lysate (HPL) specifically formulated for brain administration.

The published work demonstrated that HPL improved motor function, mitigated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the injured cortical area and reduced synaptic alterations in two mouse models of TBI. “This platelet biotherapy would represent a treatment addressing the multiple physio-pathological causes of TBI and avoid progression towards neurodegenerative processes” David Blum commented on the findings.

HPL are composed of a balanced composition of protective neurotrophic factors with the capacity to activate multiple biological protective pathways and represent a novel therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine. They are prepared from platelet concentrates collected by whole blood donations or apheresis procedures from healthy donors. Platelet concentrates, the source of the human platelet lysates, are essential medicine according to the WHO, and are available worldwide, meeting stringent quality and safety criteria in many countries.

“Our results suggest the importance of a careful formulation of human platelet lysates to ensure optimal safety and efficacy for brain administration. The potential, yet to be confirmed in humans, to deliver this product by the intranasal route opens extremely exciting prospects in the treatment of neurological diseases,” commented Thierry Burnouf.

“The potential, yet to be confirmed in humans, to deliver this product by the intranasal route opens extremely exciting prospects in the treatment of a range of brain neurological diseases. It is now vital to move into further pre-clinical assessment and carefully controlled and monitored clinical studies, ” added Thierry Burnouf.

Chulalongkorn University trains sniffer dogs to detect people infected with COVID-19 in Thailand

Posted on July 1, 2021August 1, 2021 by Chulalongkorn University

The Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET) unveiled its latest effort in training a pack of sniffer dogs to detect people with COVID–19. The project reached 95% accuracy, and the dogs are ready for duty at airports in support of the normal screening process.

Temperature screening only works in symptomatic COVID-19 cases, but sniffer dogs are trained to detect asymptomatic people.

The “Sniffer Dogs to Detect Asymptomatic COVID–19 Cases” project is the latest work by CUVET, in collaboration with Chula Faculties of Medicine and Science with funding support from Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Co., Ltd.

“A dog’s sense of smell is 50 times better than humans, so we thought of tapping into this potential, particularly in Labrador Retrievers with their long nasal cavity. They are very sensitive to scents, friendly, and easy to train. We picked six dogs to be initially trained in this project”, said Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET, and head of the research project.

Tests showed that this pack of dogs was 94.8% accurate in their detection of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, comparable to other countries, such as Finland, Germany, France, and Australia, etc.

Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET — Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong,

Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET

“The research team collected sweat samples of infected persons. These samples are confirmed secretion with no viral contamination. We blotted the underarm sweat with cotton pads and socks and stored the samples in a biosafety laboratory. Then, these cotton pads and socks were put in cans for the dogs to sniff. After the dogs smelled these samples, they would immediately sit down identifying an infectious person though asymptomatic.”

“All testing procedures were safe for both the dogs and personnel involved. The team used sweat samples from people infected with COVID-19 and let the dogs sniff from the distance. All tools were sterilized,” confirmed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan, infectious disease veterinarian, one of the researchers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan, infectious disease veterinarian — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan,

Infectious disease veterinarian

This research was conducted over a period of six months and divided into three phases. The first phase of two months was spent testing the dogs’ ability and training them to distinguish the infected person’s odor with accuracy, speed, and certainty. The preparatory training received support from the Border Patrol Police 43rd Division and PQA Associate Co., Ltd.

Next, came practical trials at the airports, ports, and popular tourist destinations by letting the dogs sniff people’s feet. The third phase focused on new screening tools such as sensors to identify people fitting the infection profile, by the faculty members of the Faculty of Science, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thammanoon Nuchak and Dr. Chadin Kulsing.

“This is Thailand’s prototype project of canine training for medical use. In the future, there will be training to detect other diseases such as diabetes, depression, malaria, and Alzheimer’s,” Prof. Dr. Kewali, the Project Leader concluded.