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Month: October 2021

UMY Vocational Machine Technology study program team creates the first IOT-based solar aerator

Posted on by umy

A Lecturer of the Mechanical Engineering Vocational Study Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, M. Abdus Somad ST., M.Eng., together with four students created the first IOT (Internet of Think)-based solar aerator as the operating system.

Aerators are usually used as fish pond oxygen water pumps and have been widely circulated in the market. There is also a type of aerator that is commonly used by shrimp or fish farmers in coastal areas but uses diesel power. In contrast to that,

The difference between the IOT-based solar aerator created by the UMY Vocational Machine Technology Study Program and the common Aerator is in its power and operating system. Its function remains the same, namely as an oxygen water pump and the UMY Vocational Aerator is indeed intended for shrimp and fish farmers in coastal areas. As a fulfilment of water oxygen needs for shrimp or fish, making it easier for farmers.

“Coastal areas such as the sea or the coast has limited electricity networks. Usually, the type of aerator used is diesel-powered, and the operation is still manual. We develop our tool with solar cells to save energy, in can be easily operated through the internet using the Telegram application (bot) that we developed ourselves, so it is very flexible,” said Abdus Somad, when he was testing the tool at the UMY pool, Saturday (16/10).

The process of making this IoT-based solar aerator takes three months. Starting from the idea, Abdus Somad then collaborated with his four students and made the aerator in the vocational lab located in Wirobrajan or behind the Asri Medical Center (AMC) UMY.

The tool itself consists of a black box containing a battery that functions to accommodate the power and protection of the IOT system, flanked by two yellow pinwheels on the right and left sides made of natural fibre composite material, two solar panels on the top, and two floats. of jerry cans to help the 100 kg tool float. At the time of testing, the Aerator was able to operate using Telegram bots from a distance of approximately 3 KM.

Regarding the safety of the IoT equipment itself, which is located in the black box and has the potential to be splashed by water, Abdus Somad said it is very safe. The battery in the black box has a power of 13.4 volts and can last for six hours without charging. “It’s very safe, even though it’s exposed to water it’s still safe. It can be used from dusk until dawn because the power will be charged continuously. At night, you can use the power stored in the battery,” he continued.

This IOT-based solar aerator is also a fulfilment of the university’s catur dharma, so it will be introduced to the community as a form of service. In particular, it will target shrimp or fish farmers, which is the main purpose of this tool.

“This is a form of student creativity and we will continue to guide them, especially as vocational students, not only in academic theory but also in creating a product. With this effective tool, I hope it can be useful for the community and further introduce UMY Vocational Machine Technology as a program that is able to produce useful products,” said Abdus Somad. (Hbb)

CU VET’s “3D Dog Eye Anatomy Model for Self Learning” wins a gold medal at IWA 2020, Morocco

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The 3D Dog Eye Anatomy Model for Self–learning, an innovation by the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CU VET) recently received the Gold Award at the International Innovation Week Africa (IWA) 2020 in Rabat, Morocco.

This innovation was developed by Assoc. Prof. Pawana Chuesiri, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kriengyot Sajjacharoenpong, Mrs. Jantima Intarapanya of CU VET, and Krityoch Chuesiri a student of Chulalongkorn Demonstration Secondary School. This three-dimensional model of canine eye anatomy consists of the eyeballs, eyelids, lacrimal glands, extraocular muscles, and four sets of clearly visible nerves.

Asst.Prof. Pawana Chuesiri, one of the model’s developers, explained that this innovation was motivated by the limitations of using real animal eyes from cadavers in teaching CU VET students.  Being tiny, complex, and perishing quickly, these cadavers’ eyes make anatomy study difficult.  Moreover, when students lack skill and expertise in dissecting the eyes, they often cause damage to the critical structures making it impossible to reuse the organs.  These limitations may prevent students from thoroughly understanding the subject, hence this innovation.

The manufacturing process started with designing using a 3D program based on real dog eyes.  Then the molds of the components, which can be easily disassembled and reassembled, were printed on a 3D printer.  Different materials, i.e. resin, rubber, and plastic were chosen for their soft and flexible texture similar to the real eyeball, which were then cast and painted afterward.

“We designed the model like a jigsaw puzzle so that all aspects of the eye can be seen. Each eye can be taken apart in different dimensions to show both the outer and inner surfaces, as well as front and back. This allows all the nerves and muscles to be visible,” said Asst. Prof. Pawana.

Asst. Prof. Pawana continued that the highlight of this innovation is that it is a teaching tool that is larger than a real dog’s eye.  Each component is color-coded so both the outer and inner parts can be removed to be studied, then put back together like a jigsaw puzzle. The kit is made with quality material, is light-weight, durable, waterproof, safe, long-lasting, inexpensive, and easy to use.  The model will enable students to memorize the dog-eye structures more efficiently in place of real eyes.  It can also be used with a smartphone for self-study.

At present, this innovation has been used as a teaching tool for CU VET students to supplement or replace of scarce organs or cadavers that are preserved in formaldehyde.  It is safer to use and easier for students to review by themselves, by working with three-dimensional media programs in which they can scan the AR code through a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

The future goal is to produce sufficient models for teaching and learning, as well as clinical use.  Veterinarians can use the model to explain the pathology of the animal.  In addition, the team will further develop anatomical models for other organs that can be used electronically via mobile applications to maximize learning efficiency and promote students’ interest in self-study of veterinary anatomy.

Apart from modern teaching innovations, CU VET also provides an exhibit of complete veterinary anatomy on the 3rd floor of the 60-Year Veterinary Building for students and the public to come and learn or use the resources for academic research.

The veterinary anatomy exhibit includes schematic diagrams, animal anatomy models, skeletons, and taxidermy animals arranged systematically that visitors can visit in person.  Moreover, CU VET has also developed a 360-degree virtual tour website of the Veterinary Anatomy section, that is perfect for the age of the New Normal as well.

TPU website dedicated to university’s 125th anniversary wins at Awwwards competition

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

A website, devoted to the 125th anniversary of Tomsk Polytechnic University, has been listed as a winner of the Awwwards competition. Paraweb, a digital agency was engaged in the development and design of the website.

Awwwards is a competition of professional web designers and developers aimed at recognition and encouragement of the best innovative solutions in web design. The awards ceremony is annually held at the conference in large cities of the USA and Europe where the best websites of the year are presented.

The awards are won in two categories: design and development. Websites are evaluated based on four criteria: Design, Usability, Creativity and Content. The jury consists of interdisciplinary designers, developers, journalists and agency representatives from all over the world. The team of experts evaluate Talent, Efforts and Performance.

The TPU website was listed as honourable. An average evaluation of users from Ukraine, France, the USA, Switzerland, India and Indonesia to the TPU website was 7.48 out of 10.

The website also won a Mobile Excellence Award from the Awwwards organizers for Mobile Friendliness, Usability, Best Practices / PWA and Performance.

Awwwards gives prizes in such nominations as Sites of the Day, Sites of the Month and Sites of the Year as well.

On the website, a user can find multimedia historical notes about the university from the moment of its foundation collected in a timeline, facts about the university, stories of outstanding TPU graduates and reports about industrial and research projects. The users can have a look at the notes of the action entitled TPU, I love you!, within which graduates, professors, scientists and students leave words of gratitude to the university in the form of videos and greeting cards. Moreover, the users can send their greetings to the university leaving a personal greeting card.

Chulalongkorn University recommends practices to reduce plastic waste generated from online food ordering

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the online food-ordering business has grown exponentially in parallel with the amount of plastic waste generated that has seen a 60% increase.  The Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University (ERIC) points out that it is high time for all sectors to help reduce waste through the 3 Re Principles.

When the coronavirus outbreaks began in early 2020, followed by lockdown measures, and social distancing practice mandates to help mitigate the spread, conservation behaviour has been put on hold for the time being.  In its place came online ordering along with billions of containers and plastic bags a year. Even for restaurant dine-in, cutlery and plates are also wrapped with plastic for each guest.

A report by ERIC shows that the amount of plastic waste between January and April 2020 increased from the same period in 2019 by 62 percent, the majority of which is non-recyclable single-use plastic bags, styrofoam boxes, plastic bottles and cups.

ERIC also predicts that the amount of plastic waste from online food delivery businesses will increase to over 2,325–6,395 billion pieces per year in the next 4 years (2025).

Plastic waste from food delivery forecast by ERIC
Plastic waste from food delivery forecast by ERIC

“3 Re” steps to reduce waste from online food ordering

While clicking to order food online, clients tend to only think of menus and food prices.  The more they order, the more discounts they earn from competing for food delivery platforms. Little do they know that they are increasing the amount of plastic waste.  So, all that many people can do is to separate the trash before discarding it. Some people may do a bit more by cleaning and drying the containers before putting them in the bin.

The roles of food delivery platforms

The food delivery business has been growing steadily in recent years. Today, competitive pricing and speed strategies may no longer be the only measures of success when consumers are selective of their service providers who care about the environment. This is a new challenge for forward-thinking entrepreneurs, who should turn their attention to reducing plastic waste that is flooding the world, and take the lead and differentiate themselves while boosting their earnings from the “green” image.

ERIC adapted the familiar 3 Re principles to the current situation.

Reduce – Consumption

This can be done immediately by the platform operators by adding a default “no plastic cutlery” function.  Customers can turn it off if they want to receive the plastic cutlery. Currently, this practice has started around the world, and some operators use this as an incentive by giving discounts to customers who do not take plastic utensils. Most customers choose discounts, but the platform operators have to make sure the stores follow the guidelines.

Example of automatic “no plastic cutlery” function on food delivery platforms

Replace – with Alternative Packaging

This approach may be able to help control a certain amount of waste as it relies heavily on the source – the restaurant.  Yet, if successful, this will significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste without consumers having to worry.  Better yet, faster success can be achieved with cooperation from the government in controlling alternative packaging cost, which is currently higher than plastic packaging.

Reuse – Reusable Packaging

This approach is not yet popular in Thailand, but some small entrepreneurs have already begun experimenting with this measure, such as using a deposit-return system by designating container return points in business and residential buildings or making return appointments through an application. This approach is likely to have the most significant impact if consumers perceive the program’s importance and cooperate.

Example of a deposit-return system

Must the government mandate and enforce the measures?

Plastic Ban Policy in the People’s Republic of China is a case study that suggests that if the government is strict, enforcement measures will work.  Examples include a ban on single-use plastic bags in supermarkets, a ban on non-biodegradable packaging for online food delivery business in major cities like Beijing, before expanding to other cities across the country, as well as bans by several EU countries on the manufacturing and usage of 8 types of single-use plastic: cutlery, chopsticks, plates, straw, cotton swabs, stirrers, balloon sticks, foam boxes and other products that contain OXO (non-biodegradable plastic).

Both case studies reflect the importance of the government’s stance and role in the eradication of plastic waste that can be impactful and extensive.  The Thai government, meanwhile, continues to choose a “voluntary cooperation” approach rather than enforcement.  Such policy requires the participation of all parties, especially the business sector.  If this approach proves effective, then a strict measure is not necessary.

Many can now understand the guidelines for online food ordering that will incur the least amount of trash.  Although we cannot eliminate 100 percent of the plastic waste from this activity, we can still be a part of the solution to the overflowing plastic trash in our big cities. If we are all aware of the problem and play a part in solving it, soon we can expect to see a sustainable decline in plastic waste figures.

SUSU scientists analyze the human teeth to understand Bronze age migration

Posted on by OLGA ROMANOVSKAYA

Scientists from South Ural State University (SUSU) analyzed the composition of dental calculus and confirmed that people domesticated horses at the beginning of the Bronze Age. Dental plaque hardened during life retained traces of proteins – markers of the milk diet, which appeared in the diet of ancient people with the beginning of cattle breeding. The research was published in the highly-rated journal Nature.

The researchers have been discussing the Bronze Age migration in the territory of modern Eurasia for a long time. Earlier, experts found that representatives of the Yamnaya culture spread from Altai and Mongolia to Scandinavian territories. It is distinguished from the previous ones by nomadic cattle breeding, which means the wild animals domestication before. Scientists believe that the spread of the Yamnaya culture resulted from the pastoral economy using wheeled carts and horse traction. However, there was no convincing evidence of this.

An international research group that included archaeologist, D.Sc. Andrei Epimakhov proved that the use of horses on the farm and the transition to dairy farming took place at the beginning of the Bronze Age.

For this, the scientists examined dental calculus samples found in the Volga region. Anthropological material belongs to the Eneolithic, Early, Middle, and Late Bronze Age. Scientists used a protein extraction method and found casein, a complex peptide found in milk as a calcium salt, in many samples. A substance distribution map was made. According to these data, the protein could not be detected only in the earliest samples of the series belonging to the Eneolithic.

“We believe that one of the reasons for such successful development of various territories was the revolution in food production. For the first time, people used animals not only as part of the meat diet but also for dairy products. In the Bronze Age, this undoubtedly gave an advantage to migrants. The article also answers the question about the time and place of domestication of the horse. It is impossible to distinguish between a domestic and a wild horse by the bones of the skeleton, and the reliable finds of the team date back to late times. Our discovery indicates that the potential center of horse domestication is the Black Sea-Caspian steppes in the third millennium BC,” Andrey Epimakhov explained.

The topic of migration and mobility is one of the key topics in the research. In 2020, the Russian Science Foundation supported the research by funding the project Migration of Human Collectives and Individual Mobility in the Framework of Multidisciplinary Analysis of Archaeological Information (Bronze Age of the Southern Urals).

Clinical venture and innovators assess new biomed accelerator projects in TMUxBE Accelerator’s Demo Day 2021

Posted on by Taipei Medical University

The TMUxBE Accelerator’s Demo Day is the first Hospital Joint Venture in Taiwan that focuses on innovative counselling projects for smart healthcare. The exhibition of projects passing the first-phase selection was held in July 2021.

Nine biomedical start-up companies shared their experience in product development and how they accelerated business growth. These nine groups’ products span fields from AI disease prediction, AI smart co-employment, and smart wearable devices, to big data analysis platforms, peritoneal dialysis platforms, lung disease care, and biotechnology analysis reagents.

In addition to showcasing actual results, this event also promoted the upcoming Market Expansion Pilot Trial. US Partner Christine Winoto, Executive Director of UCSF Rosenman Institute in the United States; and Japan Partner Yujiro Maeda, Co-director of Japan Biodesign & Co-founder of Premo Partner, were invited to participate and facilitate overseas expansion of Taiwan’s medical startup teams.

The TMU Biomed Accelerator is the first international-level innovative medical university accelerator in Taiwan, targeting three major themes including digital medicine, artificial intelligence and medical equipment.

Taking advantage of TMU healthcare system’s resources and exoertise, the Biomed Accelerator guides start-up teams in developing strategies for product clinical trials to accelerate commercialization of their research outcomes and linkage with the international ecosystem.

ScII appoints Dr. Pietro Borsano as its new Deputy Executive Director, Industrial and Global Alliances

Posted on by bajinderscii

Dr. Pietro Borsano, a faculty member of the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (ScII), is the new Deputy Executive Director, Industrial and Global Alliances.

His appointment was approved by Chulalongkorn University President Prof. Bundhit Eua-arporn, effective October 1, 2021.

Announcing the appointment, ScII Executive Director Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai acknowledged Dr Pietro’s dedication in forging alliances with academia and the private sector globally. Prof Worsak thanked him for accepting this new responsibility in addition to his regular faculty duties. Dr. Pietro described it as a privilege to teach our students as a faculty member and to serve our School in this additional capacity.

The Deputy Executive Director, Industrial and Global Alliances (DED-IGA) will identify potential international academic partners that align with the School’s vision, focusing on student and faculty exchanges, joint entrepreneurial projects, and research. The DED-IGA will also identify and develop industry partners for product development, innovative projects, and joint legal entities with ScII, focusing on student internships, job placements, scholarships, research, and consulting projects.

In addition to serving as a contact point for partners and as legal advisor, drafting and negotiating agreements, and representing ScII on behalf of the Executive Director, the DED-IGA will oversee international guest lectures, international joint conferences, training, and education bootcamps.

Dr. Pietro Borsano is the Faculty member responsible for Entrepreneurship and Core Business at ScII, where he is creating an innovation ecosystem in line with SDG #9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) and grooming Thai and international students to strive as the next generation of entrepreneurs and corporate innovators in Southeast Asia.

His professional experience spans across academia, management advisory, and law practice, in both Europe and Asia.

He is a fellow of the Innovative Teaching Scholar Programme (Stanford University) and of ELI Asia – Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Executive Development Programme (Babson College). He holds a Master’s in European Business with merit from ESCP Europe, and a Doctorate Degree in Law with honours from the University of Turin.

UNAIR researcher studies Zingiberaceae’s potential as anti-HIV medicinal plant

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) Universitas Airlangga have collaborated with Natural Ingredients Pharmacy researchers, Department of Pharmacy of Tadulako University (UNTAD) Palu to study potential medicinal plants as anti-HIV drugs.

Siti Qamariyah Khairunisa, an Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) HIV-1/AIDS researcher, said that the Tadulako University research team contributed to the extraction and characterization of compounds from Zingiberaceae, while the research team from HIV laboratory ITD UNAIR is the only laboratory in Indonesia with isolates of HIV, so it contributes to conducting the in-vitro testing of the anti-HIV drug.

The HIV Laboratory of ITD UNAIR led by Prof. Dr Nasronudin also provided samples from HIV patients for research.

Zingiberaceae is a perennial herb that mostly grows in the subtropical and tropical climates of Asia and the Pacific. According to her, these plants can be found in Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP) Central Sulawesi Indonesia and have been used traditionally by the Topo Baria ethnic group for medicine, food flavouring, and food wrappings.

“There are three endemic species of Zingiberaceae plants in Central Sulawesi, Alpinia eremochlamys K. Schum, Etlingera flexuosa AD Poulsen, and Etlingera acanthoides AD Poulsen,” she said.

In the Zingiberaceae plant research, she continued, methanol extract of Alpinia galanga rhizome showed potent inhibitory activity on HIV-1 PR. Furthermore, 19S-19-Acetoxychavicol acetate, which is isolated from Alpinia galanga, was reported to block Rev transport, therefore, inhibiting the replication of HIV type 1. (E)-Labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial from Alpinia zerumbet has an inhibitive effect on HIV-integrase.

“Zerumbone, the main compound from Zingiber zerumbet and Zingiber aromaticum, was also reported to inhibit HIV,” she said.

The ITD researcher revealed that anti-HIV candidates in medicinal plants Zingiberaceae, Alpinia eremochlamys, Etlingera exuosa, and Etlingera acanthoides were carried out in vitro in the HIV/AIDS laboratory at the Institute for Tropical Diseases, Universitas Airlangga. This test uses high-standard laboratory facilities, Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 (BSL3).

“The stages include compound extraction, compound characterization, toxicity test and anti-HIV activity test using lymphocytes (T cells) and HIV isolated from HIV type 1 patients,” she explained.

According to Siti, based on the results of the anti-virus screening, the ethanol extract of E. acanthoides and A. eremochlamys rhizomes have the potency to inhibit the replication of HIV-1 on MT-4 cells in vitro. In addition, E. acanthoides rhizome showed the best antiviral activity with the lowest with IC50, less toxicity, and the highest selectivity index among other anti-HIV candidates.

“The presence of terpenoid compounds such as zerumbone, ar-turmerone, caryophyllene, and caryophyllene oxide as well as several saturated and unsaturated fatty acids have the potential for antiviral activity,” she concluded.

UA and headspace partner to deliver new mental health resources to universities

Posted on by Editorial Team

Prompting thoughtful and timely conversations and connecting university staff and students with the mental health support they need is at the centre of a new initiative launched today by Universities Australia in partnership with headspace.

The Real Talk framework will inform a series of two-hour workshops carefully tailored for Australian university staff to help them notice changes in a person’s mood or behaviours, start a conversation about mental health, and provide appropriate support.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said there can be a range of biological, social and environmental factors that affect someone’s mental health.

“As students and staff begin to return to campus after a period of much uncertainty, it’s incredibly important to consider the experiences they may be carrying as a result of lockdowns, separation from loved ones, physical health, financial burdens and transitioning to different ways of learning and working,” Ms Jackson said.

“Real Talk has been developed to help staff recognise when their students, peers and colleagues are struggling, and to have confidence finding the right words to use if they would like help.”

“It encourages caring conversations that bring hope and validation, while also connecting people to the appropriate support.”

The Real Talk framework builds on an initiative launched by Universities Australia and headspace last year to help universities respond to death by suicide in their communities. Further resources to support universities with suicide prevention will be released later this year.

headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan is proud to be launching the Real Talk framework in partnership with Universities Australia.

“We all have a crucial role to play when it comes to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the community and that’s why the launch of this new framework is such a great step forward,” Mr Trethowan said.

“Noticing changes in someone’s behaviour, knowing how to safely check in and being able to provide help or connect them with services are critical skills and it’s great to see the commitment from Universities Australia to developing these skills within the university communities.”

“We look forward to working with Universities Australia to develop the skills to provide help for others both now and into the future.”

SMU maintains prestigious AAHRPP accreditation

Posted on by Teo Chang Ching

The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP), which promotes high-quality research through an accreditation process that helps organisations worldwide strengthen their human research protection programmes, has announced that Singapore Management University (SMU) has been awarded Full Re-accreditation for five years. SMU was first accredited by AAHRPP in 2018.

SMU remains the only University in Singapore to become an AAHRPP accredited research organisation and the first to be re-accredited. Besides SMU, the only other university-level accredited organisation in Asia (not specific to a medical-related research unit), is Peking University.

Professor Archan Misra, SMU’s Vice Provost (Research) said “Attaining re-accreditation demonstrates AAHRPP’s strong vote of confidence in the high international standards of SMU’s research processes. It also reaffirms that SMU IRB continues to meet all the Accreditation Standards of AAHRPP and our commitment to continuously improve our Human Research Protection Programme to protect the safety, welfare and rights of the individuals who participate in our research, even as research projects evolve to increasingly embrace in-field experimentation and AI technologies.”

In its report on the re-accreditation, AAHRPP noted that SMU has a robust process between the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Research Office that allows all grants, contracts, and other proposals being submitted for funding to be sent to and reviewed by the IRB to determine whether human participant research is involved. IRB’s professional support for SMU community members’ human participant research is also addressed. During the past three years, SMU IRB has successfully reviewed and approved 1,389 studies.

The review committee was impressed by SMU’s processes and procedures in protecting the rights and welfare of research participants, and the attention that senior management devoted to balancing the enablement of avant-garde research with the need to protect participants’ rights and the university’s reputation.

To attain re-accreditation, an institution needs to continue to meet all the Accreditation Standards set out by AAHRPP. These include building extensive safeguards into every level of their research operation, and that they adhere to high standards for research.

Examples of the processes and culture that SMU has built into the research operations to protect the safety, welfare, privacy and rights of research participants include the establishment of additional safeguards to protect the vulnerable populations in research, the regular evaluation of SMU Institutional Review Board’s composition and performance to ensure high-quality reviews of human participant research, as well as the inclusion of compliance measures to ensure the proper conduct of transnational research by the SMU researchers.