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Year: 2021

TPU scientists develop biodegradable polymer accelerating tissue regeneration

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University jointly with their colleagues from the University of Aveiro (Portugal) and a number of some overseas universities have developed a polymeric material combining at the same time two properties, which are important for further application in medical implants.

The material is biodegradable, i.e. capable to dissolve in a human body after some time, as well as possesses improved piezoelectric properties such as a capability to generate electric charge accelerating tissue regeneration.

It became possible to improve material properties due to the impurity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes. The research findings are published in the Nano Energy academic journal (IF: 17,881; Q1). The research work is supported by a mega-grant of the Government of the Russian Federation.

“Nowadays, materials possessing piezoelectric properties are noteworthy for regenerative medicine as they are capable to generate electric charge without an external source of electrical energy, for instance, if the material is twisted or strained in the other way. Electrical impulses contribute to the stimulation of regeneration of living tissues, such as bone or nervous tissues after traumas. As a rule, worth piezoelectrics are not biodegradable,”  Roman Chernozem, Research Fellow of the TPU International Research Center for Piezo- and Magnetoelectric Materials, one of the article authors, says.

“Biodegradation is a very important property for an implant, as a biodegradable implant is not required extraction after tissue regeneration, it falls apart into harmless components. It must be mentioned that extraction means a new surgery, probable tissue injury and risk infection.”

The obtained material visually reminds a greyish fabric. This fibre construction simulates scaffolding and is called a scaffold. Cells literally fill this fibre construction generating new tissues in an injured spot.

“We were able to create a material with the worth piezoelectric properties, notably, a biodegradable material. There are only a few such polymers in the world,” Roman Surmenev, Director of the TPU Research Center for Physical Materials Science and Composite Materials, explains.

“Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB), a biodegradable polymer, which was already used for research, was taken as basic material. In the initial polymer solution, there was added rGO nanoflakes. As we forecast, this additive essentially changed a molecular composition and polymer structure.”

There was an increased electric charge (potential) of the obtained hybrid scaffolds on the surface by 9.5 folds and increased piezoelectric response by 2.5 folds in comparison with an unpromoted polymer. For the first time, there were also studied the piezoelectric properties of the polymer at the nanoscale. According to the article authors, the piezoelectric properties of the developed hybrid biodegradable scaffolds surpass the piezoelectric response of human’s bone tissue and сollagen.

The scientists are intending to research further how the new material interacts with living cells and tissues in order the material will be applicable for the production of biodegradable implants of the vast scope of application.

“The material is promising for implants in bone tissue engineering, regeneration of nervous tissue and some other vital types of tissues,” Andrey Kholkin, Director of the TPU International Research Center for Piezo- and Magnetoelectric Materials, adds.

UiTM and UPI foster more research collaboration

Posted on by NURUL SALIZAWATEE MAHPAR & NOOR RITA MOHAMAD KHAN

As its internationalization drive, the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia had been in discussion and working closely with the Faculty of Economics and Business Education (FPEB), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Indonesia on fostering more research collaboration between them.

In March 2021, both parties successfully signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) via the Research Matching Grant Scheme (RMGS) to strengthen their research networking as well as to expand collaboration between two universities.

The RMGS focuses on contemporary research areas pertinent to logistics and entrepreneurship. Among the topics to cover are issues on Halal Logistics, Risk Analysis in the Halal Foods Delivery Services and the Womanpreneurs’ Empowerment in leading the Way Against Covid-19.

The MOA ceremony was held virtually with the witnesses by the Dean of FBM, Prof. Dr. Noryati Ahmad, Deputy Dean of Research, Dr Amirul Afif Muhamat, Deputy Dean of Academic, Dr Zarina Denan, and all researchers involved in the project. The research contributors from FBM are, Dr Ismah Osman, Assoc. Prof. Dr Rohana Ngah, Assoc. Prof. Dr Lennora Putit, and Dr Emi Normalina Omar. Meanwhile, the representatives from FPEB are Prof. Dr H.Eeng Ahman, Dr Heny Hendrayanti, Prof. Dr Suryana, Prof. Dr Hari Mulyadi, Dr Chairul Furqan, and Dr Mukh. Adib Sultan.

This research collaboration is an epitome of a professional and strong relationship between both institutions that are consistently pursuing ways to develop collaborative activities beneficial for their stakeholders. More other collaborations are in the pipeline for both institutions in their bid to move forward and stay relevant in the new norm.

Thammasat University launches Thailand’s first Doctoral program in Social Innovation and Sustainability

Posted on by Thammasat University

The School of Global Studies (SGS), Thammasat University, held the “Introduction to the SGS programs” webinar to introduce its programs to the public. The school offers three social science programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Social Entrepreneurship; the Master of Arts in Social Innovation and Sustainability; and the newly established Doctoral Program in Social Innovation and Sustainability.

In this webinar, the Dean of SGS – Assistant Professor Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, PhD – talked about the common spirit shared by the three programs: “At the aggregate level, the school has been at the forefront of various issues; whether it’s globalization, innovation, or entrepreneurship. Those are the important concepts and segues where we try to bridge and make the connection between theory and practice, and basically, try to integrate real events to our understanding and our theory of social sciences.”

“We have been trying to make the vital connection between globalization and localization, to substantiate what it means to have these experiences and to extend that to the global framework. As for innovation and entrepreneurship itself, we try to expand the base not only at the private sector level, but we try to bring entrepreneurship to the policy level, to civil society, to the public spheres as well. This is an important element that we try to encourage and support our students to embrace. Hopefully, with that sort of knowledge set, you can focus more on the issues that are relevant, for example, in your thesis and in your study,” says Asst. Prof. Prapaporn.

The PhD program in Social Innovation and Sustainability at the School of Global Studies is unique in its combination of social innovation and sustainability, two very important policy areas at the forefront of our contemporary society in the twenty-first century.

The students will get to specialize in the topic of their own interest but in close collaboration with our faculty who are experts in different fields. Recognizing that social innovation and sustainability are broad terrains, the program seeks to promote diversity by offering different tracks of entry that cater for applicants with different academic backgrounds and different levels of professional experience.

The PhD program will provide an open environment for critical dialogue. The aim is to be highly interactive with workshops, seminars, case studies, subject experts, and practitioners engaging in the discussion of key concepts, theories, frameworks, and emerging ideas for creating, developing, and enabling social innovation in the public, private and social sectors in the region. Learners will have the opportunity to participate in research seminars and conferences inside and outside the universities.

President University and Universitas Padjadjaran sign the Declaration for the establishment of Medical study program

Posted on by President University

President University (PresUniv) and Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) signed a declaration of guidance/assistance from the Faculty of Medicine, Unpad, in the context of establishing Medical study program at PresUniv. The declaration was signed by the Rector of PresUniv Prof. Dr. Jony Oktavian Haryanto with Dr. dr. Yudi Mulyana Hidayat, Sp.OG(K) as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Unpad. The signing was held at Jababeka Golf & Country Club, Cikarang, Bekasi.

At the signing of the Declaration, there were Dr. (HC) SD Darmono, Chairman of the Jababeka Group and founder of PresUniv, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Budi Susilo Soepandji, DEA, Chairman of the President University Education Foundation. From the ranks of PresUniv, Handa S. Abidin, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D. as Vice-Rector for Academics and Student Affairs, and Dr. Dra. Fennieka Kristianto, S.H., M.H., M.A., M.Kn.

Meanwhile, from Padjajaran University, dr. Irvan Afriandi, MPH.,Dr.PH, Vice Dean for Resources and Organization, dr. Dwi Agustian, MPH, Ph.D., Manager of Research, Innovation & Partnership, and Prof. Dr.med. dr. Tri Hanggono Achmad, who was also Unpad Rector for the 2015-2019 period.

In the remarks of the signing of the Declaration, SD Darmono said, “I hope that the Medical Study Program at PresUniv will be different from other medical education with international standards. So, in the future, many foreigners will seek medication here. Not the other way around, where Indonesians who seek medication abroad.”

Meanwhile, Prof. Jony said, “With this declaration, PresUniv’s plan to establish a Medical Study Program is one step further. Hopefully, after this, the following processes can take place more quickly, so that PresUniv’s wish to have a Medical Study Program will be actualized soon.” Said Dr Yudi Mulyana.

“We are experienced in building a Faculty of Medicine. In the process, none of the results is ideal. This time, I hope that the steps we will take will be in accordance with the rules.”

UCYP High Achievers’ Scholarship 2021

Posted on by hafiz

Four students of the University College of Yayasan Pahang (UCYP) have been recognized as UCYP High Achievers’ Scholarship 2021 beneficiaries for diploma studies for the first
time. On the 8th of September 2021, a brief but inspiring meeting was held via the Zoom platform.

 

The meeting was attended by Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ahmad bin Haji Zainuddin, UCYP Vice-Chancellor, Encik Jalaluddin bin Abdullah, Registrar, UCYP management team including Encik Yung Leong Lam, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Student Enrolment & International), Puan Suhaila Hj. Mukhtar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Branding & Corporate Communication), and Encik Nazlan bin Nazidin, Marketing Manager.

 

The four recipients are UCYP diploma students, Putera Muhammad Izzamil bin Mohd Ghazali bin Mohd Ghazali and Aikal Amirul Amri bin Rahimi who received 8As for their SPM results as well as successfully obtaining UCYP Full Scholarships, while Wan Nur Ameera Aleeya binti Wan Aziz received 7As and Ainul Syazwani binti Arman received 6As managed to bring home UCYP Partial Scholarships.

 

Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Ahmad also shared his experiences from school until the present time during the online meet-up session. According to him, “The challenges in life could shape an individual into a more mature and wise decision-maker. Don’t let deficiencies in one’s background to become an impediment to success, but rather turn it as a catalyst to accomplishment.”

 

“I view the scholarship awardees as a line of leaders who will stand as among the best examples in terms of academic achievement and personality.”

 

“Students should study the different diversity that exists in each individual in the university. With that, you are able to stimulate and develop new knowledge and skills through sharing every point of view by communicating with a huge and unique community,” he explained.

 

At the end of the session, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ahmad bin Haji Zainuddin advised the scholarship recipients to start making plans for their journey in order to achieve the greatest results for themselves, their families, and society.

FK UNAIR wins three awards at IMEDIST Malaysia

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga‘s doctoral student in Medical Science, Nanda Yuli Rahmawati, and team supervised by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (FK), Prof. Budi Santoso have won three awards at the International Joint Conference on Medical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iMEDiST).

The three awards were Best Presenter on Medical Science Track, Best Paper on Medical Science Track, and Best of The Best or being the best of all competition categories.

In the competition held on June 29-30, Nanda and the team discussed endometriosis. Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease in women that can cause reduced fertility.

Endometriosis causes an attachment to the reproductive organs and produces a toxic fluid that can thwart the process of fertilization and pregnancy. Through this research, the student from Tuban hoped that her research could continue and be developed as a diagnostic tool to detect the severity of endometriosis.

Centre for BRICS Studies at Amity University Haryana fosters cooperation and information exchange

Posted on by Amity University Haryana

The rapidly evolving BRICS community, comprising fast-moving major emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has created a special position that enormously impacts global economic growth and power balance.

The strategic significance of BRICS in contemporary geostrategic architecture has led to the establishment of the Centre for BRICS Studies at Amity University Haryana (AUH).

Over the years the Centre has evolved into a “Centre of Excellence” in its high-end practice-research-outreach endeavour. While keeping track of the latest developments in BRICS including various Summit meetings, the Centre for BRICS Studies has been at the forefront in organizing seminars, conferences, expert lectures, panel discussions, college competitions, and international publications.

Renowned academicians, senior diplomats, and industry professionals have been visiting the Centre during various programs and events organized by the centre. These endeavours are aimed at promoting the spirit of practice, research, and outreach while enhancing academia-industry integration.

AUH students and research scholars have, frequently, submitted research articles, on contemporary issues related to BRICS, for review and publication and which shows their increased interest in the area.

The Centre for BRICS Studies is also offering a Doctoral program on BRICS issues in collaboration with Amity Business School (ABS), apart from existing courses in the MBA program in the International Business stream at ABS, Amity University Haryana.

The Centre for BRICS Studies publishes a biannual BRICS Magazine, that apart from deliberating on contemporary strategic issues on BRICS has become a popular reading in academic, diplomatic, and industry spheres.

All these initiatives taken up by the Centre for BRICS Studies considerably enhances the dissemination of high-end knowledge and information about BRICS countries in conjunction with promoting debates in the public policy paradigm while fostering cooperation and information exchange among research institutions and think tanks within BRICS countries.

Oilman from Shiraz to promote cooperation between Russia and Iran

Posted on by St. Petersburg Mining University

Hamed Jafarpour, who, after graduating from Saint Petersburg Mining University, returned to his home country, shares his story. Hamed is a postdoctoral research fellow at Shiraz University. In 2021, he headed the Iranian-Russian Centre for Academic Cooperation.

An expert in the field of petroleum engineering, as Hamed calls himself, was born in the city of Shiraz. His father was a reservoir engineer; he would often talk to his son about how and where oil and gas form, how they are extracted and processed.

“I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Islamic Azad University of Omidiyeh, where I studied petroleum engineering,” he says.

“In my last year, a professor at the university – one of Iran’s most renowned academics – suggested I consider continuing my studies in Russia. He used to cooperate with Russian scientists, underwent his internships there. He was also convinced that if there is a place in the world to possess the most advanced technology, it must be Russia. After all, it produces about 10.5 million barrels of oil every day,” he adds.

“So I browsed through the list of Russian mining-engineering universities, carefully studied the programmes they were offering, and chose St. Petersburg Mining University. Soon I left for Russia to proceed with PhD studies.”

Hamed spent in Russia 6 years in total. He says the most notable difference between Russian and Iranian educational systems lies in the immediate consolidation of theoretical skills in practice.

“That is, at Mining University, with the end of a lecture, students immediately head off to laboratories to learn how to apply what they have just learnt to the real world. And at the end of each study year, they do one-month-long – or longer-lasting – internships at industry-specific organisations or in the field.”

“We don’t have so many practical classes and workshops in Iran, whilst the main focus in our universities is on theory — mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology. It is only at PhD level that lab research becomes a mandatory part of the learning process. The Russian approach is more effective as I see it — you study first and then do it yourself. Thus students can feel what it’s like to be an oil engineer, and if they are not happy with their choice, change their field of study accordingly,” Hamed adds.

When the fresh graduate returned to his home country in 2019, he decided to dedicate his career to passing on the knowledge and skills he had gained in Russia to Iranian students.

“A lot of recent research in the oil & gas industry focuses on enhancing oil recovery. Many of our fields have been developed for more than 40 years. Hence, they are gradually depleting and require rehabilitation. Therefore the topic of my PhD thesis – oil production technology involving acid treatment of carbonate reservoirs – assumes particular importance. Any field starts to produce less raw material over time, so it is crucial to study how to prevent and remove mineral deposits in the borehole equipment. By getting rid of them, we can prolong a field lifecycle and intensify the oil flow,” Hamed says.

“In Iran, I could only learn the theory of how to extract oil using acid compounds. It was different at Mining University. Thanks to the support of highly qualified scientific staff, and essential equipment and reagents on hand, I became engaged in research work. It yielded credible results, so I began writing scientific papers and publishing them in international journals.  Besides, I took part in conferences in Russia and France, and even won some prizes,” he adds.

Hamed is now working in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Shiraz University. In addition to teaching students and pursuing his own research, he is also heading the Iranian-Russian Centre for Academic Cooperation. The Mining University’s graduate aims to intensify scientific and educational cooperation between the two universities.

“Iran-Russia relations are good actually; numerous joint projects are being implemented, especially in energy, transportation, and industrial cooperation. And yet, we know very little about each other. To be honest, Iranians are often afraid of Russia. So I, for my part, inform local students and high-school graduates about the benefits of studying in Russian universities. I tell them what life in Russia is really like,” Hamed says.

“With the active development of trade, economic and political cooperation between our countries, my knowledge of Russian has become a huge advantage. It is not easy to get a job at Shiraz University. However, when the rector found out that I had studied in Russia and spoke Russian, they literally started persuading me to accept a job offer,” he adds.

Shiraz University is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher educational institutions in Iran. It has been working closely with St. Petersburg Mining University for some years now. The two universities’ teaching staff are writing joint research articles. Iranian students have on repeated occasions participated in the events organised by the first higher technical university in Russia.

A draft agreement between Shiraz and Mining universities is currently under discussion. It includes articles on student exchange programmes in Russia, visiting professorships, joint research projects, and online courses in Russian for undergraduate applicants. The agreement is expected to come into force at the start of the next academic year; then, its implementation will begin.

Chitkara University bags A+ NAAC accreditation

Posted on by Dr K K Mishra

Chitkara University has been awarded the rating of A+ by the prestigious National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which places it among the 5% of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India to be granted such a coveted grade. The University scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.26 on a 4-point scale.

The Peer Team visit was completed between August 30th, 2021 and September 01st, 2021. The detailed score along with the grade card was issued by NAAC on September 07th, 2021 after the 81st Standing Committee/Executive Committee of NAAC. Chitkara University has been accredited with an A+ grade for five years up to September 2026.

The University has been awarded a 3.8-grade point for Curricular Aspects, 3.06 for Teaching Learning and Evaluation, 2.71 for Research, Innovations and Extension, 3.56 for Infrastructure and Learning Resources, 2.85 for Students Support & progression, 3.62 for Governance, Leadership and Management and highest grade point of 3.95 for Institutional Values and Best Practices. The overall grade awarded to the University is 3.26 on a 4-point scale with A+ grade.

The university has been praised for three major features by the Peer Team. They are: good infrastructure for educational innovation and research; a neat and clean, green, and well-maintained campus; and the location of the institute is in a well-developed urban area with good placement opportunities.

On the occasion, Dr Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University said, “It is the hard work of our students, staff and faculty that resulted in securing this recognition. Moreover, the university has a well-defined research promotion policy which has resulted in the development of state-of-the-art advanced facilities. CURIN has multi-disciplinary advanced facilities supported by research funding from government agencies such as DST, DRDO, etc. to the tune of 37.24 crores. The research scholars and faculties are provided seed money for undertaking research and filing patents.”

Dr. Madhu Chitkara expressed her sincere thanks to all stakeholders and said, “The curricula are developed following standardised procedures and are revised at regular intervals by taking feedback from all our stakeholders. The local, regional, and global developmental needs regarding employability and entrepreneurship are considered while designing the course. Experimental, participative, and project-based learning are in practise through blended learning. We have adopted a flexible CBCS system that gives freedom to the students to undergo a multidisciplinary approach.”

“The assessment process is well defined to evaluate the attainment level in critical thinking and problem-solving skills through programme-specific learning.”

Established in 1994, NAAC is an autonomous body of UGC which assesses and accredits Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). NAAC has identified a set of seven criteria to serve as the basis of its assessment procedures: Curricular Aspects; Teaching-learning & Evaluation; Research, Innovations & Extension; Infrastructure & Learning Resources; Student Support & Progression; Governance, Leadership & Management; and Institutional Values & Best Practices.

By studying in an institution that is NAAC accredited, students get a chance to learn in a cutting-edge environment and earn a degree that will have global recognition. They get instant recognition as an alumnus of a credible institute and get better placement opportunities as the industry prefers hiring with higher-graded institutions.

The university, through NAAC accreditation, gets to know its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities through an informed review process. The higher NAAC Grade of the university promotes various intra & inter-institutional interactions.

Dr Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University said, “The university practices Global Week for students and faculty exchange programs with foreign academic institutions. Various dynamic collaborations have been established through internationally funded research projects, international conferences and cultural immersion across the campus. This best practice has had a significant impact on a large number of global experts (250) and students (25000), several value-added courses (100) have been introduced through this best practice.”

Dr. K. K Mishra, Director, Accreditation & Quality Assurance Cell, said “According to the old scheme, which was followed till 2017, the whole evaluation was based on an overhauled visit by a peer team, and under the current process, 70% of the evaluation is based on data from the institution and university that is evaluated by a third party. That makes it even harder to be accredited. The NAAC accreditation will create new avenues for the university and its students”.

TPU scientists develop installation for industrial partner to apply coatings extending life time of bone implants

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed and passed to OSTOMED-M, one of the largest implant producers in Russia, unique equipment to apply bioactive and protective coatings on implants and medical instruments.

The R&D was conducted within the Federal Target Program from 2017 to 2019. The funding allocation was approximately 96 million rubles. The TPU scientists designed and produced the equipment (production line) as far back as 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pass of the equipment to the industrial partner became possible only in 2021, however, as the scientists note it allowed implementing a trial run at TPU. The equipment will be used at a new plant of OSTEOMED-M in Rybinsk, where at the moment, installation of the production line is being carried out at its industrial sites.

“It all started from the participation in a discussion at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital, where there were discussed introduction ways of our developments into the industry. Leonid Brizhan, Deputy Chief Traumatologist of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Dmitry Kholyavkin, Chief Executive Officer at OSTEOMED-M, took part in that discussion and told which coatings they were interested in. In case there are no interested doctors, then our work is bound to be unsuccessful. Before we cooperated with this company, however, in much less volume. Some time ago, there was a task received from the doctors: to produce coatings not only on experimental samples but on an industrial scale,” Sergey Tverdokhlebov, Acting Head of the Laboratory for Plasma Hybrid Systems of the TPU School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, said.

These are bioactive calcium phosphate coatings for hip implants and screws for spine surgery. These are implants, which remain in a human body for a long time and which require stable fixation in a bone. Moreover, an essential task is the improvement of an implant survival rate. Based on the terms of reference received from the industrial partner, the TPU scientists not only developed but also improved the unique equipment — an experimental industrial complex for the formation of bioactive and protective coatings on implants and medical instruments, as well as passed the company the results of intellectual activity. It includes a number of technological know-how. It is an electrolyte formulation, a solution, in which coating formation, application processes of bioactive coatings on a hip stem and application processes of protective coatings on spine screws occur.

Furthermore, jointly with Microsplav, a technological partner, there was developed and patented a powerful pulse generator to be a power supply for the installation. Using the development results, it is able to extend a lifetime of a hip implant, as well as to ensure better integration of an implant with a bone.

Calcium phosphate coatings applied on an implant allow not using bone cement, due to bioactive properties, a bone will grow in an implant. According to our calculations, the life time of such implants must increase by 5-10 years.

The problem is that implants, which are inserted in a hip joint, in case of a hip fracture, can loosen after some time. Besides, our equipment having no alternatives in Russia allows applying coatings on temporary implants, for instance, on crews used in spine surgery,” the scientist explains.