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Year: 2021

TPU scientists find method to save over 50 Percent of fuel at refineries

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a method to reduce refinery energy consumption. Using this method, the scientists were able to save more than half of the fuel at the researched manufacturing site.

The university experts believe that these results can be achieved at almost any industrial manufacturing facility. The research findings are published in the Energy Conversion and Management academic journal (IF: 9,709; Q1). Journalists of the Sputnik international news agency told more about the conducted research.

The scientists used hydrocracking, the processing of high-boiling oil fractions to generate fuel at the refinery. They proposed to reduce the spending of energy resources using the optimization of a structure of technological and heat fluxes. The specific sequence of heat exchangers led to increased energy efficiency. As a result, the consumption of fuel gas and heavy fuel oil was reduced by 54 percent, while the consumption of electrical energy was reduced by 20 percent at the refinery.

“For instance, there are three heat fluxes. The first flux is heated by steam, the second one is cooled by water and the third is heated in the oven. To save energy resources, we can heat the first and third fluxes by the second one. There are dozens of such fluxes at any operating refinery,” Stanislav Boldyrev, Research Fellow of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, said.

According to the researcher, the proposed method can be used both for the renewal of operating enterprises of the secondary sector of the economy and for designing new more energy-efficient manufacturing facilities with a minimal impact on the environment. Such renewal will allow refineries to reduce costs for manufacturing final products and to reduce the environmental impact.

Fuel-saving at the refinery where the experiment was conducted led to the reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 19 t per year. It is linked with the overall reduction of burning fuel.

“This technology can already be used for improving processes in chemical and gas processing industries, food handling. The technology can be used everywhere where raw materials are used and it deals with heating, cooling and chemical transformations,” Stanislav Boldyrev notes.

To create an optimal flux structure, the researchers used pinch technology, integration principles of seamless process flows, graph theory and fundamentals of heat and mass transfer.

Fuel saving at the refinery where the experiment was conducted led to the reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 19 t per year. It is linked with the overall reduction of burning fuel.

“Pinch technology lies in minimizing gross energy in any system where there are fluxes which must be heated and cooled. Using these fluxes, it is possible to recuperate thermal energy, i.e. to use this energy one more time. In its turn, graph theory allowed optimizing the structure and forming a mathematical task,” the scientist added

“The graph theory helped to reduce the number of required heat exchangers, i.e. to select a structure of a heat exchanger network, in which there will be two heat exchangers instead of ten additional ones. Thus, it is possible to reduce capital expenses for manufacturing renewal.”

Thammasat University introduces cashless canteen to minimize contact

Posted on by Thammasat University

The Property and Sports Management Office of Thammasat University in collaboration with Bangkok Bank are offering the first cashless canteen services at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center.

Services have begun from June 2021 onward to make everyone’s spending more convenient and easier through fast and safe payment channels. The available payment channels are national e-payment by debit and credit cards, PromptPay or QR code, and  Rabbit cards or Rabbit Line Pay.

In the upcoming days, cashless canteens will be established at every food centre under the care of the Property and Sports Management Office, including at Thewson Dome and the faculties of Engineering Science, Science and Technology, Social Science 1, and Social Science 2 at Thammasat University Tha Phra Chan and Thammasat University Lampang campuses.

Mr Chapman Ngan appointed as Deputy Director (Administration) of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is pleased to appoint Mr Chapman Ngan as Deputy Director(Administration) of the Academy, effective on September 1, 2021.

Since joining the Academy as Assistant Deputy Director (Campus Development and Operations) in September 2020, Mr Ngan has been overseeing areas regarding campus and facilities management, capital construction projects, venue management, fundraising and institutional advancement.

Mr Ngan had worked for the Hong Kong SAR Government for 35 years prior to joining the Academy. In his new role as Deputy Director (Administration), Mr Ngan provides leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of campus planning, teaching and learning facilities and related administrative and operational functions of the Academy to ensure the Academy is well positioned to fulfill its strategic objectives and make academic growth.

He assists Professor Gillian Choa, Director of the Academy, to lead and oversee campus development, human resources, financial management, student services and venue management.

Professor Stephen Chow, Council Chairman of the Academy, and Professor Gillian Choa, Academy Director, believe that Mr Ngan’s strong leadership and extensive experience are valuable assets to the Academy. They look forward to working even closer with him in leading the Academy to achieve the many exciting developments ahead, including a major development project for new teaching facilities and a student hostel.

Team from Voronezh becomes winner of Urban Greenhouse Challenge at TPU

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

The team named Green Spot from Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G. F. Morozov has become a winner of Urban Greenhouse Challenge: Reforest, an international competition at TPU.

It is the first time Urban Greenhouse Challenge: Reforest has been held at a Russian university. Tomsk Polytechnic University became its main organizer. The key task of the contestants was to develop a project of a city farm, an autonomous greenhouse for growing coniferous and deciduous seedlings on multi-tiered shelving units. The prize pool of the competition was $10,000.

On June 23, the top 10 finalists pitched in front of the jury consisted of representatives of Schneider Electric and iFarm, a Russian vertical farms startup.

According to the results of the Challenge and pitch session, Green Spot was recognized as the winner.

The team members received a $4,000 prize.

REWIND became the second, while YOLKA-IGOLKA took the third position. They were awarded $2,000 and $1,000 prizes relatively. Moreover, five Finale teams also received encouragement prizes.

According to the jury members, the project of Green Spot turned out to be the most elaborated among all the projects. The team members paid some attention to every aspect, worked at every detail. The experts also noted an excellent visualization of the concept, use of 3D simulating and a superb presentation during the pitch session.

“At the pitch session, the jury members became convinced that every presented concept was somehow unique. It was a complicated choice taking into account the design, the technical component, as well as how this city farm can be integrated into the environment and how its architecture solutions can be used in the outskirts.

It was a very interesting experience. It was very pity that our lumber industry did not take part in the Challenge properly, however, innovative iFarm became both experts and jury members. I hope that we will continue such practice in future,” Maxim Volkov, Head of the TPU International Cooperation Division, says.

The members of Green Spot previously told that the basis of their concept was a modular design of a greenhouse complex, which would help to increase its mobility.

Thammasat University’s BBA students win the second runner up prize at IMA AsiaPac Student Case Competition 2021

Posted on by Thammasat University

The Survivors Team of Thammasat University’s BBA students has won the second runner-up place at IMA AsiaPac Student Case Competition 2021 hosted by the Institute of Management Accountants, Inc., Singapore.

The team’s members were Nichakorn Siamipak, Metapon Manitkajornkit, Pumipob Arisawangkit and Ornicha Piriyasanguanpong.

The IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) case competition is a popular competition that invites university students to think strategically and stretch their analytical skills to solve a business case.

New fluorescent nanoparticles to contribute to medical diagnostic testing with contrast

Posted on by Alina Perevizintsova

Scientists at St Petersburg University, LAT University (Finland) and Sirius University have synthesised new fluorescent nanoparticles based on the fluorides of rare earth elements – yttrium and europium with the addition of gadolinium ions. Potentially, they can be used in laser microscopy and in diagnostics of various diseases with the use of contrast. The article describing the synthesised phosphor was published in The New Journal of Chemistry published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The research results appeared on the journal cover.

Phosphors are substances that can radiate light when exposed to UV rays, electromagnetic field or different disturbing action. Today, these materials are used in lamps and LEDs (for example, in electric appliances of everyday use), evacuation and fire alarm systems. They are also used to produce paints and pigments, secure value documents, and conduct medical research. Thus, the synthesised substance will allow for magnetic resonance tomography and fluorescence microscopy to be performed simultaneously, which will speed up the diagnostics.

Recently, among various fluorescent materials, researchers have paid particular attention to nanocrystalline non-organic phosphors based on the composites of rare earth elements. For this purpose, the NaYF4 composites are mostly used, since the material itself only slightly reduces the luminescence of the dopded ions.

St Petersburg University scientists replaced the ions of yttrium (Y) with the ions of europium (Eu) and gadolinium (Gd) and studied the way it affects the size of nanoparticles as well as the substance emission properties. Based on the experimental results, the optimum europium doping concentration in the composite is 30%, since exactly this amount of substance provides for the maximal emission intensity. However, luminescence intensity can still be increased. To do so, additionally a small number of yttrium ions should be replaced by gadolinium, while keeping the concentration of europium unchanged. Despite the fact that gadolinium ions show almost no luminescence, they significantly increase the brightness of the substance luminosity.

To achieve this result, scientists synthesise the particles with the ions of yttrium, europium and gadolinium in an autoclave – a chemical reactor that elevates the temperature of substances under pressure above atmospheric. Chemists gradually add citric acid, sodium hydroxide and a mixture of ammonium fluoride and sodium hydroxide to water solutions of yttrium, europium and gadolinium chlorides. Then, the resulted solution is held in an autoclave for 24 hours at a temperature of 180°C. This method allows getting the final substance with improved luminescence properties.

‘We have found out that by adding only 1% of gadolinium, we can enhance the luminescence intensity by 2.5 times.  A decrease in symmetry leads to an increase in luminescence properties of lanthanides that include the three utilised rare earth elements. Probably, the replacement of yttrium ions with larger gadolinium ions causes structural defects that reduce the symmetry and, consequently, enhance luminescence making the substance emission brighter,’ says Andrey Mereshchenko, a co-author of the research, Associate Professor in the Department of Laser Chemistry at St Petersburg University.

During the research, the University chemists also found out that the replacement of yttrium ions by gadolinium and europium ions causes the size reduction of synthesised particles. This simplifies further use of the substance for medical purposes. The images below demonstrate the dependence of the size on the content of europium. These images were obtained by an electronic microscope at Interdisciplinary Resource Centre for Nanotechnology at the St Petersburg University Research Park.

‘We assume that a decrease in the size of particles is related to the crystal-growth rate. Gadolinium and europium ions have a larger radius than yttrium ions. Thus, the surface positive charge density of the particles containing europium and gadolinium is lower.   For this reason, the charged fluoride ions are less attracted to such particles, and they grow slower,’ clarified Andrey Mereshchenko.

In photobiology and biomedicine, bioparticles based on NaYF4 in combination with other rare earth ions are widely used due to low toxicity of the material and ability to penetrate into the tissues because of its small size (unites and tens of nanometres). Thus, gadolinium with its magnetic properties is currently used to design contrast agents for magnetic resonance therapy. Fluorescent nanoparticles with europium ions are used as markers of different diseases to examine biological tissues with the help of fluorescence microscopy. A new phosphor designed by the University scientists enables specialists to perform two types of diagnostics simultaneously – with the help of light and magnetic field, which significantly increases the efficiency of the search.

‘We have to modify our particles by making them more sensitive to certain viruses and cells. Then, we can perform diagnostics, for example, by looking for cancer cells in the human body. We can take samples of cells or tissues and examine them by means of fluorescent microscope. Europium will light up those areas where the particles ‘preconfigured’ to look for cancerous tumour have arrived. The use of magnetic resonance therapy in a living organism will allow to detect a tumour, since the nanoparticles with magnetic gadolinium ions will concentrate there.    Thus, by introducing one functional element we can perform two independent tests at the same time. This is the practical application of our substance,’ explains Andrey Mereshchenko.

In further research, ions in the composite can be partially replaced with radioactive ions and be used in the treatment of cancer. Apart from medicine, these materials can be applied in developing fluorescent paints to safeguard documents, money and securities, where especially bright luminescence is required.

Lingnan University’s new MA Concentration in Environment and Sustainability

Posted on by Editorial Team

Last year, Lingnan University launched its MA in Cities and Governance. This programme aims to equip students with the types of practical skills and understandings required to tackle the huge challenges facing today’s mega-cities and regions.

As part of Lingnan’s commitment to developing the programme, and making it as comprehensive and relevant as possible, a new Concentration in Environment and Sustainability has now been added to the options available to students.

Goals of the new concentration

The concentration will provide students with a broad understanding of how environmental and social issues link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability, in the form of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), is the subject of one of its new courses. “The course will teach students to advise companies how to involve ESG criteria in their strategies,” says Professor Paulina Wong, Programme Director of the concentration. Climate change is another focus. “We offer a short, intensive course about climate change. We want to give students enough knowledge to communicate the issues in a convincing way.”

Environmental concerns will be investigated at local and city levels, as well as national and global levels, and students will benefit from talks by experts active in the spheres of government, academia, and industry, or working with NGOs. They will also take part in international research and academic programme-related events to gain practical hands-on experience.

With topics approached from an international and regional perspective, and an emphasis on inter-disciplinary training, the concentration will give graduates an advantage when applying for careers in international affairs, city management, and public administration, in both developed and developing economic regions, such as the Greater Bay Area. The concentration is also a valuable grounding for higher-level degrees in related fields.

Lingnan University’s related research work

Prof Wong has recently published the results of two research projects examining the levels of air pollution generated by incense-burning at Hong Kong’s temples.

The studies, conducted by Lingnan’s Science Unit under Prof Wong’s leadership, recorded concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) generated by incense burning, both inside and outside temples, at, respectively, six times and four times the recommended levels. In addition, the team found that the more temples there are in one district, the higher the local mortality rate as a result of respiratory disease. To help minimise the health risks to worshippers and neighbouring residents, the study recommends measures such as the deployment of automatic mist sprayers to reduce smoke dispersion, and the use of incense made from non-toxic substances.

Despite its significant impact on ambient air pollution, Prof Wong said that the effects of incense burning in temples was not included in the measurements used in the air quality index.

“There has been little change in the number of temples over the last century, but their surrounding environment is ever changing; some temples are right next to residential buildings. This had a significant environmental impact, and our results suggest that incense burning may cause long-term air pollution contributing to respiratory diseases and should not be overlooked,” she said.

Thammasat University partners with THPF for creating social support guidelines for children and families impacted by COVID-19

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University cooperated with the Office of the Thailand Promotion Foundation (THPF) to develop social support guidelines. They have developed the Psychological-Psychosocial Support Booklet for Children and Families during COVID-19 to use as a tool for working with children in communities and children with family members who are infected with COVID-19.

The THPH plans to expand volunteer social service officer services to primary care units in order to create coverage of service in the dimensions of prevention and continual support at the community level.

Dr Kanitta Buranapansak, Head of Social Services, Thammasat University Hospital, stated that the expansion of results from the project to develop capacity, social care models and empower communities to monitor care and social management for patients, a booklet on social care for COVID-patients in the community and a booklet for social workers on social care for COVID-19 patients will soon be prepared.

 “What everyone found is that there is already stress and anxiety from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, more than that, COVID-19 changed lifestyles. After having COVID-19, patients who return home to be quarantined were concerned about quarantine facilities, fearful of infecting people at home, patients or children. In most problems, more than 50 per cent of the patients were family leaders and the main livelihood earner who had to be dismissed from work, lose income or have difficult livelihoods. There was also fear of separation from loved ones or losing loved ones,” Dr Kanitta said.

“In addition, persons with high health risks such as patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities and children had mental health problems. Currently, there are many cases not accepted by communities back in society, particularly cases living in condominiums who the team has to help care for and create understanding.”

Dr Kajeerat Prak-eko, Director of the Bureau of Health System Development Support, stated that volunteer social service officers will work as mentors to help recovered COVID-19 patients to become volunteers in providing consultation to reduce stigmatization among new patients at Thammasat Field Hospital and patients in the area of Pathumthani.

Dr Joshua Abrams appointed as Deputy Director (Academic) of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has appointed Dr Joshua Abrams as Deputy Director(Academic) of the Academy, with effect from September 1, 2021.

As Deputy Director (Academic), Dr Abrams manages and oversees the ongoing review and development of the Academy’s six Schools and academic units’ educational programmes, Registry, Centre for Education and Research, Library, and Extension & Continuing Education for Life (EXCEL).

He plays a key role in planning and implementing the Academy’s strategic developments, developing a culture of Practice-as-Research, interdisciplinary education, and innovative technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Dr Abrams has over two decades of experience in the higher education sector. Amid his extensive connections with institutions globally, his expertise covers areas in drama pedagogy, academic programme development and accreditation, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning and research. Professor Stephen Chow, Council Chairman of the Academy, and Professor Gillian Choa, Director of the Academy, are confident that, with his distinguished career and wealth of knowledge, Dr Abrams will help take the Academy’s academic development to a new level.

Dr Abrams was Interim Dean of School and Director of Learning and Teaching at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London (Central). He is also the President of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. Dr Abrams graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an SB in Humanities and an SB in Management Science, before obtaining an MA in Theatre from Brown University and a PhD in Theatre Studies from The City University of New York.

HKBU invents novel cell sensor for rapid and low-cost screening of drug-resistant bacteria

Posted on by HKBUCPRO

A research team led by scientists at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed a novel cell sensor with a barcode-like micro-channel structure that enables rapid and low-cost screening of drug-resistant bacteria. The invention could potentially be used on a large-scale in resource-limited situations such as frequent safety screenings of water, food and public facilities, as well as urgent surveys of massive samples during an infectious disease outbreak, particularly in developing countries.

A research paper on the novel invention was published in the international academic journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

A rapid and low-cost testing approach

Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections, but the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have created the problem of drug resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is used to determine which antibiotics can effectively inhibit the growth of a certain type of bacteria effectively. However, conventional AST methods are too slow, as they require 16 to 24 hours for results, while modern rapid ASTs are expensive and require elaborated laboratory equipment. A rapid and cost-effective strategy is therefore needed to screen bacterial samples onsite, with advanced laboratory testing arranged only for those suspected of containing drug-resistant bacteria.

In response to this need, a research team led by Dr Ren Kangning, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemistry at HKBU designed a fully automatic, microscope-free AST system. It comprises two main parts: a cell culture zone and a “barcode” cell sensor. The cell culture zone consists of a set of micro-channels filled with fluids that contain cell culture media as well as different concentrations of the antibiotic. The “barcode” cell sensor contains an array of “adaptive linear filters” arranged in parallel that resembles a “barcode” structure. Users can finish the onsite screening within three hours by scanning the “barcode” with a mobile app developed by the researchers, and it will indicate whether any drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is present in the sample.

Quantity of bacteria represented by bar length

When conducting AST with the system, bacterial samples will be injected into and incubated in the cell culture zone. Bacteria in the test sample inside the micro-channels show different proliferation rates depending on different concentrations of the antibiotic.

After completion of the culture period, the bacterial cells will flow through the “adaptive linear filters”. The cells will not accumulate around the nanopores on the sidewalls of the micro-channels, instead they will be driven down by the fluid and be collected from the end of the micro-channels. The accumulated cells will then form visible vertical bars, the lengths of which are proportional to the quantity of bacteria cells cultured under the different concentrations of the antibiotic.

A cell phone equipped with a macro-lens can then be used to photograph the “barcode” created by the AST. The image will be analysed automatically by the mobile app.

Results consistent with conventional AST

After the culture period, if all the “bars” of the cell sensor have similar lengths, it means the tested antibiotic cannot inhibit the growth of the bacteria, and thus the bacterial sample is resistant to the tested antibiotic. If the length of the “bars” is in general inversely proportional to the concentration of the antibiotic in the micro-channels, it shows that the tested antibiotic is generally effective at prohibiting the growth of the bacteria, and thus the bacteria is not drug-resistant. When two adjacent “bars” show a sharp difference in terms of length, it indicates that the antimicrobial effect of the antibiotic leaps when its concentration reaches a particular level.

The research team tested E. coli and S. aureus with the “barcode” cell sensor and the results were consistent with those of the conventional AST. The test can be completed in three hours, which is much faster than the conventional AST. Microfluidic approaches developed by other researchers can also attain comparable speed, but they rely on expensive instruments for analysis in general.

Potential for use in resource-limited regions

“Our ‘barcode’ testing system is a promising new tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. We hope that it will benefit the routine screening of drug-resistant bacteria in the food industry, public areas and healthcare facilities as it does not require advanced clinical facilities or professional testing skills,” said Dr Ren.

The “barcode” cell sensor has a low production cost, and it is estimated to be below one US dollar per piece. The research team has filed a patent application for the “barcode” cell sensor. “We plan to develop our invention into a portable AST instrument, and ultimately, we hope it can be used in resource-limited regions,” Dr Ren added.

Apart from researchers from HKBU’s Department of Chemistry, the research team of the “barcode” cell sensor also included scientists from the Department of Computer Science at HKBU and the School of Medicine at Stanford University.