TPU scientists synthetize unique molecule of Verdazyl-Nitronyl Nitroxide Triradical

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University jointly with their colleagues have synthetized a unique molecule of verdazyl-nitronyl nitroxide triradical. Only several research teams in the world were able to obtain molecules with similar properties. The molecule is stable. It is able to withstand high temperatures and obtains promising magnetic properties.

It is a continuation of scientists’ work on the search for promising organic magnetic materials. The research findings are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (IF: 14.612, Q1).

Magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) is one of the most promising technologies for storage devices. Nowadays, the MRAM development is limited due to the fact it is impossible to create a smaller memory cell because of spontaneous magnetization reversal. Single-molecular magnets based on organic compounds are free from this disadvantage:  few molecules are already capable to operate as a memory storage unit.

“At a certain temperature, a magnetic phase transition occurs, the consistent orientation of the magnetic vectors of molecules is observed, as a result, the matter becomes a united magnet. Thus, 20-40 molecules are quite enough to form a micromagnet.

Our task in the research laid in creation such a molecule that could be capable to give its magnetic properties at high temperatures, would be crystalline and would possess a small distance between radical centers,” Pavel Petunin, Associate Professor of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, an article author, explains.

When creating the molecule, the scientists worked with three radical centers in one molecule combined them in one conjugated structure. To synthesize the molecule, the scientists used a palladium-catalyzed reaction of a verdazyl radical with a gold complex of a nitronyl-nitroxyl radical.

The course of the reaction was complicated due to the presence of unpaired electrons in starting compounds, as well as the combination of three radical centers in one molecule, which affects its stability. According to the scientists, there are no other ways to synthesize the molecule.

The research teams from TPU, the Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Voevodsky Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and International Tomography Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences took part in the molecule synthesis. The research work was conducted within the project of the Russian Science Foundation No. 20-73-00236 “Stable Organic Radicals as Promising Building Blocks for New Materials”.

“The published research not only makes a significant contribution to the development of stable verdazyl radicals but it is also a meaningful publication for TPU. Research teams of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences perfectly complete the mission, which was determined at the moment of the School creation. The Journal of the American Chemical Society is the most peer-reviewed chemical journal. Research teams around the globe are intending to publish their articles in this journal. It should be noted that it is a cycle of the research works of the research team. The authors have recently published their research work in the equally top-rated Angewandte Chemie academic journal (IF: 12.959, Q1),” Marina Trusova, Director of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, says.

At the moment, the researchers have approached complicated molecules and are planning to synthetize almost impossible molecules: heterospin and high-spin dendrimers.

Thammasat University wins awards at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva

A team of researchers from Thammasat University created outstanding works and has won five awards from the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva at Geneva, Switzerland which was held as the virtual event in March 2021.

The awards received consist of 3 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.

Automatic thrombus localization system on NCCT for AIS stroke patient (Middle cerebral artery) by Dr. Natsuda Kaothanthong from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) won the Silver medal. This system helps analyze NCCT images to automatically locate the thrombus and the area of the brain that tends to have blood clots.

Serum of bamboo extract for sensitive skin by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Boonyuen, Faculty of Science and Technology also won the silver medal. The serum minimizes skin inflammation and wrinkles including free radicals. The use of bamboo leaf extracts as a cosmeceutical skincare is a research project that adds value to biological waste.

Infant respiratory care – simulation for nursing education by Prof. Supawadee Tubglam, Faculty of Nursing bagged the silver medal too. This is a teaching media innovation for simulation-based learning in nursing education: Infant respiratory care. It consists of automatic devices of adjustable bed and infant model used in nursing practice for pediatric patients with sputum retention.

Postural sway meter: a newly developed accelerometry based device by Assoc. Prof. Dr Plaiwan Satthanon, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences won the bronze medal. It is an assistive device that gives warning prior to loss of balance that could occur in daily activities of the elderly or those at risk of falling.

Smart automatic machine for pathogen-free seeds and grains by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dusit Athinuwat, Faculty of Science and Technology bagged the bronze medal. This device is used to reduce pathogens in industrial crop seeds, controlling the water temperature using Microprocessor Controller.

Scientists apply an innovative welding method in bridge construction

Researchers from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) were the first in Russia to develop a friction stir welding technology of a new aluminum alloy for a lightweight pedestrian bridge. The engineers intend to implement an innovative approach at the university: they plan to weld the elements, and then connect them into a bridge at the construction site.

The aluminum pedestrian bridge will be located in the town Bor in the Nizhny Novgorod region (Russian Federation). This will be the tenth aluminum pedestrian bridge in Russia, but the new alloy and friction stir welding technology will be used in bridge construction for the first time. Scientists work in collaboration with the SGR aluminum structures plant in St. Petersburg. The project is supervised by the Aluminum Association of Russia.

In the laboratory of Lightweight Materials and Structures of SPbPU, the engineers will connect about 20 parts of 8 meters long and 16 mm thick made of an aluminum-magnesium alloy. According to scientists, this new alloy has just recently become available for widespread use.

“The bridge is large and has many types of connections,” explained Anton Naumov, associate professor of the Institute of mechanical engineering, materials and transport of SPbPU, adding that the scientific group is developing a technology of friction stir welding for butt joints of aluminum plates on both sides of the plates.

The researcher added that this type of joint will surpass the arc welding in quality.

The scientist also noted it’s more economically profitable to weld a thick aluminum sheets in this way since the arc welding is using a number of additional manipulations (for example, arc welding is carried out in several passes to fill the entire thickness of the seam with the filler wire).

In addition, friction stir welding is a green technology because there is no evaporation of material or luminescence. “The new high-strength aluminum alloys successfully compete with the structural steels in terms of mechanical properties, also, in terms of weight, the aluminum structure will be much lighter than the steel ones. Therefore, the implementation of the aluminum bridges is increasing worldwide,” says Anton Naumov.

The experts of the Laboratory of the Lightweight Materials and Structures SPbPU are developing a welding technology. Then the quality control of the welded joints will be carried out to ensure the safety of the structure.

“Innovative technology of friction stir welding is already used in the bridge construction: the plant “Sespel” uses it for the components of orthotropic plates from the well-known aluminum alloy 6082 T6. But the new bridge will be the first bridge in Russia manufactured using a friction stir welding technology for the new Al-Mg alloy,” mentioned Evgeny Vasiliev, the Head of the transport infrastructure of the Aluminum Association of Russia. According to him, this is a serious task and a real technological breakthrough.

The researchers plan to complete their part of the project by the end of September. The 121-meter length bridge is planned to be commissioned by 2022.

LCCM launches first Scholarship Day

London music college( LCCM) has launched its inaugural Scholarship Day. Open to any applicants and split into a range of disciplines, the prize consists of a full fee bursary for the duration of the winner’s chosen course.

Applicants will audition on 25 September at LCCM’s iconic Music Box venue at 41 Union St, London, in one of three disciplines: performance, production and music business at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In the audition, candidates will demonstrate their talent, ideas or passion projects to convince the panel why they will make the biggest impact on the industry in the years ahead and deserve the free place to further those ambitions. The three finalists will then go to the grand final in the second week of term, overseen by a panel of music industry professionals and experts.

“We’re really excited to welcome talented individuals to the Music Box to impress us with their skills and musicianship,” says Pat Cotton, programme leader for undergraduate music. “Making a scholarship available on merit is such a fantastic opportunity and will really help the college support the development of more young musicians.”

The Scholarship Day follows on from LCCM’s successful Music Industry Insiders Day in August and will be another celebratory ‘open-door’ style afternoon, with tours of the building, a welcome talk from principal Anthony Hamer-Hodges, student performances and careers advice.

“We’re really thankful to senior leadership and the LCCM board for backing our vision and drive to get more talented young people to the Music Box and ultimately, to make them into true LCCMers,” says Evie Asio-Okwalinga, Youth Music Officer at LCCM. “It marks a real line in the sand and proves our mission to create an achievable pathway to sustained career success, and it will be a real hit with our Youth Music network.”

In the evening, the JMNI Jam night will return. Open to all, even if you’re not auditioning for a scholarship, you’re welcome to come along to the Music Box, join in and get up on stage with some of London’s best musicians for a jam.

LCCM, the London music college has again ranked top for overall student satisfaction amongst contemporary music institutions teaching music performance and music business in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2021.

TMU student wins the Future Fellowship 2021/2022 Grant for Women in Science

Thomashire Anita George, a third-year Ph.D. student in the College of Biomedical Engineer of Taipei Medical University won The Future Fellowship 2021/2022 Grant for Women in Science offered by the Schlumberger Foundation.

The Schlumberger Foundation is committed to gender equality in science; by providing research scholarships for outstanding female scientists, it strengthens women’s ability and influence in scientific development. Recipients must have excellent academic research and demonstrate that they are committed to returning to their home country after graduation to promote the economic, social and technological development.

Anita is from the Republic of Sierra Leone. She is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and was an attending physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the military hospital. In addition, she also served as the director of the Department of Microbiology in the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of Sierra Leone.

Anita came to Taipei Medical University to pursue her studies in order to learn more professional knowledge and improve her skills in biomedical engineering. Her thesis advisor is Professor Thierry Burnouf and her co-advisor is Professor David Lundy. She likes the learning environment in Taipei Medical University and is very grateful to her two advisors for their guidance.

After graduating, she will return to her home country to help establish a national-level medical and health system. With the professional knowledge and skills she has learned at TMU, she will establish an institute of biomedical engineering with University of Sierra Leone to provide a learning environment for students who are committed to biomedical engineering research. She hopes that the institute can cultivate outstanding medical engineering talents, enhancing social and economic development, as well as the national welfare.

Scientists study particles in a magnetic fluid for use in healthcare

A team of researchers from Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI,” Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, and the Technical University of Madrid tested and improved a classic approach to the research of magnetic fluids – liquid substances that get polarized in the presence of a magnetic field. The results of the work were published in the “Applied Sciences” journal.

Magnetic fluids consist of two immiscible phases: magnetic material particles (from several nanometers to several micrometers in size) and a polar or nonpolar dispersion medium. Such fluids are considered colloid systems: they don’t hinder light transmission but disperse the rays of light. Moreover, they don’t settle out because of the chaotic thermal motion of molecules. Magnetic fluids have several important properties: they are resistant to transitioning into other physical conditions, can preserve magnetization after it reaches its top level, and change their viscosity when magnetized.

Fluids like this are used in the mining industry, machine building, electronics, and medicine. For example, they can serve as lubricants and coolant materials or transfer power and energy from one mechanism to another. Different areas of application require magnetic fluids with different particle concentrations. To achieve a necessary concentration, the fluid is diluted several times. However, because of it, particles can stick together, and important properties of the fluid may be lost.

To properly prepare a diluted magnetic fluid, one needs to analyze the particle size distribution. In this process, one could use optic methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) — an approach based on the analysis of the time behavior of light scattering intensity on a sample. Still, the standard DLS technique does not provide data on the shape of the particles. Moreover, when the particles in diluted magnetic fluids stick together, it is impossible to study them individually.

A team of researchers including Kamil Gareev, a researcher at the Department of Micro and Nanoelectronics of ETU “LETI,” decided to use the original DLS method to study the size distribution of both individual magnetic particles and their aggregates in magnetic fluids. They synthesized magnetite–silica magnetic fluid from a water solution of iron (III) chloride and iron (II) sulfate following a method patented by LETI and studied its optical, structural, and magnetic properties.

The particle composition of the magnetic fluid was studied using microscopy, while its phase composition was analyzed based on the reflection of X-rays and electrons from the particles. To study the magnetic properties of the fluid, the team chose the method of vibrating sample magnetometry.

To analyze the shape of the particles, the team improved the DLS technique. This way, they managed to study the quantitative characteristics of magnetic material particle motion in a fluid medium for the first time. Namely, they focused on the translational and rotational diffusion coefficients of individual magnetic particles and their aggregates. The values of these parameters are determined by the rotational influences of the chaotic thermal motion of molecules and are indicative of particle sizes.

Using this data, the team calculated the geometrical parameters of nanoparticles and their aggregates and found out that the former had almost spherical shapes while the latter were more elliptical. The spherical shape of 10–20 nm large magnetic nanoparticles determined their superparamagnetic properties, i.e. the absence of the magnetic moment without an external magnetic field.

These characteristics are especially important for medicine: superparamagnetism prevents the particles from sticking to each other in the bloodstream and reduces the risk of thrombosis. Moreover, because of this property nanoparticles can be used as a magnetically controlled carrier for targeted drug delivery and as a contrasting agent in MRI.

“Using the improved DLS technique, we have studied the structural properties of magnetite–silica nanoparticles and made one more step towards introducing them into medical practice, namely MRI. Moreover, our method could be used to study nanoparticles not only in magnetic fluids but also in biological solutions,” explains Kamil Gareev, a researcher at the Department of Micro and Nanoelectronics of ETU “LETI.”

According to the team, when diluted 200 or more times, a magnetic fluid loses its stability, and its particles form aggregates around 140 nm in diameter. In the future, the researchers plan to find out at what level of dilution magnetic fluids lose their resistance to sedimentation.

Mongolia-Born Mining University graduate shares his career journey

Gantulga Ganbayar, a Mining University graduate, is the vice president of one of the country’s largest mining companies, MAK (Mongolyn Alt).

“MAK was established in 1993 as a gold-mining company. But in the early 90s, a decision to diversify the business and expand into coal mining was made by the conglomerate’s executives.

“We have several mining-engineering universities in my country, yet there is a particular need for qualified generalists. Russian education is still of high value here, so the company announced a competition, the winners of which could leave to study at Saint Petersburg Mining University. The choice of a university is hardly coincidental. Both Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat, the first president of Mongolia, and Nyamtaishir Byambaa, founder of MAK, graduated from Mining University,” recalls Gantulga Ganbayar.

His uncle also studied at Mining University and suggested that he participate in the contest, Gantulga notes. Since he got a high score on the tests, he was admitted to the university’s programme in mine surveying.

“I am fortunate to have been a student of this programme where I learnt a lot beyond the basics. In addition to field-specific disciplines, we were also taught economics, as well as numerous other subjects.

“Mining University’s students have excellent technical competencies. Accordingly, they quickly move up the career ladder, either advancing to managerial positions or becoming in-demand field experts. MAK chooses the most talented high-school graduates every year and sponsors their education at Mining University. Due to the nature of my job, I often meet foreign partners and take part in various international events. But I have always felt that my professional skills are up to global standards,” admits Gantulga Ganbayar.

After graduating, Gantulga returned to his home country and took a job as a surveyor in the technical-engineering department of MAK. He was responsible for performing surveying activities at all of the company’s mines. Two years from then, his main line of work was to take care of coal mines. Afterwards, he was promoted first to mining engineer with 150 subordinates, then chief engineer managing 600 employees, deputy director and director of the department, before finally becoming vice president.

“Mining is one of the dominant industries in Mongolia. Coal makes up about 40% of our exports, plus we have copper and molybdenum. Coal also accounts for 90% of Mongolia’s total domestic energy consumption, with wind and solar power accounting for the remaining 10%. This explains why all mining-related specialities are of high prestige here. Of course, we understand the direction the world is headed in. Still, we are sure that the consumption of fossil fuels will last for at least several decades more,” says Mining University’s graduate.

Gantulga Ganbayar was appointed vice president two years ago. Since then, he has been developing MAK’s new business area — sales of construction products, such as concrete, cement, and others. These goods are mostly made from limestone, which the company extracts itself. Aside from this rock, MAK is involved in mining lignite, hard and coking coal, copper-molybdenum ores, and gold prospecting.

President University and UPH hold a comparative study

President University Major Association (PUMA) Management, President University (PresUniv), collaboration with the Management Study Program Student Association (HMPSM), Pelita Harapan University (UPH), held a comparative study.

This activity aimed to exchange experiences, information, and work programs from each organization, and was attended by all committees of PUMA Management 2021, committees of HMPSM UPH 2021, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Dra Genoveva, M.M., Program Leader of Management Study Program, Presuniv.

In her remarks, Genoveva conveyed the importance of organizing on campus as a medium of learning in facing the world of work. “Through organizational activities, we can exchange information, experiences and expand friendship with other universities. This is certainly useful for learning,” she said.

Gratio R. Deo Tumiwa, Chairperson of PUMA Management 2021, agrees. He said, this study comparative was a forum for establishing relationships with other organizations outside PresUniv, so they could collaborate together in the future.

This activity was held online and consisted of two sessions. The first session was in the form of presentations from two organizations regarding management, work programs, and activities that have been carried out.

The second session is the most important session because each committee will be divided into small groups according to their divisions so that the discussion can focus more on one area that suits their division.

Mining University student to senior geologist and researcher

Maxim Kishchenko was born in Nefteyugansk. He envisioned that one day – like many locals – he would become an oil worker.  

The first step in that direction was taken when Maxim entered the Rosneft class, which is part of the project based on the continuing Rosneft’s education programme School-University-Enterprise. The Russian oil & gas producer’s programme offers profession-oriented education to schoolchildren.

 

Many energy enterprises have expressed their interest in the project that aims to overcome the shortage of mining engineers in the country. High-school students who enrolled in Rosneft сlasses get a chance to meet representatives of industry organisations. 

At the end of their studies, the soon-to-be graduates take part in the Olympiad, a form of academic competition. Based on its results, the most talented students are admitted to mining-engineering universities under a quota. 

In 2012, St. Petersburg Mining University provided 35 free study places for graduates of four Rosneft classes from my region. I had obtained a high score in the Olympiad; hence, I was admitted to the ‘Operation and Maintenance of Oil Production Facilities’ programme. So, I arrived in St. Petersburg. To say I was amazed by the university is to say nothing at all. I participated in various forums, case championships, underwent an internship at Belarusian National Technical University and visited BelAZ, a Belarusian automobile plant.

A great deal of time was spent in Mining University’s labs. We studied reservoir engineering, used simulators to learn the basics of repair of oil & gas wells. We had the most up-to-date software in our possession to get acquainted with the modelling of oil & gas fields. In fact, some of the labs we worked in are also in use by the university’s research staff when conducting studies commissioned by Russia’s largest petroleum companies,” says Maxim.

As a student, Maxim found interest in analysing organic deposits of the paraffin type building up in oil wells. He thereupon decided to write his thesis paper on this topic.

After completing his master’s, Mining University’s graduate chose to serve in the Russian Armed Forces. He was assigned to a science unit, and soon Maxim continued with research work. His studies’ focus was on enhancing the efficiency of heating and discharging processes for viscous petroleum products stored under low temperatures. It is worth noting that such units often function on the premises of research institutes and military universities.

Maxim ended up within the walls of the Military Logistics Academy, which is also located in St. Petersburg. Whilst being in the army, he wrote 20 scientific articles, took part in both Russian and international conferences. Moreover, one of his projects won a contest organised by the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises.

Now, Maxim is a senior geologist at the oil & gas production department of Yuganskneftegaz. It is a wholly integrated subsidiary of Rosneft and its most important production subsidiary, which accounts for approximately 30% of Rosneft’s total output.

Three years ago, Maxim graduated from Mining University. He is still researching paraffin deposition and looking for new ways to fight this problem. Yet, he has since taken this work to another level.

“In 2020, a new technology emerged, and it has become widely used ever since. Instead of ordinary tubing pipes, a counterpart with inner polymer coating is taken, which helps resist the formation of deposits and prevent equipment from clogging. But as time goes by, the analogue’s quality decreases, bringing back the problems and, with them, the losses. That’s why I realised that such a device that will perform high-quality automated diagnostics of the coating is needed,” says Maxim Kishchenko.

The young professional is currently participating in the conference on science and technology organised by Rosneft. The solution he offers is amongst the leading ones, and he has all the chances to win the regional competition. In case Maxim becomes the winner of the all-Russian competition, it will definitely arouse his employer’s interest in the project. It means he will have an opportunity to implement his idea in practice.

Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Bethel Indonesia visits President University

A team from Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Bethel Indonesia (STTBI), Jakarta, paid a visit to the President University (PresUniv) campus in the Jababeka industrial area, Cikarang, Bekasi.

The team led by Dr Frans Pantan, Chairman of STTBI, was welcomed directly by the Chancellor of PresUniv, Prof. Dr Jony Oktavian Haryanto in the Conference Room, Campus PresUniv. Said Frans Patan, “We conducted this visit in order to study and strengthen secretarial governance and Unit Penjaminan Mutu Internal at STTBI.”

Prof. Jony said, “The meeting was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding or MoU signed by PresUniv and STTBI some time ago.”

After giving remarks, the event continued with presentations from various bureaus, units and directorates in PresUniv, such as the Bureau of Public Relations, Legal and Secretariat, Software Development, Higher Education Database (PDPT), Academic Bureau, Library and Direktorat Penjaminan Mutu Internal (DPMI).

After the presentation from each bureau and unit in PresUniv, the STTBI team spread out. They went into more detail about each bureau and unit’s duties and functions, including governance and tips and tricks.