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Used surgical masks to be used for cleaning reservoirs from petrochemicals

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Chemists of Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a new material, which efficiently purifies water from petrochemicals. The material is based on polymer biomedical waste: surgical masks and hospital bedsheets. The material developed by the scientists possesses hydrophobic and oleophilic properties, as well as high oil adsorption capacity and low material cost. The research findings are published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical (IF: 5,909; Q1).

According to the scientists, the fibrous structure of surgical masks and disposable bedsheets opens up opportunities for their recycling for oil spill clean-up. Nevertheless, pristine polypropylene (PP) does not provide high adsorption capacity and functionality for selective entrapping of oils. Therefore, a relevant task was the development of new methods to improve PP properties for water purification from contaminants. The TPU team under Pavel Postnikov’s supervision, Associate Professor of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, found such a method: they deposited a metal-organic framework on PP using a simple chemical method. As a result, the new material of superhydrophobic oleophilic fabric was synthesized.

“Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous organic compounds consisting of organic ligands and metal ions. We used zinc and imidazole derivatives as a ligand. Due to the well-ordered structure, frameworks are nanoporous and possess large specific surface area, i.e. they can absorb a very large amount of substance: oils and oil spills.

Crucially, we used fluorine-free ligands while hydrophobic properties were given due to the architecture of the MOF. Despite the fact that fluorinated ligands are superhydrophobic, the preparation and development of frameworks based on such ligands are quite expensive and time-consuming. Moreover, these ligands are not very good in terms of further recycling and exhibit toxic properties since released into water,” says Olga Guselnikova, a research fellow of the TPU Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, one of the authors of the article.

The research was conducted using a wide range of oils, including model samples. In the conducted experiments, the scientists simulated an oil spill: they mixed diesel, dyes, rust and other solid pollutants. The superhydrophobic oleophilic fabric proved to be rather efficient in removing contaminants. In addition, the experiments showed that it is mechanically strong and resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

“In the course of fundamental research, we obtained a prototype of the oleophilic fabric up to 65 square centimeters in size. Such a sample is a prototype for a potential application of the material: the fabric is spread on top of an oil spill and a minute later it is removed mechanically, taking all oil pollution with it and leaving clean water,” explains Pavel Postnikov.

Within the common Kolmogorov Russian-French project, the research team jointly with their French colleagues from Lille University of Science and Technology (France) are starting to research the functional processing of polymer waste to create sorbents and materials for the energy industry.

High-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Tokyo University of Science

Organic molecular interfaces with minimized structural mismatch and spontaneous electron transfer could open doors to high-efficiency optoelectronics

Organic semiconductors have garnered much attention in optoelectronics owing to their flexibility, which is allowed by weak interaction forces. However, this also makes for poor charge carrier mobility. In a new study, researchers from Japan combined organic semiconductor molecules with similar structures to produce interfaces with better crystal quality and charge transport efficiency, paving the way for the realization of high-mobility organic optoelectronics.

Semiconductor electronic devices can be made of either inorganic crystals, formed by the strong bonding of atoms and ions, or organic crystals, which demonstrate weaker bonds held together by van der Waals forces (weak electric forces of attraction between neutral atoms or molecules that do not share a chemical bond). These weak bonds make organic semiconductors viable for flexible optoelectronics applications such as wearable electronic devices and flexible solar cells. However, this very characteristic also lends them a disadvantage: organic semiconductors typically exhibit poor charge carrier mobility and, therefore, do not conduct electricity well.

It is well-known that single-crystalline semiconductors can conduct electricity much better compared to their non-crystalline forms. Moreover, crystals composed of organic molecules can be grown to have interfaces with little structural mismatch even when their structures are quite different. Is there a way to leverage these properties to improve the charge transport in organic semiconductors?

This is where researchers from Tokyo University of Science, Japan decided to step in. In a new study led by Associate Professor Yasuo Nakayama, the researchers attempted to enhance the charge transport efficiency by minimizing the crystal structure mismatch between the growing crystal layer and the substrate. “I wanted to confirm whether the quality of the crystals at the interface would be better if we combined materials with similar structures so that we could create a crystalline interface even with inorganic materials,” says Dr. Nakayama, speaking of his personal motivation for the research. The paper was made available online on 18 November 2021, and published in Volume 12, Issue 46 of The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters on 25 November 2021.

The team designed a high-quality crystalline interface using a technique called “quasi-homo-epitaxial growth” to grow bis(trifluoromethyl)dimethylrubrene on a single crystal surface of rubrene. They used surface X-ray diffraction measurements to characterize the interface and demonstrated its high crystallinity resulting from minimized structure mismatch. This eliminated the mobility issue. Additionally, they probed its electronic structure using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, which revealed an abrupt step in the electronic energy levels across the interface. This allowed for spontaneous electron transfer across the interface, validating their strategy.

With these results, the team is now excited about the potential applications their findings could entail. “Our work could potentially open up an untested route for the realization of high-mobility organic semiconductor optoelectronics. Additionally, since organic semiconductors can be made into thin and light crystals, it is possible to print semiconductor devices on transparent films and fabrics for carrying and wearing,” speculates Dr. Nakayama. “Furthermore, it could also lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells with better performance than those of existing technologies.”

Those certainly are some fascinating consequences to look forward to!

***

Reference

Title of original paper: Quasi-Homoepitaxial Junction of Organic Semiconductors: A Structurally Seamless but Electronically Abrupt Interface between Rubrene and Bis(trifluoromethyl)dimethylrubrene

Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03094

UiTMLaw work with Child Frontiers Ltd towards reforming child justice

Posted on January 31, 2022 by ilyanailias

Dr Nadzriah Ahmad, the child justice and diversion expert from the Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, (UiTMLaw), has been entrusted to lead the national team of Malaysia to embark on the evaluation study entitled Country Led Evaluation of Child Justice Reform: The Diversion Pilot. Other team members comprise Assoc Prof Dr Sheela Jayabalan and Assoc Prof Dr Normawati Hashim. The study is funded by an international grant which is part of the consultancy work undertaken by international researchers led by Child Frontiers Limited. It is pertinent to highlight that this study is carried out to support the Government of Malaysia, led by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, in reforming the child justice reforms, by introducing the diversion pilot in Malaysia.

The purpose of introducing the diversion pilot is to prevent children in conflict with the law from coming into contact with the formal child justice system in Malaysia, thus preventing the adversarial system’s adverse effects on children. This evaluation study is in line with the Strategic Planning 2021-2025, developed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia, to afford better protection for children in conflict with the law in Malaysia. One of the essential objectives of this evaluation study is to shed light on how the diversion pilot is currently functioning in the three pilot sites, located in Sepang, Seremban, and Port Dickson. Therefore, this study will considerably impact the diversion pilot, particularly in providing evidence-based findings of the desirability and feasibility of continuing or scaling up the diversion pilot in 2022 in Malaysia. Furthermore, this research is also in tandem with the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (CRC) provision that promotes the use of alternative measures, such as diversion to protect children in conflict with the law from the adverse effects of the formal justice system in Malaysia. UiTMLaw is optimistic that this international collaboration will achieve the prescribed objectives, which will ultimately protect the children’s interest as the future generation.

Activities of the innovative educational and methodological center “service to society”

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Aigerim

Our university has started its activity since the 2018 academic year at the Department of “Assembly of people of Kazakhstan” and is currently conducting large – scale work in the region-an innovative educational and methodological Center “Service learning”.

One of the main problems of the society is the growing number of people in need in Mangistau region. Only, according to official data, 27,000 disabled people are registered in our regional social protection bodies, including 5,188 disabled children, which is 20% of the total number of disabled people, 290 children with paralysis, 92 children with autism, 65 children with Down syndrome; 132 elderly people live in nursing homes, 33 children in special orphanages. The above-mentioned issues, taking into account their importance, indicate the relevance of the work of the center “service to society”.

YESSENOV UNIVERSITY positions itself as an entrepreneurial and socially responsible University. One of the most important values of our university is openness and responsiveness. Creativity, that is, public responsibility, is considered a service to society. Therefore, since September 1, 2018, The Center “Service learning” was the first among regional universities to be included in the curriculum of our University.

The main goal of the discipline” Service learning “(Service to society) is aimed at students ‘ formation of an active life position and acquisition of project activity skills, understanding the psychological foundations of effective communication, critical thinking, including suggestions for solving specific problems of society.

In April 2019, during a visit to our University, the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. K. Tokayev gave a high assessment of the importance of the “Service learning” Center for the development of society and solving social problems.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, about 1,600 students have experience serving the community. To date, work has been carried out and implemented about 270 student projects in various spheres of society’s life. “Such projects as “” happy childhood smile””, “” barrier – free future””, “” ulttin Umiti-good youth””, “” no fall pigeon””, “” Talpyn””, “”Clean City””, “”Meyirim””, “”Kind Hearts””, “”flower of childhood””, “”Asar””, “”safety is the main task “” are being implemented.” and so on. projects have been implemented, relations have been established with about 25 social organizations and social institutions of the University, and contacts are still being held to expand its scope.

Structural components of the curriculum of the discipline” Service learning”: implemented in 2 stages.

At the 1st stage-theoretical knowledge through lectures for 5 weeks:

Week 6-team up in your chosen areas and develop a project proposal;

In the 7th week-protects projects. The price of protection determines the price of Stage 1 control.

At the 2nd stage-project activity, which lasts 7 weeks. The chosen project will depend on the sphere of social activity, i.e. social organizations.

Projects of the center “service to society”: social

Environmental Protection
Sports and medical
Civil Defense
Education
Work is underway in such key areas as digital volunteering.

On February 5, 2020, the opening ceremony of the “Year of volunteers” in Mangystau region was organized at the highest level together with the secretariat of the APK of Mangystau region and the KSU Department of internal policy of the Department of go.

In 2019-2020, the cooperation of the Center” Kogamga kyzmet ” with partner institutions was expanded at the national and international levels.

In particular, a memorandum was signed with the autonomous general education non-profit organization “Education Volunteers” of the Russian Federation, headed by Buganov Tamerlan, and the Dagestan humanitarian Institute, headed by Gadzhidadayev Magomed Zayirbegovich, and work was carried out to improve the international level of the center.

Also, in the 2019-2020 academic year, together with the “national volunteer network” of the Republic of Kazakhstan, special events were organized to promote charitable ideas in society.

At the initiative of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. K. Tokayev, more than 600 quotas were allocated for the social Student Loan Project on the basis of the online portal QazVolunter, more than 300 students were registered, and 5 social projects were implemented.ACTIVITIES OF THE INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CENTER “SERVICE TO SOCIETY” FOR THE 2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR

Structural components of the curriculum of the discipline” Service learning”: implemented in 2 stages.

At the 1st stage-theoretical knowledge through lectures for 5 weeks:

Week 6-team up in your chosen areas and develop a project proposal;

In the 7th week-protects projects. The price of protection determines the price of Stage 1 control.

At the 2nd stage-project activity, which lasts 7 weeks. The chosen project will depend on the sphere of social activity, i.e. social organizations.

Projects of the center “service to society”: social

– Environmental Protection

– Sports and medical

– Civil Defense

– Education

– Work is underway in such key areas as digital volunteering.

In 2019-2020, the cooperation of the Center” Kogamga kyzmet ” with partner institutions was expanded at the national and international levels.

Also, in the 2019-2020 academic year, together with the “national volunteer network” of the Republic of Kazakhstan, special events were organized to promote charitable ideas in society.

The 45th anniversary of Yessenov University

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Saya Aitbay

One of the leading universities of the Caspian region, Caspian Technology and Engineering University named after Sh.Yessenov (Yessenov University) had a very spectacular and bright journey of 45 years across the time. Through progressive reforms on the development and modernization of education in the country, the University became the platform for major changes relating to both expanding the material and technical base, and improving the research and educational potential of the university.

Yessenov University is the hub for education and upbringing, science and culture in the region. The university trains specialists for the oil and gas industry, road transport, mechanical engineering, as well as pedagogy, law, economics, information systems, standardization, finance, geology, ecology, heat power engineering, and construction.

The 45th anniversary of Yessenov University was celebrated on December 2-3, 2021. The celebration consisted of a number of events that included Forum, concerts and General Assembly. On December 2, in honor of the 45th anniversary of Yessenov University, a Forum was attended by the Mayor of Mangistau region Nurlan Nogayev, Executive Director of the Association of universities and research centers of the Caspian states Yuri Pimenov, President of the Association of universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan Rakhman Alshanov, Managing Director of the Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas Zhaksybek Kulekeyev, President of the Almaty University of Management Asylbek Kozhakhmetov, General Director of the Eurasian Center for Population Management, an expert in the field of social and labor relations and strategic communications Yerbol Ismailov, travel blogger, eco-activist, civil journalist Yakov Fedorov held the opening ceremony of Yessenov Forum: New Meanings, which last two days.

As a part of the occasion, the XXIII General Assembly of the Association of universities and research centers of the Caspian countries was held on these dates to summarize the achievements and widen the cooperation between the states. Rectors of universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, rectors of the Association of the Caspian States, opinion leaders by industry, stakeholders, higher education experts, educational organizations and students of the Mangystau region took part in an important event that determines the prospects for the development of the university for the next 5 years. The Assembly was attended by the scientific representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia and the CIS Mohsen Najafi, representatives of the consulates of the region, rectors of the Association of the Caspian states and rectors of Kazakhstani universities. As a result, a series of memorandums of cooperation were signed between the Association of universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Association of state universities and research centers of the Caspian countries.

‘Hody Cheese’, plant-based cheddar cheese from hemp seeds

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Thammasat University

‘Hemp’ is becoming a common medicinal plant which is able to add value and develop into a wide range of food and beverage industries.

Similarly to ‘Hody Cheese’, plant-based cheddar cheese from hemp seeds, the work of the 3HC team that won the 2nd runner-up award from the Food Innopolis Contest 2021 in the Light Weight category under the topic of Future Lifestyle Food Innovation is as well selecting hemp seeds to use and develop into “Vegan Cheese” product, an innovated alternative food choice for the future living.

The 3HC team member consists of students from the School of Gloal Studies, Thammasat University and students from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University which are, Mr. Makhawee Sukhawattano, Mr. Rak Phatthabhakdi, Ms. Nicharee Lohakijja, Ms. Nichakarn Boonsin, Mr. Chakaphong Thepchana and Mr. Phuriphat Sivaworavet, with Dr. Supattra Suphawong as the team advisor.

Mr. Makhawee Sukhawattano, a member of the 3HC team, said that he is personally interested in hemp, therefore chose to initiate a project that is associated with hemp. Both creating the hemp development project with Hmong people, trading hemp fibers with Hmong people and having the opportunity to attend student exchange program in Japan where he traded hemp fibers with the Japanese. He noticed that hemp can be processed into food, he then discussed with the professors at the Faculty of Science and Technology. The project to develop a plant-based cheddar cheese from hemp seeds was therefore established.

‘Hody Cheese’, plant-based cheddar cheese from hemp seeds is unique from regular vegan cheese in that it has a distinct aroma with soft and chewy texture, likewise cheese made from animal milk. When baked, it can stretch exactly like real cheese. It is also high in protein as hemp seeds contain more than 30% protein in every 100 gram of weight, containing omega 3, 6, 9, that are supportive to brain, nerves, and also has antioxidants that help slowing down skin deterioration.

Ms. Nicharee Lohakijj further explained that because hemp is relatively new to Thailand, at first, there were some legal issues and had not enough supporting information. When developing the product, we were required to study the process of curdling, proper protein extraction temperature, and having had to keep experimenting. When the temperature is too high, proteins will precipitate into turbid lumps which continuous development were necessary, taking us approximately one year to develop into tangible product over the course of the competition.

Mr. Makhawee added that hemp is interesting and that the market continues to enlarge. Currently, ‘Hody Cheese’ is reaching out to companies and seek for partnership to produce their actual product with a target group of vegetarian and clean food restaurants, the price is set at about 240 Thai Baht per 10 pieces, weighing about 10-15 grams per piece which when compared to the market price, it is cheaper than imported cheese.

Skillfolio courses and implications on learning process

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Courses at the Skillfolio Digital Platform and Their Implication in the Learning Process

Our daily life and the society are rapidly changing and modernizing. What skills need to be built and developed to become a successful professional in demand in professional and personal circles? How can you provide yourself and the student assistance in evoluting skills and talents, confidence, and find your own path? Skillfolio’s digital platform was able to challenge Yessenov University’s lecturers (YU).

Since November 1, 2021, a team of YU’s certified tutors (14 people) will complete the I-stream teaching staff training through the Skillfolio digital platform, and the Tourism and Languages Faculty members have completed a course in social and emotional diagnostics on the Skillfolio digital platform.

The Skillfolio digital platform is a tool for evolution of skills and talents. The platform uses a set of tools for diagnosing adolescents 13-18 years old, such as simulators to determine the level of memorization and attention, a test quest to determine their role in a team, the development of emotional competence, and interest tests. These are not classic career guidance tests, they are a reflection of the direction of the child’s development, his future career evolution.

Skillfolio Diagnostics is the foundation for your future learning paths. This is not a classic career guidance test, but a direct determination of the abilities, skills and professional roles of students. The results will help determine the direction of development, the proposed training profile and potential areas of activity. The study was developed on the ground of a test to determine the level of social and emotional intelligence and is specially adapted for children in family education. It only takes 30 to 60 minutes.

So what have we learned with this platform? We have learned the development of skills and technique of tools in their work, as well as the formation and development of certain skills and competencies in students (time management during the day, managing emotions, planning and applying new technologies for effective learning, strategic recommendations, etc.). Developing these skills, the student determines his/her “ weakness” and “ strengths”, understands his/her “development zone”, strives for development.

The seminars include diagnostics and dynamics of SOFT SKILLS: emotional intelligence, teamwork, communication, creative, critical, systematic and digital thinking, active discussion of real-life problems.

The course “Development of tutoring competencies of a modern teacher” through the Skillfolio platform was attended by 109 students, the training lasted a month.

TAU leads Philippine SUCs in UI Green Metric WUR

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Considered as an early Christmas gift to Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) community, the UI Green Metric World University Rankings listed TAU as the number one State University and College (SUC) in the Philippines in terms of sustainability performance.

Released on 14 December, the report evaluated the ecological footprint and sustainability in education and research of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), globally. TAU seized the 261st spot with a total score of 6,900 points. This is TAU’s first attempt to be included in the said global list.

TAU’s President, Dr. Max Guillermo, stressed that such recognition validated the efforts of TAU officials and stakeholders. “This milestone proves that we, at TAU, are on the right direction towards our vision of becoming one of the Top 500 universities in Asia.” Dr. Guillermo also mentioned that TAU will embrace green technology and promote conservation of resources as it transitions to a truly Smart University.

De La Salle University – Dasmariñas ranked first among Philippine universities and 182nd globally with 7,325 points. Other universities in the list are De La Salle University Manila (226th), Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (525th), Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan (659th), Ateneo de Davao University (663rd), Manila Central University (717th), Bataan Peninsula University (736th), and Foundation University (899th).

Topping this year’s ranking is Wageningen University and Research (WUR) of The Netherlands. It was joined in the top 10 by seven more European universities, University of Connecticut in the United States (US), and Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil. WUR consistently made it on top since 2017. Universitas Indonesia, which ranked 24th globally, is the number one university in Asia.

The top 10 was traditionally dominated by American and European universities since its inception in 2010. University of California Berkeley (US), University of Notthingham (UK), University of California – Davies (US), and University of Connecticut (US) were once hailed as best HEIs.

Meanwhile, criteria and indicators include the HEI’s setting and infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education and Research.

“TAU is onboard with the United Nations in making the 2030 Agenda a reality. We will continue to adopt different sustainability measures to ensure a better future for the next generation of TAUinians,” Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of TAU External Linkages and International Affairs, remarked. Dr. Ferrer also shared that TAU is working on other international rankings like the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI). WURI assesses HEI’s real contributions to society.

Thammasat University signs research license agreement with ANTITOXIN GMBH

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Thammasat University

Assoc.Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University presided over the signing ceremony of the research license agreement for “scFv Monoclonal antibody specific to the Di a blood group antigen generated by phage display technology and Anti- Di(a) Antibody method” to ANTITOXIN GmbH from Germany.

Lukas Quidenus, CEO of ANTITOXIN GmbH founded in 1966, is a company specializing in blood grouping for immunology. Mr. Lukas has shown interest in the research of Thammasat University that is compatible with the blood results of Thai and Asian population which is different from European population.

In the inspection process through this research, blood transfusion will therefore ensure the recipient receive more compatible blood and helps reduce risks and it is safer. This collaboration with ANTITOXIN GmbH will enable a research team led by Prof.Maj.Gen.Dr.Oythip Nathalang and Asst.Prof.Dr. Jeerapong Thanongsaksrikul, Lecturer of Biomedicine Program, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, to expand research results for commercial development.

This collaboration is considered the development of deep tech in biomolecular science of Thammasat University for launching market internationally which allows the development of public health and the health of global population in the future.

Unique international students project marathon

Posted on January 28, 2022 by 5100spbstu

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) has developed a unique learning format within the framework of international educational programs – a Students Project Marathon based on joint students project activities. It is a format of interaction between partner universities, consisting of the development of joint projects by students, postgraduates, and professors.

The Project task meets current scientific and technological topics, is in demand by the industry, and corresponds to the key directions of the world science development. The project results are evaluated by members of the expert commission – professors of both universities, representatives of customers, investors, and external experts.

The first International Students Project Marathon started in 2019, the final forum was held at Polytechnic University, where participants from SPbPU and its strategic partner Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) presented their projects to experts commission. In total, six international teams took part in the innovative international project in 2019. Students, postgraduate students, young scientists, and teachers for many months have been working on serious problems from various research spheres. As one of results of implementation of Students Project Marathon-2019, the scientific group, which implemented a research project in the field of material science, published a number of joint publications, participated in international conferences, and still continuing their joint work in the field of Friction Stir Welding. Several master students from this group became PhD students and now prepare to be supervisors of the new projects next year.

Students Project Marathon continued despite the pandemic and new participants from all over the world joined the Project. In 2020 and 2021 new projects were launched and not only in technical fields (energy technologies, material science, electronics, and telecommunication), but also in the field of Humanities. More partners joined the Students Project Marathon, such as strategic partner of SPbPU, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain), University of Cadiz (UCA, Spain), and Amity University of Kolkata (India). In 2021 the marathon remains almost the only way to acquire new competencies and international experience.

“We can say that the Students Project Marathon has been ‘put to the test’ by the coronavirus pandemic. We received strong support from our foreign colleagues and partners – universities in Spain, Austria, Brazil, and other countries. The past year has shown that the marathon can adapt to almost any format of interaction without losing effectiveness,” commented Lana Kalikina, coordinator of the Students Project Marathon at SPbPU.