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Year: 2022

SFU researcher fights drug-resistant tuberculosis with artificial intelligence

Posted on by Editorial Team

Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious killer but Simon Fraser University computing science professor Maxwell Libbrecht is determined to fight it — using artificial intelligence.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when the TB bacterium evolves its ability to fight against the antibiotics meant to cure the patient. This poses an increasing challenge for healthcare practitioners. The WHO estimates that by 2050, TB will be responsible for more than 25 per cent of the 10 million annual deaths from drug-resistant infections. And while recent efforts to improve access and adherence to TB treatment have shown some promise, drug resistance could thwart these efforts by limiting the pool of effective treatment options.

The project will combine the researchers’ expertise in infectious disease, machine learning, and genomics to create a new, artificial intelligence platform for understanding and predicting drug resistance in TB. To do this, the team will develop a new computer algorithm that, when given information about the genomics of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB bacteria, will learn from the data and make predictions about new samples of the bacteria based on their genetic traits alone.

Libbrecht and his research collaborators are combining their expertise in infectious disease, machine learning and genomics to create an artificial intelligence platform for understanding and predicting drug resistance in TB. To do this, the team is developing a computer algorithm that, when given information about the genomics of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB bacteria, will learn from the data and make predictions about new samples of the bacteria based on their genetic traits alone.

Investigating the genomic mechanisms of TB

“We have a lot of information about the human genome, however we do not have the same depth of information about bacteria. We do not necessarily know what gene or gene combination is getting mutated that is granting the TB its resistance. This study may help us better understand these mechanisms,” says Libbrecht.

And, just as the bacteria will continue to evolve over time, so too will the predictions made by the computer algorithm as it learns from new data given to it. New data sets with the genomes of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB and other bacteria provided by researchers from the Harvard Medical School and University College London, among others, will advance the algorithm, improve its reliability, and inform the predictions it makes.

It is an important example of applying the latest in artificial intelligence to a pressing public health challenge.

The study could also have important implications for other types of drug-resistant infections such as malaria, gonorrhea, and diarrheal diseases such as Clostridium difficile (also known as C. diff).

TPU to lead on proficiency enhancement for decommissioning of nuclear reactors

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Tomsk Polytechnic University will become a coordinator of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite, an international project uniting universities and enterprises of the nuclear industry of Russia and some European countries. This project will allow using an operating university reactor, which is considered to be a TPU unique research site, to train world-class professionals in the area of radioactive waste management and decommissioning of old nuclear reactors.

“For over 70 years, Tomsk Polytechnic University has been training highly-qualified professionals for the nuclear industry since 1950 when the TPU Physics and Engineering Institute was set up. During this period, TPU has become an anchor university of the Rosatom State Corporation, a leading Russian and global center in radiation physics, engineering and technology. Moreover, there is the only one in Russia operating university nuclear research reactor at TPU, which conducts not only advanced fundamental and applied research to create new materials and technology in energy engineering, nuclear medicine, but also gives an opportunity to TPU students, including international ones complete training. There is a pool of international nuclear educational programs at the university to train staff for the Rosatom projects in some overseas countries, such as Egypt, Ghana, Bolivia, Tanzania and others.

Accumulated educational and research experience allows TPU not only to be satisfied with what has already been achieved but also shares knowledge and opportunities of the facilities with partners to jointly make a contribution to developing the industry,”

says Dmitry Sednev, TPU Acting Rector.

The European Nuclear Energy Agency (ENEA) and the Rosatom State Corporation took the initiative in the project. It has united Tomsk Polytechnic University, Lomonosov Moscow State University, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Rosatom, the Intra-University Consortium for Nuclear Technology Research (Italy), the Sogin Italian state corporation, which is in charge of decommissioning Italian nuclear reactors and radioactive waste management. Besides, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), the French largest energy generating company and largest in the world operator company of nuclear power plants and University of Cologne (Germany) are intending to join the project.

According to the project organizers, many countries are facing a challenging and large-scale task related to decommissioning of nuclear facilities. At the same moment, the industry is struggling with the development of practical expertise of staff involved in this area. It applies to both students of master’s, PhD degrees and young engineers, researchers who already started to work in the industry. A response to this challenge can become an arrangement of the practice-oriented training based on the TPU Nuclear Research Reactor. A training program will include a theoretical course and practicals for attendees, including those from European countries.

“This is a unique project, which unites the universities and the industry, as well as offers a new educational model to train young professionals. This is crucial as at the moment, the industry is frequently not so much involved in the educational process remaining this task to universities.

After graduation, companies recruiting young professionals take all responsibility for them. The universities and the industry jointly will take all duties to train students and already recruited young professionals in practice at the operating nuclear facilities. This task is directly aligned with New Engineering Education, one of the strategic areas of the TPU development within the Priority 2030 program,” adds Dmitry Sednev.

Vera Verkhoturova, Head of International Nuclear Education Programs and Deputy Director the TPU School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, told about the experience of cooperation development between the universities to provide the world-class practice-oriented engineering education based on the case of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite at the plenary session of Modes of International Cooperation to Promote Engineering Education and Development of Career in Nuclear Industry within the High-Tech for Sustainable Development theme week by Rosatom at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The attendees of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite will study some key problems of radioactive waste management, which include, for instance, qualification of the decommissioning process, processing and conditioning of i-graphite, characteristics of graphite and shallow ground disposal of radioactive waste.

Leading PEI LSBF Singapore extends offer and launches platform LSBFx

Posted on by Global University Systems

The London School of Business and Finance in Singapore (LSBF Singapore) is happy to announce the launch of LSBFx.com, its new online learning platform for students and professionals anywhere around the world.

LSBFx.com allows learners from across the globe to upskill themselves and have access to professional programmes at their fingertips. The platform provides information on each programme including what it outlines and who it is for as well as the learning outcome. Learners have also an option to choose programmes that are delivered live online or access the pre-recorded, on-demand courses.

The platform features an easy-access interface offering a convenient enrolling process from browsing to checkout. Users can see programme details, their duration, and lecturer profiles as well as enrolling directly on the website. Additionally, students are also given the opportunity to ask questions directly via the LSBF WhatsApp channel.

LSBFx.com provides professional courses in accountancy and nano certificates in law, management, IT, language, executive education and communication. The platform also features student testimonials and reviews to aid the decision-making process.

As an introductory offer, LSBF offers learners complimentary courses as well as an 10% discount on programmes on the LSBFx platform.

Commenting on the launch, Rathakrishnan Govind, CEO of LSBF Global, says: “At LSBF Singapore, we understand the fast-changing and challenging professional world and the importance to continuously develop a relevant skillset. We are delighted to extend our offer with LSBFx and make high-quality education as accessible as possible.”

A better black hole laser may prove a circuitous ‘Theory of Everything’

Posted on by Hiroshima University

The fundamental forces of physics govern the matter comprising the Universe, yet exactly how these forces work together is still not fully understood. The existence of Hawking radiation — the particle emission from near black holes — indicates that general relativity and quantum mechanics must cooperate. But directly observing Hawking radiation from a black hole is nearly impossible. So how can researchers study it to better understand how the forces integrate into a “Theory of Everything”?

According to Hiroshima University doctoral student Haruna Katayama, since researchers cannot go to the Hawking radiation, it must be brought to them. She proposed a quantum circuit that acts as a black hole laser using an analogue black hole and a white hole as a resonator to amplify weak Hawking radiation. The proposal was published in Scientific Reports.

“In the proposed circuit, the metamaterial element makes it possible for Hawking radiation to travel back and forth between horizons, and the Josephson effect plays an important role in amplifying Hawking radiation through the mode conversion at the horizons, mimicking the behavior between the black and white holes,” Katayama said.

The proposed laser also provides a future light source for quantum information technology.

Alcohol-free medical antiseptic and moisturizing spray

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula researchers recently launched a fast-acting, alcohol-free disinfectant for viruses and bacteria that is gentle on the hands. Nationally patented, the innovation was selected as a souvenir for the Thailand Research Expo 2021.

Frequently applying alcohol spray or gel helps reduce your chance of contracting the COVID-19 virus but at the cost of dry and itchy hands. This was the problem that Assistant Professor Dr. Rojrit Rojanathanes, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University determined to solve, and succeeded in developing “Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray” that can kill the COVID-19 virus, and bacteria within one minute.

“As a replacement for alcohol spray, we invented this product that has no side effects, is non-irritating, and non-flammable. More importantly, it is cheaper than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit.

With this special feature, the innovative Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray were selected as a souvenir at the Thailand Research Expo 2021 at Centara Grand Hotel, and Central World’s Bangkok Convention Center, Bangkok, November 22-26, 2021.

Assistant Professor Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Head of the Nanomedicine Research Unit and Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) who proposed the alcohol-free disinfectant idea to Asst Prof.Dr.Rojrit to develop it into a product added that “healthcare workers and the general public need to use disinfectant products several times daily. This irritates the skin making it very dry, and even develops open wounds. So, we think non-alcohol disinfectant is much needed.”

Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray, a new all-over-body solution
This antiseptic product is nothing new. It is a combination of existing items to create a new product that is more effective and affordable.

“We use a substance whose membrane has positively charged ions to destroy the cell membrane of the coronavirus. A certain compound is also added to the solution to inhibit the enzyme activity of the virus, enhancing the efficacy of the spray,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit explained while adding that the various compounds used in the product are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their ability to kill various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and are harmless to users.

Another outstanding feature of the product apart from killing pathogens is its moisturizing property.

“The alcohol used for disinfection is highly concentrated, and may cause irritation to the user’s skin and it is flammable. We, therefore, invented a water-based disinfectant as a substitute. Apart from its non-irritating quality, it is also not as volatile as alcohol, so the solution can stay on the skin for a long time. It also sticks to the face mask or clothing when sprayed, and remains effective longer than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit. “The product comes in spray form that can be used on the body where moisturization and disinfectant are needed. There is no need to rinse and it can be reapplied every four hours, but avoid eye, mouth, and nasal cavity areas. The spray can be stored for up to two years.”

At present, the product is registered as a national patent and is in the process of technology transfer to SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. for distribution. The technology is also open to any entrepreneurs who are interested in commercializing the product.

Yessenov University’s English Philology Department partners with US Embassy

Posted on by maral.zhakypbekova

As a part of continuous professional development, English language teachers of the Department of English Philology, Yessenov University have taken three stages of the advanced training course “Pedagogical University Development Project” from the US Embassy in Kazakhstan and RELO Office.

Phase I was about digital tools used in FLT Classroom. English teachers had great opportunity to learn about useful tools to use in their online classes which was actual previous years.

Phase II was the Curriculum Development stage. Participants have chosen two courses to create a curriculum: English Language A2 and Methodology of FLT. During this course, teachers developed a full curriculum for these two courses.

Phase III was Curriculum Revision Stage and additional teacher workshops with different topics related to FLT. This stage of the course lasts two months, which allows teachers not only to obtain the necessary information, but also to delve into the practical application of the acquired skills.

The course sessions are interactive and include relevant topics that will allow teachers to improve the learning process, introduce modern language teaching technologies, integrate them with related disciplines, as well as improve the use of digital technologies aimed at in-depth study of the English language by students (future teachers and translators).

Thammasat’s Faculty of Public Health participate in Thailand Global Health Action Plan

Posted on by Thammasat University

Professor Dr. Surasak Soonthorn, the representative from Global Health Program (International Programs), Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University had been invited to participate in the 2021 Thailand Global Health Action Plan 2021-2027 seminar organized by the International Affairs Division, Ministry of Public Health to exchange knowledge and experience in global health operations and prepared an annual action plan for the year 2021 under the Global Health Action Plan 2021-2027. A total of 27 agencies attended the meeting and qualified speakers from both within and outside the Ministry of Public Health.

As a result of the meeting, the role of educational institutions with global health courses (Global Health) had been revealed. In the future, these educational institutions will play a role as academic supporters in the field of human resource development in both short-term and long-term courses. The exchange of experts in global health knowledge in the form of network partners, both within and outside the Ministry of Public Health. The exchange of experiences on the 8 Key Global Health operations, including the results of the analysis of the process of developing “Pandemic treaty” and the results of the “COP26” meeting, which will directly and indirectly affect Thailand’s global health operations. In addition, a goal has been proposed for Thailand to become “Global Health 5.0” to drive solving health problems beyond conventional health, along with the guidelines for striving to achieve such goals.

A breakthrough in probiotic therapy

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Based on the research “Comparative Microbiome Analysis for the Probiotics Development” with the support of the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit Pongpirul, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University discovered several probiotics that help reduce blood lipids, liver fat, and skin fat, and was inspired to create the Personalized Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine (PPM) so that each person receives the correct dose and strains as needed.

“This device can dispense probiotics to people with poor microbial homeostasis, and people who lack certain beneficial microorganisms, including those with unknown illnesses, to boost and maintain the balance of microorganisms within the body,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit.

Microbial balance for good health
In our body reside hundreds of intestinal microorganisms, on which humans rely to maintain bodily balance.

“The right amounts of good microbes in the body help optimize the metabolic system, especially for fat and sugar, and prevent or reduce allergy, fight against pathogens and some forms of cancer,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said, adding that he is currently conducting research to compare the microorganisms in various cancer patients, e.g. cervical cancer1-2, colon cancer3-4, breast cancer5-6, and prostate cancer, etc.

Symptoms of dysbiosis
When the body lacks certain beneficial microorganisms, it will suffer an imbalance of microorganisms or dysbiosis with symptoms such as frequent bloating, diarrheas, bad breath, chronic allergies, rough skin, excessively oily skin, insomnia, stress, and premature aging, and so on.

“For example, some patients come to the doctor with several ‘minor’ symptoms such as insomnia, rashes, sneezing, obesity, and mood swings. From a general examination, these symptoms are unexplained health problems, and the doctor will just treat the symptoms. Many are found to suffer from dysbiosis, and when treated with tailored probiotics, their conditions gradually improve,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said.

Microbial Test Kit
Everybody needs different types of probiotics, and each day, those in the body fluctuate, both in quantity and diversity. Consumption of generic probiotics available in the market may not always be beneficial. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit suggested checking for your microorganism deficiency and just replenishing those the body lacks.

“Currently, hospitals have labs to test for microbial imbalances and often use the “16s rRNA sequencing” technology. Yet, tests are quite pricey and take two to three weeks to produce the results. By then, the body microorganisms would have already changed, and the results, obsolete.”

Such problems motivated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit to develop a “portable microbial test kit” (2,500 baht per set) that can be done at home.

“Currently, one kit contains five tests that can be done by dissolving feces in buffer solution and drop into each of the five tests. Wait 15 minutes to read and record the results to forward to the doctor who makes the diagnosis, and order personalized dose and types of probiotics.”

Targeted Probiotic Therapy
Once the deficiency is detected, the prescription requires specificity, hence the Personalized Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine that keeps the products fresh and nearly 100% alive.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit went on to explain that “once the patients have their test results, the doctor will make the diagnosis for further treatment done in three steps.”

  1. Information intake and patients’ touchpoint: patients’ test data entry into the system to calculate the appropriate dose and variety of the probiotics;
  2. Compartmentalized probiotics harvest: preparation of probiotics under temperature and humidity control;
  3. Dispensing of personalized probiotics using the dispenser.

“The dispenser will provide liquid probiotics that patients can drink instantly for freshness while the microorganisms are still alive. All 23 types of the microorganisms match the FDA’s s Announcement,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit confirmed.

“The probiotic supplements in the market may only be about 50 percent live, thus their ability to balance the bodily systems are drastically inferior.”

Moreover, the personalized probiotics dispenser can dispense both single-strain and multi-strain probiotics, as well as desired types, and quantities.

A Breakthrough in Probiotic Therapy for Balanced Bodily Systems
Currently, the personalized probiotics dispenser has been petty patented, and the units are being manufactured. However, their use needs to be kept under the supervision of trained medical practitioners for the utmost safety and benefit of the patients.

“Those interested in microbial homeostasis are welcome to come for a consultation at Phor Por Ror Building, 16th Floor, Preventive Medicine, every Wednesday morning. The treatment should be done five consecutive times (1 course). In the beginning, the doctor will make appointments for an overall checkup, and bi-weekly probiotic drinks. Once the body is balanced, patients can increase the intervals between visits. Each course of treatment costs about 10,000 baht.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit expects that both the portable test kit, and the personalized probiotics dispenser will be available in the market, hospitals, and health centers in early 2022. He also mentioned a joint investment with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and the private sector to develop ready-to-drink probiotics for lipid metabolism.

A balanced diet to increase probiotics in your body
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said that 96% of good health is from preventive care. Adding beneficial microorganisms into the body is one way to maintain its biological balance. Eating yogurt, kimchi, and fermented foods in daily life is a start.

“Choosing the right yogurt for your body can be done by observation. Each brand has different types of probiotics, so you should try consuming the same brand for seven days. Then switch, and observe if you become bloated, or have diarrhea. Jot down daily notes on how you feel to analyze the response of the body. You will find the right microorganisms that the body needs at that time,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit concluded.

Those interested in microbial homeostasis can come for a consultation at Phor Por Ror Building, 16th Floor, Preventive Medicine, every Wednesday morning, or contact Tel. 0-2256-5425.

Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM and Rhazes ink MoU

Posted on by Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM Editorial Team

Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA and Rhazes Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in pharmaceutical healthcare focusing on collaboration to develop and enhance quality education and expertise in tele-pharmacy and digital health. The signing ceremony was held on the 24 December 2021 at UiTM Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia.

The MoU was signed by the Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM, Associate Professor Dr Shariza Sahudin, and Chief Executive Officer, Rhazes Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Mr Munaver Ahmad b Nazir Ahmad. The signing ceremony was also attended by the Chief Operating Officer of Rhazes Consultancy Services, Pn. Noorasmah bt Mohamed Noordin and UiTM’s Faculty of Pharmacy’s Deputy Dean (Industry, Community, Alumni & Network), Dr Muhamad Faiz Othman, and the Head of Department (Pharmacy Practice), Dr Mahmathi Karuppannan.

According to Associate Professor Dr Shariza Sahudin, the collaborative partnership with Rhazes Consultancy Services, a leading organization providing tele-pharmacy services, aligns with the Faculty of Pharmacy’s objective to pioneer tele-pharmacy development in Malaysia. “I believe through this collaboration, the tele-pharmacy expertise led by Rhazes Consultancy Services can be further developed”, she said. Associate Professor Dr Shariza Sahudin added that future collaborative work between Rhazes Consultancy Services and the Faculty of Pharmacy UiTM is expected to address the pressing demand to develop and enhance the skills and knowledge in digital pharmaceutical healthcare among pharmacy graduates given the shift to online platforms mainly due to IR4.0 and the Covid19 pandemic.

Rhazes Consultancy Services is a digital pharmacy technology service provider that connects the public with consultants, specialists, and subject matter experts in pharmaceutical healthcare. Coming from various fields of pharmaceutical practice, experts from Rhazers can provide unbiased, accurate, reliable, and quality advice and guidance on health, diseases, medication, and current health issues to future practitioners. Currently, the organisation provides digital pharmaceutical healthcare services such as medication management, quit-smoking programme, asthma disease management, and diabetic medication therapy adherence clinic.

The collaborative effort between both parties following the MoU signing is anticipated to produce substantial engagement initiatives towards providing high-quality and up-to-date pharmacy educational programmes and ensuring excellence in the profession of pharmacy.

‘Vacuum Packed Crispy Fermented Fish’ created TU student wins first prize

Posted on by Thammasat University

When the world changes, the world food trends are then changing accordingly.

The goal of becoming the “Kitchen of the World” were simply to have fertile food production sources, a variety of raw materials or driven by traditional wisdom which are considerably no longer enough. A big turning point is therefore, relying on initiating food innovations that meet the needs of consumers with changing lifestyles, especially in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ra-Zabb, Vacuum Packed Crispy Fermented Fish”, the work of the “Ra-Zabb” team, which won the first prize from the Food Innopolis Contest 2021 in the Heavy Weights category, under the topic of Food Heritage Innovation. It is regarded as another food innovation that is responding effectively to the New Normal lifestyle. From regular “Fried Fermented Fish”, the heritage of traditional food wisdom of Korat people, then add value using science and technology processes to become “Ra-Zabb, Vacuum Crispy Fermented Fish”. Even though the appearance has been altered, yet retains the delicious taste of the Northeastern style, and as well can be kept for longer, easy to carry and can be eaten anywhere, by simply opening the envelope and it’s ready to taste.

The unique selling point of “Ra-Zabb, Vacuum Crispy Fermented Fish” are bite-sized, easy-to-eat fish meats that contain protein, calcium, vitamin B and iron. One sachet is equivalent to one whole tilapia fish, which can be stored up to 12 months, from sanitized sources and production processes that are safe and consumer-friendly.

In addition to “Ra-Zabb, Vacuum Crispy Fermented Fish”, there are also other food innovations initiated by TU students that have received awards from the Food Innopolis Contest 2021, of a total of 5 teams, 7 awards, such as “Trumpkin vegan cheese”, “Vegan cheese product” made from pumpkins, the work of the Trumpkin team which won the first prize and Popular Vote award in the Heavy Weights category, under the topic of Future Lifestyle Food Innovation.

“Gojuedrink”, “Carrageenan Jelly in Centella Asiatica Juice with Honey Lemon” product from the Gojuedrink team which received the first runner-up award in the Light Weight category under the topic of Food Heritage Innovation.

“Hody Cheese”, a new alternative cheese product from hemp seeds nourished with high protein, from the 3HC team which won the 2nd runner-up award in the Light Weight category under the topic of Future Lifestyle Food Innovation.

“Dè Blong” instant glutinous rice with coconut cream roasted in bamboo joints using Luem Pua Glutinous Rice, the work of the Crewmate TU team that won the Popular Vote award and the Honorable Mention Award in the Light Weight category under the topic of Food Heritage Innovation.