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Year: 2023

Thailand’s Silver Workforce: Tapping into Untapped Potential

Posted on by Afifah Darke

In recent years, the labor market in Thailand has experienced a major “demographic disruption” that has affected the employment dynamics among the senior population (we will focus on individuals aged 55 and above in this article as this reflects the typical “early retirement age” in the country). Data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) spanning from 2011 to 2021 reveals a significant increase in the senior population, a rise from 12 million to 18 million people.1 This shift is not only significant in numerical terms but also has far-reaching implications for various aspects of the country’s social and economic structure.

1. However, it is important to note that the data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) that we used does not cover informal workers and sectors and this omission highlights the complexity of the situation, as many seniors might engage in informal work that is not reflected in these statistics. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the NSO data is collected during the fourth quarter of each year, mirroring the data collection practice of the Department of Employment. As such, the analysis may not comprehensively capture seasonal fluctuations or shifts that transpire over the course of the year, which could conceivably impact the employment statistics concerning senior citizens.

Despite these limitations, the employment rate within the senior age group has not shown a corresponding upward trend. According to the data from the National Statistical Office, from 2011 to 2021, the number of senior employment (individuals aged 55 and above that have a job) had increased by only 600,000 while the number of senior populations in this age range had increased by 6 million people. In other words, only 10 percent of the senior population had participated in the labor market. This disparity between the growth of the senior population and the employment of senior individuals indicates a substantial “untapped” potential within this demographic group that demands attention from policymakers, businesses, and society as a whole.

Furthermore, our analysis also reveals that the impact of demographic disruption on the labor market was unevenly distributed across various occupations. Some occupations such as sales workers and agricultural workers experienced a significant drop in the employment of senior individuals (decrease by 20 percent and 30 percent respectively). Potentially these are occupations in which senior individuals have lost their attractiveness (or being perceived to have lost their attractiveness) as productive workers when competing against younger individuals.

Still, some occupations saw a significant increase in senior workers. For example, senior refuse workers (i.e., people who collect garbage for work) increased by 230 percent while senior cleaners and helpers increased by 120 percent. Why did we see an increase in senior employment in these occupations? A potential hypothesis is that these are occupations that younger individuals are not interested and thus lead to reduced competition for senior individuals.

Another interesting insight is that our research highlights a significant difference in employment growth between senior individuals working in routine jobs and those in non-routine jobs. Senior individuals engaged in routine jobs, such as machine operators and laborers, experienced slower employment growth than those in non-routine jobs, like healthcare professionals and legal experts. Potentially, routine jobs often require physical abilities that deteriorate with age. Additionally, these jobs are more susceptible to replacement by automation technologies. This illustrates another potential channel through which technological disruption can impact senior employment.

Over the past three years (2018-2021), there were approximately 1 million individuals who became senior citizens per year. If we use the above information that we can absorb only 10 percent of senior citizens into the labor market, this implies that we are losing an “untapped” potential of at least 900,000 individuals per year. Five years from now, we will lose around 4.5 million individuals cumulatively. Ten years from now, we could lose up to 9 million individuals cumulatively. And the longer these senior individuals have left the labor market, the harder it is to bring them back into the labor market.

So, what should we do? We think it is critical to rethink how we value the so-called “silver workforce”. Commonly, many people and organizations do not recognize the great potential from this group of people. This suggests the enormous opportunity to leverage the potential of this expanding group. Policymakers and businesses should respond proactively by implementing strategies such as offering incentives for hiring older workers, investing in customized skill development programs, and recognizing the substantial economic contributions these individuals can bring. These actions can be crucial for unlocking the benefits of this demographic shift and boosting the performance of Thai economy.

With the substantial increase in the senior population and the relatively modest growth in the number of seniors employed, it becomes evident that a reservoir of untapped potential exists. This potential, if strategically harnessed, holds the promise of bolstering the nation’s economic growth, amplifying productivity, and ensuring the continued engagement of older individuals in meaningful and fulfilling roles. Moreover, by nurturing the well-being of senior workers and providing opportunities for skill enhancement, they can excel in specific vocations such as teaching, legal practice, and managerial roles that people become more productive by age. Furthermore, with the assistance of technology, senior workers can be augmented through innovative tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) or even physical augmentation, enabling them to perform tasks with enhanced efficiency and adaptability.

To unlock this untapped potential, a multi-faceted approach is essential. This approach should encompass tailored skill development programs that align with emerging technologies and allow for flexible work arrangements that cater to the unique needs and preferences of senior workers. Furthermore, fostering an age-inclusive work environment and championing age-diverse teams can further optimize the utilization of this underutilized labor force. In addition to their contributions to the workforce, senior workers can play a pivotal role in addressing various social issues, including environmental concerns or volunteering to help in various areas. Their wealth of experience and expertise can be valuable in tackling complex challenges and finding sustainable solutions for the betterment of society as a whole.

In summary, by embracing this untapped potential, Thailand can better position itself to navigate the evolving dynamics of its labor market, creating a win-win scenario that benefits individuals, businesses, and society at large.

This article is written by

1. Assoc.Prof. Piyachart Phiromswad, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Sasin School of Management

2. Asst.Prof. Pattarake Sarajoti, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Sasin School of Management

3. Prof. Kua Wongboonsin, Ph.D., Demographer and Advisor to the National Innovation Board of Thailand

4. Mr. Pitichai Rajatawipat, Research Assistant

HKBU-led research discovers therapeutic potential of hyodeoxycholic acid for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Posted on by HKBUCPRO

A research led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has discovered that hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), a bile acid generated in human intestine, can reduce fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver, demonstrating its strong therapeutic potential for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research also found that HDCA’s intervention in NAFLD works by reshaping the population of beneficial gut bacteria, which affects the metabolic interactions between the gut and the liver. The result highlighted the critical role of gut health in liver disease.

The research findings have been published in the renowned scientific journal Cell Metabolism. HKBU researchers will coordinate a phase I and II clinical trial in the Mainland to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HDCA for patients with fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

32% of adults suffer from NAFLD

NAFLD is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, characterised by the build-up of excessive fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol consumption. Its global prevalence has been increasing over time. A meta-analysis in 2022 estimated that 32% of the adult population is affected by NAFLD. Some people with NAFLD can develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is marked by liver inflammation and may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Currently, there are no therapeutic drugs available for sale on the market for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

A research led by Professor Jia Wei, Acting Dean and Chair Professor in Chinese Medicine and Systems Biology of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, discovered that HDCA offers promising potential as a pharmaceutical intervention for NAFLD. “Our research is a significant stride forward in understanding the pathophysiology of NAFLD, and it offers a potential new avenue for therapeutic intervention,” he said.

Therapeutic effects of HDCA

Professor Jia’s team found that individuals with NAFLD have lower levels of HDCA compared to those without NAFLD. In a cohort consisting of 178 patients with NAFLD and 73 healthy individuals, hyocholic acid species, including HDCA and its major metabolite glycohyodeoxycholic acid, comprises 0.5% of the bile acids in NAFLD patients, which is significantly lower than the 2% in healthy individuals. This observation led the team to explore HDCA’s potential therapeutic role.

A series of controlled experiments were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HDCA. The team orally fed HDCA to mouse models with NAFLD for eight weeks. The results showed that HDCA markedly reduced excessive lipid droplets, and improved hepatic inflammation, oral glucose tolerance (i.e. the blood glucose level after oral intake of glucose), and insulin sensitivity (i.e. the sensitivity of the body to the effects of insulin which helps the glucose to enter into the cells for use) compared to the control group. The results revealed that HDCA alleviated NAFLD conditions and the risk factors of NAFLD such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.

Interestingly, the researchers found that HDCA did not exert its therapeutic effects on NAFLD by directly targeting liver cells. They evaluated the potential direct effect of HDCA on lipid accumulation in a mouse model. The results showed that lipid accumulation was barely affected by the HDCA. They hypothesised that HDCA induced gut microbiota alterations, which might contribute to the alleviation of NAFLD.

HDCA reshapes gut microbiota

The researchers observed that HDCA could improve the population of beneficial gut bacteria. Parabacteroides distasonis (P. distasonis), a member of the core microbiome in the human gut, sharply increased in the mouse model fed with high-fat food and administered with HDCA, compared with the control group fed with high-fat food only. The results revealed that HDCA provided a favorable environment for the thriving of P. distasonis, which regulates fatty acid metabolism as well as the hepatic bile acid synthesis pathways.

“The study underscores the crucial role of the gut-liver metabolic axis in disease management. We hope that the research findings on HDCA and the clinical trial to be conducted in the Mainland will provide more insights into the treatment of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,” said Professor Jia.

Professor Jia has also led a research project investigating the molecular connections between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a specific focus on host-gut microbiota interactions. The project has been awarded over HK$7.2 million in research funding from the Theme-based Research Scheme (13th round) under the Research Grants Council.

LAT Wins The Global 100 Award For 4th Consecutive Year

Posted on by Global University Systems

The London Academy of Trading has won the ‘Most Outstanding Trading Courses Provider – 2024’ for the fourth year in a row from The Global 100.

With its global readership of more than 376,000, The Global 100 does not follow the usual process of many publishers. Instead, they use a very specific, comprehensive evaluation process. After the closure of the voting period, which involves a strict format of self-submission and third-party nomination, firms are shortlisted and then the winners are selected. For each category, a propriety method of analysis ranks winners based on their domestic and international work.

Paddy Osborn, MD and Academic Dean of LAT, said: “This is a challenging award to win, so we are delighted to have been chosen as the Most Outstanding Trading Courses Provider for 2024. It is flattering to be recognised for our achievements, but our aim is simply to do everything in our power to help students achieve their personal goals.”

Earlier this year, LAT launched a bespoke one-on-one mentoring service to help traders fine-tune their skills and achieve consistent profitability. These personalised sessions with LAT specialists are completely bespoke, covering goal setting, trading psychology, strategy development, risk management and much more.

“This service is available to everyone, including LAT alumni as well as individuals who haven’t studied with us before,” says Paddy Osborn. “Many retail traders think they have the knowledge and skills to trade but many lack the final ingredients to be consistently successful. Having specific advice and guidance from our trading experts can give them what they need to get fully on track with their trading.”

The Global 100 consists of only 100 of the world’s leading firms and individuals.

Template for Success: Shaping Hard Carbon Electrodes for Next-Generation Batteries

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Sodium- and potassium-ion batteries are promising next-generation alternatives to the ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their energy density still lags behind that of LIBs. To tackle this issue, researchers from Japan explored an innovative strategy to turn hard carbon into an excellent negative electrode material. Using inorganic zinc-based compounds as a template during synthesis, they prepared nanostructured hard carbon, which exhibits excellent performance in both alternative batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are, by far, the most widely used type of rechargeable batteries, spanning numerous applications. These include consumer electronics, electric vehicles (e.g., Tesla cars), renewable energy systems, and spacecrafts. Although LIBs deliver the best performance in many aspects when compared to other rechargeable batteries, they have their fair share of disadvantages. Lithium is a rather scarce resource, and its price will rise quickly with its availability going down in the future. Moreover, lithium extraction and improperly discarded LIBs pose huge environmental challenges as the liquid electrolytes commonly used in them are toxic and flammable.

The shortcomings of LIBs have motivated researchers worldwide to look for alternative energy storage technologies. Sodium (Na)-ion batteries (NIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are two rapidly emerging options that are cost-efficient as well as sustainable. Both NIBs and KIBs are projected to be billion-dollar industries by the end of the decade. Governments across the world, including that of the US, Austria, Hong Kong, Germany, and Australia, are promoting research and innovation in this field. Moreover, companies such as Faradion Limited, TIAMAT SAS, and HiNa Battery Technology Co. Ltd., are investing heavily in this technology. Both Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited and Build Your Dreams are expected to introduce electric vehicle battery packs with NIBs soon.

Unfortunately, however, the capacity of the electrode materials used in NIBs and KIBs still lags behind that of LIBs. Against this backdrop, a research team led by Professor Shinichi Komaba from Tokyo University Science (TUS), Japan, has been working to develop groundbreaking high-capacity electrode materials for NIBs and KIBs. In their latest study, published in Advanced Energy Materials on November 9, 2023, they report a new synthesis strategy for nanostructured “hard carbon” (HC) electrodes that deliver unprecedented performance. The study was co-authored by Mr. Daisuke Igarashi, Ms. Yoko Tanaka, and Junior Associate Professor Ryoichi Tatara from TUS, and Dr. Kei Kubota from the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan.

But what is HC and why is it useful for NIBs and KIBs? Unlike other forms of carbon, such as graphene or diamond, HC is amorphous; it lacks a well-defined crystalline structure. Additionally, it is strong and resistant. In an earlier 2021 study, Prof. Komaba and his colleagues had found a way to use magnesium oxide (MgO) as a template during the synthesis of HC electrodes for NIBs, altering their final nanostructure. The process had led to the formation of nanopores within the electrodes upon MgO removal, which, in turn, had vastly increased their capacity to store Na+ ions.

Motivated by their previous findings, the researchers explored whether compounds made from zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) could also be useful as nano-templates for HC electrodes. To this end, they systematically investigated different HC samples made using zinc oxide (ZnO) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and compared their performance with the ones synthesized using magnesium oxide (MgO).

Preliminary experiments showed that ZnO was particularly promising for the negative electrode of NIBs. Accordingly, the researchers optimized the concentration of ZnO embedded in the HC matrix during synthesis, demonstrating a reversible capacity of 464 mAh g–1 (corresponding to NaC4.8) with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 91.7% and a low average potential of 0.18 V vs. Na+/Na.

The team achieved remarkable results by incorporating this powerful electrode material into an actual battery. “The NIB fabricated using the optimized ZnO-templated HC as the negative electrode exhibited an energy density of 312 Wh kg–1,” highlights Prof. Komaba. “This value is equivalent to the energy density of certain types of currently commercialized LIBs with LiFePO4 and graphite and is more than 1.6 times the energy density of the first NIBs (192 Wh kg–1), which our laboratory reported back in 2011.” Notably, the ZnO-templated HC also exhibited a significant capacity of 381 mAh g–1 when incorporated into a KIB, further showcasing its potential.

Taken together, the results of this study show that using inorganic nanoparticles as a template to control the pore structure may provide an effective guideline for the development of HC electrodes. “Our findings prove that HCs are promising candidates for negative electrodes as an alternative to graphite,” concludes Prof. Komaba.

In turn, this could make NIBs viable for practical applications, such as the development of sustainable consumer electronics and electric vehicles as well as low carbon footprint energy storage systems for storing energy from solar and wind farms.

Rector of National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” signs Magna Charta Universitatum

Posted on by National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Rector of the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» Yevgen Sokol took part in the ceremony of signing the updated Magna Charta Universitatum. The event took place at the University of Lodz (Poland). The Magna Charta Universitatum was first signed in 1988 in Bologna, Italy, and revised in 2020. The document defines the basic principles of higher education for the coming decades and is the basis of the mission and activities of universities. Currently, its signatories are 950 rectors around the world. It should be noted that for the first time in the history of the Charter, it was presented in Ukrainian language. In addition, Rector Yevgen Sokol and Vice-rector Gennadiy Khrypunov took part in the international conference «Universities and Re-Construction of Cities: the Role of Research and Education», where they presented an innovative project of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute scientists on energy efficiency in Kharkiv.

Each year, Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory organizes an international conference to discuss contemporary challenges to upholding fundamental values and serving society responsibly, and holds a solemn ceremony of signing the Magna Charta Universitatum. This year’s conference and ceremony took place in Lodz, Poland. The aim of the conference was to enable universities to respond more effectively to the challenges they face and foresee, and to strengthen their ability to uphold fundamental values for the benefit of society in the face of global challenges and transformations. The theme of the 2023 conference was «Universities and Re-Construction of Cities: the Role of Research and Education». The event featured renowned international speakers who shared their views and held discussions. More than 130 participants representing educational institutions from 37 countries had the opportunity to interact closely during various small group discussions.

The conference was attended by Yevgen Sokol, Rector of NTU «KhPI», and Gennadiy Khrypunov, Vice-rector for International Relations of the university. They presented an innovative project developed by the university’s researchers, Kharkiv Energy Efficient, dedicated to ensuring the sustainable development of Kharkiv in the post-war recovery.

The conference marked a significant event for global higher education – the rectors of the world’s leading universities solemnly signed the updated Magna Charta Universitatum MCU2020. This document defines the basic principles of higher education for decades. The ceremony took place at the Magna Charta Observatory and the University of Lodz. It was attended by the Rector of the National University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» Yevgen Sokol.

The Magna Carta Universitatum was first signed in 1988 in the presence of many political leaders and representatives of society and revised in 2020. The purpose of the revision is to reflect the changes in the world that universities are facing. It has now been signed by more than 950 university leaders from around the world. The Magna Carta Universitatum is based on the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as a guideline for effective management and development of universities. It should be noted that for the first time this year this document (in addition to English and Polish) was presented in Ukrainian language, which demonstrates the solidarity of the international university community with Ukrainian universities. The support of Ukrainian universities was declared not only from the conference tribune, but also during the meeting of the Rector of the university Yevgen Sokol with the General Secretary of Magna Charta Observatory David J. Lock.

To watch the video broadcast of the signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum, please follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMFI218nxKA

Ngobrol Buku: a Community Focused on Increasing People’s Literacy and Interest in Reading

Posted on by Afifah Darke

Based on a report from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Indonesia’s literacy culture score is 57.4 points in 2022. This value was recorded as an increase of 5.7% compared to the previous year which was 54.29 points. Even though this percentage has increased, the figure is not good enough to create quality human resources.

To increase people’s interest in reading, many literacy activists are endlessly inviting Indonesian people to get closer and love literacy. One of them is a literacy activist from North Sumatra, Eka Dalanta Tarigan.

Eka Dalanta, an alumnus of the Indonesian Literature Department, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) who is a literacy activist and active in the field of literature. Because of her love of literature, she and 4 other writers founded a community called Ngobrol Buku.

Ngobrol Buku is a community in the city of Medan, North Sumatra which was founded with the determination to change the stigma that thinks literature is difficult to understand and boring. The topics discussed are also presented in an interesting and non-monotonous way so that the audience has a deeper interest in books and literature.

The establishment of this community is useful for increasing public awareness to be more interested in literacy and literature. “Talking about literature is important, because it will make us individuals who have a sense of empathy and an attitude that humanizes other humans well,” said Eka.

She added, “The aim of creating this community is also to introduce the richness of Indonesian literature to a wide audience, especially young people, therefore we use social media platforms such as Instagram”.

This community, as a forum for discussions related to literature and literacy, has also been regularly carrying out activities since May 2020. These activities are carried out in a hybrid manner, namely online every Friday at 20.00 P.M in Indonesia time via live Instagram @ngobrol.buku and offline once a month in public spaces so that it can attract the attention of more people.

As an effort to bring literature closer to society, it is hoped that this community will grow bigger, gain recognition from many circles and be able to produce many young generations of literature lovers and spread the beauty of Indonesian literature worldwide. In this way, the literacy rate in Indonesia, especially in the city of Medan is increasing.

SDGs Center of Universitas Airlangga proposes collaborative initiative with Western Sydney University

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

In a groundbreaking move towards global sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Center at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has extended an invitation for collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU). This initiative aims to foster international cooperation in addressing critical issues outlined by the United Nations’ SDGs.

Capacity building program for public servants

One of the critical aspects of this collaboration is the proposed Capacity Building Program scheduled for the coming year. This program explicitly targets the professional development of public servants (ASN—Aparatur Sipil Negara) and will be conducted in partnership with Western Sydney University. The program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants, equipping them with the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to achieving SDGs.

Innovative data system mentorship

The collaboration also includes a pioneering data system mentorship program. It recognizes the importance of data in informed decision-making, and this initiative will facilitate the exchange of expertise between UNAIR and WSU in the development and implementation of cutting-edge data systems. The mentorship program empowers both institutions to leverage data effectively to drive progress toward sustainable development.

SDGs Festival: A Celebration of Global Goals

As part of the collaboration, both universities are gearing up to host an SDGs Festival. This festival will serve as a platform for raising awareness and fostering a shared commitment to the SDGs. Through a series of events, discussions, and interactive sessions, the SDGs Festival aims to engage students, faculty, and the broader community in a collective dialogue on sustainability.

Dr. Bayu Arie Fianto, Head of SDGs Center Universitas Airlangga, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Western Sydney University is a significant step towards creating a global network of institutions dedicated to advancing the SDGs. By combining our strengths and resources, we can profoundly impact the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The collaboration between SDGs Center Universitas Airlangga and Western Sydney University exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation and underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to building a sustainable future. As the world looks towards a decade of action for the SDGs, such partnerships are crucial for realizing the vision of a more equitable and sustainable world.

From Medan to Gwangju: Sister City Collaboration in the Spirit of Friendship and International Cooperation

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) embarked on a cultural visit to Gwangju, South Korea, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations through cultural exchange and explore potential collaborations in education.

This activity is part of the Sister City program between the City Government of Medan and the City Government of Gwangju.rnrnThe Sister City Program is an initiative between two cities from different countries or regions aimed at establishing official relationships to promote cultural, economic, and social exchanges. True to its name, Sister City is grounded in the similarities of two cities despite their geographical differences. The program has gained international recognition, especially in bilateral relations between countries, particularly in non-capital regions.rnrnThe City Government of Medan initiated Sister City collaborations in 1997 with several cities in different countries, including Gwangju (South Korea), Ichikawa (Japan), Chengdu (China), Georgetown, and Ipoh (Malaysia)rnrnTypically involving student exchanges, government official visits, economic collaborations, and joint cultural programs, the program aims to strengthen the relationship between two cities and allows their residents to learn and understand each other’s cultures.

In November 2023, the Medan City Government implemented the Sister City program to Gwangju, South Korea. The initiative included sending 12 students from four major universities in Medan.rnrnDuring the program, Medan students were accompanied by students from Gwangju, originating from Chungnam National University (CNU) and the Gwangju International Center (GIC), a non-governmental organization in Gwangju.rnrnThe student exchange activities also included panel discussions addressing relevant global and local issues. This provided an opportunity for both Medan and Gwangju students to understand cultural differences and worldviews, ultimately improving cross-cultural communication skills.

In terms of arts and culture, students from FISIP USU and CNU collaborated in organizing art exhibitions, traditional performances, and other cultural activities. This not only enriched the artistic experiences of both groups of students but also broadened the appreciation of arts and culture from each city. The active involvement of FISIP USU students in this Sister City program creates opportunities for learning and personal development. Through cultural exchanges, social experiences, and joint projects, students not only strengthen the relationship between Gwangju and Medan but also become ambassadors for peace and cross-cultural understanding. To further strengthen the established relationship, CNU students will visit Medan in February to learn about the local arts and culture. With a collaborative spirit, this program is expected to leave a positive impact in building bridges between two different cities, connected by the spirit of friendship and cooperation.

Online education? No thanks

Posted on by Seb Murray

Students in the UK are shunning online learning and wanting to return to physical classes, prompting educators to reflect whether it is time to relook at virtual learning courses.

In the summer of 2023, the UK witnessed a significant event in the education sector when some 120,000 recent graduates and current students took legal action against their universities. The core of their grievance was the quality of education, which had been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and lecturer strikes.

A significant part of their dissatisfaction revolved around the prevalent use of pre-recorded videos; a sore point given the substantial tuition fees of £9,250 per year. Notable institutions such as University College London, Bristol, Nottingham, Warwick and Liverpool now find themselves under scrutiny.

The collective discontent expressed by these students highlights a broader issue — the shifting perceptions of online education in the post-pandemic era. Many prospective university candidates have had a first-hand experience of online learning, and it hasn’t been universally positive. For some, this has dampened their enthusiasm for remote courses, particularly at the postgraduate level.

Andrew Crisp, a higher education consultant, observes that since the pandemic there’s been a growing demand to get back to face-to-face learning. “Students who missed out on a classroom experience as part of their undergraduate degree, now want a master’s in person,” he says.

This is reflected in the results of a survey conducted by his research firm Carrington Crisp, along with university accreditation body European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The study reveals a declining preference for blended (15 percent) or entirely online (14 percent) study, down from 38 percent in 2022. Nearly half of respondents now favour full-time on-campus study, while almost a quarter express a preference for part-time on-campus learning. In contrast, last year saw almost 60 percent of students willing to consider studying the majority of their master’s online, a figure that has now declined to 52 percent.

The reasons for this shift in preferences are multifaceted. Crisp says students are concerned about losing self-confidence, presentation skills and internships, all of which are difficult to develop in online environments. This trend signals a strong demand for in-person opportunities that foster interpersonal skills and networking, both of which are critical to students’ future careers.

However, the impact of COVID-19 on online education is a mixed bag. While some students are gravitating towards traditional classroom experiences, others, particularly older students, are embracing remote teaching. “With work and family commitments, online learning offers the flexibility to learn when time and circumstances allow,” adds Crisp.

Eimear Nolan, director of the flexible executive MBA at Dublin’s Trinity Business School — a programme which targets older students — stresses the importance of distinguishing between courses originally designed for in-person delivery and those hastily transitioned to an online format due to government restrictions during COVID.

“Everyone was forced into a reactive mode with minimal opportunity for reflection. Yes, we survived it — but I am not surprised at all that no one wants to be launched back into that learning environment under those conditions,” she tells QS Insights Magazine.

“I doubt that many academics or students would consider their experiences with online teaching and learning during COVID as a genuine representation of a well-thought-out and intentionally designed online programme. If they do, they would be sorely mistaken.”

On the other hand, Nolan says degree programmes that are purposefully developed for online delivery are well received. But she believes the effectiveness of online education is not universal. “It will be successful for those who actively choose this mode of learning and are comfortable with it; it will not work for those academics and students who are forced into it.”

Managing Director for Europe at online learning platform Abilitie, Alex Whiteleather, echoes this sentiment, noting the limitations of the virtual classroom compared to in-person learning dynamics. “What educators found during the pandemic is that a virtual professor with a slide deck on screen is not able to replace the dynamics of the live classroom — too many social cues, peer learning opportunities and feedback moments are missing,” he says.

Whiteleather also notes that many universities were caught off guard and failed to adapt their teaching methodologies, resulting in an inability to provide the same educational value in an online format. However, he adds that institutions which embraced interactive, peer-based learning witnessed greater acceptance and learner satisfaction with their online courses.

Indeed, Gavin Symonds, Senior Online Programme Manager at Imperial College London, highlights the practical skills students gain from digital learning, such as video conferencing, project management and cloud-based collaboration skills, which are increasingly valuable in today’s remote work environment.

“Online learning environments are essential for fostering remote collaboration skills,” he says. “They offer a secure space for students to experiment and develop their skills, emphasise proficiency with collaboration tools, and highlight that collaboration takes many forms. Furthermore, it encourages learning from the diverse experiences of others, preparing students for the demands of the remote work environment.”

Looking ahead, many universities believe that online and classroom-based teaching can coexist harmoniously. “We are increasingly integrating online study into our curriculum, but in most cases, it is used to supplement our in-person offering, rather than to replace it,” says Anna Goatman, Director of Teaching and Learning at Alliance Manchester Business School.

“For example, an increasing amount of our in-person group work involves students using online tools to collaborate, and students appreciate that online courses allow them to study flexibly and at their own pace.”

But while the pandemic made students and staff alike recognise the positive elements of online learning, it also highlighted the benefits that come with face-to-face learning.

“It can be hard for students to feel part of an immersive learning community when studying entirely online. They can miss out on many of the wider networking and student-experience opportunities that are such an important element of higher education,” Goatman adds.

“As a result, we’re noticing the majority of undergraduate students looking to go on to full-time postgraduate study are opting for in-person programmes. The onus is on us to ensure that we can strike the right balance between the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, and the benefits that come with spending time on campus with peers and mentors.”

Read more like this from QS Insights Magazine, Issue 10.

Novel Enzyme Family Could Provide Insights into Bacterial Pathogenicity

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella are a global cause of concern as they can cause disease outbreaks. They release osmo-regulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs)—a diverse group of long-chain carbohydrates—that have a role in infection. Researchers from Japan have investigated two OPG-related genes, OpgG and OpgD, in E. coli. Their discovery of a novel family of β-1,2-glucanases could provide insights into bacterial pathogenicity.

Gram-negative bacteria cause a variety of infectious diseases in plants and animals alike. Outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli infections often make headlines due to their severity, and people have to resort to allopathic as well as natural remedies, increasing the burden on the healthcare system. While antibiotics offer an effective solution against bacterial infections, the increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have prompted researchers to identify other possible treatments against these infections. With technological advances and modern medicine, researchers are looking into the possibility of disrupting the pathogenicity of the bacteria at a molecular level by interfering with molecular processes at the gene as well as protein level.

Gram-negative bacteria, notorious for their infection capability, produce osmo-regulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs)—long-chain carbohydrates made of multiple glucose units—in the extracellular and/or periplasmic space. Initially, it was believed that OPGs were by-products produced under low solute concentrations, but recent reports confirm that they are crucial for pathogenicity, symbiosis, cell adhesion, and signaling.

However, the enzymes involved in the synthesis, regulation, and degradation of OPGs are not fully known. Genetic analysis revealed that the removal of opgH and/or opgG genes, partially responsible for OPG synthesis, causes bacteria to lose their infection capability, suggesting strong potential links of these genes with bacterial pathogenicity.

Although the structure of OpgG from E. coli (EcOpgG) has been elucidated, the mechanism of action of OpgG and OpgD from E. coli (EcOpgG and EcOpgD, respectively) remains unclear. Understanding the enzymes involved in OPG synthesis and the mechanisms underlying their function could provide us vital insights into the pathogenicity of Gram-negative bacteria, allowing us to develop more effective ways to deal with bacterial infections.

To bridge this gap in knowledge, Mr. Sei Motouchi from Tokyo University of Science, Dr. Kaito Kobayashi from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Associate, Associate Professor Hiroyuki Nakai from Niigata University and Professor Masahiro Nakajima from the Tokyo University of Science conducted structural and functional analyses of EcOpgD and EcOpgG. The study was published in Communications Biology on September 21, 2023.

Sharing the motivation behind this study, Professor Nakajima tells us, “Glycans are important biological macromolecules that play a variety of roles in living organisms, including pathogenicity and symbiosis. Their structure is very diverse and complex, and thus there are many types of enzymes that may synthesize and degrade them. However, we humans know only a small fraction of them”.

The researchers investigated the functions of OPG-related genes in the model organism E. coli. Functional analyses revealed that E. coli OpgD (EcOpgD) was an endo-β-1,2-glucanase, which specifically broke down β-1,2-glucans. It also had similar kinetic properties as those of general glycoside hydrolases (GH), further confirming its identity as a β-1,2-glucanase.

Structural analysis using crystallography revealed a high degree of similarity between the structures of EcOpgG and EcOpgD. However, the two enzymes had remarkably different activity. Upon further investigation, the researchers found that a few amino acids forming the reaction pathway, termed ‘Loop A’, were critical for enzyme activity and regulated the rate of reaction. EcOpgG and EcOpgD differed in their catalytic functions, possibly due to the difference in the amino acids in the Loop A region. The LoopA region diversifies among this group of enzymes, which may lead to functional diversity. Nevertheless, the basis of the catalytic center is shared in this group of enzymes. This common point will help scientists develop therapies that could potentially disrupt OPG synthesis and hinder the infection capability of bacteria.

Further, while the two enzymes belonged to the same family of GHs, their structure did not match with any of the existing GH enzymes. Thus, the authors confirmed that they belonged to a novel GH family, namely GH186. This information opens avenues for research into therapies that can target GH186 proteins to stop the progression of bacterial infections.

Professor Masahiro concludes by explaining the long-term applications of the study, “Although it was known that some Gram-negative plant pathogens synthesize OPGs for pathogenicity, most of the key enzymes for their synthesis had not been identified, preventing the development of agrochemicals targeting OPGs. We have identified a family of enzymes (GH186) involved in the direct synthesis of OPGs and elucidated their detailed functions, which has presented us with new targets (GH186) to inhibit pathogens and provides a solid foundation for ‘structure-based pesticide discovery’”.

The findings of this study lay down a strong foundation for further investigation of OPGs and related genes and may usher in a new era of disease management.