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Month: July 2024

RMCP visits FKH UNAIR, RSHP to discuss potential further collaboration

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

The Indonesia Australia Red Meat and Cattle Partnership (RMCP) visited the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and the UNAIR Teaching Veterinary Hospital (RSHP) on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Representatives from the Australian Consulate General, Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Economic Affairs were in the meeting.

Dr. Nusdianto Triakoso said that the visit of RMCP to FKH UNAIR aimed to conduct an evaluation. The evaluation was conducted after various collaborative programs. The collaboration between RMCP and Indonesian Veterinary Faculty Association (AFKHI) included a training for professional development of frontline animal health workers and strengthening veterinary student learning materials for prevention, mitigation and management of livestock disease outbreaks in Indonesian livestock sector.

Potential for advanced cooperation

UNAIR Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UNAIR), an active AFKHI member, engaged in discussions with RMCP about potential future collaborations in addition to the evaluation. “We discussed and talked about what support RMCP can provide for further cooperation. Some things that need to be emphasized are training for frontline animal health workers,” said the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Education and Research of FKH UNAIR.

FKH UNAIR has conducted various trainings for frontline animal health workers in regions including Lamongan, Tuban, Bojonegoro, Ngawi, Magetan, Ponorogo, Madiun, and Jombang, as well as the eastern part of East Java, such as Bondowoso, Situbondo, Banyuwangi, Jember, Lumajang, Probolinggo City, and Probolinggo Regency.

Training for animal health workers

FKH UNAIR is not alone in carrying out this noble mission. Several universities such as Brawijaya University and Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya also participated.

“We train these frontline animal health workers so that they understand the latest diseases originating from animals. Moreover, these diseases have the potential to become plagues. And after a few months of training from October 2023 to April 2024 and 23 batches, at least 690 trained health workers are ready for mitigation, management and plague prevention,” he said.

Looking back at recent events, Indonesia was shocked by several animal diseases, such as FMD, LSD, and ASF plagues. These diseases caused tremendous shocks to the livestock industry in Indonesia. Triakoso hoped that the ongoing cooperation with RMCP could bring good benefits, especially for the livestock industry in Indonesia.

“Hopefully the collaboration will continue effectively. So that we can both benefit others. With this cooperation, hopefully, we can deal with diseases and prevent potential diseases that may occur,” he concluded. (*)

Egg-White Rice: An innovative alternative food rich in nutrients that appeals to the health conscious

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula Faculty of Allied Health Sciences has launched a ready-to-eat flourless rice innovation made from egg whites, branded “eggyday”. This product is low in calories, filled with good-quality protein, high in calcium, complete with dietary fibers, and free of gluten. It is suitable for health-conscious people trying to control their weight, the elderly, and those suffering from diabetes.

Rice is a staple food for Thai people and is always present at every meal. However, consuming too much rice can negatively affect health, leading to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, particularly for diabetic patients who must control their consumption of starch and sugar. Therefore, a research team from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University has developed “Egg White Rice” as a rice substitute product to provide an alternative for consumers.

“The research team has developed an alternative type of rice that can control the amount of nutrients by taking 100 % egg white protein through a production process that transforms the egg white protein structure into egg white rice that has the shape, taste, and texture of rice while still maintaining egg white complete nutritional value. It also must not have any negative impact on one’s health” Professor Dr. Sirichai Adisakwattana, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Head of the research project on egg white rice products, and Co-Founder of Thandee Innofood Co., Ltd. Startup, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University discusses the origin of this novel type of rice under the “eggyday” product name.

Becoming 100 % egg white rice

Prof. Dr. Sirichai explained that egg white rice is a product that imitates actual rice in terms of appearance texture and taste. Consumers will therefore not feel anything different from the rice they eat daily.

“We use Protein Transformation technology to transform egg whites into “egg white rice.” The important step is the gel-forming reaction between the gelling agent and the sodium solution encapsulating egg white protein, then shaped into long, slender, and rounded-end rice grains, imitating actual rice grains. The next process is where the rice grain shape is maintained and ready for sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius heat. The result is synthetic rice grains with a soft and chewy texture, no different from actual rice grains without starch or fat, with low calories but high in calcium and excellent in taste. Most importantly, the nutritional value of egg white protein is not diminished by the production process.” Prof. Dr. Sirichai described the production process.

With the use of this same technology, Prof. Dr. Sirichai is now planning to develop “100% Future Protein Rice” derived from soybeans and various types of beans to serve consumers looking for alternative proteins from plants.

Summary of the highlights of the egg white rice that has been awarded a gold medal

  • Starch-free
  • Low calories at only 20 kilocalories (Kcal): 100 grams/ pouch
  • High-quality protein, strengthens the muscles
  • High calcium, provides nourishment for the bones and teeth
  • Complete dietary fiber works well for the digestive system
  • Gluten-free, suitable for those who are allergic to gluten in food
  • Can be stored for up to 18 months without the need for refrigeration. It makes use of scientific technology that heats up to 121 degrees Celsius to kill bacteria.
  • Egg white rice products are packaged in packets and are convenient to eat and carry around. Just tear the packet open and eat it as steamed rice or cook it in your favorite way like fried rice or porridge.

“Based on these exceptional qualities, eggyday egg white rice is perfect for people with weight problems and those who have undergone stomach surgery due to obesity. It also works well for those health-conscious individuals and for the lifestyle of city dwellers who often do not have time to prepare their meals,” said Prof. Dr. Sirichai.

This is how eggyday – the 100% egg white rice came to be awarded the Bangkok International Intellectual Property Invention Innovation and Technology Exposition, an award that guarantees the quality of healthy alternative food products for consumers and patients alike who all want healthy options in their diet.

“eggyday” egg white rice is available at health food stores and leading department stores. It can also be ordered online via Facebook, Line@, TikTok, and Instagram: @eggyday.official or click link: https://lin.ee/8JN96sn

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/170052/

LPPM FISIP USU conducts community empowerment, education in Bandar Baru Village, North Sumatra to resolve common social problems

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

Lembaga Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat (LPPM), a community development unit under Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), recently spearheaded an impactful community development initiative in Bandar Baru Village, Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang. Led by Husni Thamrin, S.Sos., MSP, along with M.Ikom, Arief Marizki Purba, SE, S.Sos., M.Si, and Farida Hanim, S.Sos., M.I.Kom, this initiative aims to address the pressing social issues in the region.

Bandar Baru is notably recognized as one of the prostitution hotspots in North Sumatra, where the complexities of economic, social, and cultural factors intertwine. This area faces significant challenges, including high rates of drug abuse and deviant behaviors among teenagers. Contributing factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited job opportunities in the formal sector often drive individuals towards prostitution.

To combat these issues, the LPPM team has introduced a foster parent program focusing on providing access to education for the local youth. This initiative seeks to interrupt the cycle of prostitution by ensuring that adolescents receive a good education, thereby steering them away from negative behaviors and social problems such as drug abuse.

The foster parent program encourages community members to sponsor students, ensuring their continued education and reducing their risk of falling into deviant behaviors. Each foster parent is asked to contribute Rp. 100,000 per month to support a student’s education at Madrasah Tsanawiyah YPI AL Hilal in Bandar Baru Village. This manageable monthly donation is pivotal in keeping the students engaged in their studies and away from the dangers prevalent in their community.

Husni Thamrin emphasized the importance of this program in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting healthy and prosperous lives, ensuring quality education for underprivileged children, and increasing youth productivity through meaningful activities. The team’s expertise in community empowerment and digital media has been instrumental in running effective campaigns and developing a robust reporting system for foster parents to monitor their sponsored children’s progress.

A significant part of this initiative involves a social media campaign to engage potential donors and raise awareness about the program. By leveraging digital platforms, the team aims to reach a wider audience and garner more support for the cause. The program also integrates the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) curriculum, allowing students from USU to participate in the community development activities. This hands-on experience helps students develop social skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards societal issues.

Through this comprehensive approach, USU’s LPPM is making strides towards creating a positive change in Bandar Baru Village. The collaboration between academics, students, and the community highlights USU’s commitment to addressing social problems and fostering sustainable development in North Sumatra. This initiative is not just a step towards mitigating the immediate issues but also a long-term investment in the community’s future, aiming to uplift and empower the residents of Bandar Baru Village.

#UniversitasSumateraUtara #USU #FISIPUSU #LPPMUSU

Universitas Sumatera Utara organises journalism workshop

Posted on by Maryam Mazaya

In the era of advanced communication and information technology, the ability to access and share information has become a fundamental necessity. This accessibility has given rise to citizen journalism, where anyone, not just professional journalists, can contribute to the dissemination of information.

Recognizing the importance of this trend, the Community Service Team from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), led by Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., along with her colleagues Dra. Linda Elida M.Si. and Dra. Nita Savitri M.Hum, organized a two-day journalism workshop on May 12-13, 2024. The workshop aimed to enhance the citizen journalism skills of students at the Pondok Pesantren Unggul Terpadu SASBARA in Bah Aren Pematang Sidamanik, Simalungun. This initiative was supported by the Lembaga Pengabdian pada Masyarakat (LPPM) at USU.

The workshop began with 23 enthusiastic students learning about the fundamentals of citizen journalism. Communication Science students Farhan Alvadin Lubis, Azzahra Dwi Prananda, and Syah Hendra Mahadi presented topics including the basics of journalism, news writing, and photography using mobile phones. Each participant received reading materials to deepen their understanding of these subjects.

On the second day, the students applied their newfound knowledge in a practical journalism workshop. They were divided into groups and tasked with writing news articles and taking photographs around the SASBARA pesantren. The best group and the most active participants were recognized and appreciated by Dra. Mazdalifah M.Si., Ph.D., the head of the activity. An entertainment session by Rumah Kreatif Mutiara Langit Biru, featuring origami practice, provided a creative break.

Through this community service initiative, USU hopes to empower these students to become proficient citizen journalists. By adhering to journalistic standards and utilizing information technology wisely, they can contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

#FISIPUSU #CommunicationUSU #USU

Supporting online learning in the UAE through collaboration

Posted on by Editorial Team

Online learning has permanently changed higher education thanks to technology.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning was essential in helping students continue their education. Its value was on display as a useful tool for universities to meet learners where they were—no matter where learners were based—at scale, and provide a quality education. Online learning also tends to lower costs for students and offers access to a wider range of courses. Despite these benefits, there are challenges when delivering online learning, like quality concerns, but stakeholder collaboration can play a significant role in overcoming them.

Collaborating to improve higher education

Addressing challenges that exist in online learning—as the sector grows—will help bridge the gap between industry and education, and it starts with the design of online programs. Frequent stakeholder engagement is key to supporting universities as they grow their online programs sustainably and design online programs that reflect industry needs.
In 2020, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) launched the University Consortium for Quality Online Learning (UCQOL) in close collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, and nine leading universities. The Initiative aims at bridging the gap, engaging industry representatives along with students, universities, policymakers, and other actors to bring about system-wide change since online learning will continue to be an increasingly relevant part of higher education.

“The consortium is a unique initiative,” said Mr. Sultan Al Ghurair, an AGF Board Member, “an initiative where the UAE showed once again that barriers can be broken when a community of professionals and experts decide to join forces.”

Read this outcome paper from the Foundation’s Thought Leadership on the topic for an interesting perspective of the challenges, opportunities, key players and the way ahead for online education in the UAE and beyond.

UNAIR to host the 13th International Convention of Asia Scholars

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

In collaboration with the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) through the Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) is hosting the 13th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS).

Scheduled from July 28, 2024, to August 1, 2024. UNAIR is making various preparations for this event. Lina Puryanti PhD, Director of AIIOC, mentioned that it will be the first time Indonesia hosts this international event. “ICAS is a major event, and Indonesia has no prior experience in hosting this international activity. This is a breakthrough,” she said.

Puryanti also explained that preparations have currently reached 60 percent. Representatives from 66 countries are expected to attend the event, with the potential for even greater participation as the event draws near. “So far, there will be 1400 participants attending but the number can still increase. We are still opening up opportunities for more participants to join,” she explained on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Conference festival concept

Unlike typical conference events, the 13th ICAS will feature a conference festival concept. The event will extend beyond campus. Participants will have the opportunity to visit historical sites in Surabaya, including the urban communities of Plampitan, Tambak Bayan, and Peneleh.

“This event is not merely a meeting among academics, but also academics and practitioners, even academics can become artists who display their work,” Puryanti stated.

Participants will focus on ten different topics. Puryanti hopes that the participants can learn from each other and share experiences. She also hopes that the knowledge gained by the participants will serve as a foundation for understanding the world. “So, what we have in Surabaya can become a basis for understanding the world,” she said.

Involving community participation

The event will not only involve academics and students but also the local communities. During the festival, there will be several exhibitions held in public areas close to the communities.

“We are organizing the festival to take place in public areas. The local communities will not be spectators but also organizers and parts of this event. UNAIR and the communities will welcome guests from around the world,” she explained.

Puryanti stated that this opportunity is beneficial for both UNAIR and Indonesia. “This is a great opportunity for UNAIR to strengthen its position on the global stage. Indonesia’s vast potential will also be highlighted at this event,” she said.

Puryanti and her team are optimistic that with the support of various parties, the 13th ICAS will run smoothly. “Being entrusted with an event of this magnitude is an honor. We are optimistic that the event will be a success. Hopefully, this event will bring pride to UNAIR and the nation,” she concluded. Held this year, the 13th ICAS is also a gift for UNAIR’s 70th Anniversary.

EdUHK and Southampton Education School Co-host International EDI in Education Conference: A First in Hong Kong

Posted on by eduhk

The Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), in collaboration with the School of Education at the University of Southampton, UK, hosted an international conference on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Education on 4 May 2024: the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

The Conference entitled, “Impact for Educational Equity: Dialogues and Pathways for Diversity and Inclusion”, is part of EdUHK’s year-long 30th Anniversary celebrations. It aims to elevate research, teaching and scholarship in policy and leadership for the advancement of EDI in education.

There were almost 100 participants at the conference, which was the result of the strategic collaboration between EPL and the School of Education at the University of Southampton, which began last year.

Participants included colleagues from the Hong Kong Education Bureau, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), schools, corporations, NGOs, civil society organisations, the media, and colleagues and students from EdUHK, as well as sister universities in Hong Kong and Macau. A wide range of participants was invited, and an equitable and inclusive space was provided to ensure meaningful dialogue, sharing and learning.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr Lu Jiafang, Acting Head of EPL; Ms Linda Lam, Chairperson at EOC in Hong Kong; Professor Chris Brown, Head of Southampton Education School; and Dr Miron Bhowmik, Assistant Professor of EPL and an EDI Specialist at the Faculty of Education and Human Development (FEHD), who also convened the Conference. EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin welcomed all participants and highlighted the importance of the conference, as well as explaining EdUHK’s contributions to advancing EDI via research, teaching and service. EOC Chairperson Ms Lam reaffirmed the commission’s role and commitment to promoting EDI ideals in Hong Kong.

The conference included two keynote speeches and four panel discussions featuring speakers including overseas scholars, a UNESCO official, and Hong Kong scholars and practitioners, sparking meaningful dialogue. The conference organisers were grateful to the team of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers for their support at the conference.

During the closing ceremony, both institutions affirmed their commitment to continuing their collaboration for the advancement of EDI in education.

KTU chemists join the prestigious NATO DIANA network

Posted on by KTU

Kaunas University of Technology Faculty of Chemical Technology (KTU CTF) has joined the NATO Defence Technology Accelerator DIANA Test Centre Network. This prestigious partnership allows KTU researchers to test and develop critical defence and security technologies essential for NATO.

The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) embodies NATO’s commitment to fostering the development of cutting-edge defence and security technologies. By promoting collaboration among researchers, startups, businesses, and the manufacturing sector, DIANA strengthens the Alliance’s defence and security capabilities.

Advancing dual-purpose technologies

Through the DIANA Accelerator, NATO focuses on developing dual-use technologies beneficial for both military and civilian applications. These technologies are crucial for addressing various challenges, such as mitigating the humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis, ensuring food security, and advancing data communications and surveillance systems.

“Our Faculty conducts a wide range of research in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials engineering. This broad scope gives us a strong foundation to support both defence and civilian applications,” emphasises Vaida Kitrytė-Syrpa, the Dean of KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology.

Current research areas with significant potential include advanced materials, nanotechnology, biotechnology, environmental, and food safety research.

Mindaugas Bulota, the Head of the KTU National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (KTU NIEC), highlights the University’s extensive experience in developing dual-use and defence technologies: “Joining NATO’s DIANA network not only underscores our efforts but also opens up more international opportunities for our researchers.”

KTU has pioneered initiatives like defence-themed hackathons since 2019, bringing together enthusiasts from diverse ecosystems to innovate collaboratively.

As part of the DIANA network of over 200 technology and testing centres across NATO, KTU researchers will now have enhanced opportunities for international collaboration with academic and business partners.

Contributing to NATO’s Security Goals

“With the signing of the cooperation agreement, the Faculty of Chemical Technology has become an official NATO DIANA Network Test Centre. This enables us to offer our advanced analytical research base and technology development services within a broader ecosystem,” says Tadas Prasauskas, the Faculty’s Vice-Dean for Research.

This partnership aligns with the school’s long-term goals of sharing expertise and developing competencies in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials engineering. The aim is to ensure practical applications of research that meet current and future defence needs.

A significant objective of NATO DIANA is to commercialise advanced technologies, ensuring that innovative solutions reach both the market and NATO forces.

Highlighting the importance of R&D opportunities, Dean Kitrytė-Syrpa notes that KTU scientists’ contributions to the DIANA network will bolster both national and European security: “Joining the NATO DIANA Test Centre Network will expand our international cooperation, provide new funding opportunities, and increase the impact of our research at both the national and European levels.”

Vice-Dean Prasauskas adds, “With successful collaboration, KTU CTF will encourage its researchers to participate in DIANA-related projects, ensuring a significant contribution to NATO’s defence innovation objectives.”

By becoming a part of the NATO DIANA network, KTU solidifies its role as a leader in developing innovative solutions that enhance the security and stability of the Alliance.

AristoScan Test Kit for DNA Detection of Herbs with Kidney Cancer-Causing Aristolochic Acid

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

“A Quick and field-deployable CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostic kit for the DNA detection of poisonous plants containing aristolochic acid, the compound that caused nephropathy,” an innovation from the Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University, won the silver medal at “The 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva” held on April 17-21, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The developer team includes Prof. Pol. Capt. Dr. Suchada Sukrong, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Prof. Dr. Sunchai Payungporn, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Patcharawalai Whongsiri, and Mr. Chayapol Tungphatthong, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University.

”A Quick and field-deployable CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostic kit for the DNA detection of poisonous plants containing aristolochic acid, the compound that caused nephropathy” stemmed from the World Health Organization’s declaration of aristolochic acid as a carcinogen in humans, especially kidney cancer, and the Thai government’s ban on the use of all herbs containing aristolochic acid, including Krai-Krue herbal plant (Aristolochia pierei), a popular ingredient found in many traditional Thai medicine formulations. The Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University, has conducted a survey and found Krai-Krue herbal plant still in the market and aristolochic acid in several Thai traditional medicine formulas, which may cause adverse effects on consumers and lead to kidney failure or kidney cancer. Therefore, a rapid and field-deployable DNA test kit using CRISPR-Cas12a technology, named “AristoScan,” was developed to detect herb contamination.

The AristoScan is the world’s first diagnostic kit that detects the DNA of herbal plants containing aristolochic acid using CRISPR-Cas12a technology. It requires no complex tools and was designed to detect all families of herbal plants that have been reported to contain aristolochic acid, namely, Aristolochia, Thottea, Asarum, and Saruma. It can reduce the period of detection from days to only 30 minutes.

Moreover, the results can be observed with the naked eye. The test is highly specific, accurate, and fast It can be used to detect toxic plants or herbal formulas containing aristolochic acid components, which is beneficial for agencies overseeing herbal medicines, entrepreneurs, and the general public. Additionally, the research on the AristoScan has led to the development of a platform that can be adapted to create other types of DNA test kits, such as for detecting narcotic plants, poisonous plants, meat contamination in halal food, as well as infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

For more stories, read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/171945/

ITS Develops a Management Dashboard for Defence and Security in the North Natuna Sea

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is actively engaged in community service programs. One of their latest initiatives involves the creation of a Management Dashboard for Defence and Security in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesia. On May 15, ITS launched the program and data collection efforts for this project, aiming to address the strategic challenges posed by the region’s proximity to the South China Sea. The event was held at the Soewarso Building at Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Angkatan Laut (STTAL), highlighting the collaboration between ITS, STTAL, and Telkom University Surabaya.

Prof. Erma Suryani, the head of the program, emphasized the significance of the North Natuna Sea’s natural resources and its vulnerability to territorial conflicts. To mitigate these risks, the team is developing a comprehensive base model and dashboard for enhanced monitoring and management. This model is divided into three submodels: the Hankam submodel for mapping defense and security, the infrastructure submodel for supporting sovereignty, and a marine resource management submodel focused on the fisheries sector. These submodels will help project future scenarios and inform policy decisions.

The developed submodels will be integrated into three management scenarios for the North Natuna Sea, aiming for effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly strategies. The first scenario targets optimal defense area management, the second improves defense and security infrastructure, and the third focuses on natural resource management. Additionally, ITS’ team is creating a dynamic dashboard with simulation features to visualize the impact of different variables on regional dynamics, threat spectrums, and the national defense system. This comprehensive tool is expected to enhance decision-making and strategic planning for the North Natuna Sea region.