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Tag: Thailand

Chula’s potassium liquid soap from used cooking oil for greener environment, promote a circular economy

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula Environmental Research Institute (ERIC) researcher has developed potassium liquid soap from used cooking oil to add value to community waste and enhance the community’s potential in waste management and organic farming.

In 2022, an estimated 115 million liters of used cooking oil (UCO) which is harmful to human health and the environment require proper management. Though some UCO is turned into biodiesel, a large quantity gets thrown out into the sewer or mixed with other types of garbage causing contamination, and great damage to the environment. In the landfill, it can generate methane, a greenhouse gas that is 23 times worse than carbon dioxide!

This prompted Dr. Nattapong Tuntiwiwattanapun, an ERIC researcher of Chulalongkorn University, to develop UCO into potassium liquid soap (K-soap).

The research team started by being tasked by Chula to tackle the fat residue and UCO problem on campus. They were successful in making the fat residue into water-soluble potassium liquid soap that was then composted with the Chamchuree (rain tree) leaves. This method could get rid of the fat residue while enriching the Chamchuree fertilizer with potassium.

With its surface-active agents, K-Soap is as effective as other cleansers on the market. It has low toxin for microbes making it 100% biodegradable, and it has disinfesting abilities at the levels permitted by organic farming standards.

The K-Soap production project was started with a community enterprise at Baan Phai Lueang in Nan Province as part of eco-tourism and circular economy promotion. The K-soap was used to clean garbage trucks, road surfaces, and public places and was well received. It is easy to manufacture at much lower costs. The Pak Lad Community of Samut Prakan Province also implements a similar project based on the Zero-Waste concept.

In collaboration with Chula’s School of Agricultural Resources, the project has enhanced the soap’s biopharmaceutical ingredients that safely control plant diseases and pests and benefit organic farming. It is being tested by groups of organic farmers as alternative pest control and is expected to be ready in 2023 or 2024.

In the future, the project hopes to try using K-soap to wash fruit and vegetable right on the farms for added safety.

Gami + is a useful tool for bringing fun into online classrooms

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Gami +, a Google Classroom Add-on developed by a Chula faculty member is designed to help instructors create an online learning environment that’s as fun as playing games. Over 6,000 classrooms have been opened with as many as 120,000 real users.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has finally abated and onsite classes have resumed, the trend towards online learning continues with the key challenge of keeping learners’ focus on learning activities. “From our research experience on online learning, we found that learners are often distracted and bored, so their learning efficiency is reduced,” said Associate Professor Dr. Prakob Koraneekij from the Department of Educational Technology and Communication, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University.

Having been selected by Google Asia Pacific to research Google Solution that promotes proactive learning for students in the 21st century, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakob and Professor Dr. Jintavee Khlaisang had the opportunity to study Google Workspace for Education thoroughly and later used the insights gained to design and develop Gami+, an add-on application for Google Classroom to help modern teachers manage online classes more efficiently.

“Gami + will help transform a regular online classroom into a challenging game, showing learning progress, and leading to competition, and motivation for learners,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakob said.

The work has won several international awards, including a silver medal from The International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada, iCAN 2022, an International Special Award from the International Federation of Inventors Associations – Focal Point Middle East, and a Canadian Special Award from the Innovation Co-operative Initiative, Inc. “The Inventors Circle”.

Gamification of Learning

Gami + (or GamiPlus) is an add-on application for Google Classroom — a worldwide educational platform with more than 150 million users worldwide.  In Thailand, 50-60 percent of the users are in elementary and higher education levels.

The principle of gamification does not refer to the game itself, but to the techniques, mechanisms, and elements of the game, such as giving missions, collecting points, advancing levels, giving badges or achievements or leaderboards, creating an environment, and driving fun learning. For Gami+, there are gamification for teachers to choose from, namely digital badges, progress levels, leaderboard, and linking learners’ workloads and scores from Google Classroom to determine the conditions for the promotion. These elements motivate learners to enjoy and take ownership of self-learning.

Currently, there have been 11,777 Gami+ downloads and installs through the Google Workspace Marketplace, and more than 4,500 teachers and instructors have created a gamified environment in more than 6,000 classrooms.

In the future, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakob plans to develop Gami+ Intelligence using artificial intelligence technology to guide teachers and instructors to offer gamification that’s more attuned to learners’ needs.

Interested persons can download Gami + for free! via Google Workspace Marketplace or the Gami + website at https://gamiplus.edii.in.th.

Thammasat Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies strives to build strong communities toward sustainable development

Posted on by Thammasat University

Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, and the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) signed a memorandum of cooperation, with the School supporting academic and research work, while the CODI will support knowledge in community development works in all dimensions and all issues while various community organizations are more than ready to be our partners in the development of the goal to “build strong communities towards sustainable development where local communities possess a good quality of life and are self-reliant.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nitinant Wisaweisuan, Dean of the Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, said that the school is pleased that the two organizations will closely work together in developing strong communities towards sustainable development where local communities possess a good quality of life and are self-reliant. The school is prompt to support the mission of the CODI for sustainable community development, and most importantly is to support academic services to develop the potential of organization leaders and personnel of the CODI through joint research including community and social development that will lead to social development innovation creation.

In addition, there are also various courses to promote the personnel of the CODI to pursue their study at the master’s degree level which leads to the development of personnel potential. The school also provides students the opportunity to conduct community research, then facilitate such knowledge as part of the study and be able to transfer the credits. The collaboration of the two agencies therefore will be jointly developing personnel from the youth level to local practitioners in order to foster a sustainable strong community. Apart from that, the school will coordinate with the private business sector and the government sector in designing a curriculum for developing a network of cooperation to support the work of community organizations in relevance to the school’s potential and expertise as well as supporting personnel to work together to strengthen the area. This is a crucial step for the two agencies to work together in academic services as a tool for achieving sustainable development goals.

In the event, there are also activities for students from the school to participate in and study the work process of the CODI in the development of the local communities using the concept of community organization as the core and area as the starting point, as well as the role of the community organization procession and driving the development work from the foundation which strive towards concrete development driving by using projects to improve the quality of life for low-income people in urban and rural areas as a tool and the power of the new generation through development work in the area, etc.

Thammasat researchers initiate “Mali-Sorn”, Thai app for sustainable agriculture

Posted on by Thammasat University

The “Mali-Sorn” application (https://farminsure.infuse.co.th/) focuses on building a cloud-based service software platform with an open interface for farmers as well as being an application service provider with special objectives in agricultural crop insurance with the inclusion of plot position information satellite image monitoring and photos from mobile phones, and also the use of advanced artificial intelligence technology to assist in image processing to specify the type and amount of damage of each agricultural plot.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerayuth Horanon, Head of the “Mali-Sorn” project, said that in order to solve this problem, we plan to implement the use of AI and IoT technology in the form of sensors together with the analysis of remote sensing data in the modeling of agricultural processes on 5G networks in agricultural areas that were developed as part of the project. Primarily, we are considering image analysis from drone data and robot cameras to make the results meaningful and readable to farmers. When all the information is put together, we will gain insights into the characteristics of farmland as never before.

Farmers will be able to interact with the AI and ask questions. For example, track soil moisture readings and current weather conditions with correlation to crop diseases, the AI will be able to provide recommendations for action and display the results of different scenarios. A dashboard showing the current farmland and soil conditions will be displayed on your mobile or tablet. When clicking on a specific area, farmers will be provided with information on issues such as water shortages as well as advice on the best solution to deal with such issues.

Currently, “Mali-Sorn” has been in use for three years, and is able to help thousands of farmers who have been facing disaster but are not in disaster-declared areas. This reduces the process and shortens the time for reporting damage in which the application will be used to collect farmers’ data, pictures of damage from disasters, and the location of disaster sites. It also helps the relevant agencies to be able to review the information and perform comprehensive assistance to disaster-stricken farmers, the application “Mali-Sorn” is available for download both on Android and IOS systems at https://farminsure.infuse.co.th/#Download_App.

Thammasat students receive first prize in GrabSpark Business Plan Contest

Posted on by Thammasat University

GrabSpark Business Plan Contest under the topic “Driving Business Growth with Data in the Post-pandemic Era” is a platform for young people to show their potential and promote the use of business knowledge combined with new ideas in order to drive and foster business growth in the post-Covid era through the “GrabSpark” business plan contest held for the first time this year, the “Grob Grab Grob Grab” team received a plaque of honor with 50,000 Thai baht cash price.

A team of students from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University, consists of Ms. Suchada Charoenkittitham, Ms. Pitchaya Wangpreedalertkul, Ms. Alin Saenchaichana, and Mr. Polawat Pornbenjaphakkul presents a business plan entitled “Wait and Pop, Pick and Drop”, which stands out for its idea of developing new features to further develop GrabMart’s services by using the service information as well as consumer behavior to analyze, study problems, limitations and find new business opportunities that help meet the needs of service users. At the same time, they have come up with a marketing plan that will help Grab’s driver-partners and merchants generate more revenue.

Ms. Suchada Charoenkittitham, a student representative from the Grob Grab Grob Grab team said, “We were all very excited and enjoyed this competition. Unlike other business planning contests, GrabSpark strongly focuses on studying and taking advantage of Big Data as it genuinely reflects the behavior of service usage and affects the business in real-time. It is an opportunity for us to practice and develop our skills in analyzing deeper and more accurate data. It also opened up new approaches from management’s recommendations. This allows us to see the perspective and visualization of the actual work in the Tech Company.

More importantly, joining the GrabSpark contest also made us learn that the concept of ‘creating shared value’ is very important. Businesses cannot grow sustainably if society does not grow along. Businesses cannot only think of profits, but it shall as well take into account the people in the business cycle and has to create positive changes for the wider society. It was a really impressive experience.

Chula Faculty of Science researchers find young durian extracts to have as high anti-oxidants as Vitamin C

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula Faculty of Science researchers find young durian extracts to have as high anti-oxidants as vitamin C and aim to produce skin care products that add value to agricultural waste.

The durian has been called the king of fruits, and Thailand’s vital cash crop for booming export. Farmers usually need to trim off around 200-300 young durians per tree to relieve the excessive weight of the fruits, and generate tremendous agricultural waste in the process. So, the research team, led by Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas of the Department of Biochemistry, Chula Faculty of Science, studied the young durians’ biochemical composition and its potential use under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) policy for Bio-economy.

The 6-12 centimeters long young durians (Durio zibethinus L.) produce a transparent slime when soaked in water. A metabolome analysis (all metabolites) found polyphenols which are very high in antioxidants, phenolics that can halt or delay the formation of oxidants, glycation to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, and pectin which keeps the skin hydrated.

Putthamas Pewlong, a Master’s Degree student in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, a team member, explained that extraction was done with biomarkers using no toxic solvents or heat. Divided skin cells were then cured in the extracts for 24 hours. Cells causing tension similarly found in dust or sunlight were then added. Results showed that the cells contain large numbers of live cells, similar to those treated with vitamin C. The extract was also found to induce an increase in cell divisions.

Skin toxicity was also tested, and found to be negative, rendering the extracts highly safe and can be used in cosmetics and skincare products.

The team then tried mixing the extract in powder form at 2-3% as prescribed by the FDA into sunscreen products on the market and found that the texture remained the same, and the pale-yellow tint of the extract is barely visible. The durian smell was also not detectable. It was also found that regardless of type, the young durians yielded similar levels of vital extracts.

Interested parties may contact Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University at Email: [email protected].

For more information, visit https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/83867/

Chula launches microbes to clean marine oil spill bioproducts

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula Faculty of Science has developed bioproducts to clean up marine oil spills from a research on oil-eating microbes while getting ready to expand to industrial-scale production for ecological sustainability.

Major marine oil spills that leave residual pollutants have detrimental effects on the economy, tourism, as well as the marine environment in the long run. One solution is oil-eating microbes bioproducts developed with clean technology by the Center of Excellence in Microbial Technology for Marine Pollution Treatment, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Onruthai Pinyakong.

Concept Origins

“Usually, managing oil spills starts with physical methods, like oil booms, or oil dispersants followed by biodegradation, which is slow and unpredictable. So, if the biodegradation process can be accelerated, it should bring about major benefits,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onruthai who then turned to “oil-eating microbes”.

Thailand — the source of quality and diverse microorganisms

To accelerate the biodegradation process, sufficient quantities of effective oil-eating microbes developed into bioproducts with a long shelf life must be used.

Thailand has high biodiversity — a good source of pollutants-degrading microorganisms. Pollutant eating and biosurfactants producing microorganisms were thus selected from previously contaminated sites with high biodiversity such as marine sediments, sediments from mangrove forests, as well as water or soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. They were then cultured and multiplied while ensuring that the isolated microorganisms are not pathogenic, and safe for users and the environment. The isolated toxins-digesting microbes, aka oil-eating microbes, were then developed into 3 types of lab products:

– Ready-to-use liquid formula suitable for contaminated sand or soil.

– Microbial product pellets suitable to treat contaminated soil or sand while promoting aeration and biodegradation.

– Microbial immobilization suitable for contaminated water.

Expanding research into industrial production

This research has received widespread feedback and support from both the public and private sectors who give much importance to the Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

If these bioproducts to clean marine oil spills can reach commercial-scale production and use, they will be part of the BCG Economy using truly clean technology, which the research team is ready to transfer to investors and interested parties to collaborate and develop in the future.

For more information, visit https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/84839/

Chula Faculty of Education develops ‘Doll Houses’ educational toy that instills sense of compassion in children

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

A lecturer from the Chula Faculty of Education has developed an educational toy that instills a sense of compassion in children while teaching them to live peacefully with the elderly and people with disabilities in society.

The Doll House was developed by Assistant Professor Pornthep Lerttevasiri, Art Education Division, Department of Art, Music, and Dance Education, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University to instill empathy, and promote maturity in children, aged 3-6, so that they can live happily with others.

Social simulation

The dollhouse is unique in that the dolls portray various forms of disability including visual impairment, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, etc., and are equipped with devices used in their daily life with realistic mechanisms made of MDF (Medium Density Fiber Board) that’s safe for children. Developed based on world-class award-winning research, the dollhouse and dolls are made with patented joints and locking systems making them realistic and interesting to play with.

The fun of coexistence

The toy set comes with a basic manual on the importance of coexistence with the disabled and the elderly, as well as how to operate devices, and give appropriate help, for example, when crossing the road.

Play not Preach

Asst. Prof. Pornthep stresses that parents and teachers must read and understand the basic manual, which contains methods, guidance, and equipment information to help people with disabilities to be able to adapt the information into fun play for children.

Parents or teachers may let their children play with the dollhouse imaginatively on their own, but adults and children should spend time and learn together. It’s life learning that comes with age-appropriate fun.

“The disabled don’t need sympathy, but understanding and help in the right way. The dollhouse is fun for children to play with while learning how to help the disabled, how to use the equipment, and most importantly, coexist with the disabled and the elderly.

Those interested in the Doll House can contact Asst. Prof. Pornthep, Art Education Division, Department of Art, Music, and Dance Education, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, Tel +662-218-2565 ext 5601.

Researchers from Thammasat University adopt interdisciplinarity, increasing production standard of Thai durian

Posted on by Thammasat University

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn, Lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University and the manager to the research project on “Developing Thai Farmers toward Smart Farmers (A Case Study of Developing Durian Farmers for Export)” received a research grant supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

This research project consists of various researchers with a wide range of expertise from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn (Research Project Manager), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suphet Jirakajornkul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanit Ruangrungchaikul, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rewat Jaisutthi, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wilawan Chueboon and Professor Dr. Pruk Chutimanukul, with Ms. Piyapong Sonkaew and Ms. Thanatcha Chaida, researchers from the Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University and a researcher from different institution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krirk Piromsopha from Chulalongkorn University, thus bringing expertise in distinct fields to integrate across discripinary to focus on research outcomes that project useful results and allow timely problem solving both academically, economically, socially and policy, especially “durian”, which is the main economic fruit of the country.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worapat Wachirayakorn, Lecturer of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University and the research project manager said that the results of this research is under the framework of research on the principle of increasing productivity through innovation and technology. The aim is to develop research and transform them into a knowledge platform that durian farmers can access and use to increase production quality according to prescribed standards, minimize production costs, and reduce labor usage through the adoption of various innovations and integrated technologies to support standards of good agricultural practice. The main focus is on allowing farmers to access the body of knowledge, and solve production problems which enable farmers to develop quality produce that meets international standards in accordance to the GAP standard.

Thammasat University joins hands with Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, supporting homeless people with psychiatric conditions

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University led by the Faculty of Social Administration, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Thammasat Hospital organized meeting to discuss academic cooperation with Mr. Anukool Pidkaew, Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to find ways to provide social services, health services, and develop works for the homeless, beggars and those who face social problems. Regarding the current situation of foster homes under the Ministry of Public Health, there are patients with redundant problems including physical illnesses, disabilities, and with the majority of psychiatric conditions, mainly caused by drug use.

In addition, foster homes lack professionals in many fields such as registered nurses, psychologists, social workers, etc., which led to the discussion of cooperation.

The corporation aims to support target groups throughout 3 phases, tackling straight from the cause, namely the initial phase, proposing a preventive project by focusing on working with family and community, and health promotion for vulnerable groups; the second phase, proposing continuous development of care for vulnerable groups in foster home; and lastly, the third phase, working with local administration in the care of vulnerable groups within family or community.

In this regard, the meeting proposed academic cooperation, such as promoting student internships or working with target groups in shelters, arranging workshops and training to enhance skills of MSDHS officers in the field of social welfare, medical services, nursing, public health, allied health sciences, jointly invent innovations to care for target groups, provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services for target groups, etc.