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Tag: Thailand

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.

Thammasat wins “Friendly Design Awards”: An Outstanding Organisation Promoting Equality for All

Posted on by Editorial Team

For the 4th consecutive years, Thammasat University has won the “Friendly Design Awards 2022” and has been appointed as the “Tourism for All” organization of the year from the from the 5th Thailand Friendly Design Expo, 2022. This award honors Thammasat University as an outstanding organization in promoting and leading the implementation of universal design for everyone, especially the disabilities, to have equally and convenient access to all facilities and services.
Sustainable development has always been one of the key focus of Thammasat University, as a university for people.

Thammasat University provides opportunities for all groups of people to have equally access to education. One of them is to provide special scheme to students with disabilities in the admission process. The 1% ratio is set for each faculty for students with disabilities, which is in line with the worldwide mean of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) Goal 10 on reducing inequality within and among countries.

In addition to providing equal access to education and academic services for all, Thammasat University continues to improve its disability support services, access schemes, facilities and buildings as well as implementing universal design to facilitate and unlock the restrictions of students with disabilities which will be more conducive to learning.

From nearly 100 buildings locating around Rangsit Campus, every building consists of wheelchair ramps, elevators, toilets, and parking spaces for students with disabilities. All roads and intersections within the university are equipped with warning signs and signals for deaf and blind students. We are proudly to say that Thammasat is the first higher educational institution in Thailand to fully put these systems in place.

For student dormitory, sport facilities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and artificial cliffs, Thammasat University has designed these facilities to be accessible for all students with disabilities, complying with international standards. Similarly, all electric buses are with ramps, and all pavements are being renovated with guiding block especially for visually impaired students.

Infrastructure and buildings that facilitate the students with disabilities do have a direct effect on student’s performance. Today, Thammasat has a total of 75 students with disabilities. With the development and renovation of the facilities, the average academic performance of students with disabilities continues to improve, with 80% of students with disabilities graduating are employed.

URL’s article: https://tu.ac.th/en/thammasat-150265-friendly-design-awards-2022

For more information on universal design, please visit:
https://tu.ac.th/en/thammasat-100665-the-winner-of-universal-design-competition-2022

Chula develops rocking traffic poles from natural rubber to promote road safety

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

A lecturer from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University has developed rocking traffic poles made of natural rubber that is highly flexible, withstands, and reduces impact while also resuming its original form immediately upon being run over. They are now being tested with the hopes that they can soon replace plastic traffic poles.

Traffic poles – round, orange poles with white reflectors are important in regulating road traffic to ensure that drivers keep to their lanes and that the lanes are clearly visible at nighttime. Oftentimes, however, these plastic poles get run over, leaving the debris on the road that can be hazardous to drivers who have to avoid them.

This is a problem that has led Associate Professor Dr. Sirilux Poompradub, Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University to develop and produce the natural rubber traffic pole which is a result of the collaboration with the Office of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and the Siam United Rubber Co. Ltd.

“The traffic poles currently in use are mostly made of plastic, they are light and are easily damaged when they get hit by a vehicle. We have developed a rocking pole from natural rubber that is more pliant and can better withstand impact.”

Natural rubber for the “rocking traffic pole”

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirilux, most of the traffic poles currently in use are made of plastic materials which are light and brittle. Even if we have poles made from other materials that are more durable such as polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane, they aren’t very popular due to the high costs. Natural rubber seems, therefore, to be the most appropriate material.

“Natural rubber is highly pliable and can resume its form as soon as it gets hit or run over by a vehicle. It can also absorb the impact of road accidents.”
Nevertheless, natural rubber also has its weak point in that when it is exposed to heat and sunlight for an extended period, cracks will appear. So, she experimented and adjusted the formula to address this problem.

“We spent a lot of time adjusting the chemical formula to develop a highly flexible rubber pole that resumes its original form when hit by a vehicle and most importantly, is resistant to our climate and UV rays.”

Test results of the rocking traffic pole

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirilux has designed a test to determine the rocking traffic pole’s durability by using a vehicle weighing 1 ton moving at the speed of 30, 50, and 80 kilometers per hour to hit a traffic pole repeatedly 90 times. Then, a vehicle weighing 5 tons is used at the speed of 10 kilometers per hour to hit the pole another 10 times.

“The results have been highly satisfactory. When the poles were hit and fell to the ground, they sprang back up after the car had driven past them, without any damage, or severe scratches to the vehicle. They can help increase road safety and reduce accidents.”

Currently, a pilot project to use these rocking traffic poles has been launched on Srirat and Rama VII expressways to test actual usage and to collect the results of the experiment as well.

Extended use of natural rubber for road safety

Aside from the “rocking traffic pole” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirilux also sees the potential of natural rubber extended to other products to assure drivers and pedestrians of their safety in the future. Some possibilities are barriers placed on the curves or narrow areas in parking structures since those made of natural rubber can help reduce the impact between the vehicle and the parking structure wall as well as avoid causing deep scratches to the cars.

“Thailand is a world leader in natural rubber production. The development and production of natural rubber devices for road safety can add value to our local products while helping those in the agriculture sector as well,” she added.

Those interested in the traffic poles from natural rubber may contact the Siam United Rubber Co. Ltd. or via Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirilux Poompradub at the Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University at her email [email protected].

Chula develops small ruminant production model for small-scale farmers to transform into smart farmers

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The School of Agricultural Resources (SAR) has developed goat and sheep production as an alternative to monoculture plantation. The School of Agricultural Resources, in cooperation with the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Nan Provincial Livestock Office, has developed a project to replace feed corn production in the highlands of Nan. Named “The development of small ruminant production model for small-scale farmers to transform the farmers into smart farmers”, the project was carried out from March 2020 to April 2023 with a target group of farmers from 10 sub-districts in 7 districts of Nan.

The production of feed corn in unsuitable areas has caused a negative impact to the environment, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and the burning of agricultural raw materials to prepare land for cultivation. The use of unsuitable areas actually renders higher production cost, but low income, causing a number of farmers to seek alternative sources of income. Goat and sheep rearing become popular choices as they are small, easy to manage and can be fed with a variety of feed types.

The project was conducted in collaboration with 10 organizations to provide knowledge and skill for farmers, including breeding, feeding, appropriate hygiene management, and production plan for efficient goat and sheep production. An additional gain from the cooperation between the research team, farmers and related organizations was the successful establishment of a systematic and developed channel for the goat and sheep market.

Joining the project, there was a total of 58 farmers, of which 18 showed leadership and capability to become community innovators. The project contributed to the success in career development for the farmers, as goat and sheep rearing can be promoted as an alternative to growing feed corn. With this new value chain of the agricultural production sector in Nan, the farmers could earn more income and have a better quality of life.

Thammasat University professor invents innovation for breast cancer patients, promoting post-surgery rehabilitation

Posted on by Thammasat University

Asst. Prof. Supawadee Tubklum, Nursing Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University foresaw problems that arise after breast cancer surgery which affect patients both physically and mentally, thus led to the invention of innovative solutions ‘the devices to promote physical rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery’ by which the latest version won a gold medal from the International Innovation Competition “XXV Moscow International Inventions and Innovative Technologies Salon (ARCHIMEDES-2022)”, the largest international innovation exhibition in Eastern Europe. The innovation are in the process of authorizing grant protection from the Department of Intellectual Property.

Asst. Prof. Supawadee said that these devices, in addition to supporting arm physical therapy after surgery, promoting self-help, reducing postoperative complications such as frozen shoulders and reducing inflammation, they also increasing a sense of self-worth through the patient’s ability to support themselves in their daily lives. The innovation consists of 3 inventions:

1. Elastic bandage to restore movement of the arms and shoulder joints with a sensor to visualize the degree of the arm movement.

2. Bathroom routines self-help promotion bathrobe.

3. Waterproof bag for blood and lymphatic drainage bottles (Hands-free design)

All three devices help to systematically rehabilitate patients’ body after surgery, promote learning readiness and ability to exercise continuous arm and shoulder physical therapy and display visual feedback of the progression of arm movement degree, rejuvenate the body, prevent post-surgery complications along with mental rehabilitation to provide the patient a sense of self-worth, promote confidence in conducting various activities on their own and not feeling like having to rely on others’ assistance. The patients will have a state of mind that is ready to receive treatment consequently.

Thammasat University, Lampang Campus to cooperate with 53 government agencies, private sector

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University, Lampang Campus led by Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phipop Udon, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supreeya Kaewla-iad, Vice Rector for Lampang Campus Administration and Law along with the university administrators, faculty administrators, and faculty members, jointly discussed with the heads of government agencies, heads of both public and private agencies to find ways to develop academic cooperation between Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, government, and private agencies in order to join in the integration of knowledge and resources in various fields between government agencies and the private sector by building a network of partners to exchange academic knowledge which covers both research, academic activities, academic service to society collaboration on issues of interest according to the identity and prominence of the organization as well as cooperation in other fields that will benefit agencies, communities and society in a sustainable way.

In addition, Thammasat University and Lampang Provincial Administrative Organization also agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in academic activities such as joint research, special lectures and international academic conferences, promote academic exchanges and cooperation that are beneficial to both sides. This memorandum of understanding will serve as a framework for cooperation to facilitate further discussion of specific project cooperation.

As Thammasat University, Lampang Campus is part of Lampang Province and the policy of the university focuses on developing people’s potential to be the driving force of the country’s economy. Thammasat University has designed the curriculum in parallel with the emphasis on the strengths of Lampang Province to strengthen people in the area and Lampang Province which will impact Thailand in the end. Thammasat University, Lampang Campus will be an important mechanism for human potential development to be the driving force of the country’s economy along with the development of local communities. This is a great way to promote Thailand’s economic development in the future.

Thammasat Hospital successfully conducts knee, hip replacement surgery, promoting leadership through launch of Thammasat Joint Replacement Center

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat Hospital achieved 200 knee and hip replacement surgery in 150 poor, elderly patients, while promoting its leadership in knee-hip joint replacement surgery with the plan to open “Thammasat Joint Replacement Center” which is considered an accumulation of surgical innovations and the introduction of robotic arm technology to assist in knee replacement surgery for the first time in a government hospital in Thailand. This will improve the accuracy of joint positioning and reduce injuries to surrounding tissues, as well as enhancing the quality of knee replacement surgery to be of international standard. It is expected that the center will be able to open in late June of the year 2022.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nattapon Thammachot, Assistant Director of Physical Development, Thammasat Hospital said that throughout the “Join replacement for poor patients volunteering” reminds us that there are a large number of elderly patients in our country that still lack access to knee and hip replacement. This reflects the demographic structure of the country that is entering an aging society. This project has been initiated since the 85th anniversary of the founding of Thammasat University in 2019. This arose from the ideas of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pharuehas Tor-Udom, Director of the Hospital and Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University and working closely with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) with the aim of helping patients with knee and hip dysplasia in returning to have a better quality of life, and can assist themselves to live a happier life, and reduce the burden on the family. In addition, this also encourages medical personnel to have the opportunity to use their abilities to support society by joining as volunteers to help perform surgery outside office hours. This project has been ongoing for three years and within the first two years we made 100 replacements per year, but this year we have done 200 replacements in just four months from December 2021 to March 2022.

“Thammasat Joint Replacement Center” is one of the new special services of Thammasat Hospital as a one-stop service in order to provide convenience in receiving services and to focus on the best quality of treatment by a team of doctors who are specialized in patient care throughout the treatment pathway. This is to provide patients with a better treatment experience and receive a new, high-quality, long-lasting knee replacement according to the vision of Hospital 4.0 with modern service systems and innovative pain relief medical treatment, new surgical techniques with higher accuracy, such as the introduction of robotic arm technology to assist in such surgery,” concluded Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattapon.