According to a researcher at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, the Wuhan coronavirus, nCoV-2019, is closely related to SARS from the viewpoint of virus evolution.

“Our findings suggest the nCoV-2019 lineage is related to the bat coronaviruses that gave rise to SARS,” said Dr Xiaowei Jiang, lecturer in bioinformatics at XJTLU’s Department of Biological Sciences.

“As SARS was eradicated it won’t emerge again. From a phylogenetic standpoint this new outbreak should be considered as SARS 2.”

Dr Jiang and Professor David Robertson of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research have conducted a preliminary evolutionary analysis of nCoV-2019 and other coronaviruses sampled in China that indicates a strong relation to three bat coronaviruses.

"While the results of our preliminary analysis have not yet been peer-reviewed or published, we are sharing as much information as we feel confident providing due to the urgent nature of scientists getting a better understanding of this new coronavirus," Dr Jiang said.

Scientists believe that the SARS virus – which, according to the World Health Organisation, caused an outbreak that sickened more than 8,000 people and killed 774 worldwide in 2002-2003 – began in bats and was transmitted to humans via civet cats.

“In SARS, parts of bat coronaviruses came together to create a new virus that could infect civet cats. And that virus was able to infect humans.”

“As with SARS, there is likely to be an as-yet undiscovered host – in other words, a non-bat intermediate species – that is probably responsible for the outbreak centred on the Wuhan market,” Dr Jiang said.

The researchers analysed the genetic information of different coronaviruses from different species along with that of the nCoV-2019 in order to better understand where the new coronavirus came from and how it came about.

“We used methods such as recombination analysis, mutation analysis and phylogenetic analysis to understand how the virus genome has changed compared with other known virus genomes,” Dr Jiang said.

The close relation of these three bat coronaviruses to nCoV-2019 is highly likely, statistically speaking, he said.

“They are clustered together in the phylogenetic tree – a representation of their evolutionary relationships – with very high confidences,” Dr Jiang said.

Teasing out the family tree of a coronavirus is difficult, he said, because of their tendency to recombine, or join up with other coronaviruses to create a completely new virus.

“Coronaviruses are known to recombine frequently, which means a new coronavirus strain can be generated by taking different parts from other coronaviruses,” he noted.

While this causes difficulties for the software used to reconstruct the genetic family trees of the virus, Dr Jiang says theirs and another emerging study both indicate this close relationship.

“After using parts of the viral genome that are not recombined, we can still consistently see the nCoV-2019 is grouped with bat coronaviruses,” he said.

“With a new bat coronavirus genome sequence reported by Dr. Zheng-Li Shi and her team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 96 percent of the genome sequence is identical to the Wuhan virus. With such high similarity, the possibility that the nCoV-2019 may come from a bat is very high.”

Dr Jiang said he hopes that this and other studies can lead to prevention of other virus outbreaks.

“This research can lead to a public understanding of where this virus came from and how the outbreak likely started in order to prevent future, similar virus outbreaks,” he said.

“For example, if this nCoV-2019 outbreak in Wuhan is due to selling of wildlife animals and/or their meat in Wuhan markets, then preventing such sales may help reduce future outbreaks.”

To further understanding, Dr Jiang says that more study is needed on how bat coronaviruses recombine and what can enable them to change to be able to infect humans with new coronaviruses.

“The detection of recombination between different bat coronaviruses, which was also detected in previous studies, means that recombination is important for creating new coronavirus strains,” he said.

“We now need to further study the patterns of these recombination events and understand their significance.

“Understanding if there are changes that need to take place to permit a bat virus to infect humans is now a priority.”

Dr Jiang credits public data sharing by Chinese scientists that enabled his team to create their analysis, part of a relatively rapid research response worldwide.

“The bat coronaviruses we analysed, which were previously sampled by Chinese scientists among Chinese bat populations, and the first nCoV-2019 genome sequenced by Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and School of Public Health, in collaboration with the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control, and the University of Sydney, were all released on GenBank, a database maintained by the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information,” he said.

“Without their early sharing of the sequence, our analysis would have not been possible.

“This data sharing has been vital for understanding of the Wuhan ‘mystery’ pneumonia outbreak and the response has been applauded by international community.

“Without the data sharing from both – the public health scientists and the researchers who found the bat viruses – we wouldn’t be able to understand this outbreak so quickly.”

By Tamara Kaup

Grand Blueprint Drawn, Right Time for Brave Advancement

Dear faculty members, colleagues, students and friends,

As time goes by, we have subconsciously moved into the winter season in Suzhou, calm and robust, carrying the reservation and wisdom recharged to face new challenges.

Recently, Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Deputy Chair of Board of Directors of XJTLU, asked, during our discussion on XJTLU's 15th anniversary celebration planning: “Where has the time gone?” In an instant, XJTLU has grown from a toddler to a 13-year-old teenager. I replied: “The time blended together into our career, experience and age.”

This year, 2019, has been a busy year for me as always. In addition to the development and operation of the school, speeches have been delivered and meetings and business affairs have taken up all of my weekends. I have seen changes taking place everywhere. I believe that everyone here has spent a productive year fully devoted to XJTLU and the development of our educational mission. I take this opportunity to present my most sincere holiday greetings and gratitude to you all.

This year, Suzhou experienced a sudden coldness, and many people were caught off guard by the plummeting temperature. Like this change in weather, China's development is also complex, facing challenges brought by risks both at home and abroad. Trade frictions between China and the United States have not dissipated, resulting in increased pressure on economic growth. Soaring pork prices and the resulting inflation of other commodities have also made many people feel the pressure of life. The hot topics in the social media about the layoffs at Netease and Huawei have caused many people to reflect over pressure in the workplace.

Back to the topic of education. Artificial intelligence and digitalisation have dramatically impacted and reshaped the education industry. Dramatic changes are shaping the demand for future talent, the logic of education, the way of teaching and the nature of the university.

XJTLU, as an educational explorer and innovator, sees the changes and challenges of the time as rare opportunities for development, therefore with our bold exploration we will continue to innovate and develop to meet the challenges of this era.At this critical juncture, entering into the third decade of the 21th century, are we going to stagnate amid widespread recognition, or will we progress to a higher level by restarting from zero? Over the past 13 years, XJTLU has experienced many challenges and critical moments in the university’s development, but it has never been defeated by external doubts or difficulties. We have continued to march towards our goals with tenacity.

I like the book Bamboo Stone by Zheng Xie from the Qing Dynasty and these words, especially: “Withhold steadily on the green mountain, firmly rooted in the broken rocks, remain firm and robust after thousands grinding and blowing, no matter the wind blows in whatever directions."

The defiance against the mundanities of life, combined with the innovation, endeavor, and tenacity reflected in this poem embody precisely the spirit of XJTLU, that will naturally breed a thriving and amazing educational picture scroll. I now highlight a few ‘flowers’ from the splendid picture of 2019 to give an indication of our achievements in the past year.

In February, a number of research projects captured the attention of domestic and international media, such as XJTLU scientists creating the most accurate map of the m6A epitranscriptome in the world, and XJTLU study revealing that secondary forests can be as species-rich as mature forests, and so on.

In March, the fourth International Conference on Smart Grid Technology and Data Processing, as one of many important academic activities, was held at XJTLU. Scholars from China, South Korea, India and the United Kingdom gathered to discuss how engineering and management techniques could advance future smart cities.

In April, construction of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony. The Ministry of Education of China and the University of Liverpool approved the six new undergraduate programmes.

In May, XJTLU’s 2019 Annual Conference on Higher Education Innovation---Technology Matters, and China’s inaugural MoodleMoot convention, led by the founder and CEO of Moodle, were held in XJTLU. At same time the 4th XJTLU National Teaching Innovation Contest and the summit of the alliance of teachers’ training centers of China's universities facilitated by XJTLU were held.

In June, XJTLU made it into the Top 1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2020, reaching 39th place in mainland China after just 13 years. Following the release of China’s Education Modernisation 2035 blueprint, XJTLU hosted the Future of Higher Education Forum in Xi’an to explore how higher education can take advantage of developments in artificial intelligence.

In July, 2576 undergraduates, 366 postgraduates and 29 PhD students received their University of Liverpool and XJTLU degree certificates at the 2019 Graduation Ceremonies. The majority of these undergraduates intend to pursue postgraduate study at top universities around the world.

In August, a record-high number of 15,000 people attended XJTLU’s 2019 Opening Ceremony at Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre. The speech: “Metamorphosis: From Giant Babies to Global Players”, delivered by me, prompted much discussion in the wider community.

In September, XJTLU students made great achievements in international competitions. For example, a group of undergraduate students outperformed more than 10,000 teams from around the world to become one of only 19 ‘Outstanding Winners’ in the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM), an extension of MCM. An undergraduate team won the gold medal in the 2019 International Genetic Engineering Machine Competition (iGEM) for their innovative solutions in the field of early neurodegenerative diseases.

In October, thousands of visitors attended the inaugural XJTLU International Day Festival to enjoy the integration of Chinese and international cultures on the University’s open campus. This event also helped deepen interactions and collaboration between universities, local communities, and the wider world.

In November, a delegation led by Jin Liu, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education, visited the University and was also impressed with XJTLU’s entrepreneurial spirit. "We’re thrilled to see that XJTLU as a new university has achieved such good results in 13 years. You did a brilliant job,” she said.

Also in November XJTLU successfully held its 2019 Autumn Communications Reception which considered the reform and development of higher education in China. Representatives from nearly 40 media outlets around the country, industry partners, and XJTLU departments and offices attended the event. At same time, XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)’s new School of CHIPS signing ceremony was held.

In December, XJTLU held its first international brand event in Shanghai. With a focus on Star Wars and street art, artists, academics and creative industry experts discussed cross-cultural creative exchanges between East and West. Through this event XJTLU demonstrated what can be achieved in finding common ground and unity between two different cultures.

Surprises and progress are part of everyday life at XJTLU. It is the painstaking effort and devotion of every member of the XJTLU community that has cultivated these rich autumn fruits. It is the attention and support of friends from all walks of life that has enabled continuous innovation in our community, again and again. Thank you all!

After 13 years of exploration and advancement, XJTLU’s grand plan has been gradually charted out. During its first decade, XJTLU successfully established an international university on Chinese soil. It undertook bold innovation to the specialised elite education model that is popular worldwide in terms of students’ transformation, internationalisation, reinforcement of quality education, and promotion of research-led education. It reshaped the university operating system and its interaction with society, and has developed a research and communication platform that has impacted both Chinese and global education (ILEAD). It built the XJTLU version 1.0.

In the second decade, responding to the challenges of digitalization, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as the transformation of future talent and social patterns, XJTLU unveiled an exploration of Syntegrative Education (SE), as XJTLU version 2.0, whose three modes as below are being developed.

1) Industry and Enterprise Tailored Education (IETE) that strengthens the quality of specialised elite and enhances their industry skills.

2) Entrepreneur College (EC) that integrates comprehensively and organically general, discipline, industry and management, as well as entrepreneurship education.

3) Innovation and Entrepreneur Community (IEC) that supports lifelong learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship in collaboration with society.

Looking into future, XJTLU has started to explore new, future-oriented concepts in education, universities and campuses, and is planning and laying out version 3.0 of XJTLU, an educational ecosystem supporting interests-driven lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Despite its youth, XJTLU has achieved many firsts in the history of higher education in China and even globally. XJTLU has sought to make its contribution to education in five aspects: 1. Innovate and enhance the current education for international specialised elites; 2. Create a brand new model of Syntegrative Education for international elites and leaders for new industries; 3. Provide an XJTLU solution to the future university concept and campus model; 4. Explore and develop themed Learning, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers for future interest-driven lifelong learning, an education ecosystem jointly established and shared by universities and society; 5. Transform XJTLU into an international innovator and communicator of advanced educational concepts and practices.

Dear teachers, colleagues, students and friends, at this new historical juncture, having achieved so much, the people of XJTLU who have grown up in the face of adversity and challenges will neither be defeated in the face of those challenges, nor will they be carried away in our victory.

We need to continue to think globally, understand locally and act internationally, guided by a ‘HeXie mindset’. Keeping the sobriety of ‘looking up at the star sky’, through standing on the stepping-stone of experience, we will continue our journey of innovation in a down-the-earth manner, bringing this plan into reality!

Having drawn out our grand blueprint, we must advance bravely. Let each of us become leaders and create a network of sharing and collaboration.

With 13 years of rapid development behind us, XJTLU is constantly growing and expanding. I have thought a lot about how to keep our institution sensitive and alert to trends and the external environment. More importantly, I am excited by, and committed to, the question of how to motivate each individual to become proactive through the platform and ecosystem provided by the institution, in the context of the new era.

As soon as I joined XJTLU, I sought, through the HeXie (harmonious) management theory I have developed together with my team, to form a new networking management and operation system of XJTLU. Not only does it support the development of XJTLU, but also provides solutions to improving the efficiency of knowledge workers and organisations. In recent years, on the basis of the practice in XJTLU, I have further advocated for the proposal of conceiving a ‘HeXie mindset’ to enhance people's ability to survive in future society. In the face of growing development needs and an increasingly complex and volatile society, we must continue to deepen and optimise the exploration and practice in this field.

At the sixth American Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) forum, CCL’s global Vice President, Dr. Bill Pasmore shared the research on Braided Organisations, the ecological form in the digital era: “A ‘Braided Organisation’ is a web of interwoven actors, each contributing different talents, not controlled by a formal hierarchy, and working together to create new ways of cooperation and achieving common goals.”

This kind of freely connected organisational structure is similar to the flat and networked organisation we have created. Both aim to overcome the disadvantages of the bureaucratic hierarchy and to enhance the creativity and flexibility of sharing, interaction, cooperation and innovation provided by networks, all the while maintaining efficiency of the top-down management model.

Individuals at each node are no longer passive listeners trapped on an island of departments or posts waiting for instructions. Instead, they are leaders supported by a formal organisational system, able to connect freely and to cooperate with talented people, forming a shared, symbiotic and evolutionary ecology together.

The design of the XJTLU Entrepreneurship College (Taicang) embraces more subversive elements, which will foster an innovative ecology of organic integration of internal and external resources. As the core, the huge circular Learning Mall connects the magnet shaped buildings of the industry schools to form a sharing centre and a series of unique interactive teaching, scientific research and innovation spaces, fully demonstrating the strong logic of openness, sharing and symbiosis advocated at XJTLU.

We expect it to attract the world's top resources, promote the cultivation of industry elites, cross-cutting scientific research, intelligent technology creation, new industry development and future social evolution, so as to influence education in China and the world, and to promote social progress and growth in civilization.

I am always being asked: “What's your secret to maintaining such great passion and energy?”
I respond, lightheartedly: “Filling your heart with full expectation for the future, bearing faith in a better tomorrow through our own efforts. This will not only advance your career, but also make your life more enjoyable.”

I hope, therefore, that colleagues, students, partners, parents, alumni, companies, government and society from all walks of life, can all be integrated into XJTLU’s ecosystem through their creative efforts, enjoying an unprecedented sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and happiness in life brought by creativity and cooperation, all the while enriching the grand plan laid out by XJTLU in impacting future education and civilization.

With the grand blueprint drawn, hard efforts are required. Let us think about and foster the talent training model of the digital intelligence era.

The rapid development and large-scale application of technologies such as the internet, artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things (IoT) and robotics will affect people's cognitive style and learning behaviour more deeply, which will further reshape education. Digital literacy, integration ability and HeXie mindset are becoming the most important aspects for talent training in the future.

Innovation is the ‘gene’ and the driving force of XJTLU's development. Looking ahead, how can education help human beings live a better life with the support of artificial intelligence and robotics? XJTLU has realised that our future society will enable talent expansion at both ends. That is to say, we not only need a group of quality specialised elites with strong industry background, but more importantly, we need a large number of industry elites with high industry attainments, cross-cultural leadership and entrepreneurship. XJTLU 1.0 aims mainly at the former, while XJTLU 2.0 aims at the latter. Syntegrative Education (SE), coined in 2017, allows XJTLU to embark on new exploration to develop an educational model that fosters ‘international industry elites and leaders’ who can stand on the shoulders of artificial intelligence and robotics to lead future industries.

Based on the further enhancement of general knowledge education, the model aims to integrate professional education, industry education, management (leadership) education and entrepreneurship education. It integrates student-centered and research-oriented education with internships and on-the-job training. It integrates study with practice, employment and continuous learning, talent cultivation, research and corporate development.

At present, XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education is increasingly understood and recognised by students, teachers and society at large. Government institutions, from central ministries and commissions to local governments, have offered both support and anticipation to XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education. XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education model has achieved many milestones, including seven programmes in line with future social development trends and national strategic priorities being developed, with the establishment of seven industry schools and the signing of 13 corporate partnerships.

As construction of the 33 hectare teaching area and 4.5 hectare dormitory living area began, the number of the first batch of students who chose the Entrepreneurship College (Taicang) reached 300.

To enhance cooperation between the two campuses, to support the interaction between university and industry, and with the support of Suzhou Industrial Park, we have launched eight institutes of planning and construction (comprising intelligent design and manufacturing, tactile internet technology, FinTech, advanced computing and cognitive intelligence, intelligent business decision-making, intelligent robotics and innovation, artificial intelligence and the interaction between science and technology and society in the robotic age and the XJTLU offshore innovation centre).

Research institutes are in the Suzhou and Taicang campuses, with the former focusing on theoretical research and the latter on applied research. In addition, in order to strengthen the implementation of the Syntegrative Education model, XILI Education Innovation and Investment Management Group Enterprise was established by the XJTLU Education Foundation. This is aimed at establishing a company with corporate partners, providing support to students in their internships, training, and start-ups, and bringing social resources back to the school. In doing so, it seeks to cultivate university talent, build a new industry development model and bring technological achievements to society at large.

We welcome more colleagues, students and partners to join us in exploring XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education, and together create a history that may influence education and society in the future.

With the grand blueprint drawn, deep thinking is required. Let us imagine and restructure future education, university and campus.

The core value of a university is its influence. XJTLU makes great efforts to influence generation after generation through talent training; to improve human survival and development capacity through scientific research; to promote economic and social progress through social services and interaction; to promote civilization of human society through the guidance and advocacy of new culture. XJTLU, positioned as reformer, innovator, explorer and influencer of education, must fulfil its mission in an era in which education is being reshaped and redefined on a global scale. We must face the future and dream more boldly and explore the kind of education that is needed in the future society.

XJTLU 3.0 thus blossomed from this initial thought. Imagine a plethora of learning channels at our fingertips and the advanced and powerful human-computer intelligent interaction in future society. Will this expedite learning? In the future, how much value will a diploma carry? By the time we reach adulthood and college age, will people still be willing to spend four years studying for a bachelor's degree, seven years pursuing a master's degree, or even 10 or more years earning a doctorate, only to apply for a job that relates little to our studies?

We believe that through primary and secondary education in the future, people can learn the basics of human survival and grasp the skill of learning. More people, then, will have the opportunity to follow their hearts, carry out targeted studies, and pursue their interests and dreams when they are in college.

By then, titles like bachelor's, master's, and PhDs may just be by-products of the process of lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship. This will lead to a happy life, with no need to waste precious youth on unnecessary labels. People always live to pursue their interests, immersed in learning and exploration. If you give full play to your interests, you may also achieve a great cause, create a miracle of life and make great contributions to society and mankind.

According to this concept, XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is, while exploring Syntegrative Education, also creating an interests-based educational ecology that supports lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship in the future. Based on this, it explores the concept and campus model of the future university and strives to provide an XJTLU solution to future education.

We will also promote the concept to some potential areas in terms of geographies and themes. For example, the XJTLU Intelligence Innovation Institute (Xi 'an) - Xi 'an Hui Lake International Innovation Hub has been unveiled for operation. In addition, the XJTLU Intelligence Innovation Institute (Greater Bay Area) – XJTLU International Innovation Hub of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and XJTLU Intelligence Innovation Institute (One Belt and One Road) are undergoing intensive preparation.

Colleagues, students, friends, what a great and rare opportunity. Let us work together for these exciting causes, and contribute our own talents and efforts.

The year 2020 is almost here. In this cold and turbulent world, we are bound to face of risks and challenges. However, to XJTLU people, with dreams of making an impact on Chinese and global education, we stand high up on the mountains. What can frighten us? We stand bolt upright like the cliff. Why should we be afraid of a cold wind? Let us thus bravely and persistently aim to follow through on this grand blueprint. With our wisdom and effort, let us give full play to our talents and make a mark in history!

In closing, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

PROFESSOR XI YOUMIN
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF XJTLU
PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL

A researcher at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University lauds the World Health Organisation’s recent decision to declare the novel coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”

“I think what they are doing is right,” says Dr Ying Chen of XJTLU’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences.

“At the moment, there are already a huge number of cases, mainly in Wuhan and Hubei,” he notes.

“Confirmed novel coronavirus infections have been found in more than twenty countries or regions outside mainland China. There is also evidence of person-to-person transmission in a few countries outside of China.

“As a global community, we need to work together to control this.”

Dr Chen explains that the new coronavirus’ ability to spread relatively rapidly presents a great challenge in controlling it, noting that it spreads faster than the coronavirus that caused SARS, which was active in 2002-2003.

“The disease itself is not as severe as SARS in terms of what is known about the mortality rate – 2-3 percent compared to approximately 10 percent for SARS – but it appears this novel coronavirus is more difficult to control than SARS based on current knowledge of its characteristics.

“Based on preliminary data – and this number could change as more data comes in – we think that on average, the basic reproductive rate of the novel coronavirus is around 2.5.

“That means that each person who has the novel coronavirus is transmitting it to 2.5 people on average. Then each of those people is spreading the virus to another 2.5 people on average, and so on.

“The novel coronavirus spreads very quickly compared to the flu virus, where one person transmits it to about 1.3 people on average.

“It took slightly more than 1 month to reach 6,000 confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus, whereas for SARS it took six months.”

Dr Stephen Pan, also based in the XJTLU Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, adds that a reason the novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, can spread so quickly is indicated in the word “novel” in its name.

“Because the 2019-nCoV is a new pathogen, very few people will have natural immunity to it,” he says.

“Therefore, most of the population is potentially susceptible to 2019-nCoV infection.

“When a novel pathogen is introduced into a population that is completely susceptible to infection, transmission can be very rapid if appropriate interventions are not implemented.”

Dr Chen says that another difficulty in combatting the novel coronavirus’ spread is the possibility of people being contagious without knowing it. This can occur either because the virus could be infectious before it causes symptoms or because those people don’t have severe symptoms.

“Unlike the virus that caused SARS, some evidence suggests that this novel virus can be transmitted in the incubation period.

“When viruses can be transmitted before people show symptoms, a disease outbreak is harder to control.

“Further, there is a lot of uncertainty about the length of the incubation period.

“According to a paper recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which looked at the early 400-plus cases, on average the incubation period was slightly more than 1 week. But it can be quite different between individuals, ranging from one day to two weeks, or even more.”

“Although many of the patients infected with the novel coronavirus have flu-like symptoms, some symptoms can be very minor and various in a certain proportion of the patients.”

The world must work together to manage this outbreak, Dr Chen says.

"China has taken unprecedented measures to control this concerning outbreak, and now WHO will put additional focus on the global response,” he says.

“We need to put quite a lot of effort, resources and strategy behind controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus, and this is a step in the right direction.”

By Tamara Kaup

The novel coronavirus outbreak has affected everyone’s lives this spring. Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information related to the outbreak?

How should I spend a meaningful “extra-long” holiday? How can I learn online? How is the XJTLU campus preparing to welcome students and staff safely?

This is the first XJTLU Coronavirus Outbreak Prevention Guide. It summarizes the important information and notices recently released by the University. Please review it and follow the links for more detailed information.

We wish every XJTLU staff member and student good health, now and when you return to campus.

Professor Youmin Xi, XJTLU Executive President, recently wrote a letter to XJTLU students, staff and alumni.

“We are going through a period of constant risk, with elements of uncertainty. The epidemic poses threats to human health and adversely affects related industries. It has altered the usual Spring Festival atmosphere that everyone is accustomed to and is profoundly transforming lifestyles.

During this epidemic, feelings of fear, anxiety and worry are inevitable. But what is more frightening is panic, which puts us in a disadvantaged position, fighting a virus with vulnerable bodies, fragile minds and flawed strategies.

In fact, when facing the virus, keeping calm and taking wise actions promote stronger and more successful outcomes.

At present, scientists are stepping up research of the novel coronavirus and analysis of its pathogenic mechanisms and prevention methods. Governments and organisations at all levels have been taking the most rigorous and strict prevention and control measures. Under such circumstances, protecting ourselves and taking responsibility for ourselves is our greatest contribution to help combat the virus.

Crises are often opportunities to foster innovation and make the impossible possible. Therefore, in the face of crises and new situations, individuals and organisations are presented with valuable opportunities to boldly innovate and plan for future transformations. Many new ways of life and business are emerging in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. I firmly believe that after the epidemic, some industries may usher in unprecedented new developments related to online education, remote work, unmanned retail, autonomous delivery, intelligent healthcare and elderly care.”

1. XJTLU launches ‘Updates on the Novel Coronavirus Information Page’

The Updates on the Novel Coronavirus Information Page was created on Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s official website under the deployment of the XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention and in accordance with the latest requests on the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus published by the Ministry of Education of China, Jiangsu Education Department and Suzhou Municipal Government. This page provides information about University Communications and announcements, the government’s policies and official documents for the public, frequently asked questions and answers, as well as useful tips and reminders. Answers to many of your questions can be found here.

In addition, don't forget to check your XJTLU email regularly. Important XJTLU information and updates will be sent to you through University Communications emails.

The University is closely following the latest information regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak. With the XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention playing a leading role, joint efforts and plans are in place to ensure the University is a safe and secure place. The Working Group created an information collection survey in order to provide timely and effective support and to respond to related information requests by authorities tasked with novel coronavirus prevention.

2. Return dates for XJTLU students and staff

In accordance with related national, provincial and municipal notices on the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus, and based on the latest evaluation of the current conditions by the XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention:

• The student return date has been postponed until 22nd February. Before this date, students are not allowed to return to the University or the dormitory, including students on training programmes and short-term courses. The start of teaching (Week 1) has been postponed to 24th February.
• Faculty and staff members are not allowed to return to the University for work until 17th February, before which ONLY members of the Working Group and other staff authorized by the Working Group can return to the University. For special cases, please contact the following email address and return to the University only after you have received email approvals and followed proper procedures: hsc@xjtlu.edu.cn

You may receive further notices as the University receives updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak situation. Please regularly check University Communications notices.

Read more: click here

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1： The start of teaching has been postponed. Is there any change in the next semester’s teaching schedule?
A： Teaching plans for the upcoming semester are under reconsideration by Registry in order to ensure the Learning and Teaching activities are carried out in an orderly manner. Timetables will be adjusted and released following the confirmation of the new teaching plans. Please pay close attention to the XJTLU official news and notification emails sent from University Communications.

Q2： Will the academic calendar be adjusted according to the change to the start of teaching weeks in Semester 2?
A：Yes, the updated Academic Calendar will be published before the start of Semester 2.

Q3：When can I check my timetable for Semester 2?
A：The timetable will be released to you on e-Bridge during the week commencing 17th February. Email notice will be sent to you from timetables@xjtlu.edu.cn once it’s ready.

Q4. Can I return to the university during the University Closed Period?
A：You are not allowed to return to campus during the University Closed Period. If there are special circumstances, please send an email requesting application for access to hsc@xjtlu.edu.cn. Wait for advance approval and instructions before entering the campus.

Q5：Have the dorm areas been disinfected?
A： Yes. Every day the Property Management Office disinfects the public dorm area and takes the temperatures of students staying at the dorms.

Q6： Are there any students diagnosed with novel coronavirus infection at XJTLU?
A：At the moment, there have been no confirmed cases of XJTLU students or staff being infected with the novel coronavirus. We ask everyone to be careful and follow our advice to ensure no XJTLU staff and or student becomes infected.

Q7： What measures will the University take related to students returning from or passing through Wuhan?
A：At present, part of urban traffic in Hubei Province is closed and the return date for students from that province is undetermined. The XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention will discuss the matter with Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (SEID) and will provide notification later. Please wait patiently.

Q8：What impact does the postponement of teaching have on PHD student?
A： Arrangements have been made to postpone the PhD defense and external examiner visits originally scheduled in February. During the University Closed days, all Graduate School public email accounts will be monitored by designated staff members. Student and staff enquiries regarding the coronavirus will be responded to as soon as possible.

Q9：How is XJTLU helping international students through this special period?
A：XJTLU has set up a working team to deal with issues relating to international students, including government affairs, student communications, visa application support for international students in Suzhou, student enquiries, handling of emergencies, etc.
The temperatures of students living in higher education town accommodations where international students live are measured as they pass through the reception areas. These temperatures are reported to the University working team (since 30th January 2020).
The public areas of the international student accommodations are disinfected daily.
Staff have been appointed to follow up with students who might have symptoms for a variety of reasons and to provide them with necessary support for safety purposes.

Q10：Will the epidemic affect graduation dispatch?
A：In accordance with the related provincial notice on the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus, and based on the XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention’s evaluation of current conditions by, the Career Centre will stop offline graduation dispatch temporarily, but the online service will remain available.
Read more: click here

Q11：Is there any traffic control in XJTLU?
A：Yes. Temporary measures will be in place for campus vehicle traffic control, in accordance with the related provincial notice on the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus, and based on the XJTLU Working Group for Novel Coronavirus Prevention’s evaluation of current conditions. For details,click here

Q12：Will XJTLU public areas be open?
A： According to the XJTLU Notice of Novel Coronavirus (C3-UC-20200124), and the national, provincial and municipal notice on prevention and control of the novel coronavirus, the library, museum, X-bar, and all the computer labs and classrooms will be temporarily closed.

Q13：What if I feel ill during this time or need to see a doctor for other routine medical matters?
A：Hospitals and clinics are operating as normal. Some hospitals are designated to deal with illnesses which may be caused by the coronavirus. These hospitals have a well-managed system to assess symptoms and quickly determine if a patient is infected with the new coronavirus or just a similar condition such as regular flu or the common cold. Some hospitals are listed below. Be aware that many seasonal conditions have similar symptoms to the coronavirus, so don’t panic if you have a symptom similar to having a cold; please get timely medical treatment. Meanwhile, you’re also welcomed to contact the XJTLU campus
health and security committee, email: hsc@xjtlu.edu.cn

Q14： Although I can’t enter campus right now, I still need to work. What should I do?
A：In order to support academic and administrative staff during this period, XJTLU is providing online video conference technology. MITS has set up ‘Zoom’ video conference tool training for all the staffs.

• 2: 00pm-2:30pm, Friday, Feb 7, 2020
• Join Zoom meeting:https://zoom.com.cn/j/5276713157 Meeting ID：527 671 3157

• General affairs (including special entry applications from staff): hsc@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Domestic students: onestop@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Overseas students: global@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Staff: StaffOneStop@xjtlu.edu.cn

4. Online study guide

There are many online learning resources for you to use at XJTLU. Let's have a look at them together.

(1) Online module on “Global Citizenship”
While the University has postponed the start of the new semester to prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus, we take this as an opportunity to help you develop your ability to cope with such crises and improve your awareness of global citizenship. Therefore, the University is offering a two-week optional online module on “Global Citizenship” and which will be delivered via ILEAD.

All UG students are welcome to enroll on a voluntary basis in this module as individuals or in groups. You are also encouraged to invite your parents or family members as team members to join you for this project.

1. Higher educational studies in the era of artificial intelligence is much more than focussing on a particular discipline; more importantly, it involves the development of comprehensive abilities and literacies such as digital literacy, awareness of
2. sustainable development, and innovative mindsets.
3. In the future learning society, learning should take place not only in the classroom but everywhere, from work to life. Thus, development of lifelong learning skills is essential.
4. Book-centred memorisation is no longer a feasible way to learn about society’s realities; instead our learning should be research-led. That is, learning should start with real social phenomena and questions, develop by analysing and grasping the essence behind phenomena, incorporate the collection and integration of information for generating new ideas, and explore via working with learners from different backgrounds to develop solutions to specific problems and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of the solution.
5. This outbreak of the coronavirus-related epidemic is a serious challenge for humanity, but also a rare and valuable opportunity for you to learn how to solve a real social problem. Teachers and students should take this chance to join in this battle against the epidemic, using it as a tool for research, student training, social services, and keeping active in this crisis!
   Learn more：Click here

(2) Check out library services as an online student
Even though the new semester has been postponed, there is no reason to stop learning and conducting research.

XJTLU Digital Library provides you seamless access to academic materials and research assistance. Through XJTLU VPN or proxy service, you can access all the online journals and databases the library provides.
Click here to learn more

5. Information on preventing and controlling the epidemic

• The Best Way to Prevent and Control the Epidemic
• 43 pictures to learn more about the novel coronavirus （English only）
• Temporary Guidelines on Prevention of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia - Preparations to Return to Campus after Winter Holiday
• Managing stress and anxiety about the Novel Coronavirus

• General affairs (including special entry applications from staff):hsc@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Domestic students: onestop@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Overseas students: global@xjtlu.edu.cn
• Staff: StaffOneStop@xjtlu.edu.cn

You may receive further notices as we receive updates on the novel coronavirus scenario. Please regularly check notices from University Communications.

We look forward to greeting you all in the warm and beautiful spring of Suzhou.

Based on publicly available data, a data model on a recently launched website set up by an ad-hoc group of scientists predicts the number of new, confirmed novel coronavirus cases in China to dwindle to almost nothing in under two weeks.

“The current model predicts a rapid decrease in new, confirmed cases in the next week and virtually no new, confirmed cases by February 23,” said Dr Yi Zou, who is based in the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

“While this appears to be a relatively rapid near-end to new, confirmed cases, we must keep in mind that factors could change the trend or that the data on current cases could be underreported, which would change the prediction,” he said.

“However, the current model as of February 10 shows hope for the near future.”

The model is a logistic equation based on standard mathematics.

“According to the data we collected, the virus disease pattern shows a classic sigmoid function curve,” he said.

“The curve looks like a stretched version of the letter 'S.' We appear to be at the top curve of the 'S,' where the top curve indicates the maximum number of cases.

“We will continue to update this model as data comes in to keep the public abreast of the latest prediction.”

Four researchers from universities in China – three from XJTLU and one from Southern University of Science and Technology – created the website to provide scientists, journalists and other researchers open access to data from across China on the novel coronavirus outbreak and daily statistical modeling.

“To my knowledge, this is the only such open-access data website for novel coronavirus data that exists in the world,” said Johannes Knops, head of the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences at XJTLU.

Dr Zou explained that the scientists set up the website to provide a tool for people working around the globe to control the epidemic.

"We hope that through the integration of information, we can provide more people with data sharing and fight the epidemic together,” he said.

The data is both as current as possible and from authoritative sources, Dr Zou said.

“All data and information are automatically captured every 30 minutes through a background program to ensure timeliness,” he said.

“The data and information sources include government websites at all levels and media such as People's Daily and China Central Television to ensure that information is open, transparent and traceable.”

From the data, Dr Zou and the other volunteer collaborators create models to help visualise the data and demonstrate future possibilities.

“Our team uses a logistic regression model, which is widely used in epidemiological analysis, to predict the trend of the outbreak in China as a whole and for each of the country’s provinces from the data,” he said.

“Our volunteer team members then perform the data processing, modeling, visualisation and publishing tasks using R language.

Other researchers can download data packages for their own data modeling and research on the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Besides the data and models available both in Chinese and English, the website also includes, in Chinese-only, information from news agencies and evidence-based answers to myths and rumours.

Besides Dr Zou, other volunteers responsible for development of the website include Dr Peng Zhao and Dr Lei Han, also of XJTLU’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, and Dr Xiaoxiang Wang from Southern University of Science and Technology.

The website includes a language toggle from Chinese to English.

By Luyun Shi and Yunji Tao, edited by Bo Kou
English version edited by Tamara Kaup

A Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University student’s original music video that honours healthcare workers fighting the novel coronavirus infection has been viewed nearly one million times on the Sina Weibo online platform.

Titled “If you’ve ever seen them,” the music video has also been included in a Chinese national television (CCTV) documentary about fighting the outbreak.

“I intended to write a song that is solemn, yet not sad," said the Year Four student, who uses the pseudonym JMJ.

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” she said.

“The song is my tribute to all the medical workers in this war, and I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to them.”

JMJ was responsible for lyrics, music, production and vocals; her friend, Tongqiu Jian, edited the music video.

JMJ said that her inspiration came from the sacrifices she sees everyday people making in the face of the epidemic, and that she wants to share their stories through her lyrics and music.

“Some young medical workers have said that they were well-protected during the SARS outbreak, and that now it’s their turn to protect others,” she said.

“Many husbands have sent their wives off; and many daughters, their mothers.

“My father is also a medical worker,” she continued.

“A lot of people like him are contributing to the war against the novel coronavirus infection, even though they are not on the front line.

“They are all ‘ordinary people’ with their own families, yet they choose to be selfless.”

One viewer wrote: “I was moved to tears when I heard the first words! I’d like to pay my tribute to every great person fighting against novel coronavirus infection!”

“The song makes me want to do my bit to help, even though the infection is very serious and I’m an ordinary person who cannot do much,” commented another.

By Qiuchen Hu, translated by Xiangyin Han, edited by Guojuan Wang and Tamara Kaup
Music video edited by Tongqiu Jian
Lyrics, music, production and vocals by JMJ
All rights related to the song and the music videos are reserved by the original creators

As we read the latest statistics on confirmed novel coronavirus infections and deaths, it’s natural to be concerned for the health of ourselves and our loved ones.

But letting that concern develop into excessive fear can negatively impact individuals and society, said Dr Stephen Pan of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences in concert with comments by a representative of the World Health Organisation.

“Excessive fear can lead to harmful stereotypes of entire cities and social groups, as we’ve already begun to see,” said Dr Pan.

“For example, some people in China think most people from Wuhan are infected by the novel coronavirus, and some people in countries outside China think most Chinese people carry the virus, but that’s not true.

“There have even been international reports where people of East Asian descent in general have been stigmatised as carriers of the novel coronavirus simply because of their race and ethnicity,” he said.

“When people fear, they tend to also stigmatise some groups,” said Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO’s director of infectious hazard management, at a press briefing last week.

One way to avoid our fears getting out of control is to be aware that – when it comes to judging risk for ourselves – it’s not always accurate, Dr Pan said.

“We often overestimate the actual risk of something negative happening to ourselves,” Dr Pan said.

“We tend to go to the worst-case scenario right away.

“For example, if a plane crash occurred a few weeks ago, someone getting on a plane might think, ‘That’s going to be me,’ when, statistically speaking, their chance of being in a car crash may be greater.

“Partly because of the phrasing used in some headlines about the novel coronavirus epidemic, a person might tend to overestimate the risks it poses to their personal health. In contrast, that person’s risk of getting very ill from flu may be higher.”

Both Dr Pan and Dr Briand emphasised the need to avoid information that is not evidence-based.

“To combat extreme fear, we can focus on science-based facts from reliable sources and follow the recommended self-protection measures,” said Dr Pan.

“We (WHO) try to clarify what we know about the science, and what is still unknown, and provide recommendations that can help people to protect themselves and their families,” Dr Briand said at the press briefing, referencing the launch of information on their website devoted to advice to the public, including responding to myths.

“What we try to do is to really reduce … unnecessary fear,” she added. “I am not saying people should be complacent and forget about the basic safety recommendations. Everybody should try to stick very cautiously to respiratory etiquette and washing hands, but at the same time, we need to combat what is unnecessary panic.”

A mathematical model set up by an ad-hoc group of scientists indicates the number of currently infected novel coronavirus cases in China began a pattern of decline as of February 12. Currently infected cases are those confirmed to be ill with the virus who have not yet recovered or died.

When the model’s data was updated February 13 as the result of a change in Hubei province’s reporting, the model’s predicted date for the start of the decline jumped back.

“Before, our model indicated the decline would not start until February 16,” says Dr Yi Zou, who is based in the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

“So, when we updated the data going into the model that creates the model’s parameters to capture the new way Hubei province is reporting, we were surprised and hopeful to see it indicates the decline has already begun,” he says.

“The figures created from the model February 13-15 from previous-day data show that the daily number of cured cases and deceased cases is now higher than the newly infected, leading to a decrease in the number currently infected.”

Dr Zou explains that as of February 13, Hubei province is reporting clinically diagnosed cases as “confirmed” even if they have not been confirmed by RNA test kits.

“In our understanding, Hubei province now rapidly confirms suspected cases and adds those to the confirmed cases, which explains the sudden increase in their confirmed cases.”

Before, Dr Zou’s team used confirmed cases as data the model uses to calculate its parameters. The new data uses the combination of confirmed and suspected cases for all dates in the model, recalculating the cumulative total for all dates starting at the disease outbreak.

While adding suspected cases to confirmed cases causes the data to be more “messy,” the model is still a good fit, Dr Zou says.

“The data reported from across China the last three days still fits our model fairly well. According to the model, currently infected cases have started declining,” Dr Zou says.

“This pattern would be hopeful, since each day there are fewer people who infect others, and the burden of taking care of sick people should decline,” he says.

“However, as always, a mathematical model is not a direct window to the future. If factors that affect the trend change or if the data on current cases is underreported, the model’s indications will not be accurate.”

A few days ago, Dr Zou made the same caveats when his team’s model predicted a drop to nearly no new, confirmed cases starting February 23. With the model’s updated parameters, the data so far remains on trend for that forecast.

He explains that he and others in the team selected a logistic equation model to study the novel coronavirus outbreak because it is commonly used for population dynamics and epidemiological analysis.

“Our thought was that this model might reflect the dynamics of this outbreak – how infection behaves, what processes drive it and what might constrain it, for example,” he says.

Dr Zou is one of four researchers from universities in China – three from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and one from Southern University of Science and Technology – who publish figures derived from the model on a website they set up for use by scientists, journalists and other researchers.

The website includes open access to data from across China on the novel coronavirus outbreak and daily statistical modeling, both for the country as a whole and for its individual provinces.

The data is both as current as possible and from authoritative sources, Dr. Zou says.

“All data and information are automatically captured every 30 minutes through a background program to ensure timeliness,” he says.

“The data and information sources include government websites at all levels and media such as People's Daily and China Central Television to ensure that information is open, transparent and traceable.

“Our volunteer team members perform the data processing, modeling, visualisation and publishing tasks using R language.”

Other researchers can download data packages for their own data modeling and research on the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Besides the data and models available both in Chinese and English, the website also includes, in Chinese-only, information from news agencies and evidence-based answers to myths and rumours.

In addition to Dr Zou, other volunteers responsible for development of the website include Dr Peng Zhao and Dr Lei Han, also of XJTLU’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, and Dr Xiaoxiang Wang from Southern University of Science and Technology.

The website includes a language toggle from Chinese to English.

Above: Figure created February 15 showing currently infected novel coronavirus cases declining (orange line)

The website’s WeChat platform QR code is below:

By Tamara Kaup

A Chinese student recently stood on a street in Liverpool in the UK, wearing a mask and holding a sign reading: “I’m a human, not a virus.”

In a video (still images shown below), five strangers can be seen approaching and hugging him.

“I’m not a virus” is a campaign to combat the xenophobia and racism against Chinese people and others of East Asian origin that has arisen in various parts of the world as the result of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The campaign was initially launched through social media by Chinese people living in France, and then spread among Chinese communities around the world.

On Twitter and Instagram, numerous Chinese people are making themselves heard under the hashtag “#imnotavirus.”

Several Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University staff and students shared their thoughts and experiences regarding this type of prejudice.

“So far I haven’t experienced any racist attacks, but on social media I have seen it in the form of verbal abuse or even physical conflict,” said Kening Ren, an XJTLU student now in his fourth year and currently studying at the University of Liverpool.

“I think it’s really awful how Chinese people are being treated,” said Joe Jones, a student at the University of Liverpool who participated an exchange programme at XJTLU.

“Whilst in the Philippines, I was speaking in Chinese with a Chinese women in the hotel reception area. You could tell that foreign people were trying to avoid her,” Jones continued.

“At one point I even heard an American lady complain about how close she was to her. It was really sad to see.”

“So far, my friends and I have not encountered any racist attacks,” said Lily, an XJTLU alumna who is pursuing a master’s degree in Brisbane, Australia.

“People in the supermarket and the university are pretty nice.”

Ren, the XJTLU student now studying at the University of Liverpool, and Professor Roberto Donà of XJTU's International Business School Suzhou both stated that some media reports in the West have been misleading, likely playing a part in development of the prejudice.

“Social media used in the West and British mainstream media are always sceptical about China,” Ren said.

“Therefore, when the epidemic broke out, the media had more material to use to attack China,” he said.

“They spread comments about the collapse of Chinese economy and used the situation as a new excuse to discriminate against Chinese people.”

“In the West, information about the coronavirus outbreak is misleading,” said Donà.

“Unfortunately, in most of the communication, the virus is being called the ‘Chinese virus,’ which leads to an immediate connection in the minds of people who do not know the real enemy - the enemy suddenly becomes the Chinese or anyone who looks Asian.”

While there have been examples of prejudice, there have also been examples of support and concern for Chinese people.

On February 10th, the government of Liverpool and the University of Liverpool, one of XJTLU’s parent universities, made a joint statement to support Chinese students and residents in the city, reading in part:

“We are … shocked and saddened to have received reports of verbal abuse towards members of our Chinese community in response to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Whilst these reports remain isolated, we are absolutely clear that one incident is one too many. Racism, discrimination and intolerance have absolutely no place in our region or our universities.”

Ren, the student, was struck by a poster in a small restaurant in his apartment building in the UK that serves Chinese food with hot dry noodles – the most representative snack of Wuhan.

“A couple of days ago I saw a poster in the restaurant cheering on the people in Wuhan,” he said.

“Even if it was most probably put up by the Chinese people working in the restaurant, I still felt the warmth and kindness.”

Nan Ha, another XJTLU student currently studying at the University of Liverpool, noted the concern expressed to her by her French teacher.

“She asked about the coronavirus in a caring way. She also asked how my parents were and whether they were affected.”

“I feel that her care was true and real, which touched me a lot.”

By Yi Qian, Yunji Tao and Qiuchen Hu
Translated by Boqiang Xiao, edited by Guojuan Wang and Tamara Kaup

Like their counterparts across China, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University students found themselves on an extended holiday after Chinese New Year as the result of the novel coronavirus outbreak. However, XJTLU undergraduate students got a unique and relevant way to continue their research-led learning during 10th-23rd February.

An optional, non-credit online course titled “Developing Global Citizenship” is enabling students to look at the epidemic from multiple perspectives, said Dr Juming Shen of XJTLU’s Institute of Leadership and Education Advanced Development, the course’s developer.

“It enhances the students’ core competencies and leads them to think more deeply about the novel coronavirus epidemic so as to contribute their own part to the war against it,” said Dr Shen.

The course does not simply move lectures to an online platform, but takes full advantage of the internet’s openness, diversity and convenience, he noted.

“Online education is not just teaching through a screen,” Dr. Shen said.

“Instead, the essence is to develop students’ abilities to see problems and to solve them, to learn actively and become lifelong learners who are able to adapt to changes brought about by the era of the internet and artificial intelligence."

As an example of how the course is teaching active learning skills, in a lecture on the theme of digital citizenship, Na Li of ILEAD challenged students to think about questions like how to discern the truth from masses of information online and what abilities people need to comprehend the meaning of statistics.

More than 1,400 participants signed up for the course, forming 230 groups who are studying topics in the themes of social responsibility, digital citizenship, sustainable development and social innovation. More than 30 advisors chosen for their relevant expertise are providing remote mentoring sessions.

Groups are using techniques like questionnaires, online interviews and data analysis to investigate topics and are preparing research reports, video presentations and electronic posters for peer-review and cross-group discussions.

Dr Shen noted that students' households were invited to participate.

“We have groups consisting of students and their families,” he said.

Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU, lauded the course for enabling students to enhance their capabilities and learn to take ownership of problems.

“The course uses epidemic prevention as a practical exercise for XJTLU students to improve their ability to respond to crises and to take on the responsibilities of global citizens” he said.

“At the same time, it is an attempt at a new type of online course and learning concept.”

By Luyn Shi, translated by Xiangyin Han
Edited by Guojuan Wang and Tamara Kaup
Photo provided by Yuxin Dong

With the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic disrupting businesses and quarantining millions, at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University it has also proved the impetus for the roll-out of an accelerated and advanced online learning program, to benefit thousands of students.

While silence hangs over the physical campus of XJTLU at the start of the new semester this week, more than 450 courses are available online, facilitated through an online teaching platform using cutting-edge technology designed to accommodate 6,000 to 8,000 students online simultaneously.

It’s a unique situation, but within the crisis there is an opportunity, says Xudong Feng, the head of the Management Information Technology and System Office at XJTLU, which, along with the Institute of Leadership and Education Advanced Development has created and is delivering the online teaching platform.

“The coronavirus epidemic is a crisis to our society, but also a good chance to promote and develop technology and solutions for online learning and teaching, which is the future direction of education. It will accelerate the pace of XJTLU's massive online education as well,” Feng says.

“The XJTLU online learning and teaching solution provides faculties and students with very similar experience to the classroom. For example, faculties can make full use of the interactive whiteboard, shared notes, screen-sharing, polling and quiz function to enhance the interactive learning and teaching. With the video analytics and reports function, faculty can easily record the attendance.

“In terms of Registry data analysis from all academic departments, the results look positive, with 95 percent of the 490 modules able to provide a certain form or a combination (ICE, Mediasite and BBB) of different forms of online education. And Registry has started to build timetables for the 6-week online education period.

“XJTLU has a unique ecological solution for online learning. I see many other educational institutions use many different public tools like live-broadcasting platforms, but, in comparison to XJTLU, these technologies are not integrated as a whole solution for online learning.”

Ying Chang, of the Department of Urban Planning and Design, one of XJTLU’s online course coordinators, considers the community-wide impact online learning can have.

“The coronavirus epidemic is a national trauma and life event for all Chinese people. The online teaching is a university collective and proactive endeavour to overcome the adverse situation,” Chang says.

“Every student represents a family. Any support we give to the student will indirectly support their family. That's what an educator can contribute to speed the recovery of the whole society. By doing so, we feel closer to the wider Chinese community.

“This is also an opportunity to transform the educator's perception on online education and a great leapfrog towards more engagement-led pedagogy through competence enhancement.

“All of our courses will have a live-streaming introduction to meet students face-to-face and introduce the course. Most staff have taken a training course for online teaching technology. We also have shared with each other online teaching skills based on our past experience teaching such UPD courses.

“We have already developed a culture and community of online teaching educators at XJTLU. I'm very confident that with the advanced platform, XJTLU students will excel in this bounce-back opportunity.

“We want to send a strong message to our students that the whole faculty is back to work and we are working together to support them.”

The introduction of a unique two-week optional online course titled “Developing Global Citizenship” and delivered by ILEAD is another sign of that support. The course, which concluded February 23, provided students with the opportunity to develop their abilities to cope with the coronavirus crisis and improve their awareness of global citizenship.

The course promoted digital literacy and enabled students to discuss with other participants questions on topics such as individual social responsibility and the sustainable development of society under highly uncertain living conditions in such a crisis.

For XJTLU Executive President, Professor Youmin Xi, the epidemic has proved a catalyst; a driver to disruptive innovation which has led to a fast-tracked massive infrastructure and technology upgrade occurring over the course of a month, instead of one to two years.

"In order to ensure the safety of students and campuses, XJTLU’s online education delivery is not a stopgap measure, nor is it simply an alternative to physical education," Professor Xi says.

“In considering future education and the University, according to our 3.0 model, an academic, innovative and distributed eco-system should be developed for lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship based on pursuit of personal interest. Online education and support would be a critical part of the eco-system.”

Professor Xi added that as well as accelerating the process of online education at XJTLU, training teachers and teams, XJTLU students also faced a rare opportunity, not only to improve their sense of responsibility to face the crisis, but also to further exercise and enhance their original relatively strong use of network resources to learn.

By Will Venn

As the fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic continues, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has implemented University-wide online for-credit education which started 24th February, with more than 450 learning modules – over 90 percent – conducted online.

“We decided to conduct our education fully online until campus re-opens because of concern for the health of students and staff members,” said Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU.

"However, increasing our online education capabilities to complement onsite education, or education provided by an educator physically present with students, has long been part of our path forward.

“The epidemic simply sped up the timeline of our plans to move toward a new learning ecosystem we envision for XJTLU’s future that blends the best of online and onsite education methodologies.”

In anticipation of the amount of data traffic needed to support their delivery, the Centre for Knowledge Information, together with the Education Technology Team, created an online education platform for XTJLU to accommodate simultaneous access for 6,000 to 8,000 students.

Professor Xi said that the University acted swiftly in the past month to minimize the coronavirus’ impact on its students’ education this semester, and departments across the University worked together to overcome challenges and successfully created an improved and upgraded online education platform.

“If not for the coronavirus outbreak, we probably would have needed one or two years to complete a large-scale infrastructure and technological upgrade of this scale,” he said.

The coronavirus epidemic provided the University with the opportunity to accelerate implementation of its online education strategy and training of educators and teams, while also providing students an unprecedented opportunity to realise their responsibilities in the face of crisis and further enhance their internet learning skills, he said.

Yet Professor Xi (pictured below) pointed out that the biggest challenge ahead is how to fully reflect the University’s education philosophies and mission with regard to online delivery.

“We must take this opportunity to explore how to maximize the benefits each learner can get from this process by combining online with onsite education. This will accelerate XJTLU’s exploration of the new learning ecosystem we envision for a future-forward university,” he said.

In the two weeks leading up to University-wide online education, more than 1,400 students participated in an optional online non-credit short-course titled “Developing Global Citizenship.”

While the course was originally scheduled to be delivered in September 2020, its earlier introduction served as a prelude and pilot to the 24th February roll-out of online for-credit modules.

The course was delivered via the University’s online education platform, and included online teaching and student-teacher interaction, group discussions and planning, remote guidance by supervising teachers, and coursework assignments.

Dr Juming Shen of Institute of Leadership and Education Advanced Development, developer of the course said: “To encourage research-led learning, we asked students to participate voluntarily and form groups, and we provided them with a set of multi-modal learning resources. We also selected supervising educators to guide the students."

To deepen the XJTLU community’s understanding of the University’s education philosophies and role of online education, XJTLU will soon offer a series of lectures and forums to provide guidance for academic staff on how to teach effectively online and students on how to engage in learning online.

XJTLU Online Education Strategy in Three Stages

Professor Xi said that XJTLU has always placed great importance on online education and consistently invested in its development. The University has divided its online education strategy into three stages while enabling the role of online education to constantly evolve.

The University’s plan for the first decade can be summed up as “onsite education-dominated and online education-supported,” Professor Xi said, with its the main purpose to improve XJTLU students’ learning experience.

During this time, the University heavily invested in upgrading its IT infrastructure, purchasing significant quantities of online education resources from across the globe, upgrading campus and classroom equipment and facilities, developing the virtual learning platform and online grade system, promoting education technology and tools, and building digital resources labs. This work was essential to the implementation of online education and also facilitated the effective delivery of classroom education on campus, he stated.

“The rationale was closely related to the University’s positioning,” he said.

“XJTLU aims to deliver superior education to develop elite talents, especially in fields like science, engineering, technology and management that are heavily dependent on the University’s physical environment, such as laboratories, for their effective implementation.

“Therefore, in the first stage, as we established ourselves as educators of top talents in those fields, focussing our investment in modern education technology to upgrade our on-site education was essential.

“Now, in the second stage, XJTLU is greatly expanding our exploration of models for future higher education and University operation in the hope that we can play a role in transforming the higher education landscape of China and beyond.

”The outbreak of the coronavirus has quickened the pace of educational transformation in the University’s current 2.0 stage of online education exploration," Professor Xi said.

In 2017, in response to the new demand for talent in the digital age, XJTLU proposed a new model called Syntegrative Education, which aims to develop industry leaders for future industries with a strong integration of skills and entrepreneurship abilities. This move ushered in XJTLU 2.0.

“Syntegrative Education requires the University to open its arms, embrace collaborators from all walks of society, and increase the openness of the campus and the University’s ability to integrate resources,” Professor Xi said.

“Collaborations within and outside of the University and the combination of online and on-site education will become the hallmark of Syntegrative Education,” he continued.

He further stressed that syntegration is an overall trend in education.

“Education is a different concept from teaching, because technically, the traditional mode of one-way teaching – from teacher to students – can already be replaced by online teaching, but what technology can never replace is education,” Professor Xi said.

“Online education still has a long way to go when compared with face-to-face, onsite education in achieving the goal of ‘transforming and enlightening’ students.”

The integration of online and onsite education will take the University to the next level, Professor Xi said, because when these formats are used together, one boosts the other: Internet resources and technology maximize the value of onsite education; conversely, when synthesized with global online education resources, the University’s physical resources magnify the value of online education, he said.

For effective implementation of the strategy, the University will continue enhancing its specialized education for development of elite talents at the Suzhou campus, while creating a Syntegrative Education environment for industry talent development at the Taicang campus and building a Learning Mall to support the operation of University as well as the studies of internal and external learners.

Establishment of the Learning Mall will be a milestone in this second stage of the university’s online education strategy, Professor Xi said.

Taking advantage of the university’s physical environment and using modern internet technology, the Learning Mall will be an aggregator of world-class online learning resources and their providers, who will be able to set up “shops” and provide learning services with support from the University, Professor Xi said.

The Learning Mall will collect high-quality online education resources from around the world and introduce outside education brands and research resources, he noted. Several prestigious domestic and international education providers and organizations are already signing up, he said.

The Learning Mall will benefit not only XJTLU students, but also learners from all areas of society, Professor Xi said, stating that it will demonstrate a modern education model that truly integrates on-site education with online education and will serve as an example of how a University can facilitate an ecosystem of life-long learning, innovation and entrepreneurship in society.

XJTLU’s online education strategy changed pace because of the University’s ongoing consideration and keen observations of trends related to technology development and the future of education, Professor Xi said.

“During this 2.0 stage of our online education strategy, our educational missions and developmental goals will also be upgraded,” he said.

“We will continue cultivating academic talents and investigate the qualities required of talented individuals in new industries in the age of artificial intelligence, and we will also actively seek to develop industrial talents with strong integration skills and innovative drive.

“This requires us to establish closer ties with industries and society, and online education will surely play a unique role in our collaborations,” Professor Xi said.

He added: “I believe more employees from various industries and students from community and other institutions will join us in embracing the many conveniences provided by online education.”

To amplify the value of education in the digital age, the University will use its world-class campus facilities to upgrade its online education and integrate external online education resources to provide education that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, Professor Xi said.

The University will become more open and distributed in the future, he added.

XJTLU’s 3.0 stage of online education strategy will consider how to build and support the learning ecosystem Professor Xi envisions as the University’s future.

This learning system includes brands formed on the basis of their educational philosophies, excellence centers built by the University with businesses and organizations that are distributed at locations with unique needs, and high-quality online and offline learning resources collected from throughout the world, he said.

"We expect to play an important role in facilitating the exploration of future education and the formation of an education ecosystem that will encourage people to explore their chosen areas of interest throughout their lives to become innovative and develop the mindset of an entrepreneur, and then enjoy their interest-driven, lifelong learning and innovative life," Professor Xi said.

By Bo Kou
Edited by Tamara Kaup

China’s recent ban on trade and consumption of wild meat was a necessary step in stopping wildlife trade in the country, says a researcher at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), adding that further measures will be required to stop the practice in the country entirely.

“China has done what a government is expected to do – if there is no evidence that we can safely have wildlife trade, then the better option is to completely end it,” says Dr Emilio Pagani-Núñez of XJTLU’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences.

“One cannot guarantee that the wildlife trade is harmless or that the risk is low, so this is an important first step,” he says.

His colleague in the same department at XJTLU, Dr Li Li, agrees on the merits of the ban and notes that in its leadup, non-governmental organisations and academic research institutes joined in support of ending wildlife trade.

“On 28 January, six domestic Chinese NGOs allied with three research institutes in China to launch an online survey regarding the public’s attitude toward the wildlife trade ban,” she says.

“Within three weeks, over 100,000 questionnaires were collected, of which 94.8 percent were in favour of the ban.”

The alliance jointly submitted a report to policy makers with detailed recommendations to amend the Wild Animal Conservation Law of China, with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress deciding on 24 February to implement the ban immediately.

“The newly launched wildlife trade ban should be considered a milestone event of public engagement toward good governance,” Dr Li says.

According to Dr Pagani-Núñez, input from society and consideration of the issue from a broad perspective will achieve best results.

“Wildlife trade is a complex issue,” he says. “A complex issue cannot be addressed only through law enforcement. While law enforcement is fundamental, this is an interdisciplinary issue that involves wildlife conservation and society and human development.”

Dr Pagani-Núñez says that, based on available published research, supply and demand must be considered.

“Supply means controlling what happens in the wild. It is very important to consider the interest of the local people for whom this is their main source of income,” he says.

“We need to talk with these local people and provide them with viable alternatives for sources of income or training in other ways to make a living.

“Harvesters and poachers often are local people with little resources and a long tradition of extracting all kind of resources from the wild.

“On the demand side, we need to know how people think about eating wild meat, how often they consume wild meat and what their perception of the disease risk is.

“We need to improve awareness of the great dangers of consuming wild meat and provide suitable alternatives they can substitute for wild products."

Eating wild meat or putting wild animals near domesticated animals puts humans at risk of picking up new viruses we know nothing about and have no immunity to, Dr Pagani-Núñez says.

Modern-day examples of diseases scientists believe originated in wild animals include AIDS, with a virus linked to primates, and SARS, with a virus linked to bats through civet cats, he says.

While recent reports have questioned whether the first person to be infected with the COVID-19 virus got it from the Wuhan market that sold wild animals or spread it there later, genetic sequencing has indicated it probably originated in bats.

Many scientists think there was a mammal intermediary between bats and humans for a reason, Dr Pagani-Núñez says.

“Viruses are quite specific and usually specialize in colonizing certain species,” he says.

“From an evolutionary point of view, we humans are more similar to mammals than to other taxa like reptiles or amphibians.

“So, the likelihood that these viruses can mutate and colonise human hosts is higher in the case of mammals.”

Even when humans breed captive wild animals for consumption, risk remains, Dr Pagani-Núñez says.

“In the end, whether captive-bred or wild, it’s the same animal. A civet is a civet,” he says.

“We cannot control the viruses that wild animals have. If a wild animal comes in contact with these captive-bred animals, they can easily transmit a virus.”

The fact that our overall scientific knowledge about how viruses are transmitted in the wild is relatively low results in an inability to protect ourselves from the risks of wild meat consumption, Dr Pagani-Núñez says.

“We actually know very little about virus transmission in wild animals. This topic is very complex and difficult to study and therefore expensive.

“So, I think the government is doing the right thing. It’s especially not a good idea for wild mammals to come into contact with domestic animals because it increases the risk that viruses we know nothing about may mutate and colonise in human hosts.”

Completely ending the trade and consumption of wild meat in China or anywhere else in the world is a big challenge, Dr Pagani-Núñez says.

“When there are economic interests and tradition involved, it is extremely difficult to end this type of practice," he says.

“It is a complex issue that requires a combination of measures from all perspectives, from supply, to the trade itself, to the demand side.

“Without a combination of measures, the matter of fighting the wildlife trade is not going to be over soon.”

By Tamara Kaup

The number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China outside Hubei province will drop to zero before 10 March, according to a mathematical model that correctly predicted when the daily newly confirmed SARS cases would drop to zero in 2003. This prediction for COVID-19 cases was made based on data collected through early February and has remained on track, said Professor Duo Wang of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

In January of this year, as news spread of the novel coronavirus infecting more and more people, Professor Wang dusted off the model he used 17 years ago to study the SARS outbreak. He and Professor Hefei Wang, director of the Financial Big Data lab at Renmin University of China, are using a slightly modified version to study the disease dynamics of COVID-19 based on data released by China’s National Health Commission.

Actual newly confirmed cases number updated through 29 February. Parameters for the prediction curve were estimated as of 6 February. The model estimates the number of new cases for mainland China outside of Hubei will drop to zero between 7-10 March.

Professor Wang, of XJTLU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, notes that factors could change the model’s forecasts.

“We remain cautious about our model’s predictions because a large number of people have yet to return to work,” he said.

“This might change the transmission probability, although with the current stringent measures put in place, we have not seen an increase in transmissions for the first batches of people who have returned to the workplace.

“In addition, the model assumes a closed community. In a matter of weeks, several other countries have experienced new outbreaks of coronavirus.

“We need to keep up the stringent measures to prevent a rebound of the epidemic situation.”

The professors’ COVID-19 model is estimated using data beginning 23 January released by China’s National Health Commission, including data from all of China except for Hubei province. Professor Wang said they decided to exclude Hubei province because its overwhelmed testing system in the early stage could result in data too inconsistent for this model.

After a couple weeks, the model began providing “stable and consistent parameter estimates,” or forecasts that turned out to be nearly on-target, he said.

“As of 6 February, we predicted the peak of the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 patients each day for China outside of Hubei province to be on 2 February, and that this number would drop to below 100 on 17 February,” Professor Wang said.

“Both of these turned out to be quite accurate. The peak – as of now – appears to have been 3 February and the number of newly confirmed patients indeed dropped below 100 exactly on 17 February.”

For both the SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks, Professor Wang used a classic SIR model, commonly used in modelling epidemics.

“It builds a mathematical model using a set of differential equations, describing the dynamics between three types of people in the population: those susceptible, those infectious, and those removed,” he said.

At the time of the SARS outbreak, Professor Wang was head of the Department of Financial Mathematics at the School of Mathematics at Peking University in Beijing, the city where the largest outbreak occurred.

“My research specialty is in differential equations and dynamical systems. Being right in the centre of the SARS epidemic, I decided to give this classic model a try,” he said.

“While many people use this model, the trick is on parameter estimation, since this set of differential equations does not have explicit solution – it is a numerical estimate.

“For the SARS model, we used an approximate formula of the SIR model for the number of newly confirmed patients for the parameter estimation.

“In addition, we excluded the infected medical workers from the data, since they tend to have a different transmission rate from the general population.”

This was important, Professor Wang noted, since the SIR model assumes that people in each of the model’s categories have the same characteristics as other people in that category.

Professor Wang and his colleagues tracked the SARS outbreak data from 23 April 2003 - 15 May 2003. They then released a paper about the model on 17 May to a special conference about that outbreak held at the Peking University medical school.

Their model indicated that the SARS newly confirmed infections would drop to zero between 15-18 June 2003, which he said surprised many.

“Our model’s prediction that the SARS outbreak would end in mid-June seemed quite bold at the time, and not that many people believed it would turn out that way," he said.

“It turns out that the SARS outbreak indeed ended in mid-June 2003, verifying that our approach had worked very well.”

This was about a month after The Journal of Peking University (Health Sciences) accepted his paper on the SARS modelling, he noted.

Professor Wang emphasized that, while the prediction of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland of China outside Hubei province dropping to zero in around a week is hopeful, the modelling process and forecasts are not set in stone.

“When the number of newly confirmed cases is small, there tends to be higher fluctuations as it travels down the curve,” he said.

"We want to stress that the work on the COVID-19 data is preliminary and our models and estimation approaches may change as we go along.”

By Tamara Kaup

The field of architecture has traditionally been dominated by men. The 2020 Pritzker Prize – architecture’s equivalent of the Nobel – was recently awarded to only the 4th and 5th female recipients in 41 years.

However, many outside China may not realise that Chinese women architects already enjoy greater gender parity than their counterparts in other parts of the world, said an academic at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

She gave her comments in the week leading up to an International Women’s Day with the theme #EachforEqual, which calls on each person to make choices every day that will result in a gender equal world.

“In many of the small- and medium-sized architecture practices in China, a large percentage – often more than half – of the staff are female, and they often lead projects,” said Professor Gisela Löhlein, head of XJTLU’s Department of Architecture + Design.

“It’s very different from the rest of the world, where women may represent 20-30 percent of the staff and are often at the ‘back of the house’ doing the drafting and designing work, not interfacing with clients,” she said.

“And Chinese women architects are paid equally, which is not the case in the rest of the world.”

In contrast, Professor Löhlein said that during her career as an architect, she had to accept lower pay than men with less qualifications for the same work.

“If I was lucky, I got just 30 percent less pay than the men, despite that I had a PhD and they had a masters. I would be doing the same work – it was just because I was a woman,” she said.

According to Professor Löhlein, during China’s dramatic growth period, both genders were required to face the great demand for workers.

“As the Chinese economy grew, society needed anyone who could work to take on their share, and they didn’t segregate women into certain jobs. It was ‘all hands on deck,’” she said.

Professor Löhlein said that in her two years in China, she has observed that whether a woman will continue to work after having children is less of a question than it can be in the West.

“If they have a child, they still continue to work. It’s common for the grandparents to look after the children,” she said.

In contrast, in the West, women in architecture sometimes end their careers early or take secondary roles when employers’ time requirements go too far, she said.

“It’s a very high-demand job hours-wise,” Professor Löhlein said.

“It is completely normal to work 10-12 hours a day in architecture, and for an employer to ask someone to work for 6 days a week even if they are only contracted for 5 days for 7 hours per day. But you will do it in order to keep the job.

“For women also carrying more than their share of domestic duties, this is the point where some suddenly say, ‘I can’t do it.’”

The rest of the world can learn from China’s example in how it treats its women architects equal to men, Professor Löhlein said.

“In China, women architects are employed equally and paid equally,” she said.

“I think this is manifested in the confidence I have seen Chinese women architects demonstrate.

“When women are not constantly being suppressed, they are able to reach their full potential in architecture and other fields, benefitting the world with their creativity and leadership.”

By Tamara Kaup

Student teams from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have achieved unprecedented success at an international physics competition.

XJTLU student teams won three silver and nine bronze medals according to the results of the 10th University Physics Competition.

The University Physics Competition is an international contest for undergraduate students, who work in teams of three at their home colleges and universities all over the world. The competition involves analysing a real-world scenario using the principles of physics, with a 48 hour period granted in which to interpret their plans on paper.

Dr Mattheus Bartholomeus Nicolaas Kouwenhoven from the Department of Physics at XJTLU explained how the competition has a real-world approach.

“During the University Physics Competition 2019, each of the problems has no perfect solution, there is not even a single solution,” said Dr Kouwenhoven.

“Just like in the real world, a creative approach and out-of-the box thinking allows for the developments of the best results.

“XJTLU aims to provide the research-led teaching environment that allows students to creatively solve real-world problems.

“These skills are exactly those that are required for finding creative solutions to the problem sets assigned during the University Physics Competition,” added Dr Kouwenhoven.

Deming Li (pictured below, right in the front), a Year Two student studying BEng Mechatronics and Robotic Systems at XJTLU, is chairman of XJTLU Physics Club and a member of the team that won a silver medal.

(Picture above: group photo of part students from XJTLU Physics Club)

He and two other team members, Yezhang Li and Yuhan Hou studying BSc Applied Mathematics, combined their different talents and skills to full effect during the competition.

“Together we went through the whole process of problem analysis and model construction, then Yezhang dealt with the code, Yuhan did the literature review and I wrote the paper,” said Deming.

Out of the two problems assigned as part of the competition; A: Protecting Travellers to Mars, and B: Design a Rollercoaster, Deming’s team chose the first.

“We included both active and passive protection in our plan in order to improve the radiation-proof effect,” said Deming.

“The spacecraft is covered with coating and connected with an external electric field protection device.It also has a retractable solar panel for power supply.

“All of these are designed to maximise the weight to satisfy the requirements of the competition.”

(Picture above: Dr Kouwenhoven preparing the students for the competition）

The team directors could offer students guidance before the competition started but once the tasks were posted and the 48- hour period began, the students had to work all by themselves.

Dr Kouwenhoven and Dr Xiaoying Pang organized a series of lectures and trainings concerning the competition, which attracted many students who are interested in physics.

Deming outlined the skills that students taking part in the competition need to attain.

“First, we need to lay a solid ground in physics through the classes, accumulateour understanding of physical models, and improve our analytical capability of real-world problems by obtaining more knowledge outside the classes.

“Moreover, previously acquired programming and 3Dgraphic skills are also very helpful.”

Besides Deming’s team, two other from XJTLU won silver medals at the 10thUniversity Physics Competition.

One group comprised Zihan Liu studying BSc Economics and Finance, Zihan Zhou and Yufei Fan studying BSc Mathematics. The other group included Yingwanli Wang studying BEng Civil Engineering, Ran Zhang from the Industrial Technology cluster and Siyuan Chen from the Mathematical Sciences cluster.

A total of 305 teams from all over the world finished their work and submitted their papers in this competition. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University and South University of Science and Technology are among the Chinese medal-winning universities.

By Luyun Shi, Photos provided by Dr Mattheus Bartholomeus Nicolaas Kouwenhoven and Demin Li

Translated by Boqiang Xiao, edited by Guojuan Wang and Will Venn

According to a researcher at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s International Business School Suzhou, a focus on smaller cities and innovative business models could re-energise China’s electric vehicle market.

“China’s electric vehicle market, which is about 50 percent of sales worldwide, has been suffering from a sales drop because of cuts last June to central and local government subsidies,” says Dr Lixian Qian of XJTLU.

“Now, the novel coronavirus outbreak is keeping potential buyers from visiting showrooms in-person and impacting the car manufacturing supply chain – Hubei province is the location of a major cluster of car manufacturers and related component supplies,” he says.

“While makers of electric vehicles are exploring online showrooms for consumers to view cars through use of advanced technologies like virtual reality, the outbreak has made already suffering sales even more challenging.”

Dr Qian says he believes the best path forward for market resumption is a focus on the its sustainable development. His research indicates that consideration of markets outside of big cities in China and new business models may be key to that development.

“Data we collected between 2017 and 2019 on Chinese consumers’ behaviour related to buying electric vehicles indicates that smaller cities show special market potential,” he says.

“Consumers in smaller Chinese cities, who are often first-time car buyers, are more open to buying electric cars than those in large cities.

“Our research indicates that in 2019, consumers in these smaller Tier 4 and 5 cities had more positive preferences for electric vehicles than in 2017. However, we didn’t see such preference change in big and mid-sized cities.”

To develop such a market, Dr Qian says makers of electric vehicles should first consider product development.

“Car makers should consider what type of battery a consumer would need in a small city compared to that needed in a large city,” he says.

“In contrast to large cities like Beijing or Shanghai, in smaller cities consumers tend to have a consistent driving range and spend less time on congested roads.

"Therefore, the overall battery demand is not as large as for electric vehicles used in smaller cities.”

In addition, the local government should be on board, he says.

“The support of the local government is needed to develop the charging infrastructure – the charging stations – by working with utilities and the electric vehicle makers,” says Dr Qian.

Besides exploring markets in smaller cities, Dr Qian’s research has shown innovative business models could help electric vehicle sales.

“One of consumers’ major concerns about buying electric vehicles is that the initial cost is too high compared to gasoline cars,” he notes.

“To reduce the initial cost, one solution is to sell the vehicle but not the battery. Instead, the consumer rents the battery on a monthly basis.”

The consumer benefits of a battery renting model can be increased by battery swapping, Dr Qian says.

“When a battery is low, the consumer drives into a swapping station and changes the battery in a few minutes – they don’t need to wait hours for the battery to charge,” he explains.

Dr Qian points to electric vehicle sharing as another business model with potential to prompt electric car sales through exposing customers to the vehicles.

“In this model, car makers provide consumers with a fleet of electric vehicles that can be rented by the minute.

“One version of this model works like traditional car rental, where staff is available at the service station. In another version, consumers are self-service - they use an app or membership card to unlock the car and then return it to a station when they are done.

“Such innovative business models allow the electric vehicle to penetrate the market since they enable consumers to try them out. Some consumers may end up favoring the electric vehicle,” he says.

By Tamara Kaup

A new study led by a Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University researcher in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic indicates that for patients with mild COVID-19, prescribing corticosteroids has no clinical benefit.

The small-sample observational study of 31 patients with mild COVID-19 was conducted in designated hospitals in Wuhu, Anhui province, China, from 24 January to 24 February, with 11 of these patients receiving corticosteroid treatment.

Statistical analysis showed no association between the virus clearance time, length of hospital stay, or duration of symptoms with corticosteroid use.

The researcher, Dr Lei Zha, is a critical care specialist in Wuhu and is undertaking a PhD project on antimicrobial resistant bacteria, supervised by Dr Boris Tefsen of the Department of Biological Sciences and Professor Elmer Villaneuva of the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences at XJTLU.

Dr Zha has led a team of authors that produced this paper on the COVID-19 patients, which the Medical Journal of Australia has just highlighted and is publishing.

Dr Zha, who describes the result in the published paper as a “preliminary result,” spoke about the value of this research.

“We analysed data from patients in Wuhu, and we didn't find association between corticosteroid use and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, which means no harm, no benefit,” Dr Zha said.

“However, all the patients enrolled in our research had mild disease, so we only can conclude corticosteroids didn't affect clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients without ARDS (Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome).

“Patients with a combination of COVID-19 and ARDS may benefit from corticosteroids but clinical evidence is still required to support this.”

This research also found that patients with both hepatitis B and COVID-19 were shown to have the virus longer in their bodies than patients with COVID-19 only. The authors indicated that this finding requires further study.

Dr Zha credits achieving his Master’s degree from XJTLU in molecular bioscience as being the pathway through which he was able to understand molecular aspects of the virus.

“I am also a clinical doctor, and these combined factors help me to understand the molecular mechanism (pathophysiology) of the disease and therefore know what aspects of the disease we still lack understanding of and for which further clinical evidence needs to be gathered. This informs what research we conduct related to these aspects,” Dr Zha said.

Dr Zha credited the co-authors of this research paper, expressing gratitude to his research supervisors at XJTLU, Professor Villaneuva and Dr Tefsen.

“I want to express my appreciation to the good work medical personnel are doing globally to fight this new disease,” Dr Tefsen said.

“This research undertaken by Dr Zha and his co-workers adds required knowledge about COVID-19, at a critical moment in time.”

“Being able to understand more and share that understanding amongst the wider community, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) may help in efforts to assist in the control and spread of this virus.”

Laureate Professor Nick Talley, editor-in-chief of the MJA stated that this article of research is one of two articles that are being published pre-print by the journal, and that it would be published in the next available print edition of the MJA.

“To ensure rapid and broad dissemination, the article preprints have been uploaded online to mja.com.au and a commentary has been published in InSight+,” wrote Professor Talley.

“We have also shared the information with the WHO with the authors’ permission.”

The published paper can be read here.

By Will Venn

The groundbreaking ceremony for Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Affiliated Taicang Experimental School took place this week, with the school expected to be completed in September 2021.

The affiliated school will be an international school, covering the 16-year period of education from early childhood to senior high school. Its development highlights one of the aims of XJTLU.

“Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has developed a new model of higher education as an explorer. However, to explore innovation in education for young children through the pre-university years is also one of the important missions for the University,” said Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU.

“XJTLU will take the affiliated school as an experimental base for early childhood to senior high school education and spread its successful experiences and explorations. The school is expected to influence this education in China and the world.”

The announcement about the new XJTLU Taicang Affiliated Experimental School was made during the signing of a framework agreement between the University and the Taicang government regarding reform and innovation in elementary education in February 2019.

The construction of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), marking further cooperation between XJTLU and Taicang Municipal Government, began last April and is expected to be completed for use in 2021.

“The groundbreaking of XJTLU Affiliated Taicang Experimental School is another important and joyous event besides the construction progress of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang),” said Mi Shen, secretary of Taicang Municipal Party Committee.

“XJTLU Affiliated Taicang Experimental School is not only an innovation base for XJTLU in its basic education research, practice and development, but also a demonstration base and pioneer in the reform of early childhood through senior high education,” said Dr Yimin Ding, Vice-President of XJTLU.

“The establishment and development of XJTLU Taicang Affiliated Experimental School will work in synergy with the overall development of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), accelerating the internationalisation of education in Taicang, actively exploring the best ways forward for China's education modernisation and education industry reform and innovation.”

As early as 2015, XJTLU Affiliated School was established in the Wuzhong District of Suzhou, extending XJTLU’s culture and philosophy of international education to basic education.

“XJTLU Affiliated School in Suzhou aims to explore the educational reform in the background of traditional Chinese culture and system, enabling the students to enjoy a healthy development as well as prepare themselves for the future,” Professor Xi said.

“The affiliated school in Taicang attempts new explorations in a more internationalised background.”

Located in the high-tech zone of the city, XJTLU Taicang Affiliated Experimental School is XJTLU Education Investment Management Co., Ltd (Taicang) has invested a total of RMB 500 million. The planned floor space will cover approximately 110,000 square metres.

The school has capacity for 2,580 students and 240 teachers from within China and overseas.

With construction of the campus beginning in March and the first kindergarten enrollments are planned to begin in spring 2021.

By Luyun Shi, translated by Boqiang Xiao and Guojuan Wang
Edited by Will Venn

First in a two-part series.

Moving to all-online instruction takes effort, but if our experience is an example, take heart, it will go just fine.

With a month of full online teaching under their belts, that’s the overall message from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University instructors to educators in other parts of the world just beginning all-digital instruction. In this two-part series, instructors share experiences they hope will help fellow teaching staff in other educational institutions whose physical campuses have closed due to the coronavirus spread.

Dr Qian Wang, XJTLU's ILEAD

XJTLU, with both students and instructors scattered across the globe, has dealt not only with new technical approaches to education but also time zone differences in teaching 14,000 students online. Yet instructors from a cross-range of disciplines interviewed indicated that not only are course learning objectives being achieved, but also new digital techniques can enhance onsite instruction in the future.

Rick Foster, an instructor in the University’s Language Centre, said that despite little experience with online teaching tools, he successfully made the switch.

“Using learning technology, such as web-conferencing or recorded lessons, had not been a major aspect of how I had taught before,” he said.

“I was apprehensive at first; however, our university has provided a series of excellent trainings to get us up to speed. As it turns out, these tools have some valuable educational features of which I was unaccustomed to or completely unaware of, which greatly enhances the students' online learning experience, and mine.

"Most of these apps and programs enable students to be much more engaged and be more pro-active learners."

Dr Cheng-Hung Lo of XJTLU’s School of Film and TV Arts is both the parent of school-age children who are now learning at home online and an educator at XJTLU. He has observed the effects of online education both on the receiving and giving ends.

“Before I tried teaching online, and before I observed my own children’s recent online learning experience, I thought these courses might feel less engaging than onsite courses. Instead, I think online courses engage students in a different manner,” Dr Lo said.

“In the classroom, the instructor standing in front of the class has a one-to-many relationship with the students. But with online teaching, the student has full focus on the instructor’s face and gestures. In a way, online instruction can feel more like a one-to-one conversation between teacher and student.”

As classes begin, Dr Paul Cheung of the University’s Department of English advises making small adjustments to create a more familiar experience for students not accustomed to online education.

“I sent out practical tips aimed at helping students deal with common issues, which include anything from adjusting audio to how to add shared notes online,” Dr Cheung said.

“I also try to find ways do the small but useful things that normally happen in a physical setting, such as welcoming students as they enter the virtual classroom.”

Dr Eduardo Medina of XJTLU’s Department of Health and Environmental Sciences said that creating a sense of classroom even though the class can’t be together physically is important.

“I asked students to upload video introductions telling the class who they are, what they are studying, and what project they want to do for this course. These relatively informal videos create a sense of human connection that might otherwise be missing,” Dr Medina said.

XJTLU educators noted that preparing for online classes, at least in the beginning, does take time.

“I ended up spending around 20 hours preparing my first recorded online lecture,” said Dr Qian Wang of XJTLU’s Institute of Leadership and Education Advanced Development (ILEAD).

“I tried to consider how the lecture would look from the student’s perspective,” Dr Wang said. “When I recorded myself for the first time, I realized how difficult it is for me to talk to a computer instead of a classroom. I ended up recording each part several times and then editing it.

“However, while the learning curve was steep, it wasn’t long -- about a week. And students aren’t expecting perfection. Take a risk, make some mistakes – it will be OK.”

Dr Davide Lombardi, of the XJTLU’s Department of Architecture+ Design, has been pleased with instructors’ ability to adapt.

“Speaking as a deputy head of department, it’s been great to see how well all the staff have been getting along with online instruction,” he said.

“What could have been a sort of ‘Greek tragedy’ as the result of a rapid switch to digital tools that were new for some resulted in no major problems to date.”

Dr Cheng-Hung Lo, XJTLU’s School of Film and TV Arts

Dr Davide Lombardi, Department of Architecture + Design, and his master's level Studio 4 course

By Tamara Kaup and Qiuchen Hu