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PolyU scholar's impactful interdisciplinary environmental research honored by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting global well-being through interdisciplinary research across various fields. Prof. JIN Ling Nathanael, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at PolyU, has been awarded the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) for his contributions to advancing the fields of environmental science. Prof. JIN harnesses various biotechnological and bioinformatic advancements to assess the impact of environmental hazards on both human and wildlife health. He integrates approaches from environmental chemistry, microbiology, and data science to uncover causal relationships, identify the underlying cause of harm, and trace their sources. By integrating insights from these fields, he conducts comprehensive studies that link pollutant exposure to specific health outcomes, ultimately driving the development of innovative solutions in environmental health. Prof. JIN said, “This integrated approach not only guides the development of effective health policies but also strengthens community health initiatives through evidence-based strategies to mitigate environmental risks. By doing so, it leverages technological advancements to protect human health amid environmental changes.” Prof. JIN's pioneering research on the plastisphere underscores the critical need for a unified global strategy to address the microbial risks associated with plastic pollution. His research has garnered significant recognition, leading to multiple invitations from Nature for his team to share their insights on these pressing issues. Prof. JIN’s passion for environmental and health research began during his MPhil studies, where he investigated the effects of sunscreen ingredients on human endocrine function. He was later honored with the Prime Minister's Australia-Asia Endeavour Award to pursue a PhD, focusing on examining the combined effects of pollutant cocktails on the health of green turtles and dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef. His work contributed to shaping integrated marine environmental quality and biodiversity conservation strategies for endangered wildlife in Australia. Prof. JIN shared, "My long-term goal is to explore the impacts and mechanisms of complex chemical and microbial mixtures that humans and wildlife are exposed to. By identifying the key risk drivers and their sources, we can provide informed recommendations for precise control measures, supporting the integrated objectives of One Sustainable Health." Beyond research, Prof. JIN is committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, fostering their professional growth, and contributing to their many achievements under his guidance. He also actively takes on editorial roles and leads initiatives that promote global discussions on critical environmental issues.

PolyU hosts AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health Forum, featuring a Nobel Laureate and an expert to explore the future of AI-driven medicine

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science today co-hosted the “AI & Medicine: Shaping the Future of Health” Forum. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Barry MARSHALL, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, who shared his research journey and provided insights into the future of medicine. Prof. Ya-Qin ZHANG, Chair Professor of AI Science and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) of Tsinghua University also participated in the panel discussion. The event attracted about 500 faculty members, students, alumni, leaders from the innovation and technology sectors, academia, and members of the public, fostering academic exchange and inspiring the pursuit of innovation. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President expressed his gratitude to Prof. Marshall and Prof. Zhang for sharing their insights, which greatly benefited both faculty members and students. He remarked, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is pivotal in shaping the future of medicine. This Forum has provided a valuable platform for all to explore the evolving trends of AI in medicine and to collaborate for a healthier future. PolyU is making significant strides in leveraging the integration of AI into medical science by developing innovative healthcare solutions and collaborating with industry to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit society. Earlier this year, PolyU established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences to strengthen interdisciplinary research and education in the areas of AI, data science and computing. These efforts lay a solid foundation for the University to realise its  commitment to establishing Hong Kong’s proposed third medical school.” Prof. Marshall is currently Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Biomedical Sciences, and Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at The University of Western Australia; PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor; and Chair Professor of Shenzhen University. In the early 1980s, Prof. Marshall and Australian pathologist Dr J. Robin WARREN discovered that gastritis and peptic ulcers were due to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This groundbreaking research earned them the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and is widely regarded as the most significant discovery in the history of gastroenterology. During his keynote speech, titled “Theory and Practice: Innovation and Curiosity Driven Research”, Prof. Marshall shared his pioneering work on H. pylori. He discussed the infection pathways and treatment methods of the bacterium, as well as his personal experience of drinking a culture of H. pylori to validate his research. His contributions continue to advance global healthcare, particularly in the field of gastrointestinal disease research. In recent years, AI has emerged as a powerful tool in medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance patient care, streamline clinical processes and drive innovative research. During the panel discussion hosted by Prof. Hongxia YANG, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Professor of the Department of Computing, Prof. Marshall and Prof. Ya-Qin Zhang discussed the future development of AI technology in medicine and education. Prof. Marshall said, “AI is revolutionising our ability to diagnose diseases, personalise treatments and predict patient outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. By harnessing vast amounts of data, AI enables us to uncover insights that were previously beyond our reach, ultimately improving patient care and advancing medical research.” Prof. Zhang said, “The field of life sciences and biomedicine has entered the era of Digitalisation 3.0, where AI plays a pivotal role, driving advancements toward greater speed, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Notable achievements have been made in areas such as protein structure prediction, gene editing, and drug discovery. However, challenges remain in terms of algorithm transparency, interpretability, security, privacy, and ethics. The AIR of Tsinghua University has pioneered the launch of an AI hospital and open-sourcing an AI-powered drug discovery platform, paving the way for biological research to enter the Autopilot era. Moving forward, we hope that academia and industry will further strengthen collaboration, driving the development of a closed-loop ecosystem and uncovering more opportunities for scientific and industrial innovation.” During the Forum, the opening ceremony of the PolyU Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology was also performed. Prof. MA Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, will serve as the Centre Director, with Prof. Marshall as a member of its Management Committee. The Centre aspires to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, such as H. pylori, the most common chronic bacterial infection globally, while leveraging Prof. Marshall’s groundbreaking research to establish AI-driven e-biobanks. These efforts will enhance research capabilities and enable more precise diagnostics. The Centre will also address the urgent need for novel antibiotics, due to rising drug resistance, by developing unique antimicrobial therapies with distinct mechanisms. Prof. Marshall stated that the establishment of the Centre will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in pioneering innovative solutions and fostering collaboration in this dynamic field.

Media interview: PolyU and SPCA create pet care animation to raise awareness of pet welfare

The School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have innovatively created an animated short film titled "My Master Sucks." This engaging animation follows the exciting adventures of a black and white cat named Oreo, highlighting the importance of pet safety and raising awareness about crucial pet safety issues. This animated short film conveys a strong message on the importance of preventative measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of pets. It emphasises the responsibilities of pet ownership, particularly the proactive identification and mitigation of potential hazards. Through this engaging animation, PolyU intends to enhance public understanding of animal welfare rights and stimulate greater community involvement in animal protection initiatives. The story follows Oreo, a frightened cat who jumped out of a window during a thunderstorm due to the owner's neglect. Seeking help from an SPCA animal inspector, Oreo eventually took legal action against the owner. In the end, the judge ruled against the owner's negligence, highlighting common bad behaviours among pet owners and reminding everyone to prioritise pet safety.  

PolyU and China Tower sign strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in low-altitude economy and next-generation networks

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Tower Corporation Limited (China Tower) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance key research areas, including the low-altitude economy and next-generation network technologies. By fostering in-depth cooperation to promote technological innovation and translate research outcomes, this collaboration will accelerate the new quality productive forces in these pivotal sectors. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZHANG Zhiyong, Chairman of China Tower, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr CHEN Li, General Manager of China Tower, with the aim of establishing a robust and enduring framework for collaborative research and innovation, talent nurturing, and the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng underscored PolyU’s leading role in low-altitude economy research, marked by the establishment last year of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and the launch in the new academic year of a Master’s programme in Low Altitude Economy, along with the University’s internationally recognised expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science. This partnership will integrate the University’s academic strengths and China Tower’s industry leadership to drive impactful research, build innovative platforms, facilitate effective technology transfer and cultivate highly skilled professionals, thereby contributing to the Nation’s high-quality development goals. Mr Zhang Zhiyong emphasised China Tower’s commitment to innovation-driven growth as the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructure service provider. By sharing resources and pursuing shared goals, China Tower aims to enhance its core competitiveness. This collaboration with PolyU will leverage the strengths of both parties to create a mutually beneficial partnership. With a focus on the low-altitude economy and next-generation networks, the cooperation seeks to generate strong synergy and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement through consistent communication and exchange. The collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between PolyU and China Tower. By combining efforts, the parties aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and make contributions to new quality productive forces, advancing technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Integrating machine learning with total network controllability analysis to identify therapeutic targets for cancer treatment

By analysing huge amounts of biological data, the use of machine learning accelerates the identification of critical control hubs that are sensitive to changes in the network structure of the total controllability network, thereby having potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease and cancer treatment.    Mutations in genes are the primary cause of cancer. Cancer research has mainly focused on identifying cancer-driver genes (CDGs) that may trigger tumorigenesis or promote aberrant cell growth. Modern large-scale sequencing of human cancers aims to comprehensively discover mutated genes that confer a selective advantage to cancer cells. However, there is a lack of a widely accepted gold standard for CDGs, as cancer is highly heterogeneous, and different cancers are driven by distinct sets of genetic mutations.   A research team led by Prof. Weixiong ZHANG, Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Global STEM Scholar, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), took a different approach, in which they identify genes that maintain cancerous cell states, which they termed “cancer-keeper genes” (CKGs). Unlike driver genes, whose mutations directly contribute to cancer initiation and progression, keeper genes are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival. Interventions targeting CKGs may terminate or prevent aberrant cell differentiation and proliferation, making them ideal biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. The research, titled “Cancer-keeper genes as therapeutic targets” was published in iScience.  With the aid of machine learning in developing a gene regulatory network (GRN), the research team extended the theory of total network controllability and developed an efficient algorithm to identify CKGs. The concept is grounded in control theory and is particularly relevant in systems represented by graphs, where nodes represent entities and edges represent interactions. A network is considered totally controllable if it is possible to manipulate the states of all nodes using a finite set of control inputs applied to specific nodes. It has been used in electrical engineering to characterise power grids and transportation networks.  In the context of biological systems, this analysis helps identify key components, or “control hubs”, which are crucial to influencing the behaviour of the entire network, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic interventions. The research team constructed a GRN on protein interaction data and signalling pathway information describing regulatory relationships among genes. The network consists of cancer-related genes (as seed nodes) and edges capturing their interactions to transverse the ten important signalling pathways selected from five well-curated, disease- and cancer-related pathway databases. In the study, the research team considered control hubs candidates for abnormal cellular CKG, noting that some control hubs could be more sensitive and vulnerable to external perturbations than others. They focused on those control hubs that could be turned into non-control hubs when a single edge is removed from the network as a form of perturbation. Such sensitive CKGs (sCKGs) are considered better therapeutic targets. Machine learning techniques are applied to explore vast amounts of genetic data to construct biological networks and identify patterns and relationships in the networks that may not be immediately obvious. A novel polynomial-time algorithm was developed to identify all control hubs without the need to compute all control schemes of a network. The algorithm first identifies the head and tail nodes of the control paths of all control schemes and subsequently identifies the control hubs. This analysis helps identify the nodes in a network that are crucial for controlling the system’s behaviour, making them suitable candidates for therapeutic targets.   The research team applied the CKG approach and constructed a GRN for bladder cancer (BLCA), which consists of 7,030 nodes (genes) and 103,360 directed edges. By a machine learning approach, 660 nodes were identified as control hubs (CKGs), of which only 173 nodes were classified as sCKGs. When mapping with a network that illustrates the interactions between proteins within human cells, 35 sCKGs were considered potential therapeutic targets. Remarkably, all genes involved in the cell-cycle and p53 pathways in BLCA were identified as CKGs. Experiments on cell lines and a mouse model confirmed that six sensitive CKGs effectively suppressed cancer cell growth.   The regulatory network constructed in the study is a pan-cancer gene regulatory network suitable for applying network controllability. In addition to using seed genes specific to one type of cancer, the network could be modified to target another by removing incompatible genes and interactions detected under different conditions. The method using total network controllability analysis could also be extended to identify the control hubs of other diseases, for example, the SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease.   Source: PolyU Innovation Digest  

PolyU project develops a Vision-Language Models for driving assistant, supported by Smart Traffic Fund

In complex driving scenarios, information overload can lead to distractions and delayed reactions. The introduction of Vision-Language models (VLMs) presents new possibilities for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Led by Prof. Pai ZHENG, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the project titled “Develop a Vision-Language Model-based Smart Driving Assistant for Enhancing Safety and Convenience of Motorists” has successfully secured over HK$5 million for a duration of 24 months from the Smart Traffic Fund.            This project aims to develop a smart driving assistant for vehicle cockpits leveraging vision-language models. The objective is to improve driver safety and convenience by analyzing the environment in real time and drivers’ needs to offer appropriate interactive strategy. Prof. ZHENG said, “Besides existing ADAS, our approach offers personalised driving tips to enhance the user experience. The system will collect and analyse personalised interaction data from users, including interactive language descriptions and visual environment information acquired during user participation experiments. This system will dynamically retrieve and generate customised driving strategies based on historical and real-time data, catering to the habits and preferences of individual drivers.” PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 23 projects receiving grants from the Smart Traffic Fund to date. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology to enhance commuting convenience, enhance the efficiency of the road network or road space, and improve driving safety.

The PolyU Industrial Centre advancing interdisciplinary research to drive innovation for societal benefits

With a history spanning nearly 50 years, the Industrial Centre (IC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was established in 1976 and is dedicated to advancing innovative research while providing comprehensive R&D and production support. At its core lies the Artificial Intelligence Robot Laboratory (AIR Lab), a "Creativity Accelerator" focused on AI, collaborative robotics, and digital transformation. The AIR Lab supports over 15 research teams and units, aiming to assist scientists and researchers in addressing complex engineering challenges. It offers an open scientific research environment that nurtures the next generation of research talents and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.  According to Dr WAI Hon-wah, Director of the IC, the AIR Lab develops a wide range of applications across mechanics, engineering, electronics, computing, business, tourism, medical care, culture, creativity, and more. They have garnered international recognition, including an award at the Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions for an autonomous-legged robotic dog that provides navigation support for the blind, demonstrating how technology can enhance living standards. Furthermore, the AIR Lab has collaborated with the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, resulting in a breakthrough in the development of rehabilitation devices. They have created a multimodal robot to aid stroke patients in improving the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. PolyU is committed to fostering creative interaction and driving societal progress through ongoing innovation and various research endeavors. The IC is at the forefront of innovation, transforming scientific research results into practical applications that benefit Hong Kong society.  

Media interview: PolyU’s innovative cognitive stimulation programme helps visually impaired elderly enhance their social skills

Visually impaired individuals primarily rely on auditory and tactile information processing, and that insufficient social interaction and stimulation can lead to passivity and reduced communication. To address this need, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has collaborated with The Hong Kong Society for the Blind and The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd (KMB) to launch a project named “A Trip of Memory – An Innovative Cognitive Stimulation Training Using Good Old Times on Bus for Visually Impaired Elderly.” This project leverages the familiar environment of a bus journey, integrating storytelling and interactive activities to enhance social engagement, verbal communication skills, and executive function, ultimately promoting greater social integration for visually impaired elders. The Hong Kong Society for the Blind upholds a people-oriented service philosophy and promotes diversity and inclusion to ensure that visually impaired individuals and the wider community can benefit together. In the project's initial phase, KMB generously contributed repurposed bus stop signage, cash boxes, and seats, serving as tactile and visually stimulating props for storytelling and interactive activities. Intern students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU facilitated group sessions, guiding visually impaired elderly participants through engaging activities to enhance their social skills and verbal expression. These activities not only helped participants reminisce about past experiences but also offered valuable cognitive stimulation through touch and hearing, fostering social connections and combating cognitive decline. In a media interview, Mr Tony Wong, Assistant Professor of Practice of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU, highlighted the project’s remarkable positive impact. Participants experienced significant improvement in cognitive ability and language expression while reliving fond memories in a pleasant environment. This collaborative project exceeded expectations by helping visually impaired elders, creatively repurposing discarded bus materials, and fostering a stronger sense of community. The Hong Kong Society for the Blind expressed gratitude to PolyU and KMB, emphasising the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration in the project's continued success. PolyU is dedicated to supporting visually impaired elders through innovative cognitive and social rehabilitation programmes.  

PolyU two projects awarded PROCORE-France / Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme 2024/25

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to establishing global networks to effectively advance its education and research development while enhancing academic and cultural exchanges. PolyU two projects have received support from the PROCORE - France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme 2024/25. Led by scholars from the Department of Building and Real Estate and the Department of Management and Marketing, one project will explore non-destructive techniques to optimise surface moisture for self-enhanced 3D printable materials. Another awarded project will focus on promoting dietary environmentalism. Both projects will collaborate with French experts for 2 years. The two PolyU projects are: Hong Kong Principal Investigator French Principal Investigator Project Title Total amount awarded by RGC Prof. WENG Yiwei, Assistant Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate Prof. Nicolas Roussel / Université Gustave Eiffel Development of non-destructive technique to optimize surface moisture for self-enhanced 3D printable materials HK$90,000 Prof Savani Krishna, Professor of the Department of Management and Marketing Prof. Maja Becker / University of Toulouse Invoking Culturally Relevant Frames to Motivate Dietary Environmentalism HK$61,200 Introduced in 1998 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and the Consulate General of France (CGF) in Hong Kong, the PROCORE-France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme aims to promote research collaboration between Hong Kong and France by providing researchers in the two locations with one-year and two-year travel grants.

PolyU unveils comprehensive zeolite structures, advancing development of catalysts for petrochemical and renewable energy

Zeolites, crystalline materials widely used in the petrochemical industry, serve as pivotal catalysts in the production of fine chemicals, with aluminium being the source of active sites within zeolite structures. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed the precise location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework. This discovery could facilitate the design of more efficient and stable catalysts, aimed at increasing the yield of petrochemical products, achieving efficient renewable energy storage, and controlling air pollution. This advancement will further promote the application of zeolites in relevant fields. The findings have been published in the international journal Science. The research is led by Prof. Shik Chi Edman TSANG, Chair Professor of Catalysis and Materials of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. He is joined by Prof. Tsz Woon Benedict LO, Associate Professor, along with first author Dr Guangchao LI, Research Assistant Professor, both from the same department. The team collaborated with researchers from the University of Oxford and the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The unique properties of zeolites, characterised by their well-defined microporous structure, high surface area, and tuneable acidity and basicity, make them indispensable in petrochemical refining, environmental catalysis and fine chemical synthesis. The distribution of substitutional aluminium atoms within the zeolite framework influences the geometry of molecular adsorbates, catalytic activity, and shape and size selectivity. However, accurately locating these aluminium atoms and understanding their impact on the catalytic behaviour of zeolites has posed challenges for the scientific community for decades. In their research, the team focused on both lab-synthesised and commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolites to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical application, optimising H-ZSM-5 for advanced catalytic processes. Notably, the team introduced an innovative approach that integrates synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction — a powerful tool for studying atomic structure — with probe-assisted solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and molecular adsorption methods. This integration revealed the interactions of molecules at the active sites of aluminium atoms. Ultimately, the team has achieved a breakthrough in locating single and pairs of aluminium atoms in a commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolite. The research findings will facilitate the development of more efficient and selective catalysts, which have wide-reaching implications beyond petrochemicals, offering potential benefits for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control. Reducing energy consumption, this can, in turn, promote sustainability and minimises environmental impact. With regard to petrochemical refining, these catalysts can improve fuel yield and quality, particularly for products like gasoline and olefins, simultaneously lowering energy usage. In the realm of environmental catalysis, they contribute to cleaner air and mitigating air pollution. For renewable energy and biofuels, these innovations advance hydrogen storage and utilisation processes, which are crucial for the development of a hydrogen economy. Prof. Edman Tsang said, “This discovery is a game-changer as it precisely identifies the location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework and how they are positioned, providing for the first time a structural elucidation of zeolite frameworks. This breakthrough allows scientists to design more efficient and targeted zeolite catalysts, making the chemical process faster, more energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.” Prof. Benedict Lo said, “We explored and combined various techniques to achieve a multidimensional view of the distribution of aluminium atoms and their interaction with adsorbed molecules, leading to insights into crucial reaction mechanisms. This provides scientists with a deeper understanding of the structure of zeolites.” Dr Guangchao Li said, “We will develop further novel synthesis methods to precisely control the distribution and concentration of aluminium atoms, as well as their pore architectures in zeolites. This advancement will enable the design of catalysts with optimised activity, selectivity and stability for specific industrial applications.” Looking ahead, the team will work closely with industry partners to translate research outcomes into commercial applications. By leveraging the extensive networks and research strengths of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute, which focuses on green chemistry and sustainable catalysis, the team will collaborate with domestic petrochemical companies to promote translational research and accelerate the commercialisation of advanced zeolite catalysts. This effort is bolstered by state-of-the-art PolyU facilities, including the only SSNMR facility in Hong Kong and the soon to be introduced first Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation SSNMR (DNP-SSNMR) spectrometer in the Greater Bay Area and southern China. These resources strengthen the team’s research capabilities and facilitate the advancement of their research efforts.