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PolyU research projects in advanced manufacturing, new materials and new energy receive funding from RAISe+ Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government announced the results of the first batch of approved projects under the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme on 28 May 2024. Two research projects led by PAIR members have been awarded RAISe+ funding. They are: Innovation and Technology Field Project Title Person-in-charge Advanced Manufacturing Energy-Efficient Liquid Cooling System for Data Centres Prof. WANG Zuankai Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) New Materials and New Energy Pilot and Mass Production of Next-Generation Composite Current Collectors for Mobility and Energy Storage Batteries Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices,Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Associate Director of RI-IWEAR, Management Committee Member of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), and Member of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), the Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD).   Inaugurated in 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme aims to provide funding, on a matching basis, for at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee which demonstrate strong potential to evolve into successful startups. Each approved project will receive funding support ranging from HK$10 million to HK$100 million. Press release: https://polyu.hk/qJTzK   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4bUkSky Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3yLIglU Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4bBXAjA (subscription required) Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4aDQKsK Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3R2LFTM Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/3UUFSkm

MHRC Member awarded HMRF grant to investigate factors of help-seeking behaviours for insomnia

Dr XIN Meiqi, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, was awarded a grant of about HK$500K from the Health and Medical Research Fund of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, for her project “Understanding professional help-seeking behaviours for insomnia and the associated factors in the community-dwelling older population having insomnia symptoms”. The research is a collaborative project by PolyU and the Department of Psychiatry and The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Insomnia is prevalent among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong but most of them do not actively seek help from healthcare professionals. The project aims to investigate the factors that influence the professional help-seeking behaviours among community-dwelling older adults with chronic insomnia symptoms. The findings are expected to help inform the development of evidence-based interventions and programmes to encourage help-seeking behaviours among elders with chronic insomnia symptoms.

Prof. CAO Shi-Jie of Southeast University delivers a PAIR seminar on urban environment systems engineering for sustainable development

Prof. CAO Shi-Jie, Chief Professor of Southeast University (SEU) and Director for Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Urban Heat and Pollution Control, China, delivered the PAIR Seminar titled “Urban Environmental Systems Engineering for Sustainable Development: Digital Modelling and Intelligent Control” on 22 May 2024. The seminar attracted about 40 participants in person and captured an online viewing audience of over 10,500 who watched the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat and Weibo. The seminar commenced with a welcome speech and speaker introduction by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR). In his presentation, Prof. Cao stated that urban environment engineering seeks to apply system engineering to solve complex urban problems. He highlighted that interdisciplinary research that combines scientific and mathematical approaches is crucial for understanding the mechanisms and laws concerning the complex interactions between humans and the ecological environment. Prof. Cao emphasised that the modelling of urban pollution involves a mix of techniques, including remote sensing, big data, computational simulation, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, digital twins, etc. He gave various project examples to explain how different techniques can be used for scientific monitoring, fast prediction, assessment and regulation of urban pollution. To conclude, Prof. Cao pointed out that advancements in urban environment modelling and intelligent control can build the scientific foundation for sustainable urban development. Following the presentation, Prof. Chen moderated a lively question-and-answer session. The audience engaged in a fruitful discussion with the professors Please click here for an online review.  

PolyU develops intelligent traffic monitoring system

Prof. Alan LAU, Management Committee Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI), Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Associate Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and his team have developed an Intelligent Real-time Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS) that harnesses fiber optic sensing technology to monitor the traffic flow without any additional hardware. Prof. Lau explained that the ITMS leverages deployed fibre optic network for telecommunications that covers major roads in Kowloon and Hong Kong to collect location-specific vibration signals generated by vehicles that drive through these busy areas in real time. He believes the real-time data collected by the system could be used to monitor and reduce traffic congestion, and provide valuable information for road maintenance.     Online coverage: Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4dM4qVf Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/44PfhtF (subscription required) am730 - https://polyu.me/3wKespc Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4bJRVrx Quamnet - https://polyu.me/3ypWKYF Line Today - https://polyu.me/3wGphZB

Prof. KEE Chea-su introduces world’s first portable High-Definition Corneal Topographer

Prof. KEE Chea-su, Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV) and Head and Professor of the School of Optometry, was featured on RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United” to introduce the world’s first portable High-Definition Corneal Topographer developed by his team. The innovation leverages artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to accurately measure corneal power, provide early diagnosis of vision problems such as corneal astigmatism and corneal ectasia, and simplify the diagnosis process, enabling it to be completed in as little as one minute. The innovation was awarded the Prize of the Saudi Arabian Delegation and Gold Medal in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4awWftl (09:12 - 14:33) (Chinese only)

MHRC project screens for elder abuse, with 350 high-risk cases identified

Prof. Elsie YAN, a member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, launched the project “Happy Edward” in 2021. The project aims to identify known or suspected elder abuse cases and provide support such as counselling, family mediation and health management through visits and community activities. Since its launch, the project has screened over 2,300 elders and detected about 350 cases that are at high risk of elder abuse, of which more than 100 cases have received support. The project is funded by Lee Hysan Foundation and has been extended to 2027, with the goal of supporting 400 abuse cases. Prof. Yan pointed out that many abusers are children or spouses of the elders, and there are many reasons for elder abuse. She also emphasized the importance of public education in preventing elder abuse, stating that elders need to know their rights to protect themselves, family members can reflect on whether their behaviour is abusive, and neighbours can lend a helping hand if they suspect elder abuse.   Online coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/44PpK8o (00:00 - 12:28) RTHK - https://polyu.me/4asWiq0 (00:20 - 20:11) Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3WRnknF Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/44MZ3kC (subscription required) Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3QT3Qvc (subscription required) Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/44QGNqx Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3V5sPhb HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bMPncj

PolyU-nurtured start-up implements territory-wide large-scale liver disease screening programme

Eieling Technology Limited (Eieling Technology), co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA) and his research team, has announced that it will implement the five-year “LiverCare – Hong Kong 10 Million Liver Scans Program”, with the goal to raise public awareness of liver disease prevention and promote early detection and treatment. In addition, starting from July this year, PolyU will conduct liver fibrosis and fatty liver screening for full-time university staff using Liverscan®, a palm-size wireless ultrasound imaging device, and encourage participants to join a two-year follow-up study. From the data collected, the research team will study the importance of balanced diet, daily exercise and regular liver disease screening for monitoring the progression of liver disease. Liverscan® has obtained registration clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA510K) and is being used in many well-known hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong, Macau and other places. Eieling Technology is also carrying out clinical research and cooperation with several hospitals in Mainland China. Liverscan® is expected to enter the market in Mainland China after receiving registration approval from the National Medical Products Administration in Q3 this year, and to be launched globally in 2025. Press release: https://polyu.hk/qjpFI Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4anrrLu Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3QQKlU5

RiFood showcases at 2024 Shenzhen Fisheries Expo

The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) participated in the “2024 Shenzhen Fisheries Expo” held at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center from 17 to 19 May. At the Expo, RiFood showcased a seafood product “Sakura wood smoked Pampano”, which is a pre-made fish product deliverable from a collaborative initiative by RiFood, the Hong Kong Fishermen’s Association, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the HKSAR, and the Fish Marketing Organisation. Funded by the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, the initiative aims to provide theoretical and practical training courses on mariculture technologies for those who are interested in mariculture in Hong Kong. In the training, students conducted projects on mariculture modernisation and sustainable development at the modern seafood farming demonstration farm in Tung Lung Chau. The Pampano product showcased at the Expo is made from the fish reared by the course participants. RiFood is now actively preparing for more cross-sectoral projects involving collaborations between local fisheries, agriculture, government, industry, academia and research institutes to develop quality pre-made fish products and snack products, with the aims to expand mid-to-high market sales, encourage the local fisheries to participate in fish culture, and lead the industry to achieve sustainable development.   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3QQIH4V (Chinese only) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3K8ltDC (Chinese only)

PolyU study reveals effectiveness of GBGI infrastructure in mitigating urban heat

Prof. GUO Hai, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Member of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, together with global researchers, have conducted a first-of-its-kind study on the effectiveness of green-blue-grey infrastructure (GBGI) in cooling urban heat across various regions. The study findings have been published in the international interdisciplinary journal The Innovation. The study revealed regional and city-specific variations in the effectiveness of GBGI for mitigating urban heat. In Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, the overall cooling effect of GBGI is up to 18.9°C, 17.7°C, 12°C and 9.63°C respectively. In addition, the implementation of green and blue infrastructures has proven to be highly effective in lowering air temperatures globally. While green infrastructures can regulate urban heat through evaporation, transpiration, shading and thermal insulation, blue infrastructures absorb heat and cool the surrounding area through evaporation. The study also showed notable effects of various GBGI features in mitigating urban heat in Mainland China cities. The most effective means include botanical gardens, wetlands, green walls and attenuation ponds which exhibited temperature reductions of up to 10°C, 9.27°C, 8°C and 7°C respectively. Although the cooling effect ranges are generally similar in the north and south of China, there is variability within the same region. For example, in Beijing, botanical garden could result in up to 10°C temperature decrease while that in Shaanxi province only contributed to 2.7°C. In Hong Kong, parks, green roofs and golf courses were found to play substantial roles in cooling urban heat, resulting in temperature reductions of 4.9°C, 4.9°C and 4.2°C respectively. Press release: https://polyu.hk/BqOJh Read the full paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666675824000262?via%3Dihub Online coverage: Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4bbXhvP Sing Tao Headline - https://polyu.me/4bYufjt Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3K1bUGq Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3UIActC Xinhua Finance Agency - https://polyu.me/3K719Cg Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/44HGhex Associated Press - https://polyu.me/3UHAC3v ETNet - https://polyu.me/3V3LgTw Macau Business - https://polyu.me/3UJ5CA7 Taiwan Business News - https://polyu.me/3V1UkZ5 Global News - https://polyu.me/4bIX8zF GBA Biz Tech Magazine - https://polyu.me/3V6Aj3O HXCJ - https://polyu.me/4biIXSo Cntechw.com - https://polyu.me/44J3mxq Scienmag - https://polyu.me/4bQn7p4 Science Daily - https://polyu.me/4avRaRS

RILS delegation visit to Shanghai and Tianjin

From 11 to 13 May 2024, a delegation of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), led by Prof. YIN Jian-Hua, RILS Management Committee Member and Dr Gavin TOH, Chairman of the Geotechnical Division of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE-GD), had a technical visit to Shanghai and Tianjin. The three-day visit was aimed to facilitate the exploration and development of potential technologies for sustainable land reclamation and development in Hong Kong, through learning from projects involving the utilisation of dredged materials for land reclamation in the cities. The group visited the Yangshan Deep Water Port and the test site of the National Engineering Research Center of Dredging (NERCD) in Shanghai, as well as the Nangang Industrial Zone and the Dongjiang Port Area in Tianjin. The visit was jointly organised by PolyU and HKIE-GD, and was hosted by the NERCD and China Communications Construction Company Limited’s (CCCC) Marine Construction and Development Co., Ltd.