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PAIR Newsletter · Issue 11 · September 2024 is now available online

We are thrilled to publish the 11th Issue of the PAIR Newsletter! In the Knowledge Transfer section, you can discover how PAIR researchers contributed to China’s Chang’e-6 lunar far-side sampling mission, supporting the Nation to achieve historic success. The Research Achievements section contains a select number of award-winning PolyU-led innovations in health and well-being, as well as advanced technologies that can be used to support sustainable urban development. Our Feature Stories section includes exclusive interviews with gerontechnology expert Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS and materials technology scholar Prof. LIN Jianguo, understanding their insights on societal and research development, and offers an in-depth coverage of the research works on smart manufacturing by Prof. George Q. HUANG, Director of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Please feel free to share articles and links from this Newsletter with your friends and colleagues. Share PAIR’s impact stories, spread knowledge and inspire innovation! Together, we drive interdisciplinary excellence! Happy reading! PAIR Newsletter · Issue 11: https://polyu.hk/UmgiH

Prof. YUNG Kai-leung on RCDSE’s contributions to Nation’s space missions

Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, gave an interview to China Today on RCDSE’s contributions to the Nation’s space missions and the future development of the Centre. Prof. Yung said, “In the future, the country will have more aerospace exploration missions, for example, Mars sampling missions. But we still need key technological breakthroughs and will encounter major challenges. Our team is fully prepared, and the laboratory has been expanded, adding a lot of new experimental space”. He also shared that the team’s long-term goal is to develop more new technologies to help explore and utilise space resources. Online coverage: China Today - https://polyu.me/475hulR

Baoding Chinese Medicine Industrial Delegation Visited PolyU Exploring Collaborative Advancement of Innovative Research in Chinese Medicine

A delegation from Baoding led by Mr MA Yimin, Member of the Party Leadership Group of Baoding Municipal People's Government and Deputy Secretary of Party Working Committee of the High-tech Zone, Mr CHEN Shaohui, Secretary of Party Leadership Group and Director of Baoding Municipal Market Regulation Administration, Ms PANG Ying, Secretary of Party Leadership Group and Chairman of Baoding Municipal Health Commission, visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 16 August 2024. The delegation received a warm welcome from Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), Prof. WONG Man-sau, Director of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), and other RCMI key members. Prof. DONG Cheng addressed in his welcoming remarks that “As one of the top 100 universities in the world, PolyU is committed to promoting interdisciplinary innovation and research application, actively integrating knowledge, technology, networks, and resources both within and outside the university to benefit society through high-level research and innovation. Future potential collaborations will leverage the strengths of both cities, particularly the research capabilities of local universities and the rich experiences of mainland governments and enterprises, facilitating the transformation and application of innovative research in Chinese medicine, to benefit the wider public.” During the visit, the two groups engaged in a productive exchange meeting and were guided on tours of the Wellness & Exercises Laboratory in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and the Mass Spectrometers of University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis. This visit facilitated communication with relevant Chinese medicine and wellness stakeholders, enhanced understanding of ongoing projects and notable discoveries, and explored potential collaborations for future partnerships.

PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat

Dr Dahua SHOU, Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF), Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor in the School of Fashion and Textiles, and his team have developed a first-of-its-kind thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in hot environments. Their research findings have been published in the international interdisciplinary journal Advanced Science. The protective clothing developed by the team uses soft robotic textile for dynamic adaptive thermal management. Soft actuators, designed like a human network-patterned exoskeleton and encapsulating a non-toxic, non-flammable, low-boiling-point fluid, were strategically embedded within the clothing. This thermo-stimulated system turns the fluid from a liquid into a gas when the ambient temperature rises, causing the expansion of soft actuators and the thickening of the textile matrix, thereby enhancing the gap of still air and doubling the thermal resistance from 0.23 to 0.48 Km²/W. The protective clothing can also keep the inner surface temperatures at least 10°C cooler than conventional heat-resistant clothing, even when the outer surface reaches 120°C. This unique soft robotic textile, made by thermoplastic polyurethane, is soft, resilient and durable. Notably, it is far more skin-friendly and conformable than temperature-responsive clothing embedded with shape-memory alloys and is adjustable for a wide range of protective clothing. The soft actuators have exhibited no signs of leakage after undergoing rigorous standard washing tests. The porous, spaced knitting structure of the material can also significantly reduce convective heat transfer while maintaining high moisture breathability. Not relying on thermoelectric chips or circulatory liquid cooling systems for cooling or heat conduction, the light-weighted, soft robotic clothing can effectively regulate temperature itself without any energy consumption. The innovation will have a wide range of potential applications, from activewear, winter jackets, healthcare apparel and outdoor gear, to sustainable textile-based insulation for construction and buildings, contributing to energy-saving efforts. In addition, with funding support from the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, the research team has extended the thermo-adaptive concept to develop inflatable, breathable jackets and warm clothing. This soft robotic clothing is suitable for low-temperature environments or sudden temperature drops to aid those who are stranded in the wilderness to maintain normal body temperature. Press release: https://polyu.me/3Aphu3R Online coverage: Fashionating World - https://polyu.me/3yHcAi3 The Sun (Malaysia) - https://polyu.me/4fMdhqY Frankfort Times - https://polyu.me/3X1pZLd Taiwan News - https://polyu.me/4dE7rWQ Dimsum Daily - https://polyu.me/3yFO0hA Sina Hong Kong - https://polyu.me/3SNhUrc ETNet - https://polyu.me/4fM0e8Y Macau Business - https://polyu.me/4co2Tmu BizWire Express - https://polyu.me/3WMFTHW Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3AqQQaL Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/3SOqINv (subscription required) Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4fKGm6o Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3Apha59 Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/3yArQgI Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3YCV9tE Nanfang Daily - https://polyu.me/46MXAvD Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4fMrfJp Textile Value Chain - https://polyu.me/3WJ69mA Jornal Va Kio - https://polyu.me/3YEgVNC East Money - https://polyu.me/3AwsBb2 NetEase - https://polyu.me/4dmBEtV Chronicle Tribune - https://polyu.me/3WEw4vy (subscription required) The Facts - https://polyu.me/46LtM2C Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/3YQ8HCh Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3YLEjZM Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3M7tEAO HK01 - https://polyu.me/3SPZsy9 GBA Biz Tech Magazine - https://polyu.me/3X7i6UM IT Home - https://polyu.me/4dq3uoU ifeng.com - https://polyu.me/3X3Tc8b

RiFood study finds lactating women eating not enough fruit and vegetables

A study by the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) has found that breastfeeding women in Hong Kong are not eating enough fruit and vegetables according to the recommended level by the Department of Health, although the intake has increased significantly over the past 10 years. From mid-2022 to mid-2024, the research team collected the dietary records of more than 80 lactating women and measured their weight and blood lipid levels. The study found that, compared with a similar survey in 2014, the intake of vegetables, dietary fibre and vitamin A increased by 34%, 19% and over 20%, respectively, but the figures were still 22–103% below the recommended level by the Department of Health. Only 10% of of the breastfeeding women surveyed met the Department of Health’s recommendations for two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day. The study also found that the fat, saturated fat and sugar intakes of more than half of the breastfeeding women were higher than the intake levels recommended by the Department of Health, and about half of respondents had low density lipoprotein cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) level and body mass index (BMI) that were above the normal values, increasing their risk of developing other diseases in the long run. Breastfeeding women are recommended to pay attention to balanced nutrition during postpartum confinement period. Dr Kenneth LO Ka-hei, Member of RiFood, recommended that postpartum mothers should eat more vegetables and fruit to increase the absorption of different vitamins and minerals, in addition to taking supplements for replenishing protein and iron during the period. Furthermore, poor maternal cardiovascular health in pregnancy may give children a higher chance of developing obesity. Breastfeeding mothers are recommended to consume different types of vegetables and fruit, such as apples, papayas and red grapes, to ensure balanced nutrition. Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/46BzF2j  

Prof. HUANG Yonggang from Northwestern University has been appointed as a member of the PAIR International Advisory Committee

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Prof. HUANG Yonggang, Jan and Marcia Achenbach Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University in the United States, was appointed as a new member of the International Advisory Committee of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) for a three-year term. Prof. Huang is a renowned mechanical engineering and materials science expert, with an impressive track record of ground-breaking research and innovation. His extensive experience and profound knowledge will be invaluable to PAIR as we continue advancing our mission of fostering global collaboration and driving cutting-edge interdisciplinary research initiatives forward. At Northwestern University, Prof. Huang has made significant contributions to the understanding and developing flexible and stretchable electronics, among other areas. His work has been widely recognised and has earned him numerous accolades, including prestigious awards and fellowships. In appreciation of Prof. Huang's acceptance of this important role, we had the pleasure of hosting a lunch in his honour and presenting him with the appointment plaque on 8 August 2024 at Above and Beyond of Hotel ICON. We eagerly anticipate Prof. Huang's contributions and are confident that his expertise and vision will greatly enhance the strategic direction and impact of PAIR. We look forward to his contributions and to the continued success of our collaborative efforts. Please join us in welcoming Prof. Huang to the PAIR family.

Prof. HUANG Yonggang of Northwestern University delivers a distinguished lecture on shape programmable 3D mesostructures and functional devices

Prof. HUANG Yonggang, Jan and Marcia Achenbach Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University in the United States, delivered the 28th PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Shape Programmable Three-Dimensional Mesostructures and Functional Devices” on 8 August 2024 at PolyU. The lecture attracted more than 100 participants to join in person and captivated an online viewing audience of over 15,500 from different countries and regions to watch the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat, Weibo, YouTube, etc. The lecture commenced with a warm welcome and brief speaker introduction by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. During the presentation, Prof. Huang highlighted that many biological systems, such as venue flytraps and nepenthes, exhibit multistable or shape-shifting features. He emphasised the current challenge in the development of morphing structures, pointing out that the complex shape-shifting processes involved in many biological functions are complicated to reproduce by artificial structures. Next, he introduced the assembly approach for achieving multistable 3D mesostructures. The approach proposed by Prof. Huang and his team works similarly to children’s “pop-up” books—it controls the process of substrate compression to deform 2D patterned micro/nano structures into extended 3D layouts. He used videos and images to show how different 2D ribbon patterns can result in different 3D ribbon configurations and reconfigurable structures with diverse geometries. After that, Prof. Huang explained the concepts of shape programming and continuous shape-shifting, and showed some of the research by him and his team to illustrate how 2D precursors can be deformed to various 3D target shapes under external electromagnetic actuation. He also pointed out three significant challenges in achieving shape programme surfaces. At last, Prof. Huang showed examples of how this technology is used to make 3D submillimetre-scale robots and 3D displays. To conclude, he emphasised that the same precursor structure can be deformed to many target shapes by electromagnetic force, and this new tool can bring many novel functions and unique applications. Following the presentation was a lively and insightful question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. Chen. The audience had a fruitful discussion with Prof. Huang. As a token of appreciation for his inspiring talk and support for PAIR, a souvenir was presented to Prof. Huang by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation).   Please click here for an online review.

PolyU-developed Mars Camera showcased in National Security Exhibition Gallery

A model of the “Mars Landing Surveillance Camera” developed by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering and his team is now on display in the National Security Exhibition Gallery at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The camera was used in the Nation’s first Mars exploration project “Tianwen-1” in 2021, to carry out the task of photographing the surrounding environment of the lander on the Mars surface and monitoring the status of the Mars rover “Zhurong”. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/46BU3jE Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3Aew2De

PolyU and Nanjing Zhuling signed MoU to establish joint laboratory on industrialised construction

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Mr DAI Angang, Chief Executive Officer of Nanjing Zhuling Technology Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 25 July to build a joint laboratory on industrialised construction. The joint lab will focus on research directions such as construction digitalisation in the industrial metaverse, digital twins, construction robotics, smart building systems as well as advanced automation and AI-driven solutions. By harnessing the advantages of both parties in terms of research resources, testing environments and application scenarios, it is aimed for enhancing the safety and efficiency of the construction process.  Breakthrough research results could be achieved to enable digital transformation of the construction industry. The joint lab will be led by Dr ZHAO Zhiheng, Member of the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Research Assistant Professor in Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Dr LIU Hengzhi, Chief Operating Officer and Product Director of Nanjing Zhuling Technology Co., Ltd. The first collaborative research project, “Development of Construction Robots Digitalization System for Industry Metaverse” will be carried out under RIAM. The collaboration will involve applying the research outcomes generated in the project “Industry 4.0 Smart Prefabrication Yard for Modular Construction Fitout”, which is led by Prof. George Q. HUANG, Director of RIAM, to promote innovative development in the construction field, foster new quality productive forces and inject new momentum into the industry.

Prof. ZHANG Weixiong appointed as Associate Director of PAIR

We are pleased to announce that Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Chair Professor in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, was appointed as Associate Director of PAIR with effect from 1 August 2024. Prof. Zhang is a Global STEM Scholar under the Global STEM Professorship of the HKSAR government. He is an expert in medical laboratory science, and his research interests include genetics/genomics, non-coding RNA, medical imaging, etiology and biomarker, big data analytic and artificial intelligence. Prof. Zhang received his PhD in computer science from the University of California, Los Angeles, U.S.A. Before joining PolyU, he was a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Genetics at Washington University in St. Louis, USA.