Annual Review 2016 | Page 16

Experimental investigation target reflection and illumination sensitivity using photodetectors .
INVESTIGATE TARGET REFLECTION AND ILLUMINATION SENSITIVITY IN RANGE GATED DETECTION
Range gated is a laser ranging approach which measures the round trip time between emitted laser pulse , and the pulse echo reflected off the target . This approach has been applied in surveillance , military and oceanic operations . Generally , it is suitable for fast scanning and long range applications . However , it has relatively low accuracy due to the high speed of light . There are still many unsolved problems and insufficient research on the characteristics and influences of multiple factors including illumination , receiver , reflectivity , atmospheric effects , and distance decay . In this project , we investigate target reflection and illumination sensitivity in range gated detection . Based on our study , we will develop a range correction method which has the potential for various applications such as 3D vision , object modelling , and target recognition .
RESEARCHERS Dr Wang Xin Prof Anthony Guo
Dr Chew Kuew Wai ( University Tunku Abdul Rahman , Malaysia )
Dr Tan Ching Seong ( Multimedia University , Malaysia )
Professor Chang Shoou-Jinn ( National Cheng Kung University , Taiwan )
FUNDING AGENCY
Asian Office of Aerospace Research & Development ( AOARD ), US Air Force
LOW CARBON FOOTPRINT PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILT ENVIRONMENT
This research aims to develop a ‘ cementless concrete ’ called LowCoPreCon – a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement ( OPC ). OPC is used in virtually all construction applications . Unfortunately , its production contributes a staggering 8 % of global CO2 emissions . This project harnesses silica rich ash sources and alkali waste streams – both waste products to produce a OPC alternative that is stronger , more heat resistant , and significantly lower in carbon emissions . The three-year project will culminate in the construction of a fully functional residential dwelling and pedestrian bridge made with LowCoPreCon that will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the research . LowCoPreCon brings together a consortium of seven partners in a UK-Malaysia Innovation Bridge and is one of the University ' s larger international research grants received .
RESEARCHERS Dr Daniel Kong
Prof Marios Soutsos ( The Queen ' s University of Belfast , UK )
William Doherty ( Creagh Concrete Products Limited , UK )
Abhey Gupta ( Macrete Ireland Limited , UK )
A / Prof Alengaram Ubagaram Johnson ( University of Malaya , Malaysia )
Arreshvhina Narayanan ( Sunway Paving Solutions Sdn Bhd )
Dr Khoo Ping Sen ( Ikhmas Jaya Group Berhad )
FUNDING AGENCIES
Innovate UK , Research Councils UK ( RCUK ) and Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology ( MIGHT ) under the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund
Creagh Concrete Products Limited , UK Macrete Ireland Limited , UK Sunway Paving Solutions Sdn Bhd Ikhmas Jaya Group Berhad
ARTIFICIAL CHROMOSOMES FOR CORRECTION OF GENETIC CONDITIONS
Genetic diseases can be caused by inheriting mutated genes on chromosomes , or by the abnormal behaviour of chromosomes during transmission from one generation to another . To better understand chromosome function and behaviour , our researchers are developing artificial chromosomes assembled in bacteria that can be transferred into human and mouse cells for stable long-term retention . Using the bacterial genetic recombination machinery , artificial chromosomes can be constructed as defined mini-structures that are far smaller than natural mammalian chromosomes , a feature that facilitates their mobility into different hosts . Artificial chromosomes can potentially be used as a vehicle to carry working copies of genes into defective cells , with the ultimate aim of correcting the effects of genetic mutations that cause disease .
RESEARCHERS A / Prof Kumaran Narayanan
A / Prof Lee Choon Weng ( University of Malaya , Malaysia )
A / Prof Edmund Sim ( University of Malaysia Sarawak , Malaysia )
Liew Pei Sheng Andrew Osahor Chan Weng Keong
FUNDING AGENCIES Ministry of Higher Education
Ministry of Science , Technology and Innovation
Fiatec Bioactive Sdn Bhd
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York
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