Annual Review 2018 | Page 24

Temerloh speed study and analysis Regenerating ecosystems with a nature-based solution for hydrometeorological risk reduction (RECONECT) RECONECT aims to contribute to a European reference framework on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) by demonstrating, referencing and upscaling large-scale NBS and by stimulating a new culture for land use planning that links the reduction of risks with local and regional development objectives in a sustainable way. It draws upon a network of carefully selected demonstrators and collaborators that cover a range of local conditions, geographic characteristics, governance structures and social/cultural settings to successfully upscale NBS throughout Europe and internationally. The RECONECT consortium, a transdisciplinary partnership between researchers, industry partners (SMEs and large consultancies) and responsible agencies at the local and watershed/regional level, is dedicated to achieving the project’s desired outcomes. Traffic calming is a commonly used measure to improve roads and surrounding amenities, enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians, and reduce traffic flow. This study is assessing the traffic flow and speed reduction at sites where Sunway Paving Solutions have replaced bitumen pavement with a concrete paver for the Malaysian Public Works Department, which intends to widely adopt this measure. Traffic management recommendations will also be developed. Researcher: Dr Susilawati Funding agency: Sunway Paving Solutions Sdn Bhd Researchers: Professor Khu Soon Thiam and co-researchers from Monash University Australia with approximately 150 other researchers from 35 institutions Funding agency: European Commision Evaluation of the anticonvulsant potential of goose bone Geese have been around for about 10 million years. Their medicinal value, especially of their bones, has been documented. Traditional doctors have used goose bones to treat broken or fractured bones and to reduce fever, a practice that continues today among some elderly. This study is evaluating new treatment options for epilepsy to increase the number of armamentariums available. The anti-epileptic properties of a natural product, the goose bone, is expected to have the advantage of conferring minimal side effects. This will be investigated in epilepsy models. Researchers: Dr Mohmad Farooq Shaikh and Professor Gan Siew Hua Funding agency: Star Goose Enterprise 23 Efficiency drivers and barriers for health systems in leading economies This published case study illustrated the efficiency drivers and barriers for health systems in leading economies of ASEAN countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It covers the history and evolution of the system including how it was designed, financed and operated, and where it is heading. This study would interest policymakers who are currently planning the future of healthcare in emerging economies, and offer insights into alternative financing for healthcare while ensuring patient access to quality healthcare and innovative medicines. Researchers: Professor Kenneth Lee Kwing Chin and Dr June Choon Wai Yee Funding agency: Pfizer Inc Living out sexuality and faith: Body admissions of Malaysian gay and bisexual men This single-authored academic book contributed to the wider scholarship on queer subjects by drawing on actual lived experiences of self-identifying gay and bisexual men in Malaysia. It discussed what we can learn from the realities of their lives that intersect with their religious, spiritual, theological or humanistic values in an Asian context. Researcher: Dr Joseph N. Goh