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HKUST 2012-13 Annual Report
23
Green Energy Boost
Prof Tianshou Zhao’s research group (Mechanical
Engineering) has developed a multi-scale
numerical method and studied the transport
mechanism of fluid flow, heat and mass in
complex systems. The research is not only helpful
for understanding the complicated transport
processes in energy systems, but also plays an
important role in improving energy efficiency and
boosting green energy development.
Next GenerationWireless Networks
Work by Prof Qian Zhang (Computer Science
and Engineering) will be particularly useful
for the design of future wireless video, mobile
multimedia systems, as well as next-generation
wireless networks. Her focus on models for
joint wireless multimedia communication and
performance optimization has resulted in a major
breakthrough in efficient video communications
under discontinuous transmission conditions, and
in effectively increasing bandwidth efficiency.
Manufacturing Upgrade
The transformation and upgrading of
manufacturing industries is set to be propelled
forward through research by Prof Furong Gao
(Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and
his studies on high-performance batch process
control systems. In addition, the project has
creatively developed a capacitive transducer
for injection molding and provided a new
technology for quality online measurement.
Building Resilience
Prof Christopher Leung (Civil and Environmental
Engineering) and his research team have
developed high-toughness fiber-reinforced
cementitious composites, with excellent tensile
ductility and crack control. The materials’ high
energy absorption capability has been used for
constructing earthquake-resistant structures.
The research findings can bring along a new
generation of structures with improved safety
and repairability under severe loading as well as
higher durability.
Boss Rage
When do victims of abusive supervision have
enough and start to retaliate against such
treatment? This study, by Prof Huiwen Lian
(Management), develops a model to explain
whether subordinates will or will not aggress
against an abusive supervisor. It also explores
how to eliminate supervisor-directed aggression
and its significant costs to organizations.
Clawback Effectiveness
Firm-initiated compensation recovery provisions,
or clawbacks, are gaining popularity. However,
little is known about their effectiveness. Do
they improve financial reporting? Are they a
deterrent? Profs Kevin C W Chen and Tai Yuan
Chen (Accounting), working together with Prof
Lilian H Chan (University of Hong Kong), and
Yangxin Yu (Australian National University), show
that the incidence of accounting restatements
does decline after firms initiate such provisions.
In addition, their research indicates that investors
and auditors view such provisions as associated
with increased accounting quality and lower
audit risk. The paper was published in the
Journal
of Accounting & Economics
in 2012.