A Study of the factors affecting land prices in Hong Kong

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.published_or_final_versio

Finding gene-environment interactions for Phobias

Phobias are common disorders causing a great deal of suffering. Studies of gene-environment interaction (G × E) have revealed much about the complex processes underlying the development of various psychiatric disorders but have told us little about phobias. This article describes what is already known about genetic and environmental influences upon phobias and suggests how this information can be used to optimise the chances of discovering G × Es for phobias. In addition to the careful conceptualisation of new studies, it is suggested that data already collected should be re-analysed in light of increased understanding of processes influencing phobias

COVID-19 Heterogeneity in Islands Chain Environment

As 2021 dawns, the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging strongly as vaccines finally appear and hopes for a return to normalcy start to materialize. There is much to be learned from the pandemic's first year data that will likely remain applicable to future epidemics and possible pandemics. With only minor variants in virus strain, countries across the globe have suffered roughly the same pandemic by first glance, yet few locations exhibit the same patterns of viral spread, growth, and control as the state of Hawai'i. In this paper, we examine the data and compare the COVID-19 spread statistics between the counties of Hawai'i as well as examine several locations with similar properties to Hawai'i

Mycobacterial Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase Blocks Phagosome Maturation in Murine Raw 264.7 Macrophages

bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), disrupt the normal function of host Rab5 and Rab7, two small GTPases that are instrumental in the control of phagosome fusion with early endosomes and late endosomes/lysosomes respectively. nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk) exhibits GTPase activating protein (GAP) activity towards Rab5 and Rab7. Then, using a model of latex bead phagosomes, we demonstrated that Ndk inhibits phagosome maturation and fusion with lysosomes in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Maturation arrest of phagosomes containing Ndk-beads was associated with the inactivation of both Rab5 and Rab7 as evidenced by the lack of recruitment of their respective effectors EEA1 (early endosome antigen 1) and RILP (Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein). Consistent with these findings, macrophage infection with an Ndk knocked-down BCG strain resulted in increased fusion of its phagosome with lysosomes along with decreased survival of the mutant.Our findings provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that mycobacterial Ndk is a putative virulence factor that inhibits phagosome maturation and promotes survival of mycobacteria within the macrophage

The Genesis 12–19 (G1219) Study: A Twin and Sibling Study of Gene–Environment Interplay and Adolescent Development in the UK

The Genesis 12–19 (G1219) Study is an ongoing longitudinal study of a sample of UK twin pairs, non-twin sibling pairs, and their parents. G1219 was initially designed to examine the role of gene–environment interplay in adolescent depression. However, since then data have continued to be collected from both parents and their offspring into young adulthood. This has allowed for longitudinal analyses of depression and has enabled researchers to investigate multiple phenotypes and to ask questions about intermediate mechanisms. The study has primarily focused on emotional development, particularly depression and anxiety, which have been assessed at multiple levels of analysis (symptoms, cognitions, and relevant environmental experiences). G1219 has also included assessment of a broader range of psychological phenotypes ranging from antisocial behaviors and substance use to sleep difficulties, in addition to multiple aspects of the environment. DNA has also been collected. The first wave of data collection began in the year 1999 and the fifth wave of data collection will be complete before the end of 2012. In this article, we describe the sample, data collection, and measures used. We also summarize some of the key findings to date

Sketching in Design Journals: an Analysis of Visual Representations in the Product Design Process

This paper explores the sketching behavior of designers and the role of sketching in the design process.  Observations from a descriptive study of sketches provided in design journals, characterized by a protocol measuring sketching activities, are presented.  A distinction is made between journals that are entirely tangible and those that contain some digitally-produced content (“hybrid journals”). The trend between 2004 and 2006 is an increase in both the average number of sketches as well as in the percentage of 3D sketches for hybrid journals. In 2004, tangible journals exhibited a higher average number of sketches over hybrid journals in the user needs and conceptual design stages, but this trend reversed in 2006 where hybrid journals favored more sketches at all design stages. Text was the predominant form of annotation used (ranging from 62-98%), as opposed to dimensions or calculations for both journal types. The industrial design students had significantly more sketches overall and a higher percentage of 3D sketches.  They also tended to annotate more in hybrid journals over tangible journals

What are the opportunities for manufacturing in the “one belt one road” initiative? The case of Hong Kong’s textiles and clothing sector

The One Belt, One Road (hereafter OBOR) initiative is a development strategy launched by China in 2015. Its aim is to increase economic co-operation among countries along the China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road that connect Asia, Europe and Africa. As one of China’s important economic drivers, Hong Kong’s anticipated gains taking part in this initiative are substantial. This is particularly true for companies in the textiles and clothing (T&C) sectors, as the OBOR initiative offers investment opportunities in developing low-cost production bases in developing countries and promotes global trade. The main objective of this paper is twofold. First, it investigates how Hong Kong can strengthen its “superconnector” role, facilitating sustainable trade and development in the T&C industries among some OBOR countries. Specific measures are identified so that T&C companies in Hong Kong can establish and facilitate technological upgrades and transformation to potential production facilities in some developing countries under the OBOR initiative. This would contribute to the sustainable development of the T&C sectors in Hong Kong. Second, the study extends the gravity trade model to analyze the development of T&C trade patterns between Hong Kong and OBOR countries. Especially it covered some of the key factors not considered in previous studies, such as Logistics Performance Index (LPI), demographical factors, and those related to the business environment and policies. The analysis covers the impacts of country-specific, social, economic and supply chain factors on T&C trade. Based on the results, recommendations are provided to address how Hong Kong helps to facilitate trade and development of the T&C sectors under the OBOR initiative