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This study explores the influence of digital game-based learning on the English learning outcomes and learning motivation of first-grade primary school students in a private girls' school in Macau. The researcher used the Wordwall digital game platform as the medium and conducted teaching experiments using the quasi-experimental research method. Two classes were divided into the experimental group (n=24) and the control group (n=21) according to the convenient sampling method. The digital game-based learning method was integrated into the teaching materials and school-based self-compiled content. The experimental group implemented the digital game-based learning method for 8 weeks. Using the Wordwall game platform once a week, and 20 minutes each time, the control group maintained the traditional didactic teaching method. The research tools included a self-compiled learning effectiveness test and a learning motivation scale. The total score of the learning effectiveness test was 40 points, and the total score of the learning motivation scale was 120 points. Data analysis was conducted using paired sample t-tests and independent sample t-tests. The research results show that: (1) The score of the experimental group in the post-test of learning outcomes was slightly higher than the control group, indicating that the digital game-based learning method has a positive impact on students' learning outcomes. (2) In terms of learning motivation, the post-test score of the experimental group was slightly higher than the pre-test score, while the control group showed the opposite, indicating that the digital game-based learning method has a positive impact on students' learning motivation. According to the research results, it is suggested that the following can be revised in future studies including (1) expand the scope of research samples and objects, (2) extend the time of teaching experiments, (3) adopt diversified assessment tools, (4) consider teaching environment and teacher factors, (5) conduct learning analysis for individual differences, and (6) carry out cross-disciplinary integration and teaching mode innovation. Exploring the impact of digital game-based learning on students' learning outcomes and motivation from more diverse perspectives. 本研究旨在探討數位遊戲式學習對澳門某私立女校小學一年級學生的英語學習成效和學習動機之影響。研究者以Wordwall數位遊戲平台為媒介，並透過準實驗研究法來進行教學實驗，將兩個班級按方便取樣的方式分為實驗組（n=24）和控制組（n=21），把數位遊戲式學習法融入教材和校本自編內容當中，實驗組實施為期8週的數位遊戲式學習法，每週使用Wordwall遊戲平台1次，每次使用時間為20分鐘；控制組則維持傳統講述法教學，研究工具包含自編的學習成效測驗卷和學習動機量表，學習成效測驗卷的總分為40分，學習動機量表的總分為120分，並以配對樣本t檢定與獨立樣本t檢定進行數據分析。 研究結果顯示：（1）在學習成效方面，實驗組的後測得分稍微高於控制組，顯示數位遊戲式學習法對學生的學習成效具正面影響。（2）在學習動機方面，實驗組的後測分數稍微高於前測分數，控制組則相反，顯示數位遊戲式學習法對學生的學習動機具正面影響。 根據研究結果顯示，建議未來的研究可擴大研究樣本和對象範圍、延長教學實驗的時間、採用多元化的評量工具、考慮教學環境和教師因素、針對個別化差異進行學習分析、進行跨領域整合和教學模式創新，以更多元的角度探討數位遊戲式學習對學生學習成效和學習動機的影響。

This study investigates the key challenges and success factors influencing collaborative partnerships for social innovation in Cambodia, aiming to develop an effective partnership model tailored to the local context. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research synthesizes findings from a survey of 109 organizations across various sectors—including private companies, government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions—and an extensive review of relevant literature. The study identifies critical obstacles such as trust deficits, communication breakdowns, resource constraints, organizational misalignments, and cultural differences that impede effective collaboration. Conversely, it highlights essential success elements, including open communication, shared goals, mutual trust, clear roles, ongoing engagement, and capacity building. The findings suggest that addressing systemic barriers while fostering trust and shared understanding are vital for sustainable social innovation in Cambodia. Based on these insights, the research proposes a practical collaborative partnership model emphasizing transparency, joint planning, flexibility, and stakeholder empowerment. The study contributes valuable theoretical frameworks and actionable strategies for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars seeking to enhance social innovation through effective collaboration in Cambodia and similar developing contexts.

The Administrative Regulation No. 29/2020 on the Special Education System has been officially implemented since September 2021. The promulgation and enforcement of this important regulation mark that Macao's special education cause has entered a new era of development. In the overall system of special education, the teaching staff has always played a vital role. Their professional literacy, teaching status, and career feelings directly affect the quality and effectiveness of special education, and further concern the growth and future development of special students. This study focuses on the group of special education teachers in Macao, with the core goal of in-depth exploring various situations in their career. Specifically, it mainly revolves around teachers' current status, including their actual feelings in the teaching process, faced difficulties and challenges, as well as their demands and expectations for professional development. Meanwhile, it emphasizes the analysis of the current situation of teachers' professional achievement motivation, understanding the inner satisfaction and achievement gained in special education work, and further explores various factors affecting teachers' professional achievement motivation, such as the school management environment, parents' cooperation degree, society's cognition and support for special education, and teachers' own professional growth background. This study adopts qualitative research methods and semi-structured interviews, uses Grounded Theory three-level coding to carefully and deeply interpret teachers' statements, so as to extract core information and key themes. On this basis, it summarizes and draws research conclusions: Social perception shows obvious polarization in the public's cognition of special education teachers;School environment indicates that the working environment has an important impact on teachers' professional achievement motivation. The lack of effective communication and collaboration mechanisms among colleagues, and even interpersonal conflicts, lead to teachers' difficulty in obtaining good interpersonal support and cooperative atmosphere at work, reducing their work enthusiasm and achievement motivation; Personal development shows that teachers generally lack clear plans and specific schemes for career planning, thus hindering long-term career development. This study further proposes a series of practical countermeasures and suggestions, aiming to improve the professional achievement motivation of special education teachers in Macao from multiple aspects, including school management, educational policy formulation, social support system construction, and teachers' own professional development, so as to provide solid talent support and guarantee for the sustainable development of Macao's special education cause. It ensures that every special student can obtain sufficient growth and development opportunities in a high-quality educational environment, better integrate into society, and realize their own value and potential. 《特殊教育制度》第29/2020號行政法規自2021年9月起正式落地實施，這一重要法規的頒布與執行，標誌著澳門特殊教育事業踏入了一個全新的發展時期。在特殊教育的整體體系中，教師隊伍始終扮演著至關重要的角色，其專業素養、教學狀態以及職業感受等各個方面，均直接影響著特殊教育的質量與成效，進而關乎特殊學生的成長與未來發展。 本研究將目光聚焦於澳門特殊教育教師群體，以深入探究其在職業生涯中的多種情況為核心目標。具體而言，主要圍繞教師自身當下的狀態，包括其在教學過程中的實際感受、面臨的困難與挑戰，以及在專業發展方面的訴求與期望；同時著重對教師職業成就感的現狀進行剖析，了解在特殊教育工作過程中收穫的內心滿足感及成就感；並進一步挖掘影響教師職業成就感的各類因素，如學校管理環境、家長配合程度、社會對特殊教育的認知與支持力度，以及教師自身的專業成長背景等多個層面。本研究採用質性研究方法和半結構訪談法，運用紮根理論三級編碼對教師們的言辭進行細緻拆解與深入解讀，從而提取出核心資訊與關鍵主題，並在此基礎上進行歸納總結，最終得出的研究結論，社會評價：大眾對特殊教育教師的認知呈現出明顯的兩極分化。學校環境： 工作環境方面對教師職業成就感產生重要影響。同事之間缺乏有效的溝通協作機制，甚至存在人際衝突，導致教師在工作中難以獲得良好的人際支持與合作氛圍，降低其工作積極性與成就感。個人發展： 教師在職業生涯規劃方面普遍缺乏明確的打算與具體的計劃，從而對長期職業發展產生了一定的阻礙。 本研究進一步提出了一系列切實可行的對策與建議，旨在從學校管理、教育政策制定、社會支持體系建設以及教師自身專業發展等多個方面著手，提升澳門特殊教育教師的職業成就感，為澳門特殊教育事業的可持續發展提供堅實的人才支撐和保障。確保每位特殊學生都能在優質的教育環境中獲得充分成長與發展的機會，更好地融入社會，實現自身價值與潛能。

Formative assessment has long been recognised as a valuable educational measurement tool; however, its application in music education in Asia, particularly in Macau, remains underexplored. This study investigated the implementation of formative assessment in Macau and the factors that influence its application. A convergent mixed-methods research approach was adopted, utilising questionnaires, interviews and observations. Initially, teacher questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations were used to comprehensively understand how teachers implement formative assessment in singing teaching within junior middle schools in Macau. This approach identified the strengths and weaknesses of the practices while drawing insights from existing literature. Additional teacher questionnaires and interviews were used to explore the factors shaping teachers’ approaches to formative assessment. To provide a holistic perspective, student questionnaires and interviews were used to examine students’ experiences and perceptions of formative assessment in singing instruction. The findings indicate that a) teachers use all five formative assessment strategies outlined by Thompson and Wiliam (2007) with varying frequencies; b) teachers prioritise skill goals and technical accuracy over expressive qualities; c) performance assessment is common in singing classes, while questioning is more typical in other settings; d) teachers prefer teacher-directed assessments over student-directed ones (self and peer assessment); e) strengths include effective teacher demonstrations, frequent descriptive feedback, self-recording, reflective questions and constructive peer feedback, while weaknesses comprise infrequent use of assessment tools, application of multiple evaluative feedback types and low specificity in some descriptive feedback and misuse of self and peer ratings; f) both personal (teacher attitude, self-efficacy and subjective norms) and contextual (school environment, student challenges and public performances) factors hinder formative assessment implementation; and g) students value strategies like teacher demonstration, descriptive feedback and self-recording but devalue others such as evaluative feedback, self-rating, peer rating and peer feedback. Expert interviews were conducted to address the identified weaknesses and formulate targeted recommendations for stakeholders, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of formative assessment in singing teaching in Macau junior middle schools.

Teacher efficacy and resilience are critical factors influencing educational quality and student development. Teacher efficacy refers to teachers' beliefs in their capability to manage classrooms, implement instructional strategies, and engage students effectively. Resilience, on the other hand, denotes teachers' ability to adapt and respond positively to stress and challenges. This study aims to examine the current status of teacher efficacy and resilience among non-tertiary education teachers in Macao and to explore their differences and interrelations across various demographic variables. The target population comprised non-tertiary teaching staff in the 2024/2025 academic year. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale （TSES） and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale （CD-RISC）, via the Tencent Questionnaire platform, with 125 valid responses collected from Macao non-tertiary teachers. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and one-way ANOVA to assess differences in teacher efficacy and resilience across demographic groups. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the predictive effect of resilience on teacher efficacy. In total, eleven demographic variables were collected, including gender, age, marital status, highest educational qualification, teacher training background, years of service (including the current academic year), school type, school size, main teaching level, primary job role, and religious belief. Given the focus and scope of the study, and with reference to commonly explored variables in related literature, gender, age, and years of service (including the current academic year) were selected for detailed analysis to examine differences in teacher efficacy and resilience. Other demographic variables were also subjected to preliminary statistical examination; however, the results did not show significant differences. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between resilience and teacher efficacy, with resilience shown to be a significant predictor. While most background variables showed no significant impact, age was found to significantly affect teacher efficacy. This study provides empirical evidence on the connection between teacher efficacy and resilience in Macao's educational context, offering insights for the development of teacher support systems and professional growth strategies. 教師效能感與抗逆力對教育品質與學生發展具有關鍵影響。前者反映教師對自身教學能力的信念，影響其教學策略、班級經營與學生互動；後者則指教師面對壓力與挑戰時的適應與調節能力。本研究旨在探討澳門非高等教育教師的教師 效能感與抗逆力之現況，並分析不同背景變項下兩者之差異與關聯。 本研究以2024/2025學年非高等教育教學人員作研究對象，採用問卷調查法， 分別運用「教師效能感量表」（TSES）與「抗逆力量表」（CD-RISC）在「騰訊問 卷」平台進行線上問卷調查，對125名澳門非高等教育教師進行測量。數據分析方面，除採用描述性統計外，亦運用獨立樣本T 檢驗與單因子變異數分析，探討 背景變項在教師效能感與抗逆力上的差異；並透過結構方程模型進一步檢驗抗逆力對教師效能感的預測作用。 本研究共蒐集十一項背景變項，包括性別、年齡、婚姻狀況、最高學歷、師資培訓背景、服務年資（含本學年）、學校類別、學校規模、主要任教階段、主 要擔任職務及宗教信仰。考量到篇幅安排及研究焦點在於教師效能感與抗逆力的關係上，參照文獻中較常探討之變項，本研究選擇針對性別、年齡與服務年資（含 本學年）進行詳細分析，作為探討教師效能感與抗逆力差異情形之依據。其餘背景變項亦曾進行初步統計檢視，惟分析結果未呈現顯著差異。 研究結果顯示，大部分背景變項對教師效能感與抗逆力皆無顯著影響，惟年齡對教師效能感具有顯著差異。教師抗逆力與教師效能感之關係呈正相關，且抗逆力具預測效能感之作用。 本研究藉了解澳門教師效能感與抗逆力之間的關聯，為澳門教育環境下教師支持系統與專業發展策略提供參考。

This study aims to explore the work stress and coping strategies of inclusive education resource teachers in Macau primary schools during long-term online courses. Based on the findings, the study seeks to understand the characteristics of work stress and coping mechanisms among primary school resource teachers, providing recommendations for future practices and references for relevant educational authorities. The research methodology involved interviewing seven primary school resource teachers, with interview data analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed six sources of work stress for resource teachers in long-term online courses: First, parental and Societal Expectation Stress: Pressure from parental supervision, passive cooperation, and challenges in teaching innovation exacerbate psychological burdens, impacting online teaching effectiveness and teacher-student interaction quality. Second, technological Adaptation and Resource Limitations: Teachers face technological challenges, financial burdens, and environmental disruptions, affecting online teaching quality and efficiency. Third, workload and Career Development Stress: Online teaching intensifies dual responsibilities, peer competition, and salary inequity, worsening occupational stress and job dissatisfaction. Fourth, student Learning Outcomes and Behavior: Students’ technological inadequacies, lack of focus, low cooperation, difficulty in receiving feedback, and emotional issues increase teaching burdens and hinder online interaction effectiveness. Fifth, personal Health and Work-Life Balance: Online teaching exacerbates physical and mental strain, including physical fatigue, role conflict, and pandemic-related anxiety, undermining teaching stability and occupational security. Sixth, policy and Institutional Constraints: Ambiguous policies and poor course arrangements during the pandemic heighten decision-making pressure and psychological strain, diminishing teaching efficacy. In response to these stressors, teachers adopted tailored coping strategies. Finally, based on the findings, this study proposes recommendations for educational authorities, schools, primary school resource teachers, personal well-being, and future research. 本研究旨在探討澳門小學長期線上教學融合教育資源教師的工作壓力和因應的方式，並根據研究結果，了解小學資源教師的工作壓力與因應特性，以作為未來實務之建議及相關教育單位參考。在研究方法上，共訪談七位小學資源教師，並透過主題分析法分析訪談資料。研究結果發現小學資源教師的長期線上教學工作壓力來源有六個：（1）家長與社會期望壓力：家長監督壓力、消極合作與教學創新挑戰加劇教師心理負擔，影響線上教學成效與師生互動品質；（2）技術適應與資源限制：教師面臨技術挑戰、經濟負擔與環境干擾，影響線上教學品質與效能；（3）工作負擔與職業發展壓力：線上教學加重教師雙重任務、同儕競爭與薪資失衡，加劇職業壓力與工作不滿；（4）學生學習效果與行為：學生技術與專注力不足、配合度低、回饋難掌握及情緒問題，加劇教師教學負擔，影響線上互動成效；（5）個人健康與生活平衡：線上教學致教師身心負荷加劇，其中包括生理疲勞、角色衝突與疫情焦慮，衝擊教學穩定性與職業安全感；（6）政策與制度限制：疫情間政策模糊與課程安排失當，加劇教師決策壓力與心理負荷，影響教學效能。而針對疫情期間不同的壓力源，教師採取相對應的壓力因應方式。最後，本研究根據研究結果對教育主管機關、學校單位、小學資源教師、生活方面及未來進行之研究，提出相關建議。

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“Hygiene”, a “concept” discussed throughout this thesis, is now regarded as a necessary means to ""protect life"". It is generally believed that hygiene has a certain relationship to infectious diseases, and its definition is based on modern Western “hygiene” theory. In fact, the concept of “hygiene” also existed in ancient China, but the definition of “hygiene” differed from that in the West. In order to better distinguish between the two, the following thesis uses the word “wei sheng” for the traditional Chinese concept of “hygiene”. Its meaning refers to how people prevent diseases in their daily lives, including eating habits, daily life, and so forth, in order to achieve the related ideal of longevity, an interpretation that differs from the current definition of hygiene introduced from the West. This thesis will explain the difference between the two. In addition, this thesis uses Macau as a case study and example. As a place that was once colonized by Western countries, Macau has been particularly directly influenced by these modern ideas. Among them, the Western concept of “hygiene” was spread and implemented with the Portuguese management of Macau, especially in the construction of hospitals and measures taken in response to multiple plagues in the 19th century. How did the Chinese in Macau view these Western concepts? What changes did they prompt in Macau? This thesis will mainly discuss four questions. How did hygiene concepts change in China during the late Qing Dynasty? Taking Macau as an example, how did the Chinese view these changes? Did they prompt any conflicts between cultures? What was the relationship between changes in hygiene concepts and measures implemented to handle plagues and epidemics?

Mangrove resilience to anoxic conditions primarily occurs through adaptations in their root systems. Notably, increased root growth of existing pneumatophores in response to plastic suffocation has been observed in mangroves and can serve as a proxy to assess tree stress. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of varying levels of microplastic pollution on the morphological characteristics of mangrove plants. Fresh Kandelia obovata seedlings were collected from the Cotai Ecological Reserve, cultivated for 27 weeks, and subsequently exposed to polyethylene (PE) particles of 600 μm, 150 μm, and 13 μm in size at concentrations of 5% and 10% (w/w). The wet weight of the plant samples was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment, and morphological characteristics were recorded weekly. Morphological parameters including germination rate, number of leaves, root morphology, and survival rate, as well as environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), were evaluated to determine the influence of microplastic size, concentration, and environmental factors on plant development. Results indicate that smaller microplastics (13 μm) adversely affected the germination rate, leaf production, and survival of K. obovata. Furthermore, a higher concentration (10% w/w) of medium-sized microplastics (150 μm) led to a lower survival rate compared to the lower concentration group. These findings shows the negative impact of microplastic pollution on mangrove species and highlight the importance of addressing plastic contamination for effective mangrove conservation.

The essence of education, which is 'to foster goodness and rectify the lost,' profoundly reveals that it is about promoting students' strengths and compensating for their shortcomings. The core concept of inclusive education follows this vein, emphasizing acceptance and integration to ensure that every student can learn and grow in the same educational environment, and providing the most appropriate teaching based on the characteristics of the students. However, teachers face many challenges in implementing inclusive education, including a lack of professional knowledge, scarce resources, etc. This study conducted in-depth interviews with frontline teachers in Macau, collecting views on inclusive education from teachers who have never received inclusive education training and those who have received different types of training, elucidating the difficulties they encounter in teaching practice, and their views on the existing training system, in order to further improve teacher training in inclusive education. The results show that most teachers have a positive attitude towards inclusive education and agree with its concept and value, but teachers who have never received and those who have received professional inclusive education training still face many difficulties in actual teaching. Therefore, teachers have expressed the need for inclusive education training to better cope with the challenges in inclusive education. Based on the interview results, two specific suggestions were made for the current inclusive education training: one is to increase targeted short-term training courses and establish a feedback mechanism; the other is to enhance the localization of the curriculum to make the training content more in line with Macau's educational environment and actual needs. This study aims to propose specific plans to optimize inclusive education training by analyzing teachers' actual needs and suggestions, in the hope of enhancing teachers' professional competence and further promoting the development and practice of inclusive education. “教也者，長善而救其失者也”，深刻揭示教育的本質，即發揚學生的優點並彌補其不足。融合教育的核心理念與此一脈相承，強調通過接納與共融，確保每位學生都能在同一教育環境中共同學習與成長，並根據其特質提供最適合的教學。然而，教師在實施融合教育的過程中面臨諸多挑戰，包括專業知識不足、資源匱乏等問題。本研究通過對澳門前線教師進行深度訪談，收集未曾接受融合教育培訓和接受不同融合教育培訓的教師對融合教育的看法、闡述其在教學實踐中遇到的困難，以及對現有培訓體系的看法，以期能夠進一步完善融合教育的師資培訓。 研究結果顯示，大部分教師對融合教育持正面態度，認同其理念與價值，但未曾接受和已接受融合教育培訓的教師，在實際教學中仍面臨諸多困難。因此，教師表達對融合教育培訓的需求，以更好地應對融合教育中的挑戰。 基於訪談的結果，對現行的融合教育培訓提出兩方面的具體建議：一是增加具針對性的短期培訓課程，並建立反饋機制；二是加強課程的本土化，使培訓內容更貼合澳門的教育環境與實際需求。 本研究旨在通過分析教師的實際需求與建議，提出優化融合教育培訓的具體方案，以期能夠提升教師的專業素養，並進一步推動融合教育的發展與實踐。

This study examined the microbial contamination characteristics of three different roof materials (green roof, metal roof, and concrete roof) during rainfall events. Through runoff samples collected from multiple rainfall events in the experimental rainwater collection system model, the pollution characteristics of total colony-forming units, Escherichia coli, and total coliforms were analyzed in combination with water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and electrical conductivity. The study using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and found that the microbial contamination load of initial rainwater was significantly higher than that of subsequent runoff. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in microbial contamination caused by different roof materials. The results show that the metal roof performed the best in terms of microbial control, while the green roof had the poorest microbial control efficiency. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed that turbidity and conductivity were significantly positively correlated with microbial contamination, confirming that pollutants and nutrient ions are core factors driving microbial proliferation. Moreover, the metal roof exhibited outstanding disinfection efficacy under direct sunlight (microbial survival rate 0.00003% - 0.0004%), its high reflectivity and thermal conductivity working in synergy with UV radiation to destroy microbial DNA, while under shaded conditions, the sterilization efficiency decreased by approximately 100 times. The study suggests that metal roofs should be prioritized for use in water quality-sensitive scenarios. Green roofs need to be equipped with initial rainwater retention and substrate antibacterial improvement, and concrete roofs can enhance their antibacterial ability through hydrophobic surface treatment. The study provides a scientific basis for improving the design of rainwater collection systems in Macau, enriching the research cases of roof runoff pollution in tropical coastal cities, and is of great significance for improving the urban rainwater management system and protecting water environmental quality. 本研究考察了三种不同屋顶材料（绿色屋顶、金属屋顶和混凝土屋顶）在降雨期间的微生物污染特征。通过在实验雨水收集系统模型中多次降雨事件所采集的径流样本，结合 pH 值、浊度、化学需氧量（COD）和电导率等水质参数，对总菌落形成单位、大肠杆菌和总大肠菌群的污染特征进行了分析。研究采用威尔科克森符号秩检验，发现初期雨水的微生物污染负荷显著高于后续径流。采用曼 - 惠特尼 U 检验比较了不同屋顶材料造成的微生物污染差异。结果表明，金属屋顶在微生物控制方面表现最佳，而绿色屋顶的微生物控制效率最差。斯皮尔曼相关性分析表明，浊度和电导率与微生物污染显著正相关，这证实了污染物和营养离子是驱动微生物增殖的核心因素。此外，金属屋顶在阳光直射下表现出卓越的消毒效果（微生物存活率 0.00003% - 0.0004%），其高反射率和热导率与紫外线辐射协同作用，破坏微生物 DNA，而在遮阴条件下，其杀菌效率降低约 100 倍。该研究建议，在水质敏感的场景中应优先使用金属屋顶。绿色屋顶需要配备初期雨水截留装置和基质抗菌改进措施，而混凝土屋顶可通过疏水表面处理来增强其抗菌能力。该研究为澳门雨水收集系统的设计改进提供了科学依据，丰富了热带沿海城市屋顶径流污染的研究案例，对于完善城市雨水管理系统和保护水环境质量具有重要意义。

With the cross development of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, the bio signal-based environmental adaptive technology has become a research frontier in the field of smart home. In this paper, we propose a smart aromatherapy machine system that can combine brainwave (EEG) monitoring and AI-driven, aiming to achieve dynamic optimisation of the home environment through real-time EEG signal analysis. The study first builds a multimodal data acquisition module to extract the characteristic frequency bands such as α-wave and β-wave to identify the user's relaxation, concentration or fatigue state. Secondly, a lightweight deep learning model is designed to classify EEG signals in real-time and ensure low-latency interaction through edge computing architecture. The system dynamically regulates the aromatherapy machine based on the classification results. Users can self-select a theme in the system according to their preferences or emotions, and then the aromatherapy device releases the corresponding aroma according to the selected theme to help the user fall asleep more easily. During sleep, the system continuously tracks the user's sleep dynamics through an integrated sleep monitoring application, which transmits the data to the device. At the same time, the system collects and analyses detailed data on sleep quality, dream activity and scent adjustment to generate a comprehensive report that is sent to the user's smartphone. This innovative design not only enhances the user experience, but also provides a scientific basis for assessing individual sleep conditions. Current research shows that aromatherapy has a positive effect on improving sleep quality and relieving anxiety symptoms. However, there is still a lack of research on the dynamic adjustment of fragrance based on real-time sleep data. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a system that enables personalised fragrance release based on user preferences and real-time sleep monitoring data, providing users with an unprecedented sleep experience.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical public health concern given that individuals spend approximately 90% of their time in enclosed environments. Poor IAQ has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and cognitive impairment, while improvements in air quality have demonstrated measurable benefits, including enhanced workplace productivity (2 to 7 times greater efficiency) and reduced prevalence of asthma and allergies. This study investigates IAQ across diverse occupational settings in Macao, employing a combination of environmental sampling and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) exposure model to assess health risks associated with prolonged indoor exposure. Field sampling was conducted in five representative workplaces (restaurants, student dormitories, auto repair shops, offices, and parking security rooms), and particulate matter was collected from air conditioning filters to detect heavy metal content in the samples. Subsequently, we applied the PMF model to analyze the pollution sources and the US EPA exposure model to assess health risks and evaluate the carcinogenic risks in the five representative workplaces. The forward matrix factorization (PMF) model identified six major pollution sources: traffic emissions (23.8%, Zn/Sb), building materials (21.6%, Al/Ti), cooking activities (18.5%, Na/Ca), chemicals (15.2%, Ag/B), electronic devices (12.3%, Tl), and outdoor activities (8.6%, Co/Ni). The health risk assessment using the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) exposure model showed that the overall non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 6.16×10^-6) and carcinogenic risk (6.57×10^-9) were below the safety threshold, indicating that its direct health hazard was minimal. However, nickel and chromium were identified as the main contributors to potential long-term risks.This study is currently only a preliminary exploratory study and provides a basis for subsequent research.These findings underscore the necessity for site-specific IAQ management strategies, such as enhanced mechanical ventilation, air filtration upgrades, and occupancy regulations. The study provides policymakers with evidence-based insights to mitigate health risks in high-exposure environments while establishing a framework for future IAQ monitoring in urban settings.

Against the backdrop of the current rapid social and economic development, the scope and duration of urban women's travel activities have expanded significantly. Consequently, personal safety issues, especially violent incidents encountered during travel, have become increasingly prominent. This study focuses on the field of UI design, specifically the development of applications for women's safety, aiming to address the crucial issue of how to customize applications to meet women's safety needs. Although various safety applications already exist in the market, those specifically designed for women are scarce. To this end, we employed a quantitative research method, conducting an in-depth exploration of urban women aged between 18 and 65 through questionnaires, case analyses, and literature reviews. This research aims to design a mobile application specifically targeting urban women aged 18 to 65, with the goal of enhancing their safety and autonomy during travel. The main objective of the study is to use technological means to assist women's travel safety, while emphasizing that technological solutions should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes legal, educational, and other measures to improve women's sense of security. Through function optimization and intelligent design, a user-friendly and efficient interface will be created, enabling women to take immediate action and obtain necessary help and support when facing potential threats. Future work will focus on function optimization and intelligence enhancement, establishing a user feedback loop, and conducting long-term follow-up research, in order to continuously improve and refine the application and further safeguard women's travel safety.

In this paper, we demonstrate that the effects of Dark-Matter, partially in the way proposed by the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), emerge naturally from the standard theory of General Relativity (without any modification) under a new proposed vacuum solution. There is a family of metric solutions able to reproduce the galaxy rotation curves and the relevant scales where the Dark-Matter effects are supposed to appear in a galaxy. This family of solutions deviate from the standard spherically symmetric solution. The proposed formulation, being relativistic by nature, opens the scenario where we can test the relativistic effects attributed to Dark-Matter and having relevance in cosmology. Among such effects, we have gravitational lensing, effects on the CMB scenario and effects on the formation of galaxies.

In the hype of multi-/inter-disciplinarity, is the voi-ce or voices of theistic religions and the attendant philosophical moral awareness (etymologically bet-ter rendered as conscientização in Portuguese) still meant to be heard? Can classical tales of saints and sinners remain part of the canon of public literacy? How existential is the threat of “organised religions” or otherwise established ecclesiastical structures posed to society when they are accused of attempting to fight proxy crusades against humanitarian enlightenment under the guise of religious literature? Are tenets pro-pounded by scholars like Gavin D’Costa in Theology and the Public Square (2005) to be politely bracketed when discussing perennial values? Values that respon-sible media strive to propagate, particularly the value of human dignity eulogised by the life exemplars of great figures in times of existential crises of whatever magnitude. With these questions in mind, this article will hearken back to the stories of two “grandees” in the Roman Catholic tradition who left their marks on the pages of the development of modern English and Chinese literacy. Newman’s Apologia pro vita sua(1865) is just but one of the tactical devises for his defense of creedal integrity, while Ma Xiangbo engaged in catholicising the Chinese national ethos through educational literacy for close to half a century. We shall phenomenologically draw inspirations from their parallel vision and experience on what lends power to the medium of words and deeds in shaping informed public conscience in regard to the core values of truth, good, and beauty.

Critical thinking disposition (CTD) is increasingly recognized as an important trait in education, reflecting the inclination and habits necessary for addressing complex challenges in today's world. This study assessed the CTD of students enrolled in a tourism and gaming management programme, focusing on two key dimensions: Analyticity and Open-Mindedness. This study was conducted at a university in Macao and involved 65 participants. The students were presented with an article relevant to their major, written in Traditional Chinese, and were asked to provide their opinions on each statement in the article. A rubric was designed to analyze their responses and assess their Analyticity and Open-Mindedness within the CTD framework. The results demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.91) and revealed an association between Analyticity and Open-Mindedness. Using Python programming, the study analyzed the frequency of parts of speech (POS) in students' responses, introducing a novel approach for evaluating CTD in Traditional Chinese. Regression modeling showed that parallel and adversative conjunctions significantly predicted Analyticity, while the frequency of conjunction use varied across Open-Mindedness classifications. These findings highlighted an innovative and objective method for assessing CTD through text analysis, offering promising applications for educational research in Traditional Chinese-speaking contexts.

Critical thinking disposition (CTD) is increasingly recognized as an important trait in education, reflecting the inclination and habits necessary for addressing complex challenges in today's world. This study assessed the CTD of students enrolled in a tourism and gaming management programme, focusing on two key dimensions: Analyticity and Open-Mindedness. This study was conducted at a university in Macao and involved 65 participants. The students were presented with an article relevant to their major, written in Traditional Chinese, and were asked to provide their opinions on each statement in the article. A rubric was designed to analyze their responses and assess their Analyticity and Open-Mindedness within the CTD framework. The results demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.91) and revealed an association between Analyticity and Open-Mindedness. Using Python programming, the study analyzed the frequency of parts of speech (POS) in students' responses, introducing a novel approach for evaluating CTD in Traditional Chinese. Regression modeling showed that parallel and adversative conjunctions significantly predicted Analyticity, while the frequency of conjunction use varied across Open-Mindedness classifications. These findings highlighted an innovative and objective method for assessing CTD through text analysis, offering promising applications for educational research in Traditional Chinese-speaking contexts.

Background: Maternal infections are linked to neurodevelopmental impairments, highlighting the need to investigate SARS-CoV-2-induced immune activation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal infection on neurodevelopment and investigate whether cytokine and chemokine profiles predict delays at 24 months. Methods: Conducted in Brazil (January 2021–March 2022), this follow-up study included 18 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women at 35–37 weeks’ gestation, 15 umbilical cord blood samples, and blood samples from 15 children at 6 months and 14 at 24 months. Developmental delay was defined using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, with scores below 90 in cognitive, communication, or motor domains. Results: At 6 months, 33.3% of infants exhibited cognitive delays, 20% communication delays, and 40% motor delays, increasing to 35.71%, 64.29%, and 57.14% at 24 months, respectively. Elevated interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in cord blood correlated with cognitive delays, while interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-1β were associated with motor delays. Increased C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 and other cytokines were associated with communication delays. Conclusion: Maternal SARS-CoV-2 may impact infant neurodevelopment, as early cytokine elevations correlate with delays, highlighting the importance of early monitoring and interventions to reduce long-term effects. Impact: Prenatal SARS-COV-2 infection in pregnant women is linked to developmental delays in toddlers, with cytokine and chemokine changes associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months. This study shows the long-term impact of maternal SARS-COV-2 infection on child development, highlighting inflammatory markers like IFN-γ, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-1β, and CXCL10. Identifying specific cytokines correlating with cognitive, communication, and motor delays suggests potential biomarkers for early intervention. Conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil, the study emphasizes understanding local epidemiological impacts on child development, especially in regions with high infection rates. (Figure presented.)

In this paper, we investigate black hole evaporation from the path integral perspective. We demonstrate that besides the standard thermodynamic modes, there are non-thermodynamic modes of black hole evaporation which contain remnants. The pure thermodynamic process is recovered when the Gauss-Bonnet action is involved. This scenario opens a new window for analyzing the process of black-hole evaporation.