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While soundscapes shape the structure and function of auditory systems over evolutionary timescales, there is limited information regarding the adaptation of wild fish populations to their natural acoustic environments. This is particularly relevant for freshwater ecosystems, which are extremely diverse and face escalating pressures from human activities and associated noise pollution. The Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens is one of the most important cultured species in the global ornamental fish market and is increasingly recognized as a model organism for genetics and behavioural studies. This air-breathing species (Anabantoidei), characterized by the presence of a suprabranchial labyrinth organ that enhances auditory sensitivity, is native to Southeast Asia and inhabits low flow freshwater ecosystems that are increasingly threatened due to habitat destruction and pollution. We characterized the underwater soundscape, along with various ecological parameters, across five marshland habitats of B. splendens, from lentic waterbodies to small canals near a lake in Chiang Rai province (Thailand). All habitats exhibited common traits of low dissolved oxygen and dense herbaceous vegetation. Soundscapes were relatively quiet with Sound Pressure Level (SPL) around 102-105 dB re 1 mu Pa and most spectral energy below 1,000 Hz. Sound recordings captured diverse biological sounds, including potential fish vocalizations, but primarily insect sounds. Hearing thresholds were determined using auditory evoked potential (AEP) recordings, revealing best hearing range within 100-400 Hz. Males exhibited lower hearing thresholds than females at 400 and 600 Hz. This low-frequency tuning highlights the potential susceptibility of B. splendens to anthropogenic noise activities. This study provides first characterization of the auditory sensitivity and natural soundscape of B. splendens, establishing an important ground for future hearing research in this species. The information provided on the auditory sensory adaptation of B. splendens emphasizes the importance of preserving quiet soundscapes from lentic freshwater ecosystems.

—Orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation, combined with massive multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) technology, offers robust performance in high-mobility environments and high-user densities by capturing the full diversity of the wireless channel and effectively utilizing spatial multiplexing. This article introduces an adaptive block sparse backtracking (ABSB) algorithm designed to enhance channel estimation in OTFS with massive MIMO (massive MIMO-OTFS) systems. The proposed ABSB algorithm features dynamic block size adjustment based on the residual signal, improving its adaptability to the varying sparsity structure of the channel. Additionally, the algorithm extends the selection range of related block atoms to increase redundancy, reducing the risk of underfitting. Comprehensive simulation results demonstrate that the ABSB algorithm significantly outperforms traditional pilot-based methods in terms of channel estimation accuracy. It also surpasses the block orthogonal matching pursuit (BOMP) method as well as other classical compressed sensing methods. Specifically, the ABSB algorithm achieves up to a 20% reduction in estimation error compared to some of these traditional methods. The enhanced adaptability and robustness of the ABSB algorithm make it a promising solution for channel estimation in massive MIMO-OTFS systems, paving the way for more reliable and efficient next-generation wireless communications.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is receiving growing attention as the number of diagnoses continues to rise. However, there is a lack of resources focused on investigating interventions that could improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD. People with ASD often encounter difficulties in social interactions, and their challenges in recognizing emotions further hinder their ability to understand social cues and build relationships. This emotional recognition deficit is thought to be influenced by observed brain abnormalities in the frontal lobe for people with ASD. Given these significant factors, it is crucial to explore potential interventions. The present study utilized Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as an intervention for individuals with ASD and assessed their emotional recognition abilities, complemented by EEG recordings to explore the efficacy of DMT. A total of 12 one-hour DMT sessions were conducted with the experimental group (n=6), while the control group (n=5) received no intervention. Participants were presented with the Revised Version of the Averaged Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces (AKDEF), which included 36 images (excluding neutral images and full left and right profiles) at four intervals: pre-therapy (T1), after the 4th session (T2), after the 8th session (T3), and post-therapy (T4), while task for control group was present in two-week intervals. EEG band power for alpha and beta frequencies in the frontal lobe was recorded using the EMOTIV EPOC X at the AF4, F4, F3, and AF3 sites. Results indicated that the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy on emotional recognition tasks compared to the control group, although no significant differences were found between trials. In contrast, EEG signal analysis revealed significant differences between trials in both groups. A comparison of the correlation between emotional recognition tasks and EEG band power highlighted intriguing contrasts, suggesting potential insights into the learning effects. The experimental group exhibited peak performance at T2, followed by a decline at T3 and T4; while the control group showed a decrease at T2, an increase at T3, and another decrease at T4. It is proposed that the learning observed in the experimental group at T2, following four sessions of DMT, enhanced their ability to perform the emotional recognition tasks, resulting a subsequent decrease in alpha and beta power at T3 and T4, suggesting that less effort was needed during image perception and. In contrast, the control group struggled to learn, which may indicate that learning was not occurred for the controls. This relationship has not been explicitly explored in current research, and further investigations are recommended. Nonetheless, the findings indicate that DMT is effective to some extent in enhancing emotional recognition skills among individuals with ASD, suggesting its potential utility for social services to consider in their offerings. Future studies would benefit from incorporating a larger sample size or employing clinical EEG recording devices to further refine the results.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being applied in different areas of Administration and Management including finance, e-commerce, etc. Project Management (PM) is one area that may benefit from the use of AI to support project managers in making more accurate predictions, more quickly, such as deadline adjustments and cost updates, while at the same time helping with some of repetitive tasks of PM by relieving managers from these processes. Nevertheless, multiple aspects are still in consideration to allow AI to be widely adopted in PM, including lack of validated systems, including aspects of quality and prevalence, trust from users, market and specialists, and how the government will play a role to support the wider adoption of AI tools. This research explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Project Management and its potential to enhance four aspects: service quality, trust, prevalence, and government support. The proposed methodology employs a systematic literature review (SLR) combining with a quantitative survey to assess the current state of AI in project management. The SLR covers scholarly articles from 2016 to 2021, focusing on AI's impact on project management across various industries. The survey, conducted among 200 professionals, gathers insights into AI's perceived benefits and challenges in project management. The research findings indicate a positive inclination towards AI in project management, with respondents recognizing its potential to improve efficiency, support data-driven decisions, and enhance risk management. However, the study also reveals concerns regarding data quality, privacy, and the need for ethical considerations in AI applications. Most respondents agree on the necessity of government support to foster AI adoption and the importance of establishing trust in AI systems through transparency and security measures. The thesis concludes with recommendations for practitioners and policymakers to effectively leverage AI in project management. It proposes a framework including the development of training programs, the establishment of quality standards for AI services, and the promotion of public-private partnerships to drive innovation. The study emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to AI integration, considering technological, organizational, and ethical dimensions.

This current study assessed the toxicity of selected heavy metals in paddy and sediments of non-major production sites in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, complemented by bibliometric analysis of research trends and health implications of rice contamination. Paddy (grains, stems, roots) and soil samples were collected from seven selected sites in the Southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for their heavy metals content. The health risk assessments were conducted based on estimated daily intake, and the Web of Science database was used for bibliometric analysis. The results indicated elevated levels of manganese, Mn (0.4 ± 0.07), especially in the roots, compared to other heavy metals. Generally, the heavy metal levels in paddy grains were below FAO/WHO’s tolerable daily intake levels, indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children. The bibliometric analysis indicated a significant increase in related publications, reflecting growing academic interest. This study highlights the potential of non-major sites to produce rice with lower contamination levels, provides insights into research trends, and identifies future investigation areas, especially for major production sites and post-COVID-19 periods. Therefore, this study offers a robust scientific context, identifies research gaps, benchmarks findings, and guides future research directions, ensuring an in-depth perception on heavy metal contamination and its health risks. © This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This article explores the intersection between traditional textile craftsmanship and digital innovation through the Hands series, a project that integrates tangible and virtual artefacts. Grounded in post-digital aesthetics, Hands examines the rematerialisation of textile heritage by combining traditional techniques with immersive technologies such as augmented reality and digital modelling. The project questions the physical and digital dichotomy, proposing new ways of experiencing textile art beyond its material constraints. By incorporating multisensory elements and interactivity, Hands redefines the engagement between spectators and artefacts, expanding the narrative potential of textile traditions in contemporary artistic practice. This study critically analyses how post-digital textile aesthetics can serve as a bridge between preservation and innovation, fostering an enriched sensory experience. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities of integrating emerging technologies into artistic processes, reinforcing the relevance of sensory engagement in digital art contexts.

As a special administrative region of China, Macau, despite its small size and limited resources, has been actively promoting low-carbon development to address the global climate change challenge. In recent years, Macao has provided important support for achieving the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality by formulating a series of policies, such as energy management, promotion of green buildings and optimization of waste treatment. However, despite the clarity of the policy framework, its actual implementation and effectiveness still need to be systematically reviewed. This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, interviews and questionnaires to gain an in-depth understanding of the social acceptance and public participation of policies, and quantitative data to analyze the implementation effects of policies, with a view to revealing the advantages and disadvantages of low-carbon policies in Macao. The research results will systematically evaluate the effectiveness of low-carbon policies in Macao from multiple levels. On the one hand, quantitative data will provide a clear empirical basis for the progress of low-carbon policies; On the other hand, qualitative research will reveal key social and technological barriers to policy implementation, helping to understand the impact of public attitudes and behaviour on policy effectiveness. These results can not only provide reference for Macao's future low-carbon policy adjustment, but also provide experience for other similar cities to cope with similar challenges in low-carbon development. The importance of this study lies in its dual contribution to academia and practice. At the academic level, this study has enriched the theoretical research on low-carbon city development, especially the special challenges of carbon emission reduction in resource-limited cities. At the practical level, the results of this study can directly provide policy makers with specific suggestions for improving low-carbon policies, such as resource allocation, technology introduction and public awareness. Through these analyses, the study hopes to provide a practical roadmap for Macao to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality, as well as a valuable reference for the low-carbon development of similar cities around the world.

Counterfeiting in luxury fashion presents unique opportunities for brands. While it negatively impacts them by diluting exclusivity, it also affects consumer psychology in unexpectedly positive ways. Authentic consumers may feel pride in being copied, enhancing their perceived status by owning something only a few can possess. Additionally, counterfeits act as free marketing tools, increasing brand awareness on a scale not otherwise accessible, especially for niche or inconspicuous luxury brands. Moreover, counterfeiting offers an opportunity for differentiation through sustainability. Counterfeiters, focused on low-cost production, often cannot commit to sustainable and ethical standards. Luxury brands can leverage this by emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, distancing themselves from counterfeits. Strategically, this allows brands to attract consumers who previously purchased counterfeits, converting them into loyal customers of authentic products. This chapter explores how luxury fashion brands can leverage these dual dynamics to strengthen their market position.

This study aims to explore the difficulties and challenges faced by regular primary school teachers in Macao when dealing with inclusive students in the classroom. As the concept of inclusive education deepens, the number of inclusive students in Macao has been increasing, but the growth of schools participating in inclusive education has been slow, posing more challenges for regular primary school teachers. This research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining classroom observations and in-depth interviews to comprehensively understand the issues teachers face. The study conducted structured observations of 15 lessons, covering 5 grade levels and 5 subjects, and carried out in-depth interviews with 7 teachers. The findings reveal: (1) Inclusive students generally experience difficulties in classroom participation, task completion, and independent learning; (2) Teachers generally lack sufficient professional knowledge and skills to effectively address the needs of inclusive students; (3) Schools lack resources and support, including adaptive curriculum arrangements and assessment methods for inclusive students; (4) There are contradictions between current educational policies and practical needs, such as the no-retention policy for grades 1-4, which may lead to missing the best intervention timing for inclusive students. Based on the research results, this paper proposes recommendations including strengthening teacher professional development, optimizing school resource allocation, improving educational policies, reinforcing early identification and intervention mechanisms, and promoting home-school cooperation. These findings and suggestions provide important references for policy-making and practical improvements in inclusive education in Macao. 本研究旨在探討澳門普通小學教師在課堂應對融合學生時所面臨的困難及挑戰。隨著融合教育理念的普及，澳門融合學生數量不斷增加，但參與融合教育的學校數量增長緩慢，使得普通小學教師面臨更多挑戰。本研究採用混合研究方法，結合課堂觀察和深度訪談，以全面了解教師面臨的問題。 研究對15節課進行了結構化觀察，涵蓋5個年級和5個學科，並對7位教師進行了深度訪談。研究發現：（一、）融合學生在課堂參與、任務完成和自主學習等方面普遍存在困難；（二、）教師普遍缺乏足夠的專業知識和技能來有效應對融合學生；（三、）學校資源和支援不足，缺乏針對融合學生的適應性課程安排和評核方式；（四、）現行教育政策與實際需求之間存在矛盾，如一至四年級不留級制度可能導致錯過融合學生最佳干預時機。 基於研究結果，本文提出了加強教師專業發展、優化學校資源配置、完善教育政策、強化早期識別和干預機制，以及促進家校合作等建議。這些發現和建議為澳門融合教育的政策制定和實踐改進提供了重要參考。 關鍵詞：融合教育，普通小學教師，融合學生，澳門

本研究旨在探討跨學科教學方法在數學教育中的應用效果,特別聚焦於編 程與數學課程的整合。探討結合數學與編程的跨學科教學設計對小學四年級學 生的影響,旨在提升學生的數學和編程學習的成效。研究採用 5E 教學模式, 將 Scratch 3.0 編程活動融入數學課程,並進行實驗以評估其成效。研究對象為 澳門一所學校兩個四年級普通班級(A 班和 B 班)的學生,分為實驗組和對照 組。研究採用交叉設計,進行兩次實驗:實驗一以 A 班為實驗組、B 班為對照 組,進行《旋轉對稱圖形》單元的跨學科教學;實驗二則互換角色,以 B 班為 實驗組、A 班為對照組,進行《可以被 3 整除的數》單元的跨學科教學。研究 使用數學單元測驗卷、數學學習動機量表,以及學生的數學測驗成績和編程學 習動機量表作為評估工具。 研究結果顯示: 一、數學成績提升:實驗組學生的數學成績顯著高於對照組。 二、數學學習動機增強:實驗組學生在數學興趣和自我效能感方面均有顯 著提升。 三、編程學習動機提升:實驗組在編程社會價值、感知編程效用、編程興 趣和自我效能方面均有顯著的提升。 結論指出,實施編程活動融入數學科的跨學科教學,提升學生的數學成 績、數學和編程的學習動機。建議應推廣此類跨學科教學,並加強教師培訓及 教學資源開發,以提高學生的學習動機和成效。未來研究可擴大樣本範圍,探 討長期效果及多學科整合的影響。 This study investigates the impact of interdisciplinary teaching design integrating mathematics and programming on fourth-grade elementary school students, aiming to enhance their learning outcomes in both subjects. The research employs the 5E instructional model, incorporating Scratch 3.0 programming into the mathematics curriculum, and conducts experiments to evaluate its effectiveness. The study subjects are two regular fourth-grade classes (Class A and Class B) from a school in Macau, divided into experimental and control groups. A crossover design is used, conducting two experiments: in Experiment 1, Class A serves as the experimental group and Class B as the control group for the "Rotational Symmetry Figures" unit; in Experiment 2, the roles are reversed, with Class B as the experimental group and Class A as the control group for the "Numbers Divisible by 3" unit. The study uses mathematics learning motivation and programming learning motivation scales as assessment tools. Major research findings are as follows: 1. Improved mathematics performance: The experimental group's mathematics scores were significantly higher than the control group's. 2. Enhanced mathematics learning motivation: The experimental group showed significant improvements in mathematics interest and self-efficacy. 3. Increased programming learning motivation: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in programming social value, perceived programming utility, programming interest, and self-efficacy. The conclusion indicates that the 5E instructional model effectively promotes the integration of mathematics and programming, enhancing students' learning outcomes. It is recommended that educational institutions promote such interdisciplinary teaching and strengthen teacher training and teaching resource development to improve students' learning motivation and effectiveness. Future research could expand the sample size to explore long-term effects and the impact of multi-disciplinary integration.

本研究旨在探討澳門 25-34 歲年齡層個人對生育權的認知與理解,以及這 些觀點對其生涯規劃和性別平等態度的影響。澳門作為一個快速發展的特別行 政區,關於生殖權的討論仍然較為缺乏,這使得本研究特別重要,因為它有助 於填補這一領域的知識空白。本研究採用質性研究方法,通過有目的抽樣,對 20 名年齡在 25-34 歲之間的澳門居民進行半結構訪談,並以詮釋學方法分析數 據。 研究發現如下: 1. 男性參與者更關注個人角色和責任,並反思社會期望和文化價值觀。 2. 女性參與者則更關注社會期望與個人自主權的衝突,並關心性別平等和 個人權利。 這些差異突顯了性別角色和社會責任在男性和女性身上的不同詮釋,並反映 了社會、文化和個人因素對於性別觀點的塑造作用。研究結果對於推動澳門的 性別平等政策和生殖權利保障具有重要意義,並為後續研究提供了實證基礎。 This study aims to explore the awareness and understanding of reproductive rights among individuals aged 25-34 in Macau, as well as the impact of these views on their career planning and attitudes towards gender equality. As a rapidly developing Special Administrative Region, Macau still lacks extensive discussion on reproductive rights, making this research particularly important as it helps to fill the knowledge gap in this field. The study employs qualitative research methods, using purposive sampling to conduct semi-structured interviews with 20 Macau residents aged 25-34, and analyzes the data using hermeneutic methods. The findings of the study are as follows: 1. Male participants are more concerned with individual roles and responsibilities, and they reflect on societal expectations and cultural values. 2. Female participants are more focused on the conflict between societal expectations and personal autonomy, and they are concerned with gender equality and individual rights. These differences highlight the varying interpretations of gender roles and social responsibilities between men and women and reflect the influence of social, cultural, and personal factors on gender perspectives. The research results have significant implications for promoting gender equality policies and reproductive rights protection in Macau, providing an empirical basis for subsequent studies.

Este livro é resultado do I International Meeting da Law and Development Research Network (LDRN) ou Rede de Pesquisa Direito e Desenvolvimento. As temáticas do encontro internacional foram os objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável, o desenvolvimento e a inclusão socioeconômicos. O evento foi organizado pelo grupo de pesquisa Direito e Sociedade Econômica (DISE), que completa uma década, orientado à pesquisa e à solução de problemas socioeconômicos sob a ótica jurídica. Está vinculado ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Direito da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (PPGD/UNESC), localizado em Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brasil. O evento contou com o apoio institucional da Universidade São José (USJ, Macau-China), da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM, Moçambique) e da UNESC. Participaram do comitê científico Prof. Dr. Almeida Zacarias Machava (UEM); Prof. Dr. Ângelo Patrício Rafael (USJ); Prof. Dra. Camila Villard Duran, ESSCA School of Management, França; Prof. Dr. Fernando de Magalhães Furlan, UNICEPLAC, Brasil; e Prof. Dra. Rúbia Carneiro Neves, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A coordenação-geral coube ao Prof. Dr. Yduan de Oliveira May, UNESC, coordenador do DISE e da LDRN. Cumprimenta-se o Prof. Dr. Ansoumane Douty Diakité (USJ) pelo prefácio, no qual discorre com generosidade suas impressões das atividades da LDRN e a ordenação temática deste livro.

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.

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.