Your search
Results 1,318 resources
-
This study focuses on the field of inclusive education using qualitative methods, conducting semi-structured interviews with eight secondary school teachers in a school in Macau that is not participating in inclusive education programs. Employing ecological systems theory, it explores their understanding, perceptions, willingness toward inclusive education, the challenges they face, and their suggestions. The findings reveal that interactions among various systemic levels shape teachers' attitudes. At the macrosystem, limited societal understanding and prevalent public prejudices against students with special needs influence teachers' perceptions and acceptance. The exosystem highlights a lack of professional training and policy support, undermining teachers' capabilities and confidence. Communication barriers between teachers, parents, and colleagues within the mesosystem hinder the exchange of information about students with special needs. At the microsystem, teachers' personal perceptions and experiences mold their attitudes, where stereotypes and negative experiences impact their approach and, consequently, student learning. To address these challenges, teachers suggest that Macau should establish bachelor's degree programs, enhance teacher training, and increase societal advocacy. Additionally, schools should create teams focused on inclusive education and ensure the provision of necessary resources. Based on these insights, this study suggests that school should build inclusive education teams and provide school-based training programs, and the government should improve the practicality of teacher training and enhance public and parental understanding of inclusive education, to facilitate its effective implementation by teachers. 本研究聚焦於融合教育領域,採用質性研究方法,透過半結構式訪談收集 八位澳門非參與融合教育計劃學校中學教師的見解,並以生態系統理論為框 架,探討他們對融合教育的認知、看法、實施意願和挑戰,以及他們的建議。 研究發現,各系統間相互的影響形成了教師的態度。在宏觀系統上,社會 對融合教育的認識不足、大眾對融合生的偏見會影響教師對融合生的看法和接 納程度。在外部系統中,教師感受到專業培訓和政策支持的缺失,削弱了他們 實施融合教育的能力和信心。而在中間系統,教師與家長及同事的溝通上出現 障礙,使得教師在獲取融合生信息方面遭遇挑戰。微觀系統中,教師的認知和 經驗進一步塑造了他們的態度,他們雖認識到融合生有特殊需求,但對融合生 的刻板印象影響着學生的發展。此外,失敗的經驗、工作壓力也對他們的態度 造成負面影響,繼而影響到學生的學習。受訪教師提出,高等院校應設立學士 學位,政府應加開教師培訓,同時加強社會宣導,學校亦應建立融合教育小組 和提供適當的設備,以改善現存的問題。 基於上述發現,本研究建議學校成立融合教育小組和提供校本培訓,並呼 籲政府加強教師培訓的實用性、提高家長和公眾對融合教育的宣導,以協助教 師有效實施融合教育。
-
This study investigates the stress levels experienced by mainstream schoolteachers in Macao when working with students with special educational needs (SEN). Using a quantitative research approach, the study examines the current conditions faced by these educators. ""Mainstream schools"" in this context refer to private school not participating in the government’s inclusive education program. The research employed a questionnaire survey targeting kindergarten, primary, and secondary school teachers across Macao’s mainstream schools. Data were collected using a self-designed instrument, the Macao Mainstream Teachers’ Stress Questionnaire in Working with SEN Students, through via snowball sampling. A total of 92 valid responses were received. Statistical analyses—including one-sample t-tests, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM)— were conducted, obtaining the following results: 1. Macao mainstream schoolteachers reported moderate-to-high stress levels when working with SEN students, with the ""student behavioral issues"" representing the most significant stress domain. 2. No significant differences in overall stress or subscale scores were observed across teachers’ gender, teaching experience, educational qualifications, or teaching stages(kindergarten/primary/secondary 3. Teachers with different professional backgrounds exhibited significant differences in overall stress, student-related issues, curriculum and teaching , and professional competence, but not in support systems. 4. Significant differences in support systems were found among teachers holding different roles or teaching different student types, though no disparities emerged in other dimensions. 5. Student-related issues, professional competence, and support systems with a notable directional influence with curriculum and teaching. Also significant correlations were identified between Professional competence and support systems. Based on these findings, the study proposes actionable recommendations for educational authorities, school administrators, frontline teachers, and future researchers. 本研究主要探討澳門普通學校教師在面對有特殊教育需要學生時的壓力情 況,透過量性研究的方法,了解澳門普通學校教師的實際情況。普通學校是指沒 有參與政府融合教育計劃的私立學校。 本研究採用問卷調查法,以全澳普通學校的中、小、幼教師為研究對象,以 自編的「澳門普通教師在面對有特殊教育需要學生時的壓力調查問卷」為研究工 具蒐集數據。研究採用滾雪球方式填答,共收回有效問卷91 份。使用單一樣本 t 檢定、獨立樣本t 檢定、單因子等級變異數據分析、單因子變異數據分析、驗證性因子分析、構建結構方程模型統計方法,進行資料處理分析,獲得結果如下: 一、 澳門普通學校教師在面對有特殊教育需要學生時壓力現況呈「中等程度」, 其中「學生問題」層面的壓力相對最大。 二、 不同性別、服務年資、最高學歷、任教學段在整體教師壓力及各層面上沒有顯著差異。 三、 不同專業背景教師在「整體壓力」、「學生問題」、「課程教學」、「專業能力」上有顯著差異。而在「支持系統」上沒有顯著差異。 四、 擔任不冋職務及教授不同學生類型的教師在「支持系統」上有顯著差異。 而在其他層面上沒有顯著差異。 五、 「學生問題」、「專業能力」及「支持系統」與「課程教學」呈預測效應。 「專業能力」與「支持系統」呈顯著相關。 最後,本研究根據研究成果提出具體建議,供教育相關部門、學校行政、前線教師及未來研究者參考應用。
-
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。
-
Financial Valuation of Starbucks Ltd.
-
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。
-
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。
-
This study explores how to effectively evaluate the efficiency of environmental education (EE) among college students in Guangdong Province by comparing two complementary methods: (1) traditional statistical analysis of structured questionnaires using chi-square tests, and (2) semantic network analysis (SNA) of open-ended responses. The structured questionnaire assessed students' environmental knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and education needs using multiple-choice and Likert-scale items. An open-ended question was included to capture students’ understanding of ""environmental protection"" in their own words, which was then analyzed through semantic network modeling. The study collected 225 valid responses from students at Guangdong University of Science and Technology. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences between first-year students and those in later years in their knowledge of environmental issues (e.g., χ², p < 0.05 across 35 indicators), but no significant differences were observed based on gender or place of residence. Semantic network analysis, using centrality, density, and clustering coefficients, showed similar cognitive divergences between academic years but confirmed no meaningful structural differences in conceptual associations across gender or residence groups. For instance, the semantic network of first-year students had lower density (0.031) and fewer central nodes than that of senior students, indicating a simpler understanding of environmental concepts. The convergence of results from both methods validates the use of semantic network analysis as a complementary, quantitative tool for evaluating students’ cognitive structures and discourse in environmental education. This integrated approach offers a richer and more nuanced perspective than traditional surveys alone. The findings suggest that environmental education efforts should focus more on advancing conceptual depth as students progress through university. Curriculum designers can use semantic analysis as an innovative diagnostic tool to improve the cognitive and discourse-based effectiveness of environmental education programs.
-
With continuous advancements in technology leading to extended lifespans, a question arises: Are we adequately prepared to face and accept death when it eventually comes? What factors prompt us to proactively plan our end-of-life arrangements? These are important issues that merit understanding and attention. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current status and related factors between life autonomy and quality of life among the elderly in Macau. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, primarily utilizing convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Data were collected through both online and offline methods using questionnaires. The questionnaire consists of three main sections: 1) demographic background information of respondents, 2) the Good Death Inventory (GDI), and 3) the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Taiwan Version. A total of 512 questionnaires were collected, with 480 valid responses, accounting for approximately 94% of the total. Among the respondents, 61.1% were female, the majority had primary school education, 51.6% were married, but only 36.5% lived with their partners. Nearly 60% of participants rated their physical condition as average, 60% had chronic illnesses, though the prevalence of severe chronic diseases was low. Over 50% of participants had no religious beliefs and did not participate in any elderly services. The results show that 60% of participants exhibited moderate or above levels of attitudes toward a good death and quality of life. Analysis using one-way ANOVA and T-tests revealed significant differences in attitudes toward a good death across all demographic variables. Participants who were ""older,"" had ""lower education levels,"" were ""single"" or ""cohabiting,"" ""lived with friends,"" had ""no religious beliefs"" or were ""Catholic,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" ""did not receive elderly services,"" or participated in ""elderly daycare centers"" displayed poorer attitudes toward a good death. Additionally, participants considered ""anticipating future conditions,"" ""seeing desired people,"" ""natural death,"" ""living in a peaceful environment,"" and ""independent living"" as key aspects of a good death. Regarding quality of life, differences were observed across various demographic variables. In overall quality of life, participants who were ""older,"" ""never educated,"" ""single"" or ""cohabiting,"" ""lived with friends,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" or were ""using home support services"" reported poorer quality of life. In the physical health domain, those who were ""older,"" ""never educated,"" ""cohabiting,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" or were ""using home support services"" had lower quality of life. In the psychological health domain, those who were ""older,"" ""never educated,"" ""cohabiting,"" ""lived with friends,"" were ""Catholic,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" or were ""using home support services"" had poorer quality of life. In the social relationships domain, those who were ""older,"" ""single"" or ""cohabiting,"" ""lived with friends,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" or ""did not receive elderly services"" had poorer quality of life. In the environmental domain, those who were ""older,"" ""never educated,"" ""cohabiting,"" ""lived with friends,"" had ""poor physical condition,"" or were ""using home support services"" had poorer quality of life. Across the four domains (excluding overall quality of life), participants scored highest to lowest in the following order: physical health > social relationships > environment > psychological health, indicating that psychological health was the weakest domain. A positive correlation of varying degrees was found between attitudes toward a good death and different domains of quality of life, meaning that better quality of life was associated with better attitudes toward a good death. However, only the ""environmental"" and ""social relationships"" domains of quality of life showed a linear relationship with the Good Death Inventory, indicating that these domains are predictive of attitudes toward a good death, though their explanatory power is limited.
-
This dissertation explores how smart city strategies are being used in Macau, focusing on what everyday citizens think about them. It explores both the positive aspects and the problems with how these policies are being put into action. While the Macau government has introduced several digital services. For example, the Macau One Account, electronic payments, and smart transport systems. There are many people who feel there’s a gap between technology and how well it actually includes everyone. The research is based on a close look at government plans (like the Macau SAR Five- Year Plan 2016–2020) and interviews with people from different age groups. Using a method of analyzing themes in the data, the study found that younger and middle- aged people generally find these tools useful and convenient. However, older adults often struggle because they aren’t as comfortable with smart city services and don’t get enough support. Also, even though the government says it welcomes public input, most people said they weren’t really involved in decisions, showing that the process is mostly top-down. The study points out some big challenges, like digital inequality, lack of public participation, and a mismatch between what policies aim for and what people actually need in daily life. It suggests making smart city planning more inclusive by offering digital tools in multiple languages, involving citizens in budgeting decisions, and providing digital training for those who need it. Overall, it argues that smart city development should focus more on fairness, access, and building public trust to truly improve urban life in a lasting and meaningful way.
-
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。
-
Road dust contains a variety of heavy metals and is a widely used indicator for monitoring pollution and assessing environmental and health risks in urban ecosystems. In this study, road dust was collected from 8 representative areas in Macao. The spatial distribution of heavy metal content in road dust in Macao was determined by extracting the heavy metal content in each sample. Heavy metals in road dust are mainly found on busy roads, and the production of these heavy metals mainly comes from the particles worn off in the work of transportation vehicles, such as tires, brake pads, road dust, and emissions from exhaust pipes, These heavy metal particles scattered on the road will remain on the road surface for a long period and cause environmental pollution. This sampling was also collected when there was no rainfall in Macao for more than 7 days, which also ensured that the heavy metal content in road dust distributed in time and space was as close to accurate data as possible. At the same time, in this collection of road dust regulations, the sampling is strictly followed by recording the area, traffic flow, weather, humidity, and other factors. The addition of a large statistical analysis of variables helped to correlate the elements studied with several local sources of pollution: from local industrial plants and related activities, pavement modifications, power plants, road traffic, and the resuspension of particulate matter (RPM). Our findings suggest that combining chemical and isotopic monitoring of road dust may help implement more effective environmental management measures to reduce its adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of heavy metals in road dust from different locations in Macao, revealing the current situation of heavy metal pollution and its potential threat to human health. The results show that heavy metals primarily originated from human activities such as transportation emissions, industrial activities, and road construction. Through detailed analysis of the sampling points in G 1-G8, it was found that the concentration of heavy metals varied significantly in different areas, especially in areas with heavy traffic flow, in which the heavy metal content was generally higher.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
This qualitative study explored the experiences of 15 Mental Health Professionals in Macau who interact with adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), aiming to understand how these interactions shape perceptions, relationships, and service practices. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from government-funded NGOs, including social workers, therapists, and healthcare providers. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, yielding seven key themes: (1) New perception of Service Users with ID (e.g., shifting from deficit-based to strength-based perceptions), (2) bidirectional personal transformations in professionals (e.g., increased patience, resilience, irritable), (3) Relationship Dynamics and Emotional Connections (e.g., familial, collegial, or mentor-like relationships), (4) A professional core service share by the perceived role (5) development of best practices emphasizing rapport and knee observations, (6) creation of safe worry-free spaces fostering mutual emotional support, (7) and Needs to be fulfilled in aging services, learning and community integration. Practical implications highlight the need for the addition of course structures related to people with intellectual disabilities in relevant occupational college courses, expanded staffing ratios, and policy reforms to address care gaps related to aging. By revealing the mutual influence of professional service-user relationships, where interactions foster staff growth and client empowerment, this study contributes to the global discussion on disability support, while providing actionable recommendations for Macau’s upcoming Ten-Year Rehabilitation Plan in 2026-2036. The findings hold value for policymakers, service providers, and educators seeking strategies to enhance workforce well-being and service quality in intellectual disability service.
-
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of mind mapping instruction on Primary 4 students’ Chinese reading ability. Using a pre-and post-test quasi-experimental design with a control group, two classes of fourth-grade students from a girls' school in Macao participated in the study, with one class as the experimental group (n = 25) receiving mind mapping reading instruction, and the other as the control group (n = 16) receiving general reading instruction. Both groups received instruction for about four weeks, with approximately three sessions per week for a total of 11 sessions of 40 minutes each (i.e., 440 minutes in total). The first five sessions focused on narrative texts, and the next five sessions focused on expository texts, with the last session as a summary session. Both groups took the pre-tests using the narrative text from PIRLS (2021) and the expository text from the A3 version of the Reading Comprehension Growth Test, and the post-tests using the narrative text from PIRLS (2016) and the expository text from the A2 version of the Reading Comprehension Growth Test. The experimental group also completed the form regarding their post-instruction feedback for mind mapping instruction. Mann-Whitney tests found that general reading instruction did not significantly improve Grade 4 students’ Chinese reading ability, whereas mind mapping instruction significantly improved Grade 4 students’ Chinese reading ability, with moderate effect sizes (rank-biserial correlation of 0.70 [narrative text] and 0.57 [expository text]). Multiple regression analysis showed that the experimental group scored 0.11-unit higher on the post-test scores of narrative text reading than the control group after controlling their pre-test scores on narrative text reading; the experimental group scored 0.13-unit higher on the post-test scores of expository text reading than the control group after controlling their pre-test scores on expository text reading. In addition, 19 (76%) students in the experimental group gave positive feedback for the mind mapping reading instruction. Recommendations for Chinese teachers, schools’ initiatives at advancing reading instruction, and the government’s endeavor at teacher training related to mind mapping instruction. Limitations of the current study and future research directions were also discussed. 本研究者旨在探究心智圖教學對提升小學四年級學生中文閱讀能力的成效。採用有對照組的前後測準實驗研究設計,選取澳門某女校四年級兩個班級的學生作為研究對象,一個班級作為實驗組(n = 25)接受心智圖閱讀教學,另一個班級作為對照組(n = 16)接受一般閱讀教學。兩組均接受為期大約4週的教學,每週大約3節課,共11節,每節課40分鐘,總共440分鐘;首5節進行記敘文教學,後5節進行說明文教學,最段1節進行教學總結。兩組在接受相應的閱讀教學前,均接受了PIRLS(2021)的文藝性文章和《閱讀理解成長測驗》A3版本的說明文閱讀測驗;在完成教學後,均接受了PIRLS(2016)的文藝性文章和《閱讀理解成長測驗》A2版本的說明文閱讀測驗。實驗組在完成心智圖教學後也填寫了《對心智圖教學的反饋問卷》。Mann-Whitney檢驗發現,一般閱讀教學沒有顯著提升四年級學生中文閱讀能力;心智圖閱讀教學顯著提升四年級學生中文閱讀能力,效應值達到中等程度(rank-biserial correlation為0.70[記敘文]和0.57[說明文])。多重回歸分析表明,控制了記敘文閱讀前測分數之後,接受心智圖閱讀教學的學生在記敘文後測分數上會比接受一般閱讀教學的學生高0.11個單位;控制了說明文閱讀前測分數之後,接受心智圖教學的學生在說明文後測分數上會比接受一般閱讀教學的學生高0.13個單位。此外,19名(76%)接受心智圖教學的學生對心智圖教學給出正向的反饋,認為心智圖能幫助她們提升閱讀能力、分析和統整文章內容、歸納文章重點、增強對文章的記憶,以及提升閱讀的趣味性。研究者針對中文老師、學校閱讀教學的推動以及政府在心智圖教學培訓方面,提出相應的建議;對本研究的不足之處和未來研究的方向也給出了建議。
-
With the rapid development of the food delivery industry, the burden of single-use packaging on the environment has become increasingly severe, highlighting the need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. This paper proposes an innovative solution based on interactive product design for organic packaging, integrating organic takeaway boxes with a mobile app platform to enable the repeated use of personal organic food containers. This study explores the selection of organic packaging materials, product structural design, app functionality planning, and the construction of the courier-based recycling process. Through prototype design, user research, and data analysis, the feasibility and environmental benefits of this solution are demonstrated. The research findings provide a new design perspective for the circular economy in food packaging, contributing to the promotion of green consumption and sustainable development.
-
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.
-
Macau’s rapid urban development has significantly altered its natural landscapes, leading to the degradation and fragmentation of wetland ecosystems. Although diminished in size, these urban wetlands continue to deliver vital ecological services and sustain a range of biodiversity. Conventional methods for biodiversity assessment are often labor-intensive and unsuitable for regular monitoring in urban environments. This study utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a non-invasive and effective approach to survey biodiversity in 2 coastal and 7 freshwater urban wetlands in Macau. Environmental DNA was extracted from water samples collected from these nine representative wetland sites and analyzed using metabarcoding techniques to detect fish species. Three genetic markers were targeted to enhance taxonomic resolution, which included COI (mlCOIintF/LoboR1, 313 bp), 12S (miFish-U, 170 bp) and 18S (V4, 400 bp). Bioinformatic pipelines were used to process sequencing data, identify taxa, and compute biodiversity indices, providing a comprehensive snapshot of aquatic biodiversity in Macau’s urban wetlands. A total of 90 fish species were detected, including native species, migrants, and invasive taxa. Beta diversity analysis shows site and season together explained 50% of the variation in community composition (PERMANOVA R² = 0.50, p = 0.001), shaped by environmental gradients and seasonal turnover. These results highlight eDNA metabarcoding as an effective tool for biodiversity monitoring in urban wetlands and emphasize the need to preserve habitat diversity and management strategies in Macau.
Explore
USJ Theses and Dissertations
-
Master Dissertations
-
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
(149)
- Architecture (15)
- Choral Conducting (10)
- Communication and Media (46)
- Design (37)
- History and Heritage Studies (33)
- Information System (3)
- Lusophone Studies in Linguistics and Literature (8)
- Faculty of Business and Law (569)
-
Faculty of Health Sciences
(244)
- Counselling and Psychotherapy (186)
- Organisational Psychology (27)
- Social Work (30)
-
Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy
(31)
- Philosophy (19)
- Religious Studies (12)
- Institute of Science and Environment (37)
-
School of Education
(291)
- Education (291)
-
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
(149)
- Doctorate Theses (3)
Resource type
- Book (2)
- Journal Article (163)
- Thesis (1,153)
United Nations SDGs
Publication year
-
Between 1900 and 1999
(3)
- Between 1980 and 1989 (2)
-
Between 1990 and 1999
(1)
- 1999 (1)
-
Between 2000 and 2026
(1,314)
- Between 2000 and 2009 (115)
- Between 2010 and 2019 (563)
- Between 2020 and 2026 (636)
- Unknown (1)