@phdthesis{yung_digital_2018, address = {Macau}, title = {From digital to {Facebook} divide: social capital benefits for {Facebook} immigrant}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174057}, abstract = {Two billion users make Facebook of academic interest. This thesis creates a Facebook Divide Index, the delineated categories of Facebook Native, Facebook Immigrant, and Facebook Isolate, and develops Facebook inequality concepts. Macau has a fast- growing number of Facebook Immigrants who benefit from using the online social network. Data from participation-observation and surveys demonstrate social capital gain by Facebook Immigrants, with older generation Facebook users relatively happier than their younger counterparts. The thesis concludes that society needs to equip and empower the older generation or Facebook Isolates, so that they can benefit from online social network usage}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Yung, Chun Sing}, collaborator = {Leandro, Francisco J.B.S.}, year = {2018}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{wong_re-conceptualising_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {Re-conceptualising computer literacy teaching and learning using constructivist principles and peer-tutoring}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174036}, abstract = {Nowadays, many university students (in Macau) are required to attend computer literacy courses to develop their basic skill levels and knowledge as part of their literacy foundation requirements. To be effective, such courses, which are very staff intensive and require access to expensive equipment and software, necessitate high levels of individual teaching. Evidence gathered at two study sites during this research, strongly suggests that many students may not be benefiting sufficiently from their computer literacy courses. Teachers frequently complain about the weak IT skills of many course graduates. This research proposes an innovative model for designing and delivering computer literacy courses based on constructivist principles, using peer-tutoring and blended learning to increase cost effectiveness and to improve student outcomes. Central to the model being proposed is the training and deployment of former course graduates as peer instructors and assessors. Constructivist principles provide a conceptual framework to ensure that the curriculum content, teaching strategies, learning styles and assessment procedures are properly aligned and fully understood by both the instructors and students to achieve high quality learning outcomes. An action research approach was used during the pilot and trail phases of the research to monitor the implementation of the model and evaluate its effectiveness using mixed methods. The planned two–phase action evaluation used a questionnaire to investigate the effectiveness of knowledge and skill transfer to students, and tutors’ learning progress; in-depth semi-structured interviews were used to survey, interpret and evaluate students’ and tutors’ perceptions of the new teaching and learning approach. Most respondents had a Confucian Heritage Cultural Background. For the first time, the research provides new insights into ways in which Confucian Heritage Cultural factors, interact with constructive principles in developing peer-tutoring methods in a university setting inMacau, and more widely}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Wong, Kin Ming}, collaborator = {Davis, Vincent and Negreiros, João Garrott Marques}, year = {2015}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{vieira_neuronal_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {Neuronal {Mechanisms} of {Behavioural} {Plasticity} in the {Peacock} {Blenny} {Salaria} {Pavo}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=207866}, abstract = {"Adult neurogenesis, i.e., the production of new neurons in the adult brain, has been studied intensively in the past years, both in humans and in animal models, as the understanding of this process can have major clinical implications. The study of neurogenesis in fish has been receiving more attention as, unlike mammals, they possess remarkably high levels of adult neurogenesis and a high capability for neuronal regeneration and replacement where neuronal death has occurred. Less is known, however, on the importance of adult neurogenesis for behavioural plasticity, i.e., for the capacity to change behaviour according to context. As a product of the brain, behaviour relies on functional neuronal networks and it may be expected that more permanent changes in behavioural states imply structural reorganization of neuronal circuits, with the integration of new neurons. Interestingly, the high level of brain plasticity of fish is paralleled by a high degree of behavioural plasticity, with many examples of species that change, either reversibly or irreversibly, their behavioural phenotype during their lifetime, as illustrated by species with functional sex-change and alternative reproductive phenotypes. Flexibility in behaviour may thus require a reorganization of neuronal networks underlying these behaviours with recruitment of new neurons. In this thesis, the link between brain and behavioural plasticity was studied in a small marine fish that inhabits the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic coasts, the peacock blenny Salaria pavo. In this species, males adopt nests in rock crevices and attract females into the nest for egg laying, with the male taking care of the eggs until hatching. In some populations, a scarcity of nest sites drives smaller and young males to adopt an alternative reproductive tactic to reproduce. These “sneaker” males mimic the females’ morphology and reproductive behaviour in order to illude the larger nesting males and parasitically fertilize eggs during mating events. Sneaker males later transition into the nesting male phenotype, and this major behavioural transformation in the same animal, first courting males and afterwards courting females, may imply significant reorganization of brain areas associated with reproductive behaviour. During the study, a brain atlas for the species was developed and the main cell proliferation regions, i.e. niches of stem cells birth that may differentiate into cells of the nervous system, characterized. Proliferative areas were observed throughout the whole brain and paralleled the pattern described for other teleosts. Proliferative cells were abundant namely in areas like the olfactory bulbs (granular and glomerular), the anterior subdivision of the dorsomedial telencephalon (DMa), the dorsal and ventral part of the ventral subdivision of the dorsomedial telencephalon (DMvd and DMvv), the dorsal part of the dorsal subdivision of the dorsomedial telencephalon (DMdd), the posterior subdivision of the dorsolateral telencephalon (DLp), the posterior zone of the dorsal telencephalic area (DP), the preoptic area (POA), the dorsal, supracommissural and ventral nucleus of the ventral telencephalic area (Vd, Vs and Vv), the optic tectum and its periventricular grey zone (TeO and PGZ), the ventral zone of the periventricular hypothalamus (Hv), the cerebellum, mainly the molecular layer (CCeM) and the caudal lobe (LCa). A study of the brain nuclei activated during female courtship events using immediate early-genes suggested that some of the areas of the social behaviour network (SBN), a set of brain nuclei underlying the expression of social behaviour across vertebrates, are implicated in female courtship, in particular nuclei in the ventral telencephalic regions. This was followed by an experiment to investigate the possible link between cell proliferation and male tactic switch. Nest availability was manipulated to allow a fraction of sneaker males to adopt a nest and start the transition to nesting males. Ten days after the experiment, some of the smaller males had indeed started switching into nesting males, adopting a nest and starting to develop male secondary sexual characters. The pattern of brain proliferation was studied in these fish to try to confirm that the irreversible behavioural transition would be associated with the reorganization of brain nuclei, assuming that cell proliferation relates to neurogenesis and structural reorganization. Transitional males had elevated cell proliferation levels, as compared to males that remained sneakers, in the dorsolateral anterior and posterior telencephalic regions, thought to be homologous to the hippocampus in mammals. Cell proliferation levels were generally elevated in ventral and ventromedial telencephalic nuclei in both sneakers and transitional males, as compared with nesting males and females, areas considered to be homologous to nuclei of the amygdaloid complex of mammals. There was large variation in proliferation levels within transitional males, and in particular one male more advanced in the transition had higher numbers of BrdU-positive cells than the others. This suggests that a longer time-window for detecting the peak in brain cell proliferation associated with tactic transition in some fish may have been needed. Overall, the study supports the hypothesis that behavioural transition in males of this species is paralleled by an increase in cell proliferation in nuclei potentially relevant for the expression of reproductive behaviours, and establishes the peacock blenny as a new relevant model for the study of neuronal plasticity in vertebrates."}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Vieira, Pedro Cachapa}, collaborator = {Gonçalves, David}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Behavioural Plasticity, Neurogenesis, Peacock Blenny, Phenotypic Plasticity, Teleost Fish, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{thota_developing_2010, address = {Macao}, title = {Developing a {Holistic} {Approach} to {Learning} and {Teaching} {Introductory} {Object}-{Oriented} {Programming}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=175538}, abstract = {This thesis articulates the development of a holistic approach to enhance learning and teaching in an object-oriented programming course. Starting with the premise that it is not possible to improve teaching without understanding how students learn programming, this thesis embodies the processes and reflections experienced while applying knowledge of how students learn programming, to design a learning environment that enhances learning outcomes. First, a theoretically based framework for the teaching of the course is developed. A holistic approach using a plurality of pedagogic theories, taxonomies, and instructional designs is employed to bridge the gaps between the bodies of knowledge relating to the ways that students approach programming and the application of this knowledge to design the course. Second, in two cycles of action research, the course is implemented and the analysis of its outcome is conducted using mixed methods data collection techniques. The evaluation is integrative and seeks multiple forms of evidence for student engagement and improved learning. The original contributions from this research in the form of new initiatives, perceptions, and understandings, as well as implications for theory and practice are described. A claim to knowledge is established by explaining the significance of the research to student learning, personal practice and beliefs, institutional influence, and potential for influence on computing education research. Quality criteria are applied to assess the validity and rigor of the action research project, and the research is appraised as a scholarly enquiry and a transformative process that led to innovative forms of thinking and acting}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Thota, Neena Jawaharlal}, collaborator = {Whitfield, Richard}, year = {2010}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Information System (D-IS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{tchiang_parents_2009, address = {Macau}, title = {Parents, students and secondary schools in {Macao}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=147069}, abstract = {Macao, a developing city, has been undergoing rapid and significant changes economically, culturally, and socially, partly as a consequence of the changes to the economy brought about by the gaming and tourism industry. Changes in Macao have had a major impact on its schools. Parents have a significant impact on students in school, and Macao’s secondary schools are having to handle a range of challenges and problems brought by students and their parents, many of these as a result of the changes in the wider society of Macao. The response of many schools to the challenges faced is limited, and they understate and under-use the important role played by more developed forms of parental involvement in schools. This study examines the nature, scope and extent of the problems that secondary schools in Macao are having to handle from parents and students, how the schools are handling them, and what needs to be done in order to address the problems and handle them more effectively. Through a large scale survey, interviews and a small scale questionnaire, the thesis identifies key problems facing the schools from students and parents, and it reveals that many of Macao’s secondary schools are ill-equipped to handle these, and there are many signs that the problems are becoming more acute. The thesis finds that negative parental behavior has had a stronger effect on students than positive parental behavior, and it finds that there are several reasons why the schools, in their present state, cannot address these matters effectively. A significant gap is found between what the schools indicate they should be doing and what they are actually doing to address increased parental involvement in order to impact positively on Macao’s students. Recommendations are made for intervention and action}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Tchiang, Van Man}, collaborator = {Morrison, Keith and {University of Saint Joseph}}, year = {2009}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{tan_semiotic_2017, address = {Macao}, type = {{PhD} in {Global} {Studies}}, title = {Semiotic multimodality :a filmic analysis of {Wong} {Kar}-{Wai}'s in the mood for love /}, shorttitle = {Semiotic multimodality}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174051}, abstract = {The study builts on Bateman and Schmidt’s (2011) and Tseng’s (2009) research on film as a form of “cinematographic document,” and continues their efforts to construct a semiotic mode of film. The author recognizes the complexity of undertaking research in the domain of semiotic discourse. This study argues that as film analysis is about ways of seeing and synthesizing different cinematic styles, strategies; learnt cinematic conventions and reflective viewing is imperative. The interaction of robust multimodal resources, well-defined analytic units, based on dependable models, and conducted through a discursive process should align to produce fruitful filmic discourse. The study premised on the assumption that film is more than a “self-enclosed signification system” but a crucial “cultural practice” that “reflect and inflect culture.” Taken together, this view underscores the importance and interactivity of cinema, culture and society. To this end, the study contributes to filmic meaning making, the New Hong Kong Cinema, and finally, the present study invariably serves as a form of “social document” or “cultural artifacts” in its exploration of Hong Kong ever changing identity, culture and moods.}, language = {English}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Tan, Chee Seng}, collaborator = {Caires, Carlos}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{tam_rainforest_2017, address = {Macau}, title = {A rainforest experience and its impact on {Chinese} students' oro-environmental identity and behavior: a phenomenological case study in undergraduate design education in {Macau}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174035}, abstract = {This study covers the limited research on how experiences with nature can foster Chinese students’ pro-environmental identity and behavior. The relevant literature outlines five areas – identity, human behavior, experiences, nature and transformation – in understanding how the Chinese culture of ‘face’ (lain/mian) shapes Chinese students’ identity and behavior today and why experience with nature can help to transform Chinese students’ values, beliefs and norms, and shapes someone who manifests an environmentally sensitive behavior. Past research studies environmental behavior in various dimensions, including the correlation between environmental knowledge and positive environmental attitudes and behavior. Yet surveys of how students’ experience with nature fosters a pro-environmental identity and behavior, especially amongst Chinese students, are rare. The qualitative case study in this thesis seeks to find out whether senior students in the Design Department of IPM’s School of Arts who experienced nature in Southern Thailand show a stronger pro-environmental identity and behavior compared to those not in the experiential learning program. A survey which includes the Environmental Identity Survey (Clayton, 2003) and the Environmentally Responsible Behaviors Index (Smith-Sebasto \& D’Acosta, 1995) was administered to all senior students, and an in-depth interview with students who had experience with nature in Southern Thailand was conducted. The findings suggest that a rainforest experience not merely fosters pro-environmental identity and behavior, but student all rounded development especially as a step towards internationalization. The findings also indicate to what extent the programmatic factors of the experience were important in changing Chinese students’ values, beliefs and norms in thinking and behaving environmentally, as well as in student personal development. Keywords: nature, experiential learning, pro-environmental identity, pro-environmental behavior}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Tam, Nga Ian}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{tagulao_survival_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{SURVIVAL}, {MORPHOLOGY} {AND} {REPRODUCTION} {OF} {ENHALUS} {ACOROIDES} ({L}.f.) {ROYLE} {IN} {THE} {BOLINAO}-{ANDA} {REEF} {SYSTEM}, {NW} {PHILIPPINES}: {EFFECTS} {OF} {VARYING} {LIGHT} {CONDITIONS}}, shorttitle = {{SURVIVAL}, {MORPHOLOGY} {AND} {REPRODUCTION} {OF} {ENHALUS} {ACOROIDES} ({L}.f.) {ROYLE} {IN} {THE} {BOLINAO}-{ANDA} {REEF} {SYSTEM}, {NW} {PHILIPPINES}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=216034}, abstract = {Seagrasses play a critical role in coastal ecosystems worldwide, providing various ecosystem services based on their region and genus. In Southeast Asia, where seagrass biodiversity and extents are at their highest, the livelihoods and food security of many coastal communities depend on these plants. Despite their ecological and economic importance, seagrasses face global threats from human activities such as pollution and land use changes. Enhalus acoroides, a widely distributed seagrass species in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, is particularly valuable for coastal management and conservation efforts due to its size and provision of various ecosystem services. Although previous research has indicated that it is less sensitive to environmental changes than other tropical seagrass species, recent reports highlight its vulnerability to siltation and eutrophication. This dissertation aimed to examine how Enhalus responds and adapts to changes in light availability, taking into account both morphological adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Field surveys, reciprocal transplantation field experiments, and investigations of sexual reproductive effort were conducted in the Bolinao-Anda Reef system (NW Philippines) to evaluate the impact of long-term environmental changes on Enhalus populations. The findings of this study revealed that Enhalus has the capacity to adapt its traits and survive changes in depth, light gradients, and different habitat types. This is evidenced by larger shoots in low-light environments, which is apparently a response to the reduction in light availability, as evidenced in both in situ and experimental setups. Larger leaf surface area in light-reduced setups also had higher concentration of chlorophylls a and b pigments. Transplants from light-reduced environments, although morphologically large, appeared more vulnerable (with low survival values) to environmental changes associated with translocation. Being morphologically large is therefore likely a stress response to light reduction, allocating more energy on light harvesting than sexual reproduction. Reciprocal transplantation experiments indicated a high survival rate, suggesting the potential of Enhalus for use in rehabilitation. However, despite having wider plasticity to adapt to light-limitation, they can be wiped out when threshold is reached. This thesis underscores the need for further research on Enhalus' response to stressors, genetic variation, and adaptive capacity to address conservation and management challenges}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Tagulao, Karen Araño}, collaborator = {Chan Shek Kiu and Rollon, Rene and University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Enhalus acoroides, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph, light availability, phenotypic plasticity, seagrass, transplantation}, } @phdthesis{stuebing_child_2017, address = {Macau}, title = {Child protection during emergencies in {Fiji} and {Tonga}: enabling, constraining or controlling children's agency and participation}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174052}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Stuebing, Dennis L.}, collaborator = {Tran, Émilie}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{simoes_os_2011, address = {Macau}, title = {Os Índios {Potiguara}: memória, asilo e poder}, shorttitle = {Os Índios {Potiguara}}, url = {https://drive.google.com/file/d/18EDVrsQMtA0t988VwRamAzW3DXadvfbw/view?usp=sharing}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Simões, José Manuel}, collaborator = {De Sousa, Ivo Carneiro}, year = {2011}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{sansom_towards_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {Towards {A} {New} {Professionalism} {For} {English} {Language} {Teachers} {In} {China} : {Changes} {In} {Beliefs} {And} {Attitudes}, {And} {Classroom} {Practice}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143156}, abstract = {This doctoral dissertation focuses on teacher education in the context of experienced tertiary English language teachers in mainland China. It investigates the changes in teachers’ beliefs and attitudes, and in their classroom practice, that result from an external inservice education and training (INSET) course. It follows up subsequent change in teachers’ classroom practice, and in their beliefs and attitudes, in their teaching contexts one year after the INSET course. This dissertation presents a review of the literature in the field of second language teacher education, shifts in research paradigms in the field, and the characterisation of inservice teacher professional development. The nature of teachers’ beliefs and attitudes, and of teachers’ classroom practice, are synthesised from the literature, and are related to research on stages of innovations. Models of change (from beliefs and attitudes to classroom practice, as well as alternative pathways) are discussed, and a conceptualisation of the processes of teacher change in the context of innovations for experienced inservice teachers is proposed. The research presents a case study of one group of teachers attending an INSET course, and uses qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation. Findings are discussed which provide insight and guidance for INSET provision in the context of experienced teachers, and which add to the research in the field of teacher education in the context of China. The findings suggest that in the complexity of INSET among individual teachers any one model of the process of teacher change may not be applicable, but rather that multiple possible models of change exist for each teacher—in beliefs and attitudes, and in classroom practice—and for each innovation. It is likely that each individual teacher experiences different change models for different innovations during the same INSET course. The significance and implications of the findings are discussed in relation to INSET provision, teacher change, and theories of teacher education and development, as well as the limits of the study, and future research areas suggested}, school = {University of Saint Joseph,}, author = {Sansom, David William.}, year = {2015}, keywords = {Attitudes, Beliefs, China, Classroom Practice, English Teachers, PhD in Education (D-SE), Professionalism, Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{saidu_isolation_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{ISOLATION} {AND} {CHARACTERISATION} {OF} {PLASTIC} {POLYETHYLENE} {TEREPHTHALATE} ({PET}) {DEGRADING} {AND} {POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES} ({PHAs}) {PRODUCING} {BACTERIA} {FROM} {SOIL} {AND} {WATER}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=220134}, abstract = {The demand for plastic has led to enormous plastic waste in the environment, which persist and negatively impact the ecosystems. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common thermoplastic polymers available on the market. The concerns about plastic waste generated an interest in strategies to enhance its biodegradation and finding alternative polymers. In this work was investigated the possibility of using bacteria to degrade PET and to produce bioplastics (Polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHAs). Finally, the integration of the two processes was tested. Overall, the work aimed to investigate the potential to recycle PET into bioplastic using bacteria. The potential of bacterial consortia from various environmental samples to degrade PET granules in liquid matrix was investigated. . The results revealed maximum PET granules degradation of 1.1 \% by one of the tested consortia. PET degradation intermediate terephthalic acid (TPA) was not detected at the end of 55 days. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed major spectral peak shifts and bends on PET chemical structure compared to non-inoculated control. The biodegradation of PET films buried in the soil (A), with mangrove plants (B), and bioaugmented with a bacterial consortium (C) was also investigated. The experiments were conducted for 270 days at ambient conditions. The results revealed no difference between treatments in the degradation, with a maximum weight loss of 0.118 \% in the bioaugmented treatment. Nevertheless, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and FTIR results indicated significant surface changes, spectral peak shifts, and stretches in PET chemical structures. Bacterial consortia isolated from the soil of the experimental treatments were assessed for degradation of PET monomers, TPA and monoethylene glycol (MEG), and intermediate Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The consortia were inoculated in flasks containing minimal media with 1000 mg/L TPA or BHET or1113 mg/L MEG as the sole carbon source. Results showed complete degradation of TPA and significant degradation of BHET (96.09\%), and MEG (83.65\%) by the consortia. In the second part of the study, bacteria were isolated from various environmental samples and screened for PHA production using Sudan Black B staining on colonies and smeared glass slides. Transmission Electron Microscope images were captured to confirm the intracellular PHA inclusions. A total of 35 isolates were screened for PHA, and 22 showed positive staining. The isolate showing higher levels of PHA synthesis (EC2-30-3) was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence as Bacillus sp. and selected for PET monomers degradation and fermentation cultures for PHA production. It was cultured in minimal (Moreira et al., 2013) media with 1000 mg/L TPA and 1113 mg/L MEG as the carbon source for eight days. The isolate grew better in media containing MEG, which was selected as a substrate model for PHA fermentation. To integrate PET monomers biodegradation and production of PHA, the isolate was cultured in 0.2 \% MEG. A control with 0.2 \% of glucose was prepared, and the cultures were incubated for 96 hours. Bacillus sp. EC2-30-3 showed higher PHA accumulation in media supplied with MEG (40.31\%) than glucose (25.53\%). This is the first report showing that Bacillus sp. uses PET monomer as carbon source to produce a biopolymer. FTIR results of the extracted PHA identified its functional units as C–H, CH3, C=O, and C–O groups. The absorption bands obtained are closely related to the structure of PHB. The study thus confirmed the ability of the isolated bacteria to degrade PET monomers and produce biopolymers. The results of this work open the possibility for upscaling the use of bacteria to mitigate the impact of PET on the environment while producing environmentally friendly bioplastics}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Saidu, Muhammad Bashir}, collaborator = {Gonçalves, David and Castro, Paula M. L. and Moreira, Irina Sousa and University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Biodiversity, China, Green Roof, Macao SAR, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainability, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{rato_subjective_2013, address = {Macau}, title = {Subjective {Wellbeing} {And} {Quality} of {Work} {Life} in {Macau}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143407}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Rato, Ricardo Jorge Parreira}, collaborator = {Alves, José and Davey, Gareth}, year = {2013}, keywords = {China, Macau (Special Administrative Region), Quality of life, Research}, } @phdthesis{ramos_behavioural_2021, address = {Macau}, title = {Behavioural and endocrine impact of artificial selection for winning in the siamese fighting fish}, abstract = {Aggression clearly has an adaptive value as it is necessary to secure resources for survival, growth, and reproduction. The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, have endured a prolonged process of artificial selection for winning paired-fight contests across Southeast Asia, resulting in strains of short-fin aggressive “fighters”. Across centuries, Thai breeders have been selecting these strains by discarding loser batches and allowing winner batches to breed, claiming that they are significantly more aggressive than wild-types. This natural experiment provides a powerful context to investigate the biological basis of aggressive behaviour in fish, the topic of this thesis. To study aggression, it is important to validate and standardize behavioural assays appropriate for the species under study. Further, different aggression-eliciting stimuli, such as live opponents, 3D models, video playback, or mirror images, may elicit non-equivalent behavioural and physiological responses. For B. splendens, in particular, quantifying aggression from live fights is not ethically acceptable as the high levels of aggression of this species usually result in injuries or even death of the opponent. In Chapter II, it was shown that mirror images elicit very similar aggressive displays and endocrine responses to an interacting opponent behind a transparent partition, validating the use of this test to measure aggression in this model species. Further, it was shown that circulating levels of both androgens (11-ketotestosterone and testosterone) and corticosteroids (cortisol) increased in response to the aggression challenge, even in the absence of conflict resolution, questioning the role of these hormones during present and future aggressive contests. Using the previously validated mirror assay and also tests with live conspecifics, we assessed the impact of selection for winning by comparing, in Chapter III, male and female aggressive behaviour of lab-raised fighter and wild-type strains. The hypothesis that selection for male winners enhanced aggressive displays was confirmed, suggesting that the duration and frequency of threat and attack behaviour correlates with winning probability. However, females of the fighter strain, which are not selected for fights, were also more aggressive than wild-type females. This suggests that male and female aggression share common genetic pathways and physiological mechanisms and raises the possibility that selection for alleles that favour male aggression may have promoted intersexual genetic conflict in this species. After confirming the expected differences in aggressive behaviour between fighter and wild-type fish, the following question was whether endocrine systems, in particular those previously shown to respond to aggression, could have been targeted by the selection process. From previous studies in fish and other vertebrates, it was hypothesised that selection for winners could have increased constitutive levels of androgens or led to an enhanced androgen response to a social challenge. However, in chapter IV, it was shown that levels of 11-ketotestosterone and its response to aggression was similar in males of both strains, questioning the role of androgens in the modulation of aggression in B. splendens. On the contrary, constitutive levels of cortisol and the response of this hormone to an aggression challenge were higher in wild-type compared with fighter fish, supporting previous findings that associated high aggression with a blunted cortisol response. Overall, results from Chapter IV suggest that selection for winning had a stronger impact on the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis than in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. My results support the assumption of the “Challenge Hypothesis” proposed by John Wingfield and collaborators in 1990 to explain the relationship between androgens and aggression, according to which androgen levels above a reproductive baseline are a consequence of the frequency and intensity of social interactions, in particular of male-male agonistic encounters. It is becoming clear that androgens increase rapidly after an aggressive contest, independently of fight outcome. However, the function of this increase remains unclear as the frequency of aggressive displays was unrelated with post-fight androgen levels and constitutive levels of androgens, and androgen responsiveness, were similar between fighter and wild-type males. Results obtained for cortisol agree with a “corticosteroid-mediated dominance hypothesis” whereby low baseline levels and a blunted response of corticosteroids would be associated with a dominant status and high aggression. The work advances our knowledge about the endocrine regulation of aggressive behaviour in B. splendens and opens several testable hypotheses about the role of androgens and corticosteroids in the regulation of fish aggressive behaviour}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ramos, Andreia Maria Cerejo and Gonçalves, David}, collaborator = {University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2021}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{quelhas_petrology_2019, address = {Macao}, type = {{PhD} in {Science}}, title = {Petrology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks from {Macao} ({South} {China}) :tectono-magmatic implications}, shorttitle = {Petrology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks from {Macao} ({South} {China})}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=173252}, abstract = {The territory of Macao is composed of several granitic intrusions belonging to one of the biggest granite provinces in the world, the Southeast China Magmatic Belt (SCMB), located in the southeast (SE) area of the Cathaysia Block. The SCMB is known by the occurrence of large volumes of Mesozoic magmatic rocks (over 90\% are granitic rocks and equivalent volcanic rocks with minor basalts), occupying a total outcrop area of nearly 200.000 km2. The geology of Macao ({\textasciitilde}30 Km2) is dominated by granitic rocks displaying a wide range of textural, mineralogical and chemical features, making it an ideal region to study these rocks and the petrogenetic processes responsible for their diversity. This study employed a wide range of research methodologies, namely field studies, petrography, zircon geochronology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock elemental and isotopic geochemistry to determine the nature of the source, the petrogenetic processes and the tectonic regimes of the Mesozoic magmatism in this region. Thus, the data collected along this study aims to provide new knowledge on the tectono-magmatic evolution of Macao, in particular, and of SE China, in general. The results obtained from the high-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology, acquired through isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) and in-situ laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS), revealed different ages for Macao granites. Despite its relatively small area, the determined ages tightly constrain the Macao granitic magmatism to two periods, ranging from 164.5 ± 0.6 to 162.9 ± 0.7 Ma (MGI – Macao Group I granites) and 156.6 ± 0.2 to 155.5 ± 0.8 Ma (MGII – Macao Group II granites). In addition, younger dacitic rocks were dated at 150.6 ± 0.6 Ma and {\textless}120 Ma. The existence of two proximal but distinct granitic pulses, spanning for a time of about 9 Ma and separated by ca. 6 Ma, in the Macao granitic suite suggests that it was incrementally assembled. This hypothesis is also extendable to the neighbouring Hong Kong region, where the magmatic activity occurred in four major pulses spanning for about 24 Ma. However, the MGII granites indicate the occurrence, on the Pearl River Delta region, of a magmatic pulse between those defined in Hong Kong at the origin of Lamma Suite (165–160 Ma) and the Kwai Chung Suite (148–146 Ma). In addition, Rare Element Earth (REE) ratios suggest that this pulse may only occur in Macao area, while MGI granites show evolving trends of REE ratios similar to those of Jurassic granites outcropping in vast areas of the Cathaysia Block (SE China). Inheritance patterns in the zircon U–Pb data indicate the presence of a population of antecrysts (165–180 Ma) crystallized from earlier magmatic pulses and a population of inherited zircons, from Precambrian to Phanerozoic sources, incorporated into the magmas during melting and/or ascent/emplacement at crustal levels. The oldest inherited ages (2.4 Ga and possibly 2.9 Ga) suggest contribution of Proterozoic and possibly of late Archaean crustal sources for the Macao magmatism. The granitic rocks of Macao are mainly high-K calc-alkaline metaluminous to weakly peraluminous I-type granites with variable degrees of fractionation. Fractional crystallization played an important role in the evolution of these granites, though the fractionation paths differ for the highly fractionated facies of both groups mainly due to distinct accessory fractionating phases. Such difference is evident by distinct REE evolution trends: while MGI magmas seem to have evolved by gradual enrichment in heavy REE relatively to light REE, originating progressively flatter REE patterns, magmas from MGII are marked by depletion of middle REE, leading to progressively concave upward REE patterns. However, while most of the geochemical variation of the MGII granites can be explained by fractional crystallization, the same is not true for MGI granites. The MGI highly fractionated granites show evidence for the REE tetrad effect and are characterized by non-CHArge-and-RAdius-Controlled (non-CHARAC) behaviour of trace elements, suggesting late-stage melt/fluid interactions involving F-rich fluids. The stage of evolution represented by the MGI highly fractionated granites corresponds to the onset of fluid/melt interaction in a highly evolved granitic system, which may have led to enhanced hydrothermal activity in more evolved stages, as those represented in neighbouring areas in SE China. Significant differences in isotopic composition were also observed, with the MGII being characterized by a much narrow range of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and εNd(t) and εHf(t) values than MGI. Based on these differences, the MGII granites are considered to be part of a comagmatic suite that has evolved in closed system, contrasting with what can be inferred for MGI. The increase in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios with degree of evolution, the presence of metasedimentary enclaves and the high percentage of inherited zircon with Paleozoic ages in MGI, suggest the occurrence of an assimilation fractionation crystallization (AFC) process. The AFC processes were a major cause for the I-S transitional characteristics of the MGI highly fractionated granites and possibly of the other similar Jurassic biotite granites in SE China. The observed decoupling of Sr, Nd and Hf isotope systems might have resulted from magma mixing between the granitic and more mafic magmas, which caused the homogenization of Sr isotope ratios but not of the Nd and Hf ones. Such process is also supported by the occurrence of Microgranular Mafic Enclaves (MME) hosted by the granites. Isotope and major element compositions together with model ages strongly suggest that Macao granitic magmas were generated by partial melting of infracrustal medium-to-high K basaltic Paleo-Proterozoic to Mesoproterozoic protoliths heated by, and mixed to some degree with mantle-derived magmas. The temporal and spatial association of Macao and SE China Jurassic I-type granites with basaltic/gabbroic rocks, syenites and A-type granites, displaying typical intraplate chemical features, indicates an extensional regime rather than an active margin for the origin of these rocks. It also points to an important role of mantle-derived magmas in the production of SE China Jurassic granites. Adiabatic decompression melting of the asthenospheric mantle produced mafic magmas, which underplated at the base of the crust (Moho), subsequently triggering partial melting of the lower crust to generate the granitic magmas. The Jurassic Macao granites are interpreted as being produced in an intraplate extensional setting related to the break-off and foundering of a previously flat-slab (Paleo-Pacific plate) beneath the Eurasian plate. The boundary between east and west Cathaysia blocks is roughly along the Zhenghe-Dapu Fault (ZDF), which intersects the SE China coast near Hong Kong and is thought to have played a major role for the Mesozoic magmatic activity in this region. The stronger isotopic affinities of Macao granites with the other granitic rocks and lower crustal xenoliths from the western Cathaysia Block suggest that the ZDF is likely to pass south of Macao, a fact that has not been mentioned before. In addition to the Early Yanshanian (Jurassic) granitic magmatism in Macao, the younger ages obtained for the dacite dykes indicate that the territory was also affected, to a lesser degree, by Late Yanshanian (Cretaceous) magmatism. The transition from granitic to dacitic magmatism most likely corresponds to a change in the regional tectonic regime, which induced a significant change in the magma genesis processes. In contrast with the intraplate features of Macao and SE China Jurassic granites and coeval mafic rocks, the geochemical features of the Macao dacite dykes (e.g. high LILE/HFSE ratios and negative anomalies of Nb, Ta and Ti) are identical to those characterizing arc-like subduction-related magmas. These dacites are most likely evolved products of arc-like magmatism and may testify the reestablishment of a normal subduction system in this area of SE China.}, language = {English}, school = {University of Saint Joseph; Universidade de Lisboa. Faculdade de Ciências}, author = {Quelhas, Pedro Moniz}, collaborator = {Dias, Ágata and {Mata, João}}, year = {2019}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{pottier_inquiry-based_2011, address = {Macao}, title = {Inquiry-{Based} {Teaching} and {Learning} as {Cross}-{Cultural} {Educational} {Innovation}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=175537}, abstract = {Inquiry-based Teaching and Learning is fundamental to modern western Science Education. This thesis argues that improving Science Education within a traditional Chinese educational setting can be realized by introducing Inquirybased Learning as a cross-cultural educational innovation - through the agency of a Science Learning Centre (SLC). The thesis evaluates the impact and uptake of the Inquiry-based approach, as seen through SLC activities that foster the professional development of Science teachers, and that build awareness of the approach at the community level. It also examines the process of establishing a SLC, and regional network, in Macau. The conceptual and substantive factors affecting the cross-cultural transfer of an Inquiry-based Teaching and Learning approach and the development of the SLC are explored through the theoretical lenses of Complexity Theory, Innovation and Change Theory; Social Networking Theory; and a range of Curriculum Development Theories. Central to the thesis is the analysis of three Episodes involving Inquiry-based training programmes facilitated by the SLC, and one Account of the development of the SLC itself: a series of Geoscience Inquiry-based learning workshops in Macau and Hong Kong; an invitational international professional development Training Programme provided in York by the National Science Learning Centre in England; an innovative Master’s in Education degree module which involved learning in an unfamiliar context; and finally, the creation of the Macau Science Learning Centre network as an agency for promoting Science Education in Macau. Furthermore, the thesis analyzes the multi-dimensional roles of the writer as participant, co-teacher, co-facilitator, researcher, ethnographer, theorist, and SLC manager. It incorporates aspects of educational innovation and change, teacher professional training, and the development of collaborative social networks. The research makes a unique contribution to the field of Science Education, especially in terms of the transfer and adaptability of an Inquiry-based approach into a traditionally Chinese educational setting through the agency of a SLC}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Pottier, Susan}, collaborator = {Davis, Robert Vincent and Sousa, Ivo Cameiro de}, year = {2011}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{phillips_succession_2018, address = {Macau}, title = {Succession in {Chinese} family business: transgenerational transmission of social capital in {Macao}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174068}, abstract = {This dissertation reports on a study which aims to add to the theoretical understanding of how social capital is transferred from one generation to the next in business families. Studies in the field of family business have emphasized the importance of succession for the survival of family businesses, but while the succession process and planning have been widely studied, the examination of social capital succession is scarce. As for the studies in family business’s social capital, the importance of social capital as a source of competitive advantage which already exists in business families have often been expressed, but there is a lack of research in the means of transferring this form of capital from the family business leaders to their successors. The study presented here addresses this gap in family business succession literature and social capital literature, explaining the means of transgenerational succession of social capital in family businesses. This is a qualitative research using the multiple case study method which aims to investigate the means of social capital transmission by comparing the cases of five different Chinese family businesses in Macau, which are in the succession process, with the successor currently managing the firm while the former generation business leaders are in the process of handing over the business and preparing for retirement. In doing so, this research offers a theoretical framework of explaining how social capital is transmitted from the incumbents to the successors throughout a five-stage succession process developed for this research. The forms of social capital that exists in family businesses are identified from previous literature, in order to clearly explain how these different forms of social capital are passed on from generation to generation based on the review on succession process introduced in published literature. A theoretical iii framework is formed from the two parent theories on family business succession and social capital, and is then verified empirically from five Chinese family businesses in Macau. The cases are developed through in-depth interviews with the incumbents and successors of the family businesses, informal interviews with stakeholders (including family members, business associates, non-family employees and customers), direct observation on the premises of the Chinese family businesses and secondary data, in order to study the process of intergenerational transmission of social capital in these Chinese family businesses}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Phillips, Jenny Oliveros Lao}, collaborator = {Alves, José}, year = {2018}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{olukayode_influence_2014, address = {Macau}, title = {The influence of bilateral trade agreements on mode of market entry choice of resources seeking {Chinese} firms operating in {Nigeria}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174067}, abstract = {In the past three decades there have being an increase in the number of Bilateral Trade Agreements (BTAs) globally. These agreements involve huge human and financial movements and are essentially based on trade and investment. This phenomenon has brought new dimension to global business environment by changing the landscape in whichfirms from emerging markets operate in another emerging market. In the light of this, this dissertation is to examine how bilateral trade agreementsprovisions influence choice of foreign market entry mode of resource seeking Chinese Multinational Enterprises operating in Nigeria. This study adopts a qualitative design, collecting data using semi-structured interviews. The data are analyzed with content analysis and explanation building to identify themes through application of replication logic. The data obtained from the interviews regarding the research questions are presented and discussed as major findings and adoptedfor the creation of the new model for the study of resources seeking firm’s choice of market entry modes in emerging markets The model developed in this dissertation makes a contribution to theory for the study of market entry modes of MNEs from developing countries entering another developing country. In this case, Chinese resources seeking multinational firms entering Nigeria. Elements of Dunning’s OLI theory, Resources Dependency Theory, and Institution theory extended for the purpose for the theory development process. This investigation also provides important information to assist state policy actors in their development of bilateral trade agreements between China and Nigeria. Implications for firms and their involvement in developing countries and with framework where bilateral trade agreements exist are also provided}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Olukayode, Iwaloye Ojo}, collaborator = {Trimarchi, Michael}, year = {2014}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ngan_biased_2016, address = {Macau}, title = {Biased performance prediction and estimate: concurrent examination of the optimistic bias and miscalibration of performace judgment}, shorttitle = {Biased performance prediction and estimate}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174086}, abstract = {Kruger and Dunning (1992) found that unskilled people were typically unaware of their own performance and ability. In this context, unskilled performers were shown to overestimate their performance and ability, whereas skilled performers often accurately predicted their own performance and ability. Such miscalibration in self-assessment is usually attributed to a lack of so-called metacognitive skills necessary for performance evaluation. However, it remains unknown to what extent the miscalibration of performance judgment and optimistic bias is observed in the Chinese culture. This thesis examines patterns of miscalibration of performance judgment and specific optimistic bias. This thesis also builds on a range of previous studies of performance judgment and optimistic bias. In order to investigate the performance judgment and optimistic bias in this context, two studies were conducted as part of the research aspect of this thesis. In the first study, participants were given a reasoning task on which they had to predict their performance before completing the task and estimate their performance upon completion of the task. The second study followed similar methodology, with two additional tasks – Institute For Tourism Studies (IFT) module and the respective midterm examination. Results from both studies indicate that biases in performance judgment occur in the Chinese culture, and may yield negative consequences to those persons who exhibit such judgments. Although metacognitive ability provides some explanation for the miscalibration of performance judgment, the results of the current study indicate that task optimistic bias provides another, equally viable explanation for the miscalibration of performance judgment. The findings presented in this thesis suggest that inaccurate judgments of performance occur within various domains (general and specific iii performance contexts) and that there are a range of implications associated with these biases. Keywords: Miscalibration of performance judgment, optimistic bias, absolute optimistic bias, comparative optimistic bias, overestimation, overplacement, underestimation, underplacement}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ngan, Henrique Fátima Boyol}, collaborator = {Found, Andrew}, year = {2016}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Psychology (D-PSY), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{monteiro_using_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {Using {Collaborative} learning and blended learning with {Macau} undergraduate students inside and outside university classroom}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174037}, abstract = {This thesis reports a mixed methods empirical research which included a university-wide survey and action research in form of a quasi-experiment in collaborative blended learning (CBL) with Macau undergraduate students. The intervention embodied the principles of social constructivism and investigated the putative benefits and challenges of CBL. The purpose of the study was to identify how to promote effective CBL in undergraduate students and to increase effective learning, motivation, autonomy, empowerment, and communication. It found that only small improvements to students’ CBL took place over time, and found that the students needed specific instruction, practice and development in how to collaborate, both with and without online learning. Despite being in a world-leading, enriched digital environment, the students were new to collaboration and online learning. Students discovered and appreciated the benefits and challenges to collaboration and CBL largely by doing it. The thesis shows that CBL does not release teachers from their instructional and pedagogical roles; rather they place teachers at the heart of effective practice and improvements. The study underpins the need for explicit training of students in CBL. It identifies several strategies and tools which can be useful to promote effective genuine CBL}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Monteiro, Elisa Pack Jon Fong Rendall}, collaborator = {Morrison, Keith and Correia, Ana Maria}, year = {2015}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{mieiro_dutch_2013, address = {Macau}, title = {Dutch {Disease} {In} {Macau}: {Theoretical} {Modeling}, {Empirical} {Diagnosis} {And} {Treatments}}, shorttitle = {Dutch {Disease} {In} {Macau}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143157}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Mieiro, Susana Margarida Baptista}, collaborator = {Alves, José}, year = {2013}, keywords = {Dutch Disease, Macau}, } @phdthesis{mendes_ambivalence_2017, address = {Macau}, title = {Ambivalence, relationality, complexity and integration grassroots artistic landscape of {Macao} {S}.{A}.{R} in the post-retrocession era}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174055}, abstract = {This research intends to analyze how the social, political, economical and cultural transformations of the retrocession of Macao S.A.R. to China influenced the contemporary grassroots artistic production, namely their response to the issue of One Country, Two Systems policy. This transitional state of these places in-between creates a somehow ambivalent situation where some of the core values of identity and heritage are fading away due to the forces of the current development. In this sense, it urges to consider the ways in which artists in the post-retrocession era in their lived experiences, form their own sense of community and consciousness of place, time and belonging and, by doing so, can contribute to the preservation of some of the local and specific characteristics, enhancing the cultural vitality of the region. The growing interest by the artists in the issues of preservation and engagement with the locality, trough memory and history, manifested in ‘alternative’ modes of production, is providing a different model of ‘place making’ and a narrative that contrasts and complements some of the top-down cultural policies. Since the focus of development in these territories has been on the idea of creative industries, entertainment and tourism as possible realities for the pressing economical diversification, these grassroots models, functioning as the ‘second system’ open up complexity, providing different questions and answers to the future of artistic production. Finally, departing from these examples, we analyze the possibility of a new image for these kinds of artistic practices, through their incorporation into the possibility of relational aesthetics ‘with Chinese characteristics’, within the perspective of integration, and as emergent features in the field of contemporary art}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Mendes, Carla de Utra}, collaborator = {Simões, José Manuel}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ma_assessing_2018, address = {Macau}, title = {Assessing driving behavior in {Macau} public transportation through mobile crowd sensing}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174070}, abstract = {This thesis introduces, implements and evaluates an innovative concept for assessing driving behavior in public transportation through Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS), under the field of Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS) - a sub-group of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Aggressive driving behavior is known to be a cause of avoidable accidents and to increase fuel consumption. In public transportations, it is also a case for costumers’ dissatisfaction. Monitoring the quality of driving behavior is a key element to overcome this issue and to improve road safety and customer satisfaction. In this research project, a software application (app) for mobile devices was developed as an experimental tool / proof-of-concept, to monitor aggressive driving behavior in bus drivers, collecting data coming from mobile device’s accelerometer and passengers’ qualitative evaluation. The experimental procedure took place in public transportation in Macau (bus only) and consisted of data collection of drivers’ aggressive driving behavior using the developed application. The analysis of collected data suggests that MCS is a viable way to assess drivers’ behavior in public transportation, thus contributing to the improvement of the service and increase of road safety. Although the methodology has been tailor-made for Macau public transportation, it is believed that the same concept can be applied to other cities, leading them towards the goal of becoming smarter cities. Keywords: driving behavior; mobile crowd sensing; crowdsourcing; smart city; advanced public transportation system; intelligent transportation system; road safety; mobile device accelerometer}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ma, Fei Chun}, collaborator = {Cordeiro, João and Cheang, Thomas}, year = {2018}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Information System (D-IS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lou_rethinking_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {Rethinking special administrative regions {Chinese} cultural identities and the role of social media: a case study of {Macau}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174054}, abstract = {Hong Kong and Macau were politically reunified with Mainland China in 1997 and 1999, respectively. These two cities culturally originated from Mainland China, but due to their own colonial experiences, the Chinese cultural identities within Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China became different. The nature of Chinese cultural identities within Hong Kong and Macau were hybridized, and they have formed their own Chinese cultural identities with their own peculiarities. The Internet is a popular communication medium and it facilitates cultural communication inside and outside of these three places. The high-speed development of modern technology leads to the variety of services that emerge in the Internet, such as discussion forum, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. These new and open spaces serve as a platform for ordinary people to express themselves in different ways. General observations in the Internet reveal that the discussion on Chinese cultural identity among Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China exists. The combination of self-identity and reconstruction of self-cultural identity are happening in these differently colonized places. Some local Chinese people in Macau, and Taiwanese in Taiwan, share this kind of experience as well. Meanings in different issues via different symbols are formed and they can be seen from the photos that circulate in the Internet using threads posted in Blogs or discussion forums. All these kinds of images or contexts become symbols of recognizable identities. Internet use, therefore, has facilitated the cultural communication between Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan. It has also intensified the enlightenment of Chinese cultural identity, showing and highlighting in effect the remnants of recognizable traits in these territories that were once colonized by different states. In essence, they may arguably have formed heterogeneous Chinese cultural identities. This study presents the uniqueness of the formation of Macau identity in comparison to Hong Kong, and how different it was from Hong Kong after the end of the colonial period. This ‘awakening process’, it is argued, provides a new perspective for understanding the attendant connotations and evaluations of cultural identities, and the different perspectives used to understand how the Internet is reshaping the social world. The reconstruction of cultural identity is a global issue and cultural hybridity is an essential element for reconstruction of self-cultural identity in the postcolonial period. This study employs postcolonial theory, along with observation, in-depth interview and online data collection and content analysis that were adapted during the course of the research, in order to discuss this phenomenon}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lou, Lai Chu}, collaborator = {Simões, José Manuel}, year = {2015}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lopes_as_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {As fronteiras do sentido num projeto educacional europeu:uma grounded theory}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174034}, abstract = {Esta dissertação reporta uma investigação realizada com o objectivo de se compreender a persistente dificuldade de integração sentida no patamar transnacional de um projeto educacional europeu Comenius, de parceria entre escolas. A Grounded Theory foi a metodologia selecionada para orientar a recolha e análise de dados. Os dados empíricos primários foram extraídos de entrevistas abertas, não estruturadas, realizadas aos professores europeus envolvidos nas atividades do projeto. Identificou-se, como principal fator obstrutivo da unidade operacional a esse nível no projeto, a existência de significativas barreiras à comunicação entre os diferentes parceiros europeus, latentes, pouco compreensíveis, mas extraordinariamente operativas. Implicações do estudo e sugestões para esforços subsequentes visando evitar ou, pelo menos, contornar o mesmo tipo de problema, ou problemas similares, estão incluídas}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lopes, Carlos Manuel de Brito Mariano de Vasconcelos}, collaborator = {Correia, Ana Maria}, year = {2015}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lo_understanding_2013, address = {Macau}, title = {Understanding {Employee} {Turnover} in {Multi}-{Cultural} {High} {Demand} {Situations}: {The} {Hotel} {Service} {Industry} in {Macau} (2008-2012)}, shorttitle = {Understanding {Employee} {Turnover} in {Multi}-{Cultural} {High} {Demand} {Situations}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143153}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lo, Ka In}, collaborator = {Whitfield, Richard}, year = {2013}, keywords = {2008-2012, Hotel Service Industry, Macau}, } @phdthesis{liu_exploring_2014, address = {Macau}, title = {Exploring the {Development} of {Contemporary} {Hospice} {Care} {Orientation} in the {Light} of a {Confucian} {View} of {Life} and {Death}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174711&query_desc=an%3A82708}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Liu, Weifeng}, collaborator = {Christian, Matthias}, year = {2014}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Religious Studies (D-RS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{li_cop21_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {{COP21} {COMPLIANCE} {AND} {SUSTAINABLE} {DEVELOPMENT} {THROUGH} {INTEGRATED} {SOLID} {WASTE} {MANAGEMENT}: {IMPLEMENTATION} {PERSPECTIVES} {OF} {THE} {CIRCULAR} {ECONOMY} {IN} {THE} {PEARL} {RIVER} {DELTA} {AREA}}, shorttitle = {{COP21} {COMPLIANCE} {AND} {SUSTAINABLE} {DEVELOPMENT} {THROUGH} {INTEGRATED} {SOLID} {WASTE} {MANAGEMENT}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=204548}, abstract = {The global living standard improved significantly in the last decades and China moved 800 million people out of poverty since 1980. However, production and consumption in their current forms are unsustainable in matters of resource and energy use and involved emissions with their significant ecological impact. The global human community committed itself in the COP21 Agreement of Paris 2015 to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions based on National Determined Contributions (NDCs) in order to limit the increase of global average temperature below 2°C or better 1.5°C above pre industrial levels. This commitment entails a comprehensive transformation of the current social and economic system in view of decoupling economic growth from both resource extraction and GHG emissions, in view of fostering a resource sensitive and CO2 neutral Circular Economy (CE) based on Sustainable Development (SD). China submitted its first Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) in 2015 with policies and measures affecting 15 major areas. In 2020, President Xi Jinping announced the commitment to peak China’s carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. Proper and Integrated Resource and Waste Management is central on the way to achieve the transformation into a CE. The State Council of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) released its plan “生活垃圾分类制度实施方案” to promote source separation of household waste on March 30, 2017 aiming at the recycling rate for household waste to reach 35\% by 2020 for the selected cities. The first China’s Mandatory Waste Source Separation Law “廣州 市生活垃圾分類管理條例” was enforced by the city of Guangzhou on July 1st, 2018. One of the key strategic plans in China is the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) with its comprehensive development plan released on February 18, 2019. Following the INDCs by China, parts of the GBA Development Plan emphasize that the development of the CE systems and the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR), are effective principles to provide financial incentives in view of reducing embedded emissions in material and processes. The present research studied, analysed, and compared the MSW treatment strategies, rules, regulations, and retrievable data, which lead to MSW source separation and the reverse logistic of separated waste among 4 selected cities Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and the 2 S.A.R.s of Hong Kong and Macao. The experience and comparison from Guangzhou and Hong Kong revealed that a Top-down approach in environmental policy decision making is more efficient and is able to implement necessary policies faster. However, the experiences from Guangzhou and Zhuhai indicate, that also a more participatory implementation process is crucial, as it enables the involved stakeholders to express their experiences and opinions properly, which can lead to a higher level of policy feasibility and acceptance and a smoother operation accompanied with a higher effectiveness. For the two SARs, to achieve the objective to increase the recycling rate, the local Government must seek approval from China’s Central Government to allow locally generated recyclable material, in their original form, to enter mainland China for further treatment and to be turned into secondary raw material. Without such a proper support by a reverse resource logistic from the mainland, the CE schemes, such as the Mandatory Waste Source Separation, Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS), Waste Charging Scheme, are not able to be implemented effectively. The current approach of the Local Government purchasing of recycling and exportation services of recyclable materials from private companies, and the sole reliance on existing market forces to handle, process, and export recyclable material out of the S.A.R.s cannot ensure a reliable and continuous operation in view of mitigating involved emissions. By way of a comparative analyses, the present investigation works out and distils suggestions for best practices of implementing the CE to comply with targets of emission reductions}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Li, Warren Man Ho}, collaborator = {Gassner, Franz}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Circular Economy (CE), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph, Waste Hierarchy, Zeroand- Low-Waste-Systems}, } @phdthesis{leong_nineteenth-century_2011, address = {Macau}, title = {Nineteenth-{Century} {Women}'s {Travel} {Writings}: {A} {Case} {Study} on {Ana} {D}'{Almeida}'s {Dairy} and {Chinese} {Women}'s {Writing}}, shorttitle = {Nineteenth-{Century} {Women}'s {Travel} {Writings}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143383}, abstract = {We live in an era in which critique of the West has become a deep-rooted phenomenon of the lives of non-Europeans. This paper contributes to the study of European women perception of South East Asia as mirrored in travel writing accounts and, independently but syncronic, of the Chinese women poets who wrote during a period a few decades before and after the mid nineteenth century. I shall be analysing the Western concept of femininity and domesticity in relation to and symultaneously attempting to reformulate Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism. Central to my research method is the fact that I am trying to add to to a traditional Western-oriented gender issues approach - baded on a review of the mid- nineteenth women travel writers - a reversed view, that being the representation of the Orient emerging from the vision of Chinese women literature. My research not only focuses on the literariness of travel writing, which has been widely neglected, but also on a vision of the Orient that is represented by some Chinese women writers in the nineteenth century –Gan Lirou 甘立媃 (1743-1819) and Lü Bicheng 呂碧城 (1883 – 1943). My research is not a survey study of Chinese literature, and it does not claim to be exhaustive. Instead, I attempt to systematize the problem of Western representations of the Orient by taking Ana d’Almeida’s diary, A Lady’s Visit to Manilla and Japan, as central reference and source of conceptual classification. From there, I am trying to further some gender issues drawn from Ana d'Almeida's text and identify symetric instances of those representations, if present, in Chinese literary texts written roughly in the same historical period. Expending Edward Said’s Orientalism, this paper tries to challenge the classic univocal Orient-Occident approach and to mirror Western Orientalist and pseudo- Orientalist ideas into contemporary Chinese writings. This is also meant to be an introduction to this cross-cultural comparative approach of feminity and domesticity open for further contributions in gender studies as well as in fields bordering social history, history of literature, literary theory and cultural anthropology}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Leong, Si Kei}, collaborator = {Vladescu, Tudor}, year = {2011}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in History (D-HIS), University of Saint Joseph Thesis and Dissertations PhD in}, } @phdthesis{leong_wong__2022, address = {Macau}, title = {土生葡人和亞洲葡裔在三藩市灣區 =: {MACANESE} {AND} {LUSO}-{ASIANS} {IN} {THE} {SAN} {FRANCISCO} {BAY} {AREA}}, shorttitle = {土生葡人和亞洲葡裔在三藩市灣區 =}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=209913}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Leong Wong, Un Na}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in History (D-HIS), University of Saint Joseph, 三藩市, 亞洲葡裔, 土生葡人, 灣區, 身份認同}, } @phdthesis{lei_air_2020, address = {Macau}, title = {Air {Quality} {Management} in {Macao}: {Assessment}, {Development} of an {Operational} {Forecast}, and {Future} {Perspectives}}, shorttitle = {Air {Quality} {Management} in {Macao}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=175578&query_desc=an%3A82709}, abstract = {A combination of assessment, operational forecast, and future perspective was thoroughly explored to provide an overview of the existing air quality problems in Macao. The levels of air pollution in Macao often exceed those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In order for the population to take precautionary measures and avoid further health risks during high pollution episodes, it is important to develop a reliable air quality forecast. Statistical models based on linear multiple regression (MLR) and classification and regression trees (CART) analysis were successfully developed for Macao, to predict the next day concentrations of NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and O3. Meteorological variables were selected from an extensive list of possible variables, including geopotential height, relative humidity, atmospheric stability, and air temperature at different vertical levels. Air quality variables translate the resilience of the recent past concentrations of each pollutant and usually are maximum and/or the average of latest 24-hour levels. The models were applied in forecasting the next day average daily concentrations for NO2 and PM and maximum hourly O3 levels for five air quality monitoring stations. The results are expected to support an operational air iv quality forecast for Macao. The work involved two phases. On a first phase, the models utilized meteorological and air quality variables based on five years of historical data, from 2013 to 2017. Data from 2013 to 2016 were used to develop the statistical models and data from 2017 was used for validation purposes. All the developed models were statistically significantly valid with a 95\% confidence level with high coefficients of determination (from 0.78 to 0.93) for all pollutants. On a second phase, these models were used with 2019 validation data, while a new set of models based on a more extended historical data series, from 2013 to 2018, were also validated with 2019 data. There were no significant differences in the coefficients of determination (R2) and minor improvements in root mean square errors (RMSE), mean absolute errors (MAE) and biases (BIAS) between the 2013 to 2016 and the 2013 to 2018 data models. In addition, for one air quality monitoring station (Taipa Ambient), the 2013 to 2018 model was applied for two days ahead (D2) forecast and the coefficient of determination (R2) was considerably less accurate to the one day ahead (D1) forecast, but still able to provide a reliable air quality forecast for Macao. To understand if the prediction model was robust to extreme variations in v pollutants concentration, a test was performed under the circumstances of a high pollution episode for PM2.5 and O3 during 2019, and a low pollution episode during 2020. Regarding the high pollution episode, the period of the Chinese National Holiday of 2019 was selected, in which high concentration levels were identified for PM2.5 and O3, with peaks of daily concentration for PM2.5 levels exceeding 55 μg/m3 and the maximum hourly concentration for O3 levels exceeding 400 μg/m3. For the low pollution episode, the 2020 period of implementation of the preventive measures for COVID-19 pandemic was selected, with a low record of daily concentration for PM2.5 levels at 2 μg/m3 and maximum hourly concentration for O3 levels at 50 μg/m3. The 2013 to 2018 model successfully predicted the high pollution episode with high coefficients of determination (0.92 for PM2.5 and 0.82 for O3). Likewise, the low pollution episode was also correctly predicted with high coefficients of determination (0.86 and 0.84 for PM2.5 and O3, respectively). Overall, the results demonstrate that the statistical forecast model is robust and able to correctly reproduce extreme air pollution events of both high and low concentration levels. Machine learning methods maybe adopted to provide significant improvements in combination of multiple linear regression (MLR) and classification and regression vi tree (CART) to further improve the accuracy of the statistical forecast. The developed air pollution forecasting model may be combined with other measures to mitigate the impact of air pollution in Macao. These may include the establishment of low emission zones (LEZ), as enforced in some European cities, license plate restrictions and lottery policy, as used in some Asian, tax exemptions on electric vehicles (EVs) and exclusive corridors for public transportations. Keywords: Air pollution; Particulate Matter; Ozone; Macao; Statistical air quality forecast; Pollution episodes; Chinese national holiday; COVID-19}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lei, Man Tat}, collaborator = {Ferreira, Francisco and Gonçalves, David}, year = {2020}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lei_green_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {Green {Roof}, {Nature}-based {Solutions}, {Biodiversity}, {Sustainability}, {Macao} {SAR}, {China}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=216031}, abstract = {According to the United Nations (UN) World Urbanization Prospects 2018, cities are growing in both size and number, posing challenges for sustainable development. With urbanization, the increase of impermeabilization and landscape fragmentation urges for territorial planning and resources management. To promote resilient and resourceful cites, strategic planning where nature-based solutions (NBS) are included into the built environment, counteracting the negative effects of urbanization through the provision of ecosystem services, should be considered. Green roofs (GR) are an example of NBS that provide a panoply of ecosystem services at the level of the building and city, besides contributing for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This NBS can be included in the urban planning agenda in the new building or as a retrofit solution in the existing built environment. Macao SAR (here mentioned as Macao) is the second more densely populated city in the world, according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division. The present study aims to assess the inclusion of GR in Macao and assess the ecosystem services that they may provide in a holistic approach aligned with the city’s sustainable development. For this purpose, an extensive GR implemented in Taipa Island of Macao was monitored in terms of associated biodiversity and carbon cycle assessment. Further on, it was carried out a comparison between this GR and a conventional roof (CR) in terms of surface thermal buffering. The results of this study have shown to be very promising in terms of the applicability of GR in Macao and on the relevant ecosystem services that they can provide. First, data loggers were installed in the GR and CR to assess the impact on temperature mitigation. The GR had a significant effect in decreasing and buffering temperature at the surface, with temperatures of 35.6 ºC in the GR substrate comparing with temperatures of 57.7 ºC in the CR surface. The results show that GR can be a cost-efficiency strategy to reduce heating of buildings and their associated environmental and economic costs with cooling. Second, the biodiversity of plants and animals was assessed using a combination of methods. It was observed a high level of biodiversity under a low maintenance and low disturbance of GR vegetation, with 23 species of plants and 34 species of animals identified. This shows that GR can contribute to increase biodiversity in cities. Third, an experiment was run with leaf litter bags to investigate the role of macrofauna (e.g., insects) in the decomposition of organic matter. With macrofauna activity, the decomposition rate increased 17 \% when compared to decomposition rates without macrofauna, suggesting that the animals harboured in GR, in particular insects, play a key role in organic matter decomposition and thus on the carbon cycle in cities. This work is, to our knowledge, the first empirical GR study in Macao. The results support the application of GR in Macao for temperature mitigation, biodiversity increase and carbon sequestration, promoting the integration of this NBS in the future urban planning and policy of the city. More generally, the work supports the use of GR as an important NBS to mitigate the impact of climate change in urban settings}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lei, Man Sao}, collaborator = {Gonçalves, David and Calheiros, Cristina}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Biodiversity, China, Green Roof, Macao SAR, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainability}, } @phdthesis{lei_banking_2019, address = {Macau}, title = {Banking efficiency and competition: an empirical research on {Macau}'s banking industry}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=173253}, abstract = {This research examines the relationship between banking competition and efficiency using relevant data of Macau banking industry from 1999 to 2016. The key finding of this research is to demonstrate a clear causality between competition and efficiency in Macau’s banking industry throughout the study period. The interaction between two vital factors of the banking industry provides a solid empirical evidence for the practitioners and policymakers to make sound decisions accordingly. The most recent data show that there is a wide variation of key operational indicators of different banks in 2016. However, this study finds no evidence that the size of operations in terms of total bank loans would impact banks’ efficiency. Economies of scale or market share doesn’t necessarily bring cost efficiency in Macau’s banking industry}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lei, Hoi Kin}, collaborator = {Xia, Harry}, year = {2019}, keywords = {Doctorate of Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lebel_grammar_2021, address = {Macau}, title = {Grammar of {Macao} {Creole} {Portuguese} with {Typological} and {Semiotic} {Considerations}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=176661}, abstract = {Macao Creole Portuguese (MacCP) is a critically endangered language spoken in Southeastern China. The formation of MacCP is attributed to the speakers of Portuguese-based creole languages in Asia (Asian CPs), especially Papia Kristang, the Malayo-Portuguese of Malacca (MalCP). Since the 19th century, MacCP has been traditionally classified as Sino-Portuguese, but comparative methods incited some authors to treat MacCP within the Malayo-Portuguese group. In Macao, the Malaccan origin of MacCP, known as Patúa or Maquista, is generally underestimated or misunderstood by the local population, including the Macanese/Maquista community. The main goal of this research is to clarify the origin of MacCP from a typological perspective on grammatical features. Secondly, while considering a possible revitalization of Maquista, the research should assess the significance of the Malayo- and Sino-Portuguese classifications in popular narratives and relate the language to current practices. The grammar of MacCP emerged from the complex linguistic ecology of the Portuguese colonial expansion in Asia. The documentation of Asian CPs allows us to sketch possible scenarios that explain the formation of MacCP according to linguistic, historical and social factors. A digital corpus of MacCP containing archive documents, contemporary literature, and oral transcriptions was assembled in order to produce a systematic review of 130 grammatical features, as defined in the Atlas of Pidgin and Creole Language Structures Online (APiCS Online – Michaelis et al. [eds] 2013). MacCP and MalCP share certain features that are not found in South Asian CPs, such as the in situ position of interrogative words, the reduplication for nominal plural, the form of reciprocal constructions, and the verb serialization of motion constructions, thus pointing to the Malayo-Portuguese origin. At the same time, other features suggest a certain influence from Sinitic languages, mainly Cantonese and Hokkien, such as the convergence between the genitive, adjective and relative clause constructions, the double-object construction, the verb-neg-verb polar question, the copular focus construction, the reduplication inducing a change of word class or semantics, and the use of certain deontic, imperative, and prohibitive verbal markers. The comparative analysis of the grammars of MacCP, MalCP and other Asian CPs can be represented quantitatively by the means of a phylogenetic network (SplitsTree4 – Huson \& Bryant 2006). The results clearly indicate that, from a structural perspective, MacCP belongs to the Malayo-Portuguese group and the presence of Sinitic elements did not affect the core of the grammar. In fact, MacCP and MalCP appear to be more similar to each other than to the former Malayo-Portuguese of Batavia. However, the Malayo-Portuguese classification of MacCP does not resonate with the Macanese community. By contrast, the Sino-Portuguese classification translates current linguistic, social and semiotic practices. A socio-semiotic survey among the millennial generation of Macanese and the consideration of themes and motifs in Maquista literature indicates that the revitalization of Maquista simultaneously implies, in their views, the preservation of the Cantonese and Portuguese heritage}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lebel, Alexandre}, collaborator = {Baxter, Alan N.}, year = {2021}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Education (D-SE), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lau_enhancing_2020, address = {Macau}, title = {Enhancing {Learning} of {Accounting} for {Non}-{Accounting} students: {Through} {Lens} of {Theory} of {Planned} {Behavior} and {Experiential} {Learning} {Styles}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174642}, abstract = {This thesis aims to explore how learning accounting for non-accounting major students could be enhanced through a comprehensive framework connecting individual attributes and learning approaches. While accounting is considered an important and mandatory discipline for business students, it is also considered a difficult subject which deters students’ engagement in the subject. Although the issue has been widely recognized, there are relatively less discussions on possible remedies. Learning accounting is a dynamic process that go beyond the traditional one-to-many learning and teaching settings, all factors revolving the students’ learning environment and process, altogether determine and affect the learning efficiencies. A meta-analysis was first performed to understand the standings of accounting education and to identify gaps within existing literatures in the field of management, accounting, tourism and general education researches. A documentary review on the curricula of all Macau HEI programs involving compulsory accounting courses was also conducted to understand the role and significance of accounting courses for non-accounting college students in Macau. Based on the literature review, this study borrows constructs from theory of planned behavior (TPB) models in its research framework. It attempts to provide a comprehensive framework to understand how students learn accounting efficiently by delving into individual learning styles of the students and their perceived helpfulness and self-efficacy, in respective to different learning techniques. Due to its exploratory nature, a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative methodology is adopted, where both focus group discussions and in-depth interviews are performed with non-accounting students to elicit understandings on student’s difficulties in learning accounting and their preferences for different learning styles. Then, a full-scale quantitative survey is conducted in a Macau higher education institute to assess the learning efficiencies of accounting in different situations. A triangulation with feedback from faculties and administrators are also elicited to provide alternate dimensions on the issues. With no surprise, there is no one best 3 teaching style or method for all students, this thesis contributes to accounting education research by provide a comprehensive diagnosis on the all-round learning stimulus and hindrance in learning accounting. At the end, recommendations are provided for accounting educators to emphasize on the uniqueness of students and to encourage a more dynamic and open environment for learning. Limitations of the studies are also discussed}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lau, Meng Chan}, collaborator = {Negreiros, João Garrott Marques and Lao-Phillips, Jenny Oliveros}, year = {2020}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lara_impact_2020, address = {Macau}, title = {Impact of {Noise} on {Early} {Development} and {Hearing} in {Zebrafish} ({Danio} rerio)}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=177036}, abstract = {Fishes are highly specialized in extracting ecologically relevant information from their diverse acoustic habitats since early developmental stages. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a valuable and well-stablished vertebrate model for investigating hearing functioning and disorders, development of the inner ear in vertebrates including humans, drug discovery, ecotoxicology assessments and behavioral research. Although the acoustic environment is known to shape the structure and sensitivity of auditory systems, there is no information on the natural soundscape of this species. Zebrafish are typically reared in large-scale artificial housing systems, which acoustic properties and potential effects on hearing remain largely unknown. Even though elevated levels of noise are widely present in most aquatic soundscapes and to an even greater extent in artificial environments, very limited information is known on how this important environmental stressor impacts species’ development and physiology, hearing capabilities and inner ear morphology, and behaviour. Considering that noise pollution is rapidly increasing in aquatic ecosystems, causing detrimental effects on survivability and growth and altering physiology and behaviour of organisms, it is of paramount importance to assess how this stressor affects wildlife, especially in early ontogeny, a critical period for development and establishment of phenotypic traits. For this thesis I aimed to 1) characterize the soundscape of both zebrafish natural habitats and laboratory captive conditions, and discuss possible impact on auditory sensitivity. Sound recordings were conducted in five distinct zebrafish habitats (Southwest India), from quieter stagnant environments with diverse biological/abiotic sounds to louder watercourses characterized by current and moving substrate, while artificial environmental characterization was conducted on three typical zebrafish housing systems. 8 In order to assess the impact of noise exposure on early development, my next goal was to 2) perform a split-brood experiment to test the effects of chronic noise exposure to increasing levels (130 and 150 dB re 1 μPa, continuous white noise) and different temporal regimes (mimicking shipping activity) on larval zebrafish in regards to general development, physiological stress, and behavioural patterns. Finally, the last objective consisted on 3) testing the effects of chronic noise exposure on auditory sensitivity measured based on inner ear saccular microphonics and acoustic-evoked startle responses (prepulse inhibition paradigm) in larval zebrafish, as well as evaluating whether sensitivity changes were paralleled by altered inner ear morphology. Based on bioacoustics methods, my first study found that zebrafish natural soundscape varied between 98 and 126 dB re 1 lPa in sound pressure levels. Sound spectra presented most energy below 3000 Hz and quieter noise windows were found in the noisiest habitats matching the species best hearing range. Contrastingly, recordings from zebrafish housing systems revealed higher sound levels (122–143 dB) and most energy below 1000Hz with more spectral peaks, which might cause significant impact such as auditory masking or even hearing loss. In my second research work, the acoustic treatments did not affect general development or hatching but increased noise levels led to a significant increase in mortality of larval zebrafish. The cardiac rate, yolk sac consumption and cortisol levels increased significantly with increasing noise level at both 3 and 5 dpf (days post fertilization). Variations in noise time presentations (different random noise periods similar to shipping activity) suggested that the presence of longer silent intervals is important to down-regulate physiological stress. Moreover, 5 dpf larvae exposed to 150 dB continuous noise regimes displayed increased dark avoidance in an anxiety-related dark/light preference test and displayed a significant 9 impairment in spontaneous alternation behaviour (SAB) a memory and sensorimotor related behaviour. Finally, in the last thesis goal, I found that noise-exposed specimens displayed significantly lower hair cell number and saccular epithelial area. This change in sensory morphology was paralleled by a significant decrease in inner ear saccular sensitivity at lower frequencies (100 to 200 Hz) in 5 dpf larvae. Sensorimotor hearing assessment revealed a hypersensitisation effect in noise-exposed group that displayed higher startle swimming velocity, but also significant decrease in sensitivity at 200 Hz. Altogether, this thesis provides an important ground for future research on the adaptation of zebrafish auditory system to the natural soundscapes, and highlights the importance of controlling noise conditions in captivity systems. Furthermore, results provide first evidence of noise-induced physiological stress, anxiety-driven behaviours and memory impairment in larval zebrafish larvae, showing that both noise amplitude and timing may negatively impact key physiological and behavioural endpoints in early ontogeny. The thesis also reports new findings on how acoustic stress may impact the structure and function of the inner ear in larval fish, which was followed by decreased sensitivity in sensorimotor responses to acoustic stimuli. My research highlights the importance of investigating how altered soundscapes and associated physiological and behavioural stress may affect important sensitive windows in development and impose new evolutionary challenges under a scenario of global change}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lara, Rafael Ayala}, year = {2020}, note = {Publisher: University of Saint Joseph}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lampo_adapting_2020, address = {Macao}, type = {{PhD} in {Business} {Administration}}, title = {Adapting the {Unified} {Theory} of {Acceptance} and {Use} of {Technology} 2 ({Utaut} 2) to {Explain} {Acceptance} of {Battery} {Electric} {Vehicles}: {Evidence} {From} {Macau}}, shorttitle = {Adapting the {Unified} {Theory} of {Acceptance} and {Use} of {Technology} 2 ({Utaut} 2) to {Explain} {Acceptance} of {Battery} {Electric} {Vehicles}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174665}, abstract = {Vehicles solely powered by electricity are a major technological innovation that combines individual transportation needs and environmental sustainability, yet their market penetration is low. Research has traditionally indicated factors such as the vehicle’s purchasing price, driving range, and charging time as the main barriers to adoption. However, the decision to adopt a technology also depends on what the technology represents to the user; therefore, other factors may be important to explain individuals’ behavior. This study is a quantitative and cross-sectional look at the behavioral intention to adopt battery electric vehicles (BEVs) technology in the context of Macau. The research builds on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT 2) (Venkatesh et. al., 2012) to explain the characteristics of the local consumers. Besides the addition of image and environmental concern to the theoretical model, the study also put forward and evaluate the construct of technology show-off, an original measure of the visible and experiential characteristics of a technology. A sample of 236 Macau residents was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). The analysis of the data supported the explanatory and predictive power of our model and helped to describe the idiosyncrasies of local residents. The results provide insights related to individual technology acceptance that could be useful in designing more accurate strategies and fostering the uptake of BEVs in Macau or markets that share similarities}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lampo, Alessandro}, collaborator = {Silva, Susana Costa and Lao-Phillips, Jenny Oliveros}, year = {2020}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lam_community_2012, address = {Macau}, title = {Community health specialist nurses and primary health care in {Macao}: {Linking} core competencies with curriculum development}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143136}, abstract = {This study focuses on curriculum development for competency-based training of advanced practice nursing and smoking cessation in Macao. The aims of this thesis are: (a) to link the core competencies of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) to curriculum development; (b) to make recommendations for improved specialist nurse training to address current problems of nursing; and (c) to gather data to indicate the scope and the severity of the issues related to nurse training in Macao. The thesis presents a comprehensive literature review of theoretical frameworks of competency-based nursing curricula, curriculum development and design, quality assurance, best practice in competency based models of nursing education, theories of change and innovation, needs analysis and stakeholder satisfaction. The thesis develops and implements a needs analysis and situational analysis of nursing education in Macao, using a „mixed methods‟ approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative data to identify the needs for, and perception of, core competencies in Community Health APNs by the health professionals and clients of the community. This includes an empirical survey of stakeholders, semi-structured interviews with professionals in the field of nursing and nurse training, structured questionnaires from clients, observational data on training and implementation of competency-based curricula, and evaluation of a piece of curriculum implementation of an APN training program on smoking cessation. Through action research cycles, the thesis synthesizes a range of literature and empirical data, and, from these, gains feedback for improvement and refinement of the new curriculum to be implemented. As well as conducting client satisfaction surveys of the primary health care provision and services in Macau and how these could be improved, the thesis provides the framework for a competency-based curriculum for nursing education in Macau. The thesis argues that, in order to keep abreast with current developments in nurse training and practice worldwide, it is essential for APN education and training to adopt a competency-based approach and for curricula to be framed in terms of competencies and outcomes. It indicates that these are currently under-developed in Macao, and that there is an urgent need for them to be addressed, in terms of general, core and specific competencies (e.g. smoking cessation). The thesis argues that, for such developments to iii happen, fundamental changes will be required to curricula and to APN nursing practice, as, even though there may be changes to curricula, the opportunity to put general and specific competencies into practice by APNs is currently severely restricted because of a range of constraints in Macao. The thesis argues that there is an urgent need for APNs to receive competency-based training and practice for smoking cessation, and the opportunity to put this training into practice. It indicates that even short workshops and training programs can be effective. The thesis argues that current obstacles to such practice can be identified, but that overcoming them presents serious challenges to the current system, and will require action on many fronts, including revisions to local legislation, nurse credentialing, facilitation by senior managers of the health service, and an increase in the supply of nurses. The thesis indicates that there is a strong and united will for changes to be made to bring about competency-based training, curricula and practice in Macao, but that there are many practical barriers to be overcome in order to bring about these changes}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lam, Oi Ching Bernice Nogueira}, collaborator = {Davis, Vincent and Pang, Samantha}, year = {2012}, keywords = {Macao, PhD in Education (D-SE), Practice Nursing, School of Education. Education, Smoking Cessation, Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lam_english_2019, address = {Macau}, title = {English as a foreign language: a comprehensive study on teacher's self-efficacy and its antecedents in {Macao}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174345}, abstract = {As societies globalize, mastery of a second or multiple languages has become an important index to enhance interaction in the society. In that English is a is a widely used medium of communication globally for engagement in international business, commerce, science, technology and governance, the benefits of an efficacious English language teaching force to facilitate the English acquisition process of students in classrooms around the world is highly valued. For the purpose of this study, the English language teacher efficacy instrument (ELTEI) was adapted to the local context to measure the professional efficacy of the English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher participants. The objective of the research was to investigate the degree of relationship between antecedent conditions and specific teacher efficacy in Macao. A mixed-method approach in a sequential phase design was adopted to explore the efficacy of English language teachers serving Chinese medium schools in a non-English speaking region in Asia. Phase-one employed a qualitative approach to contextualize the measurement instrument and to ascertain important characteristics of the target population. Phase-two ensured a quantitative approach to yield understanding regarding the influence of key antecedent conditions on the efficacy of English language teachers in Macao. As evidenced through multiple linear regressions and structural equation modeling, openness, neuroticism, and perceived school support were significant predictors for teacher’s self-efficacy in English teaching. Recommendations for the school management to enhance and sustain the efficacy of EFL teachers in Macao were discussed}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lam, Man Ieng and Malungu, Laurie Baker and Negreiros, João Garrott Marques}, collaborator = {{University of Saint Joseph}}, year = {2019}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lam_accounting_2011, address = {Macau}, title = {Accounting in {Macau}: {A} {Historical} {Perspective} from 1970s until 2008}, shorttitle = {Accounting in {Macau}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143138&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20Government%20Studies}, abstract = {The current research study embraced the objectives to investigate the transformation of accounting in Macau from the first set of accounting legislations in 1970s, through the first set of accounting standards in 1983, until a year after the first application of international accounting standards, by 2008. From the transformation, the role taken by accounting in the economy and the factors that have influenced the transformation were intended to identify. Through the historical picture, findings have supported and expanded the theoretical concepts that accounting was taking both active and passive roles in the economy. Furthermore, they also supported the theoretical concepts that culture, economic environment, political environment and education influenced the transformation of accounting. The objectives have been structured through three research issues identified from the analysis of past literatures. Five qualitative and quantitative research studies have been carried out, using primary and secondary data from both primary and secondary sources. In-depth interviews on 13 representative respondents of the government, the profession, the industry and the academia, directly or in-directly related with accounting have been done. A case study on a company doing business in Macau since 1970s was included to enrich, supplement and evaluate the findings on the accounting practice of Macau. Based on the findings, a model has been constructed that represented the interaction between accounting and the different factors of the economy. Contributions from the research findings have enriched the research literatures on the area of accounting history. Implications from the findings have generated better insights for the business and economic histories of Macau}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lam, Ching Chi}, collaborator = {Alves, José}, year = {2011}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lai_chi_meng_identification_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{IDENTIFICATION} {OF} {CRITICAL} {FACTORS} {TO} {DETERMINE} {THE} {INTENTION} {OF} {GOVERNMENT} {SERVICE} {MINI}-{PROGRAM} {ADOPTION} {THROUGH} {MOBILE} {PAYMENT} {PLATFORMS} {IN} {MACAU} {AND} {THE} {GREATER} {BAY} {AREA}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=208813}, abstract = {Government service mini-programs have become an integral component of eGovernment in the Greater Bay Area, and successful eGovernment is necessary for building a smart city. Service quality and citizens' trust play a vital role in urban integration and in-depth cooperation in the Bay Area. The ubiquitous nature of mini-programs based on WeChat and Alipay provides excellent flexibility in accessing government services. Technology advantages, mutual recognition of cross-border data, and online transactions bring value and benefits to citizens. However, the mechanism of mini-program adoption has not been elaborated. Homogenization, conflict of regulations, and policy effectiveness are issues of great concern. This study employed Self-Determination Theory and Motivation Theory, proposed an empirical model based on the extended SOR paradigm, and aimed to identify the critical factors determining the intention of government service mini-program adoption from the user’s perspective. Six hundred and nine valid samples were collected from Macau, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen through online survey platforms. The findings suggested that service quality, trust in eGovernment, ubiquity, and social influence constituted the determinants of intention to adopt. Service quality and ubiquity were salient determinants, and a great extent of service quality and ubiquity could promote perceived value and intention. Citizens' trust in government service mini-programs was reasonable, where benevolence, integrity, and competence were crucial indicators of trust. Social influence amplified and transmitted risk perception while perceived risk significantly reduced intention. Perceived value positively associated with the four determinants and enhanced user intention; it acted as a mediator with high explanatory power in the model. Government support received positive ratings from citizens; it negatively regulated the relationship between intention and the determinants respectively, implying that excessive intervention from the government could lead to inhibition. Finally, we proposed relevant implications and suggestions for the GBA government agents and policymakers}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lai Chi Meng and Marques, João Alexandre Lobo}, collaborator = {University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{iong_conceptual_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {A {Conceptual} {Model} of {Behavioral} {Factors} {Affecting} the {Adoption} of {E}-government {Services} in {Macao} {SAR}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201223}, abstract = {Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are highly associated with the study of e-government, and many scholars believe that within the coming decades, government operation and policy decision-making cannot persist without the use of ICTs (Van Dijk, 2018). This thesis aims to generate a conceptual framework of the behavioral factors that could contribute to the acceleration of the implementation of e-government services in Macao SAR. Rather than regarding e-government services as a goal to be realized in traditional practice through evaluating the outcome, a process-oriented study was conducted. The e-government services are regarded as advanced tools in the 21st century to transform Macao into a smart city. The design of the process-oriented approach and the comparative study of four groups of Macao citizens' behavioral intentions are solidly supported by the research gaps identified in the literature review of e-government studies in an international perspective and the actual context of local Macao studies. Under the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1991), the behavioral factors of the general public and civil servants are investigated through a qualitative approach, and the findings are triangulated from various aspects. Firstly, a systematic literature review of TPB was conducted thoroughly to better understand the current study of e-government around the world. Secondly, a content and thematic analysis of the official documents and articles from local press media and research institutes related to the topic of e-government services was carried out to demonstrate a more comprehensive picture of the current problems of implementing iv and adopting e-services in Macao SAR. Observations in some government premises that provided e-services and 40 in-depth interviews were conducted to generate detailed and first-hand data. Key issues were extracted from the interviewees’ narratives and daily actual usages. Different conceptual models for different age groups and civil servant group were formed. Special attention was paid to analyzing the "hard-to-reach" groups' behavioral intentions. Research limitations identified from the previous literature were overcome partially in this study too. After comparing the similarities and differences, a new conceptual model of significant behavioral factors that affect the behavioral intentions in adopting e-government services was built. Results and findings from the analysis could be used to develop effective interventions by the government policymakers in responding to the behavioral change of the general public in the aspect of e-government services acceptance and adoption}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Iong, Kit Yeng}, collaborator = {Lao-Phillips, Jenny Oliveros}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ho_historical_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {A {Historical} {Invertigation} into the {Pentecostal} and {Charismatic} {Movement} in {Macau}'s {Protestant} {Churches}: {From} {Thomas} {J}. {Mcintosh} to the {Present} {Day}}, shorttitle = {A {Historical} {Invertigation} into the {Pentecostal} and {Charismatic} {Movement} in {Macau}'s {Protestant} {Churches}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201709&query_desc=an%3A82708}, abstract = {This dissertation is a comprehensive academic examination of the characteristics and complex historical progress within the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement in Macau Protestant Churches. Since Macau hosted the first Pentecostal and Charismatic missionary, Thomas J. McIntosh, who entered China in 1907, the history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement in Macau lacks a consistent and synthesized research until now. Thus, primary and secondary resources have been analyzed and reconstructed and historically interpreted to gain a better and deeper understanding of the emergence and development of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement within Macau’s Protestant Churches from the beginning up to the present day. This academic review makes an important contribution to Macau with respect to its historical development and will fill the gap in knowledge within the Global church history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement. Key Words: Charismatic, Christianity in China, History of Missionaries in China, Macao, Macau, Pentecostalism, Protestant, T. J. McIntosh}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ho, Kei Tsui}, collaborator = {Gassner, Franz}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Religious Studies (D-RS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ho_idea_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {The {Idea} of the {Exemplary} {Salesian} in the {Twelve} {Recorded} {Dreams} of {St}. {John} {Bosco}: {A} {Spiritual} and {Psychological} {Consideration}}, shorttitle = {The {Idea} of the {Exemplary} {Salesian} in the {Twelve} {Recorded} {Dreams} of {St}. {John} {Bosco}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201708}, abstract = {This dissertation is an attempt to analyze the twelve selected dreams written or reviewed by St. John Bosco in order to present the notion of an exemplary Salesian. These dreams inspired Don Bosco’s vocation, charism, and dealing with his life’s contingencies and correlate with his pastoral ministry for youth under the social-ecclesiastical context of the nineteenth century. The methodology for this research consists of two approaches: an investigation of their spiritual theology, and Morton T. Kelsey’s approach. In the first part, five dimensions of spiritual theology are explored: (1) the conformity to the truth, (2) the humility and the docility to the Divine will, (3) the discretion and the gravity of seeking the glory of God, (4) the liberty of Spirit with joy, and (5) the guidance of the Spirit. In the latter part, three issues inspired by Kelsey are explored: (1) the personal issue, including the exploration of thought and feeling; (2) the correlation between the dream content and the reality, including images and archetypal symbols associated with experience and memory; (3) the spiritual issue, including one’s openness to God and relation with Him. Through this present research, a model of an exemplary Salesian has been conceptualized, which considers three virtues: health, wisdom, and sanctity. This present study is expected to be beneficial to enhance the faithful’s spirituality. Moreover it is hoped it will provide a healthy stimulus for Salesians to seek to live an excellent Salesian religious life, and to the faithful be devoted Christians in this world as well for the sake of glorifying the Divine mercy}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ho, Ka Fai}, collaborator = {Chan, Kai Yung and Mann, Ka faim}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Religious Studies (D-RS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{gonzalez_roles_2020, address = {Macau}, title = {The {Roles} of the {Mangroves} on the {Bioaccumulation} and {Citogenotoxic} {Effects} of {Heavy} {Metals} and {Pesticides} in the {Food} {Web} of a {Tropical} {System}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=177037&query_desc=an%3A27339}, abstract = {Mangroves are a unique group of plants, which offer a great variety of goods and services to the ecosystem and to the society. Regrettably, they have been globally threatened by urbanization and industrialization, among others, triggering overexploitation of the world’s mangrove forests despite their ecological and economic importance. As a result, mangroves are often under pollution stress as sinks or receivers for numerous man-made pollutants such as pesticides, which are the main focus of this thesis. One of the most widely applied chemicals in the word are the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) that even after their supposedly worldwide ban between 1950s-1990s, they can still be detected in the environment. Numerous studies have been done in phytoremediation of pollutants by mangroves, but little attention has been given to the role of mangroves in the remediation of OCPs. For this reason, part of this thesis will focus on the occurrence and distribution of OCPs in intertidal tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world with and without mangroves. As a first goal (I), we evaluate —in a theoretical way— if the presence of mangroves affects or modifies the levels of OCPs in the surrounding environment. For this purpose, data from different matrices, such as water, sediment, benthic fauna and plants were included and discussed in this work. Moreover, and considering Macao’s location, we also quantified OCPs from surface waters of this region from areas with and without mangroves and included in this task. Besides this theoretical approach, this thesis also included some laboratoy and field work specifically focused on dicofol and 4,4’-dichlorobenzophenone (4,4’-DCBP, its main metabolite). Dicofol is an OCP strongly related to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which has been extensively used in China and more specifically, in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), a region under anthropogenic pressure. However, due to dicofol’s instability (i.e., sensitive to low pH, light exposure and high temperature), we expected to quantify 4,4′-DCBP (which is also common to DDT) as the main form present in the environment. As a second goal (II), we conducted a monitoring study in surface waters from Macao and Hong Kong, to evaluate the contamination status and water quality of these regions. Concentrations of 4,4’-DCBP, nutrients and physicochemical parameters were measured during transition and wet season, and at high and low tide. In addition, since the toxicity of this metabolite was totally unknown, we assessed it via two biological models: Daphnia magna and Artemia salina. Since 4,4’-DCBP was detected and quantified in both regions (2.8-30.0 ng/L), this thesis also includes experimental work focused on the assimilation and depuration pattern by a marine organism. For that purpose and as a final goal (III), we selected the common edible bivalve Meretrix as a model to evaluate the dynamics of accumulation and depuration of the pesticide dicofol. The Vietnamese clams were exposed during 15 days under two different concentrations of dicofol, and decontaminated for the same period of time. Quantification of 4,4’-DCBP was done during both phases (uptake and depuration) and at different sampling times. In summary, all these different works helped us to conclude that: I.1) As expected, vegetated areas with mangroves presented lower concentrations of OCPs for all the matrices, and also better quality in terms of pesticide pollution for water and sediments. Results obtained from Macao’s waters also revealed the same pattern, with mangroves areas having lower levels of contamination. Although the gathered data presented methodological variability (i.e. different quantification methods, extraction protocols, equipment used), the same pattern was observed among matrices, showing how robust and solid the results herein obtained are. II.1). Hong Kong presented higher concentrations of 4,4’-DCBP than Macao, which may be due to the use of dicofol as a pesticide and the use of antifouling-paint for ships. Moreover, concentrations of 4,4’-DCBP during wet season were below limits of quantification, demonstrating a seasonal pattern and a dilution effect due to higher river discharges during this period. II.2). Both regions showed possible eutrophication problems due to the high nutrient concentrations. These levels presented also a seasonal variability, with dissolved inorganic nitrogen and total dissolved solids higher during transition; and dissolved inorganic phosphorous, total suspended solids and chlorophyll a higher during wet season. II.3). Toxicity of 4,4’-DCBP was lower than the parent compound dicofol, and the levels quantified indicated a low environmental risk. However, it is important to pay attention to this compound since interaction with other contaminants could enhance their toxicity, or processes such as biomagnification or bioaccumulation could make low concentrations a threat for the environment. III.1). Different concentrations of dicofol presented different uptake and depuration kinetics. Animals exposed to higher concentrations (500 ng/L), had levels above limits of quantification (LOQ) after 24h exposure, unlike the ones exposed to lower concentrations (50 ng/L), which had levels {\textless}LOQ after the same period. The first ones also, presented lower uptake rates, and this could indicate that high dicofol concentrations in the system could affect the respiration rates of the organism. In addition, this work also showed that animals exposed to high concentrations of dicofol will need more than 15 days to depurate in order to reach safe levels for human consumption. The compilation of the work done in this thesis allowed us to better understand the role of mangroves ecosystems on the accumulation of OCPs and to provide solid information that could create strategies for mangroves management and conservation. Moreover, and as a first attempt, we were able to quantify this pesticide metabolite in the PRD (one of the most seriously contaminated areas in China), to determine its toxicity and to define its kinetics in an important organism such as the edible bivalve M. meretrix. We intend that this thesis will be helpful for the scientific community providing new insights regarding metabolite interactions (within and with other molecules) and toxicity (LC50 and theoretical risk assessment), which were unknown until now}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Gonzalez, Lucia Ivorra}, collaborator = {Chen, Shek Kiu and Cardoso, Patrícia Gonçalves Marques}, year = {2020}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Science (D-SC), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{goncalves_lusophone-african_2017, address = {Macau}, title = {Lusophone-{African} multinational enterprises internationalization mode: a case analysis of {Angolan} and {Mozambican} enterprises}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174069}, abstract = {Several internationalization theories have been developed over the past few decades that have made great contributions in explaining enterprise internationalization and their mode of entry strategy. It has been suggested that the determinants of entry mode choice of enterprises from emerging and frontier markets differ from those of comparable enterprises from advanced economies. Literature review appears to indicate that there is a need to expand the framework for entry mode strategies to accommodate the expansion issues enterprises from emerging and frontier countries face in the global marketplace. Nevertheless, not much information and acceptable conclusion has been made on how MNEs from frontier markets internationalize and what factors influence their choice of entry into those markets. This study investigated the internationalization strategies of Lusophone Africa MNEs from Angola and Mozambique, more specifically their entry mode. Information was gathered through a survey of 29 MNE’s upper management respondents and subsequent face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 24 of them in their countries. The results of this study suggest that most MNEs opted for equity-based investment strategies, mainly joint venture and M\&E as their preferred mode of entry when internationalizing. A significant group of them opted for e- commerce/e-business strategies, and direct and indirect exports. A smaller portion of the interviewees chose Greenfield investment as a mode of entry. Many of these MNEs could be classified as born global/INV. Finally, this study presents a conceptual framework for use in studying the entry mode choice of enterprises from Lusophone Africa frontier markets and presents research propositions for better understanding the determinants of entry mode strategies of enterprise from Angola and Mozambique. Keywords: Internationalization, Entry Mode, Emerging Markets, Frontier Markets, Lusophone African MNEs, Angola, Mozambique}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Gonçalves, Marcus Vinicius Amaral}, collaborator = {Alves, José}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Business Administration (D-BA), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{gomes_integrating_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{INTEGRATING} {VARIATION} {THEORY} {WITH} {MULTILINGUAL} {INSTRUCTION} {IN} {MULTILINGUAL} {CLASSROOMS}: {BRIDGING} {THEORY} {AND} {PRACTICE} {IN} {FOREIGN} {LANGUAGE} {ACQUISITION}}, shorttitle = {{INTEGRATING} {VARIATION} {THEORY} {WITH} {MULTILINGUAL} {INSTRUCTION} {IN} {MULTILINGUAL} {CLASSROOMS}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=209181}, abstract = {This thesis explores language teaching and language acquisition by multilingual learners using a Variation Theory approach and multilingual teaching in a university setting in Macao, China. It includes three case studies applied to students of the Spanish language in the introductory level which took place from late August to early December of the year 2017. The first study describes Macao’s multilingual language learners in the University of Macao in 2017. Based on the LEAP-Q questionnaire, a questionnaire was created to inquire all Spanish language students about their languages´ background, their motivations to learn new languages, as well as their learning strategies. The second study shows how the usage of Variation Theory techniques and multilingual teaching techniques boosted the teaching and the learning during the semester. This study employs a case study methodology, by analysing in-class multiple interactions gathering information on how multilinguals´ language background affects the pedagogical process. It analyses a total of 28 classes of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The third study presents the analysis of a questionnaire to 82 students of the initial level of Spanish language in the University of Macao, along with the analysis of interviews from 10 selected multilingual students about their linguistic background and how they experienced the semester. These interviews collected more information about the effectiveness of the Variation Theory in the semester in terms of in-class teaching and learning. From the triangulation of these three studies, some conclusions have been drawn about the advantages of using Variation Theory and multilingual teaching techniques for multilingual students, for the language teacher and ultimately also into the curricular design of foreign language teaching. In sum, that the linguistic background of students plays a major role in how they acquire a new language and, that applying Variation Theory techniques can be an immensely effective technique in a language classroom setting; suggesting that multilingual students will gain from being previously identified and placed in a separate class where these variation techniques were applied. Since this thesis focuses solely on an introductory language course, there is ground to explore this same approach on more advanced multilingual language learners}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Gomes, Nuno Miguel Alves dos Santos Teixeira and Correia, Ana Maria and Thota, Neena Jawaharlal}, collaborator = {University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Foreign language teaching, Multilingualism, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Education (D-SE), University of Saint Joseph, Variation Theory}, } @phdthesis{garcia_teacher_2008, title = {Teacher stress in the {Macau} workplace}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=135939}, school = {Inter-University Institute of Macau}, author = {Garcia, Alejandro Salcedo}, collaborator = {Morrison, Keith}, year = {2008}, } @phdthesis{found_educological_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {An {Educological} {Analysis} of {Multisensory} {Instruction} for {Teaching} {Chinese}: {A} {Case} {Study} {Of} {Macao}}, shorttitle = {An {Educological} {Analysis} of {Multisensory} {Instruction} for {Teaching} {Chinese}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143408}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Found, Andrew and Hwee, Chia Kok}, year = {2015}, keywords = {China Macau (Special Administrative Region), Chinese language, Study and teaching}, } @phdthesis{felix_framework_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {Framework proposition for identification, impact analysis and intervention on causes of delay in construction projects in the {Greater} {Bay} based on descriptive analytics and artificial intelligence}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=220121&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20FRAMEWORK%20PROPOSITION%20FOR%20IDENTIFICATION}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Felix, Fung Ka Chun}, collaborator = {Joao, Alexandre Lobo Marques}, year = {2023}, } @phdthesis{dias_cardoso_macau_2017, address = {Macau}, title = {Macau fashion industry in the 21st {Century}: a global studies perspective on {Asia}-{Europe} cultural exchange}, shorttitle = {Macau fashion industry in the 21st {Century}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174053&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20Government%20Studies}, abstract = {Macau is a dynamic city with a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, which has become a well-known travel destination. Macau is not only home to the casinos, but also a shopping paradise, where we can find international luxury brands and local designer brands. The local fashion industry has a strong follower base, taking a different route than that of the Textile and Garment Industry in the 1980s. Nowadays, the local Fashion Industry is not only focused on production, but more on the design and creativity. Macau is a city rooted in the casino industry, having shifted from an industrial economy into a service-based one. This study aims to assess the relations between Asia and Europe with regard to their impact on the creative process of local fashion designers, to understand how local designers balance between market, creativity and aesthetics. Also, it is important to understand how Macau government supports local brands such as: “Made in Macau”. In order to accomplish our goal, several academic areas will be addressed, such as fashion design and the cultural and creative industries in their broad sense, (aesthetics, history, creativity, identity, economy, ergonomics, cognition, and social value). A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods have been used, including questionnaires, open-ended interviews, case-study research, ethnographic methods, historical research and visual methodologies. In the following chapters, this studies will describe mainly the Macau fashion industry in a globalized era and the multiculturalism’s influence on the local fashion designer’s collections}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Dias Cardoso, Ana Cláduia}, collaborator = {Cordeiro, João}, year = {2017}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{diakite_aid_2016, address = {Macau}, title = {Aid and poverty reduction: comparing {China} and {France}'s aid policies and projects in {Guinea}}, shorttitle = {Aid and poverty reduction}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174085&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20Government%20Studies}, abstract = {The purpose of this research is to analyse the nexus between foreign aid and poverty reduction. In this research, aid provided by traditional and (re)emerging donors, China and France, was compared to understand their strategies toward poverty reduction and the impact of their aid in improving the conditions of their beneficiaries. Guinea, a Least Developed Country, was used as unit of comparison and assessment. Qualitative research methodology was used to collect data about the two aid donors, China and France. Among other research tools used, there are documents’ analysis (official documents from donors and recipients, declarations, scholarly works, media articles, etc.), interviews with various stakeholders, site visits and observation. As for main findings, this research found similarities and differences between China and France’s aid strategies in general and in Guinea in particular. There are similarities in the ways they integrate poverty reduction into their aid policies, motives and partly in their geographical and sectoral allocation systems. In terms of differences, they use different instruments and conditions to deliver their aid for poverty reduction. Regarding the impact of their aid, both donors have to some extent contributed to improving the access of the poor population in Guinea to basic services such as education, health, water and sanitation, etc. Finally, contrary to those who have denied the importance of foreign aid as a financial tool to reduce poverty, this research posits that aid is still a relevant tool to address poverty. However, more work needs to be done at donor, recipient and direct beneficiaries’ levels to ensure its effectiveness. On the other hand, it posits that the divide between traditional and (re)-emerging donors is becoming blurred as their strategies to address poverty are becoming increasingly alike}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Diakité, Ansoumane Douty}, collaborator = {Tran, Émilie}, year = {2016}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{chan_english_2015, address = {Macau}, title = {English learning strategies and strategy instruction: a mixed methods study of {EFL} students in higher education}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174050}, abstract = {This thesis investigates the Language Learning Strategies (LLS) used by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) nursing students of higher education in Macao and the effectiveness related to students’ learning outcomes by Strategy Instruction (SI). To date there has been no literature in the area of SI among the Macao Chinese EFL higher education students on teaching all LLS groups, and on four main English skills to look at its effects on learning processes and outcomes at the same time, and this study starts to fill the gap. The research uses an embedded mixed methods research design in phase one and an embedded mixed methods quasi-experimental design in phase two. Phase one aimed to identify students’ LLS use. The findings revealed that students’ cognitive, metacognitive and compensatory strategies were used more than affective, memory-related and social strategies, and overall they used a medium to low level of LLS. In phase two, the effects of SI on students’ changes of LLS use, their proficiency and English learning processes were identified. After SI, students used LLS both more widely and frequently in all four main English skills. Most students’ motivation and self-confidence were enhanced. After SI the affective group of strategies in the treatment group statistically significantly improved, with a moderate effect size, from that of the comparison group. It was found that the widely used Strategy Inventory for Language Learning questionnaires by Oxford (1989c) had limited statistical power and some conceptual confusion. Recommendations are made for policy and practice of EFL instruction}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Chan, Mei Lan}, collaborator = {Morrison, Keith and Correia, Ana Maria}, year = {2015}, keywords = {PhD in Education (D-SE), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{bhroin_senior_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{SENIOR} {LEARNERS}, {ANDRAGOGY}, {GERAGOGY}, {AND} {SYNTHETIC} {PHONICS}: {A} {CASE} {STUDY}}, shorttitle = {{SENIOR} {LEARNERS}, {ANDRAGOGY}, {GERAGOGY}, {AND} {SYNTHETIC} {PHONICS}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=212204}, abstract = {Although there is a substantial body of research on the second language acquisition of adults, there is little specific research on the learning experiences of senior and very senior adults. This thesis investigates and discovers the experience of being a senior from a traditional Confucian Heritage Culture aged between 55 and 75 years old, learning English as a foreign language through various interventions, including, the introduction of an adapted version of synthetic phonics to improve pronunciation, alongside the use of andragogical and geragogical principles to accommodate and encourage the development of agency and self-directed learning. This research adopted a case study methodology to investigate the lived experiences of seniors, and investigated the participants’ subjective constructions of the situation, learning experiences, challenges, circumstances, needs, and wants with regard to the situation. Therefore, an open and exploratory case study design was selected to understand the participants and report the findings. Furthermore, this thesis identifies the challenges faced by senior and very senior learners who are post-work and post-family rearing to make recommendations from the findings to complement, enhance and empower their learning}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Bhroin, Aine Ni}, collaborator = {Morrison, Keith and University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {ANDRAGOGY, GERAGOGY, SENIORS, SYNTHETIC PHONICS, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Education (D-SE), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ballew_like_2015, address = {Macao}, type = {{PhD} in {Religious} {Studies}}, title = {Like a {Tree} {Planted} {By} {Streams} of {Water} :{The} {Baptist} {Church} {Takes} {Root} {In} {Macao} ({John} and {Lilian} {Galloway} 1908-1968)}, shorttitle = {Like a {Tree} {Planted} {By} {Streams} of {Water}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143405}, abstract = {In 2014 Macao Baptist Church celebrated it’s 110th anniversary. How did the Baptist church come to be established in the Portuguese, predominantly Catholic and Buddhist city of Macao? Through careful examination of letters and reports from the main protagonists, John Laurels and Lilian Reeves Todd Galloway, the process of establishing the Baptist church can be revealed and understood within the greater context of the Baptist missionary work in China. The Galloway’s work will be evaluated through a framework of missions eras presented by Dr. Ralph D. Winter. This work looks at the material in two major sections; first, the lives of the Galloways in Macao from 1908 to 1968, and second, the missionary methods of the Galloways over the same period. Using missiological methods of the Kingdom Mission era, the Galloways stood firmly in the Church Mission era focusing their efforts on Personal rather than Social Transformation efforts. Their work laid the foundation for a century of Baptist work in Macao by local Christians as well as foreign missionaries.}, language = {English}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ballew, Robert Lawrence}, collaborator = {Eleutério, João Marques}, year = {2015}, keywords = {Baptists, China Macau (Special Administrative Region), China--Macau (Special Administrative Region), Christianity, Church property, Education, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Religious Studies (D-RS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{amuno_environmental_2013, address = {Macau}, title = {Environmental {Legacy} of the {Genocide}: {An} {Exploration} into the {Contamination} {Potential} of {Mass} {Grave} {Soils} in {Post}-{Genocide} {Rwanda}}, shorttitle = {Environmental {Legacy} of the {Genocide}}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=143139}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Amuno, Solomon and Tran, Emilie}, year = {2013}, keywords = {Environmental, Genocide, Legacy, Rwanda}, } @phdthesis{alabanza_migrant_2016, address = {Macau}, title = {Migrant transnationalism and religious transformation: religious faith and practice among {Filipino} migrants ({An} {Anthroplogical} {Approach} {Focusing} on {Macau})}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174056}, abstract = {Religion and migration are both phenomena that have endured perennially in the experience of humanity. However, studies on the relationship of these two subjects are not as prevalent compared to how widespread international migration has become especially among people coming from religious societies. This work contributes to the knowledge base on the significance of religion within the context of international migration by looking at how religious faith and practice evolve as a result of the experience of migration. Interviews about the migration narratives of Filipino Catholics working in Macau were conducted. These were supported by data collected through the use of survey questionnaires that look into changes in religious practices of respondents as well as their attitudes towards faith and belief. The study has found that there is constancy in the religious faith and practice of Filipino Catholics even amidst external changes to the physical and social environment brought about by moving to a predominantly secular society. Through recourse to anthropological analysis, this immutability of faith is attributable to the unique ethnographic feature of Filipinos’ high regard for the centrality and importance of interiority in their life. Keywords: migration, immigrant religion, faith, Filipino religiosity}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Alabanza, Ian Shelley Sasha Pugal}, collaborator = {Agcaoili, Suzette Muñoz}, year = {2016}, keywords = {PhD in Global Studies (D-GLS), Thesis and Dissertations, University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{ae_listening_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {{LISTENING} {TO} {CHILDREN}’{S} {IDEAS} {TO} {IMPROVE} {IN} {LEARNING} {AND} {DEVELOPING} {HIGHER}-{ORDER} {THINKING} {SKILLS} {THROUGH} {REFLECTION} {WITH} {DAILY} {DOCUMENTATION}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=209183}, abstract = {Listening to children’s voices is still not considered an essential part of education in some schools, including many in Asian countries. The authority of schools and teachers is still highly valued under the continued influence of Confucian Heritage Culture in many Asian schools, including a significant number in Macao. Teachers in international schools in Asian countries often experience some difficulties when communicating with young children because of their low English proficiency and the traditional views supported by many parents who grew up with the Confucian Heritage Culture, which encourages children to be quiet in the classroom to be good listeners. This Action research took fifteen months between two school years, 2018- 2019 and 2019-2020, with two groups of four and five-year-old students in a kindergarten classroom. Documentation posters were created for young children to use the next morning to reflect on their learning. The pedagogy of listening and pedagogical documentation from the Reggio Emilia approach were implemented to discover and record young children’s ideas and interests, work with daily documentation posters, and help them reflect on documentation posters to improve their learning and develop their higher-order thinking skills. Photos and videos, observation notes with the children’s comments, documentation posters, and reflective discussions were used as interventions to collect the children’s ideas and record their learning activities. The children learned to use documentation posters to remember, think, share, and improve their learning. The children’s comments from Learning Centres, recess, and reflective discussions were used to examine their understanding of learning and higher-order thinking skills. During one Pilot Cycle and three structured data collection cycles, the children demonstrated improvement in learning for each learning project and development of their thinking skills both with and without the teacher’s support. The children demonstrated higher-order thinking skills more often from Learning Centres and recess when they had to solve problems. They also demonstrated higher-order thinking skills more often during the whole group reflective discussions than in small group reflections, when a bigger number of children joined or when they had enough time to think. The thinking skills when children were reflecting were observed to concentrate on remembering and understanding as they focused on remembering and sharing the previous day’s work. The children’s other higher-order thinking skills did not show an increase in frequency during reflective discussions. However, the children demonstrated active engagement and a range of higher-order thinking skills when the teacher asked openended questions and provided support and comments to help them to connect their learning to their past experiences. Findings indicated that the children’s learning from each Learning Centre showed change and improvement during their play over time according to their interests, indicated by their material use and comments. The research was limited by its small number of participants within their age group due to convenience sampling and the children’s relatively limited ability to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills. This study has shown how teachers could help children use daily documentation posters to develop their learning and thinking skills by visualizing their ideas and the teacher’s important role in supporting children’s learning with active listening and support in the classroom}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Ae, Young Choi and Ho, Ka Lee Carrie}, collaborator = {University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Bloom’s Taxonomy, Early Childhood Education, Pedagogical Documentation, Reggio Emilia Approach, Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Education (D-SE), University of Saint Joseph}, }