Alexandre Lobo
Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation
University of Saint Joseph,
Macao S.A.R, China
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Tips and Tricks for the Doctoral Journey
Abstract:
The decision to undertake a doctoral degree is a major step in our lives, not only professionally but also personally. When you finish you are a different person. In this talk, highlights and pieces of advice for this fantastic journey are presented, inviting you to enjoy and commit at the same time. In addition, existing and new support channels that the University of Saint Joseph provides for the Doctoral community are going to be presented.
Institutional Speakers
Álvaro Barbosa
Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Affairs
University of Saint Joseph
Macao S.A.R, China
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Adérito Fernandes-Marcos
Dean of the Doctoral School
University of Saint Joseph
Macao S.A.R, China
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International Speakers
Thushanthi Perera
Senior Lecturer
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
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Exploring the Use of Digital Storytelling in Influencing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Primary School-Aged Children in Sri Lanka
Abstract:
Storytelling has played a significant role in the preservation of history and cultural legacy in many communities (Tsai et al., 2007). Today, with the digital renaissance storytelling has become digitized with more user interactivity while delivering a more personal touch. Storybooks are a practical method to reach children and it has gained attention in recent years to disseminate nutrition-related education and awareness, particularly in younger populations (Bellows et al., 2013). Many storybooks already depict food, yet they often lack healthful food or food-related behaviors. Developing storybooks with targeted health messages can increase primary school-aged children’s willingness to expose and explore more healthful food-related behaviors such as fruit and vegetable intake (Bellows et al., 2013). Incorporating interactive digital tools that let children and their families to unique fruit and vegetable tales could improve children’s involvement with the storybook’s content and encourage caregivers such as parents, grandparents and teachers to expose children to healthy food in a variety of ways at home and school settings. Therefore exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the form of audio or e-books to provide young children with efficient healthy eating interventions is worthwhile to evaluate (Dulay et al., 2020). In Sri Lanka at present, the economic crisis has only made child malnutrition worsen, which has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in South Asia. Sri Lanka has the second-worst acute malnutrition prevalence among children fewer than 5 in South Asia, but at least 17% of children have chronic wasting, which has the highest mortality rate of all diseases (Jayawardena, 2020). Although most nutritional interventions focus on preschool and adolescent children, there is an urgent need to address the nutritional issues of primary school-aged children. Likewise, fruit and vegetable intake needs special consideration and attention as the mean daily intake of fruit and vegetable servings was found approximately half of the national recommendations, with less than 20% of children meeting daily recommendations in Sri Lanka (Sirasa et al., 2020). At the same time, digital innovations and interventions for nutrition education and awareness are sporadic and an up-and-coming area in Sri Lanka.
In this milieu, this study’s main goal is to use a new and interactive digital storytelling tool to influence fruit and vegetable consumption in primary school-aged children which will be a new experience for children in Sri Lanka. If successful results are achieved, it can be used to reduce primary school-aged school children’s different nutritional issues yet not just the concerns related to fruit and vegetable consumption but also with the possibility to amalgamate digital storytelling into the current school curriculum thereby improving the nutrition interventions to minimize child malnutrition in Sri Lanka.
Maria Martins Burguete
Scientist
Instituto Bento da Rocha Cabral,
Portugal
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Science Matters: Towards A New Epistemology
Abstract:
What is Science? The answer is “everything in Nature is part of science”.
We call “natural science” the science of simple systems: they are human-independent knowledge. Other branches of science, such as humanities, social sciences and medical sciences, can be considered human-dependent knowledge, wherein humans (the material system of Homo sapiens) are studied scientifically from the perspective of complex systems and therefore belong to the science of complex systems.
This gap prevails because they are at different scientific development levels. To bridge this gap and advance the search for human-dependent knowledge, a new discipline, Science Matters or SciMat, is introduced. The motivation and concept of SciMat and a successful example (a case study of Computational Chemistry) are presented and discussed. Major implications of SciMat are also described.
In this case study, an explanation for the most significant epistemological approach in the change of notions and in basic phenomena discovered by using the computational chemistry method is given. This approach’s philosophical interest is connected with a different way of looking at chemistry, especially in the case of computational chemistry: it is an epistemological approach because it deals with language and classification in chemistry.
Keywords: Epistemology, Science, History of Science, Philosophy of Science, Paradigm Replacement.
Diego Caicedo
Post-Doctoral Fellow
European Scientific Institute,
Macedonia
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Human mobility issues: migration and dark-eco tourism encounter in the Darien Gap
Abstract:
Purpose – This is a study that surveys current issues on human mobility by exploring the encounter of tourism and migration within the “Darien Gap,” a natural rich area. Because global power relations that involve: cultural, economic, social, humanitarian and political dynamics collide in this important geographic point, these are considered as determinant factors that influence the movement of people in very different and contrasting circumstances. This paper analyzes then how this “movement” (tourism and migration) directly impact the ecosystems and the ecology of the area.
Design/methodology/approach –The study uses a theory based general literature review approach and case study ethnographic fieldwork to explore key concepts-based factors influencing human mobility while relating, challenging and problematizing definitions of migration and tourism (dark-eco). By reviewing the relevant literature, the author concludes a theoretical framework pustulating the determinant aspects that make the Darien Gap a deadly migrant/travel zone that falls under the scope of the dark-eco tourism phenomena.
Findings – The study revealed that the Darien Gap as a dark-eco tourism case study is a natural rich ecosystem that is largely influenced by anthropocentric practices that involve criminality and exploitation in the intersection of violence and ecology. Where tourism and migration “roles” are overshadowed and confused by legal and illegal stakeholders in the border of Panama and Colombia. The research engages in analysis that expose the profound tension between migration and tourism and how these are shaped by specific frictions or collaborations between global forces, local and national structures.
Research limitations/implications – As a real-world case study application of the dark-eco tourism framework, this research expose human mobility issues that intersect tourism and migration, expanding the possibilities where human-nature dynamics collide in tourism landscapes (national parks).
Originality/value – The study contributes to developing new frontiers in tourism and migration studies while exposing and expanding the dark-eco tourism phenomena. The Darien Gap as a natural space of conflict challenges conceptions and roles of tourism and migration by proposing a shift and confrontation of two worlds.
Keywords: Human mobility, dark-eco tourism, migration, conflict, violence, ecology, sustainability, ecosystem.
Hermel O. Pama
Associate Professor
University of Santo Tomas
Philippines
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Boats, Bodies, Belonging: The Ontological Turn Through Ethnographic Fields
Abstract:
A perennial problem in anthropology is the interface between archaeology and ethnography, that is, bridging the gap between the materiality of cultural artefacts and the immateriality of their textualization and interpretation. We glean from phenomenological distinctions between ‘transcendental time’ and ‘internal time’ that what is at play is a ‘tertium quid’, placed here as a third moment of temporality and understanding. Thereby, it functions like an ‘authorial third,’ pace Crapanzano: revealing where, and how, matter truly matters. To this phenomenological moment ethnography appeals, and in which coincide the appearances and disappearances of boats, bodies, and belonging. Other than Western theorizing, an approach valorizing the spirit world augurs beyond the construct of consciousness to an instauration of ontology
Anthropological fieldwork encounters through several travels crossing the Philippines and Indonesia from 2022 to the present form the experiential component of the narrative, spanning these Southeast Asian modern nations and archipelagoes. Through an ethnographic lens, existential perspectives that inform island-life studies are brought into light, along with contemporary interpellations about who we are, and what we bring into being-human, being alive, and being-here.
Keywords: ontological turn, placemaking, anthropological fieldwork, writing culture, cultural history, archaeology of spiritualities.
Saima Aftab
Assistant Professor
University of Wah, Pakistan
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Leading the Future: Unleashing the Power of AI with Innovative Leadership Styles in Organizations
Abstract:
As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the transition to “Industrial Revolution 5.0,” its role extends beyond mere automation, emerging as a strategic force driving innovation and shaping the future of organizations. However, the successful integration of AI does not solely depend on technological capabilities; it critically hinges on the quality of leadership guiding this transformation. This paper explores how different leadership styles can unleash the power of AI, demonstrating that the ability to lead AI-driven change is a key determinant of an organization’s success in navigating this technological shift by harmonizing AI’s technical advancements with human values, fostering an environment where AI adoption not only enhances efficiency but also enriches organizational culture and employee experiences. This research employs Atlas.ti for qualitative analysis to explore leadership dynamics, enabling an in-depth examination of how different leadership styles impact AI implementation. Additionally, Publish or Perish software supports the study by providing a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, ensuring that the findings are grounded in a robust review of existing literature. The findings position leadership not merely as a facilitator but as a critical catalyst for AI adoption, capable of shaping AI’s impact on organizational performance, employee engagement, and long-term sustainability. By highlighting the interplay between leadership and AI, this paper serves as a call to action for leaders to embrace innovative styles that actively shape the future of work. It offers a compelling roadmap for organizations to lead the future by balancing technological agility with empathy and ethical foresight, positioning themselves at the forefront of this dynamic era.
Sandra Ng
Senior Lecturer
University of Saint Joseph Macao (USJ),
Macao S.A.R, China
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The conditions of achieving interactive mindfulness through virtual reality single user: a case study experience in macao
Abstract:
Virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated 3D environment, allows one to navigate and possibly interact, resulting in real-time simulation of one or more of the user’s five senses (M. Gutierrez et al., 2008; Vince, 2004). Despite its history through past decades, this technology has quickly developed recently. Virtual tours and spaces have been widely used in the education, arts, and rehabilitation industries. According to research, it has significant effects on mindfulness (improving mood), cognitive development (better learning ability), and embodiment (relieving pain and medical conditions). This thesis aims to identify the conditions for Macao’s single-user experience to achieve mindfulness in virtual reality through immersion and interactivity.
With their various definitions, this research uses the two spectrums on the levels of immersion and interactivity, conducts four experiment settings with Macao residents, and collects qualitative questionnaires and quantitative survey data. The four settings differ as they tackle different aspects: spiritual memory, historical memory, aesthetic appreciation, and meditation through concept. The analysed results were then evaluated to seek better conditions for the local community to achieve mindfulness by immersing themselves in virtual reality.
Keywords: Single user experience, virtual reality, immersion, interactivity, mindfulness, well-being.
Doctoral Candidates
Ho Hong Wai (Ryan)
Investigating the Premium Market in Macau Casinos: Policy, Regulation, Practice, and Challenge
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the casino regulatory system in Macau and propose a feasible policy and regulatory model with specific recommendations for the local gaming industry’s operational aspects of the premium market. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from public policy, law and business, this research comprehensively examines and assesses the policy framework, regulatory model, and business practices of the premium market in casinos. It specifically addresses the regulatory and operational challenges associated with the premium direct and premium mass market segments within the gaming industry. This study provides new insights into regulating and operating the premium market in casinos, offering practical implications for policymakers in formulating effective industry policies.
Keywords: Gaming Policy, Regulatory Model, Premium Market, VIP Room, Junket, Macau Casino.
Li Si Yao (Shining)
Biopsychosocial Factors In Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Analysis In China
Abstract:
Infertility is not a life-threatening condition but is a challenging and stressful problem for millions of couples worldwide. Estimates from WHO suggest that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally (Rutstein & Shah, 2004; Mascarenhas et al., 2012). Researches indicated that infertility can negatively affect couples’ well-being, work, health, identity, and quality of life (Afshani et al., 2016; Benyamini et al., 2005; Mousavi et al., 2013), and also self-esteem and marital satisfaction (Sultan & Tahir, 2011; Valsangkar et al., 2016). Fortunately, the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), such as IVF（In Vitro Fertilization）, ICSI(Intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and Egg/Sperm Donation, has been contributing to ameliorating this issue. Since 1978, the use of these techniques has contributed to the birth of over 900,000 babies (Wyns, et al., 2022).
In the past, research in the field of infertility was mainly dominated by medical sciences because infertility was perceived solely as a medical condition, the focus was ‘exclusively on developing medical techniques to help infertile women give birth. Since then, with the rapid development of ART, attention has started to shift, focusing not only on the development of different medical techniques in ART but also on how to involve infertile patients, promote their well-being, and maintain their participation throughout the whole reproductive journey (Bos & Van Rooij, 2007).
Bos and Van Rooij (2007) also pointed out that with the development of psychological research in modern reproductive technologies, there is an increased need to investigate how the effect of psychosocial aspects on infertile group and its ART treatment. Indeed, this tends to be an essential issue for medical professionals when considering and evaluating the acceptability of patients on these medical treatments. In China, psychological research in the field of reproductive medicine is in its infancy. Because of the late introduction of ART in the country, due to the one-child policy and consequent legal restrictions on access, today, there are few validated psychological instruments for Chinese infertile patients. Consequently, few evidence-based psychological guidance and support techniques have been designed and tested for this population. Developing insights into psychosocial influences in ART and validating instruments for Chinese infertile patients seems now more relevant than ever.
Consequently, the aim of this doctoral research project is to explore the overall relationships and interactions of biological, psychological and social factors with ART treatment in China; for approaching this research objective, the main research questions in this research are (1) what is the profile, in terms of psychological, social, and biological factors, of the individual’s seeking ART, in China? Concerning this research question, our primary focus is identifying the availability and popularity of psycho-social instruments which associated in ART across the world, and further run the validation study for the instrument we selected in this study; (2) how do the psychological, social, and biological factors influence the acceptance of treatment, quality of life during ART, and mabybe the number of IVF failures, in China? Concerning this question, our will focus to explore the overall relationships and interactions of psychological, social, and biological factors with treatment acceptance, quality of life, and IVF failures.
Nowadays, a better understanding of the psychological and social aspects of ART is needed. With the rapid development of ART in China in recent years, a deeper understanding of the role of psychosocial factors involved in ART could contribute to the field and increase the ability of healthcare providers to take it into account in their approaches, treatments, and solutions. The present research hopes to facilitate these efforts.
Alexandre Lebel
Marine medaka as a behavioral model organism for marine ecotoxicology and welfare
Abstract:
marine medaka (O. melastigma) is a fish model organism in ecotoxicity and immunity research to show the potential impact of environmental pollutants and invading microorganisms in marine organisms. While the current research focuses on genetic, molecular, and physiological processes, significant gaps remain regarding behavioral approaches. The present work aims to develop the marine medaka as a behavioral model organism to assess the potential impact of ocean acidification on chemical communication. First, using standardized tests, the research identifies relevant end-points to quantify stress-like behaviors. Second, behavioral assessment contrasts various rearing conditions and is carried out in the presence or absence of social cues (chemical and visual stimuli). Third, the animals are subjected to CO2-induced acidification to measure the direct and indirect effects on chemical communication. An extensive review of the medaka behavior should contribute to aquatic toxicology research in improving ecological risk assessment. Moreover, understanding the stress response in fish should improve husbandry practices for their development and welfare.
Keywords: Marine medaka, ecotoxicology, ocean acidification, chemical communication, behavior.
Leong Ka Hou (Kelvin)
Giving a New Life to Industrial Heritage Through Cultural and Creative Industry: Case Study of Taiwan
Abstract:
Industrialization since the 1930s has significantly transformed both the cultural and creative industries (CCI) and heritage management. A vast number of factories were established during this period; however, many of these facilities now stand vacant due to closures in the post-industrial era. To repurpose these spaces, many governments are employing creative strategies, such as artistic interventions, to revitalize unused industrial facilities. Recently, there has been a growing interest in preserving Taiwan’s industrial heritage, with cultural and creative parks increasingly recognized as vital sectors for facilitating industrial restructuring and enhancing urban environments.
This thesis reveals that the role of heritage values and their transformation is minimal in CCI-led industrial heritage revitalization efforts. The current creative value chain model is ineffective in successfully transferring heritage values through the cultural and creative industries in Taiwan. Key challenges include the governance structure and heritage designation system, as well as demographic differences.
To address these issues, this thesis proposes adding an educational component to the creative value chain. Creative parks should not only serve as venues for creation, production, distribution, and exhibition but also as platforms for cultural education. By emphasizing industrial heritage as the foundation and prototype for revitalization, this approach can lead to more sustainable outcomes.
Keywords: Industrial heritage, revitalization, cultural and creative industry, Taiwan, creative parks heritage values.
Chinyang Lin (Coka)
Stock Investment Strategy Prediction Using Machine Learning Models and Sentiment Analysis: A Hybrid Approach
Abstract:
This presentation will outline my PhD thesis project and motivation, focusing on developing a hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) system for stock market prediction. The system integrates machine learning techniques, including deep learning models and Transformers, to forecast stock prices based on historical data. Additionally, it incorporates sentiment analysis to extract market sentiment from financial news articles. I will report the systematic review, bibliometric analysis, and related empirical research, with findings published in journals and conferences indexed by Elsevier SCOPUS, Web of Science (WoS), Ei Compendex, SPRINGER NATURE, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Furthermore, I will also mention my reviewer and member recognition from Elsevier Reviewer Hub and ACM. The presentation will conclude with a summary of the main findings of the above studies. These papers compare significant global stock prices and stock market indexes, demonstrating AI hybrid models’ predictive capabilities using numerical and textual data.
Keywords: Bibliometric Review, Deep Learning (DL), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Sentiment Analysis, Stock Prediction, Systematic Review.
Lei Wai Seng (Waison)
Making sense of moral education in Macau secondary schools: a proposal for a conceptual framework that incorporates moral education across the curriculum. A grounded theory approach
Abstract:
This study aims to develop a conceptual framework to assist Macau teachers in developing moral and civic education as a cross-curricular area. It incorporates two research methodologies. The first follows a grounded theory approach based on interviews with teachers to collect the perceptions and conceptualisations of two groups of teachers, those who teach the subject of moral and civic education and those who teach moral and civic education as a cross-curricular area in disciplinary areas such as languages, history, or geography. The second research methodology of this study comprises a systematic review to identify the prevalent theories of moral education in the last twenty years. It will enrich the grounded theory and will contribute to the construction of a conceptual framework to assist teachers in incorporating moral education content in their teaching subjects. The conceptual framework will be the outcome of the combined findings of the two research methodologies.
Keywords: Character Education, Grounded Theory, Macau Secondary Schools, Moral Education, Teacher Perception.
Lam Hou Peng (Joe)
Transforming Tourism in Macao: Travel Guides' Adaptation and Resistance to AI Chatbots
Abstract:
Since its introduction in November 2022, ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots have significantly influenced various industries, enhancing efficiency and redefining roles, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on computer technology. However, traditional face-to-face service sectors like tourism, and specifically travel guides, face potential digital displacement due to limited integration of AI in their work environments. This study explores the impact of generative AI on travel guides in Macao, investigating how they adapt to or resist these technological changes. Utilizing qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with a diverse group of tour guides, the research aims to shed light on strategies these professionals employ to sustain their role amidst an evolving technological landscape. The findings will contribute to an understanding of the challenges and opportunities AI presents to traditional service roles, offering insights for stakeholders in the tourism industry.
Keywords: Generative AI, Travel Guides, Chatbot, Tourism.
Vong Iok Ip (Francisca)
Public Policy on Assisted Reproductive Technology in Macao: Perspectives on the Beginning of Human Life from Comparative Philosophy, Bioethics and Catholic Social Teaching
Abstract:
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a special technology for treating a couple’s infertility by utilizing developments of modern medicine. The Macao Special Administrative Region completed the legislation on ART in July of 2023, and the relevant law came into effect on 11th February of 2024. This is the first law in Macao SAR to regulate ART comprehensively, which prohibits surrogacy and reproductive cloning, but permits therapeutic cloning and research with human embryos under certain restrictions.
Although ART can bring hope for childless couples, a series of grave moral, ethical, social and legal issues have arisen. This dissertation aims to explore the ethical values prevalent in Macau S.A.R. and related to ART, especially from the viewpoint of comparative philosophy of law and aspects of religious studies, in hoping to encourage to contemplate more deeply the problems raised by ART and the importance of protecting the dignity of human beings and of human life from its earliest beginning.
Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Beginning of life; Human cloning; Infertility; Research with human embryos; Surrogacy.