Evaluation of urban comprehensive carrying capacity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area based on regional collaboration

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is the most prominent urban agglomeration in China, with plans for further development. Using the regional collaboration theoretical framework for assessing urban comprehensive carrying capacity (UCC), the improved entropy method is applied to establish an index system based on a social, economic, environment, and transportation perspective to compare UCCs of the GBA's 11 cities for 2000-2016. Results show that the social subsystem is central to the evaluation system. Cities' performances vary significantly, with six becoming overloaded in 2016 and the other five remaining loadable. Guangzhou performed best, with a rising UCC; Shenzhen rebounded after a long period of decline; Hong Kong's capacity rose slightly, with some fluctuation; and Macao performed worse and continues to slide, with no signs of improvement. Overall, the UCC of the urban agglomeration showed a downward trend, with only a few cities continuing to improve. The spatial distribution for UCC was high in the north and low in the south, showing scope for improvement. The study enriches regional collaboration theory and proposes policy implications for GBA development.

Spatio-temporal analysis of irrigation water use coefficients in China

Water shortage is a major problem for agriculture in many countries. Agricultural water accounts for more than 60% of total water consumption in China. Improving agricultural strategies in using irrigation water more effectively and efficiently is important to alleviate water shortages and associated environmental problems. In this study, the spatiotemporal distribution differences of irrigation water use coefficient in large, medium and small-scale irrigation districts and pure well irrigation districts in the 31 provinces of China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) were analyzed by means such as the Zipf's law and spatial autocorrelation. The results showed that the national irrigation water use coefficient had increased from 0.501 in 2010 to 0.542 in 2016. By size of irrigation area, the irrigation water use coefficient in small irrigation areas was higher than that of large- and medium-scale irrigation districts. Regionally, the irrigation water use coefficient in the eastern region was significantly higher than that in the western region, and the coefficient in northern region was higher than that in the southern region. The spatial spillover effect of the national irrigation water use coefficient gradually weakened, and the spatial spillover effect of large and medium-scale irrigation districts was not obvious. The spatial spillover effect of pure well irrigation districts varied greatly over time. All these results give a spatiotemporal overview of agricultural water use in China, which provides a direction for improving irrigation water coefficient in China.

Understanding the changes in spatial fairness of urban greenery using time-series remote sensing images: A case study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay

Urban greenery is essential to the living environment of humans. Objectively assessing the rationality of the spatial distribution of green space resources will contribute to regional greening plans, thereby reducing social injustice. However, it is difficult to propose a reasonable greening policy aimed at the coordinated development of an urban agglomeration due to a lack of baseline information. This study investigated the changes in spatial fairness of the greenery surrounding residents in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay by examining time-series remote sensing images from 1997 to 2017. With the substitution of impervious, artificial surfaces for universal areas of human activities, we quantified the amount of surrounding greenery from the perspective of human activities at the pixel level by utilizing a nested buffer. The Gini coefficient was further calculated for each city to quantify the spatial fairness of the surrounding greenery to people. The results indicated that areas with less greenery surrounding them decreased during 1997 and 2017 in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay. The spatial fairness did not tend to increase with the improvements in the overall greening level. The spatial fairness of 4 cities had an increasing trend, and the Gini coefficients of 5 cities were still over 0.6 in 2017. We further proposed different greening policy suggestions for different cities based on the amount of greenery surrounding people and the trend in fairness. The results and the conclusion of this research will help to improve future regional greening policies and to reduce environmental injustice.

Ecological risk assessment of trace metals and comprehensive contamination indicators in the coastal waters of Macao, South China Sea

Few systematic and scientific assessments have been conducted on marine environmental quality in the coastal waters of Macao, a major city in the Pearl River Delta, China. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of trace metals (TMs) and comprehensive contamination indicators of marine water in Macao and evaluated their ecological risks. The total amount of typical TMs (∑TMs) in surface water ranged from 2.71 μg/L to 201 μg/L. ∑TMs (Hg, As, and Cd) in sediments ranged from 0.34 mg/kg to 54.8 mg/kg. TM contamination in surface water was influenced by spatial position and tidal current direction. The spatial distribution and correlation analysis of TMs and comprehensive contamination indicators were assessed, and ecological risk assessment indicated that the surface water and sediments in coastal waters of Macao are of relatively good quality, although high sulfide levels could be detected in surface water.

The prevalence, perceptions and behaviors associated with traditional/complementary medicine use by breastfeeding women living in Macau: a cross-sectional survey study

BACKGROUND

There is a long history of traditional/complementary medicine (T/CM) use by women during lactation. While it is important to evaluate such use within a scientific paradigm to ensure efficacy and safety, knowledge about the prevalence and characteristics of T/CM use during lactation is limited. This study aimed to generate preliminary data on the prevalence, perceptions and behaviors related to T/CM use by women living in Macau during lactation.

METHODS

Between April to June 2018, women aged 18 years or above who had breastfed within the previous 12 months were invited to complete a questionnaire which asked about their perceptions and behaviors related to the use of T/CM while breastfeeding. Chi-square analysis and logistic regressions were used to conduct data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 500 women completed the survey with 62.6% (95% CI 58.37-66.83) reporting use of at least 1 T/CM while breastfeeding. Of these 48.9% (95% CI 44.67 to 53.13) believed T/CM were safe to take during lactation and 55.6% (95% CI 51.37 to 59.83) suggested there were inadequate resources to assist making an informed decision. Working status, monthly family income and the presence of a breastfeeding-related health problems were associated with T/CM use (all p < 0.05). The most commonly used T/CM were Tetrapanax papyriferus, lecithin, Vaccaria segetalis, docosahexaenoic acid and Trigonella foenum-graecum commonly referred to as Fenugreek. The most common reasons for using T/CM were "to unblock milk ducts", "to increase milk supply" and "to improve baby development". Women were recommended to use T/CM from multiple sources; 15.0% from health personnel (HP) only, 40.0% received recommendations from non-HP only; and 42.2% from both.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of T/CM by women during lactation is common in Macau. The current support and resources available to women during the breastfeeding period to make informed decisions about T/CM use is not standardized nor integrated. The gaps identified in this study provide an opportunity to develop resources and a more defined role for HPs to ensure the appropriate and safe use of T/CM in this population.

Impact of land use land cover changes on ecosystem service value - A case study of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in South China

The rapid increase in anthropogenic activities, socioeconomic development, and land use land cover (LULC) changes since the opening of economic reforms (1978), have changed the ecosystem service value (ESV) in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao (GKHM) region located in South China. This leads to the requirement of a significant tailored analysis of ecosystem services regarding incisive and relevant planning to ensure sustainability at regional level. This study focuses on the use of Landsat satellite imagery to quantify the precise impact of LULC changes on the ecosystem services in GHKM over the past three decades (1986–2017). The most renowned established unit value transfer method has been employed to calculate the ESV. The results show that the total ecosystem service value in GHKM has decreased from 680.23 billion CNY in 1986 to 668.45 billion CNY in 2017, mainly due to the decrease in farmland and fishponds. This overall decrease concealed the more dynamic and complex nature of the individual ESV. The most significant decrease took place in the values of water supply (-22.20 billion CNY, -14.72%), waste treatment (-20.77 billion CNY, −14.63%), and food production (-7.96 billion CNY, −33.18%). On the other hand, the value of fertile soil formation and retention (6.28 billion CNY, +7.26%) and recreation and culture (5.09 billion CNY, +12.91%) increased. Furthermore, total ESV and ESV per capita decreased significantly with the continuous increase in total gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita. A substantial negative correlation exists between farmland ESV and GDP indicating human encroachment into a natural and semi natural ecosystems. The results suggest that in the rapidly urbanizing region, the protection of farmland and to control the intrusion of urban areas has marked an important societal demand and a challenge to the local government. This required a pressing need for smart LULC planning and to improve policies and regulation to guarantee ecosystem service sustainability for acceptable life quality in the study area and other fast expanding urban areas in China.

Dementia Literacy in the Greater Bay Area, China: Identifying the At-Risk Population and the Preferred Types of Mass Media for Receiving Dementia Information

Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the dementia literacy of community-dwelling adults in four cities (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, and Zhuhai) of the Greater Bay Area of China, and to determine their mass media preferences for receiving dementia information. Methods: The survey was completed by 787 community-dwelling adults. Dementia literacy was indirectly measured using two validated scales-the 30-item Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the 20-item Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Participants were also asked to indicate whether they wanted to receive dementia information via digital or traditional media. Chi-square tests, logistic regressions, and MANOVA analyses were conducted. Results: Unemployed or retired people had poor attitudes towards dementia and lower levels of knowledge about dementia. Single, cohabiting, or divorced people in Hong Kong and Macau had lower DAS scores than married people. Young people and those with a secondary education preferred to get their dementia information from social media. People with a tertiary education and employed people enjoyed searching government or hospital websites for information. Middle-aged, unemployed, or retired people tended to learn about dementia from television or radio. Conclusion: It is worth educating the public about dementia and developing strategies consistent with their preferences for types of mass media.

[Analysis of survey data of popularization of traditional Chinese medicine health culture knowledge in 2017]

To continuously track and analyze the popularization and change trend of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) health culture knowledge, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating relevant policies, strategies and measures for popularizing Chinese medicine health culture knowledge. In this study, PPS combined with random sampling method was used to survey residents aged between 15 and 69 in 328 survey sites in 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities(excluding Tibet Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). In the study, a standardized questionnaire was used to survey the contact, cognition, trust and use of Chinese medicine health culture knowledge. A total of 89 107 people were respondent in this study, including 87 287 valid questionnaires, with an effective rate of 97.96%. Among them, the urban residents accounted for 51.35%, rural residents accounted for 48.65%; males took up 48.25%, and females took up 51.75%. In 2017, the national Chinese medicine health culture knowledge popularization rate was 91.72%, the reading rate was 89.61%, the trust rate was 89.60%, and the action rate was 55.53%. The study found that TCM health culture knowledge was more popular among young people, high-education residents and non-sickness groups. It is recommended to strengthen the popularization of traditional Chinese medicine in key areas and key populations, provide differentiated Chinese medicine health education to population in different areas, and cooperation with mass media to provide diversified contents and forms.

Narrative identities of overseas Filipino domestic worker community in Macao (SAR) China

Domestic workers comprise roughly one-fourth of the total number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). They leave the Philippines primarily to provide financial assistance to their families they leave behind. Most of the existing studies investigated the problems they experience at work and with their families. Some studies focused on how they cope with these problems. However, little is known about the narrative identities of this group of labor migrants. This study addresses this gap by identifying the narrative identities of the community of Filipino domestic workers in Macao Special Administrative Region, China. This study utilized qualitative interviews to plot the identities into a three-part timeline: Premigration, during migration, and imagined future. Results show that, before migration, the community of domestic workers identifies as hands-on mothers and inadequate mothers. During migration, work- and family-related identities are present: Modern-day slave, inadequate, fighter, self-sacrificing, employer's family, and hands-on mother. In an imagined future, the community of domestic workers identifies as successful retired OFWs, reconciled life partners, hands-on mothers, and inadequate mothers. Findings highlight the multiple, interacting identities in community narratives and their corresponding effects on experiences. Implications on policies and programs for this labor migrant group are discussed.

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in clinical specimens and clinical characteristics of 10 patients with COVID-19 in Macau

As a city famous for tourism, the public healthcare system of Macau SAR has been under great pressure during the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we report clinical and microbiological features of ten COVID-19 patients enrolled in the Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (CHCSJ) between January 21 to February 16, 2020. Clinical samples from all patients including nasopharyngeal swab (NPS)/sputum, urine, and feces were collected for serial virus RNA testing by standard qRT-PCR assay. In total, seven were imported cases and three were local cases. The median duration from Macau arrival to admission in imported cases was 3 days. Four patients required oxygen therapy but none of them needed machinal ventilation. No fatal cases were noted. The most common symptoms were fever (80%) and diarrhea (80%). In the "Severe" group, there was significantly more elderly patients (p=0.045), higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (p=0.002), and elevated C-Reactive protein levels compared to the "Mild to Moderate" group (p<0.001). There were positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA signals in all patients' NPS and stool specimens but negative in all urine specimens. Based on our data on SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in stool and the possibility of a lag in viral detection in NPS specimens, the assessment of both fecal and respiratory specimen is recommended to enhance diagnostic sensitivity, and also to aid discharge decision before the role of viral RNA shedding in stool is clarified.

A Study of Adaptive Gambling Behavior of Casino Employees in Macau

Two hypotheses have been advanced to explain gambling prevalence and addiction among various populations-the exposure hypothesis and the adaptation hypothesis. This study tests these hypotheses in the context of casino employees in Macau. In the etiology of gambling, casino employees have been considered a unique segment of the population. Employees working in casinos are probably more exposed to gambling stimuli than any other group. The findings suggest that indicators of heavy involvement in casino gambling among casino employees were no higher than among other residents of Macau. In terms of gambling frequency, casino employees actually gambled less often than the general adult population in Macau. These results are in contrast to results from studies of gaming venue employees in Australia and Canada. The differing findings are probably attributable to particularities of Macau discussed in the article.

High School Students' Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practice of Dementia Care in Macao

OBJECTIVE

To investigate knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of dementia care among high school students in Macao.

METHODS

Questionnaires was developed and distributed to 10 randomly selected high schools in Macao and 586 valid questionnaires were returned.

RESULTS

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of dementia care were 56.27 ± 24.90, 73.97 ± 7.72 and 68.34 ± 14.05. There were positive relationships between preventive practice and attitude, and knowledge. The students of 2 high schools had participated or organized lectures or events related to dementia scored higher knowledge, attitude and preventive practice than those hadn't. Knowledge and attitude of female students were significantly higher than male students. Knowledge and preventive practice of the high school students were significantly lower than primary health professionals in Macao.

CONCLUSION

Most high school students in Macao had insufficient knowledge and inappropriate preventive practice of dementia care. Enhanced dementia education should be a strong agenda for high school students in Macao.

[Thoughts on and Construction of a Risk Management and Control System for Contaminated Sites in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area]

Preventing the environmental risks linked to contaminated sites and guaranteeing the safety of human settlements are some of the challenges and tasks involved in the construction of world-class city clusters in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Due to differences in the political systems and land property rights between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as in the levels of urbanization, industrial structures, and environmental management capabilities of the nine cities in the Pearl River Delta, the risk management and control mode of contaminated sites varies considerably within the Greater Bay Area. In this context, an analysis of the features of risk management and control in the contaminated sites of typical cities can help strengthening technical communication and cooperation, optimizing risk management and control systems. This article briefly describes the risk management and control systems adopted for polluted sites in China; in particular it elaborates on the features of these systems in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hong Kong, and Macao, which have been subjected to monitoring, contamination assessments, and renovation procedures. During our study, the risk management and control systems adopted in different cities have been analyzed and compared; moreover, we elaborated thoughts and suggestions for land planning, policy feedback, information disclosure, and alliance mechanisms. We conclude that, overall, Hong Kong and several cities of the Pearl River Delta have established effective risk management and control systems for the polluted sites, which take into account certain local characteristics. However, with the further development and reuse of contaminated sites, the building of a world-class urban agglomeration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will require safer, more refined, and more efficient risk management and control strategies. We highlight the need to exchange information among researchers in order to promote technical exchange and cooperation. This is particularly important for the risk management and control of polluted sites distributed within the two regions and nine cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, sine it would allow their safe reuse and efficient development.

Conflict Processing is Modulated by Positive Emotion Word Type in Second Language: An ERP Study

In the present study, we examined modulations of the second language (L2) positive emotion-label words, positive emotion-laden words, and neutral words on conflict processing in a flanker task. Twenty Chinese-English bilinguals were instructed to decide the color of the central words that were vertically surrounded by the same words with the same or different color. During the task, their cortical activation was recorded. The result showed that L2 positive emotion-laden words elicited different brain activations from emotion-label words and neutral words at both early and late stages. Differential modulations on conflict processing between positive emotion-label words and positive emotion-laden words in the L2 existed even after approach-motivation intensity was controlled. These results suggest emotion word type affects conflict processing, even in L2.

Understanding residents and enterprises' perceptions, behaviors, and their willing to pay for resources recycling in Macau

Within the context of deteriorating environmental quality and increasing concerns related to resource scarcity, the resource recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW) is attracting increasing attention. This study explored the perception and behaviors of residents and recycling companies in Macau, as well as residents' willingness to pay (WTP) for resources recycling, through questionnaires. The results suggest that residents perceive solid waste to be the second-most important environmental problem in Macau. The majority (75.34%) indicated that waste resources are not effectively managed and recycled and 53.23% admitted to not separating their recyclable materials for recycling. WTP was positively regarded by 56.45% of the respondents, with a mean value of acceptable payment per household of 33.16 MOP month^-1. Results of regression analysis indicate that WTP increases with income level of respondents, whereas education level is not statistically significant. Recycling companies in Macau mainly focus on MSW collection and simple pre-treatment, with almost all resources exported for further processing in other countries and regions, particularly mainland China and Hong Kong. The study noted that recycling facilities and site conditions are very poor, including limited space for recycling and storage, aging facilities, an informal recycling process and a lack of work force. We further recommend several important suggestions for developing effective policies to tackle resources recycling.

Environmental characterization of 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone in surface waters from Macao and Hong Kong coastal areas (Pearl River Delta) and its toxicity on two biological models: Artemia salina and Daphnia magna

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the areas with higher environmental concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), being DDT one of the most abundant. In this work, 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone (4,4'-DCBP), a common metabolite of dicofol (DDT related) and DDT, was quantified in surface waters of Hong Kong and Macao, together with the analysis of physicochemical and nutrients parameters. Hong Kong presented higher 4,4'-DCBP mean levels (12.50 ng/L) than Macao (4.05 ng/L), which may be due to the use of dicofol as a pesticide and DDT as antifouling-paint for ships. The region presented a possible eutrophication state due to the high nutrients' concentration. For the first time, toxicity evaluation of this metabolite in Artemia salina and Daphnia magna was done, in order to compute valid EC₅₀s and theoretically evaluate the risk in the PRD. The toxicity results (EC₅₀ = 0.27 mg/L for A. salina; and EC₅₀ = 0.17 mg/L and LC₅₀ = 0.26 mg/L for D. magna), together with the 4,4'-DCBP levels quantified, indicated a low environmental risk.

Development of a road traffic emission inventory with high spatial-temporal resolution in the world's most densely populated region-Macau

With rapid economic growth, road transport is contributing substantial adverse effects on urban air quality, especially in densely populated cities with high growth rate of GDP per capita, such as Macau. A high spatial-temporal resolution road traffic emission inventory is essential for assessment of environmental stresses imposed by local vehicle movements. To improve the accuracy and temporal-spatial resolution for emission inventory, through a bottom-up approach, link-based road traffic emission inventory with a spatial resolution of 0.1 km ∗ 0.1 km and a temporal resolution of 1 h for Macau in 2014 was developed by using a traffic model (VISUM), a road traffic emission model (TREM), the Geographic Information System (GIS), and the most up-to-date information available. Results show that the total annual emissions of CO, CO₂, PM, NO_X, and VOC in 2014 were 14,770, 413,099, 69, 1151, and 2945 tons, respectively. The estimated fuel consumption agreed well also with the statistical fuel consumption in Macau. Meanwhile, analysis of 3 scenarios on changes of road traffic emissions due to the operation of a light railway transit (LRT) system, variation on share of diesel, electric, and gasoline within the vehicle fleet, and replacement of vehicles with ones of Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards was carried out. This study provides a solid framework for developing high spatial-temporal resolution emission inventories for other densely populated cities of small area.

Relationship Between Gerontological Nursing Education and Attitude Toward Older People

BACKGROUND

Nursing students' attitudes toward older people affect the quality of care provided to the aging population. Although gerontological nursing has been delivered as a stand-alone course in Macao since 2008, Macao nursing students' attitudes toward older people have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were 1) to explore nursing students' background information and attitudes toward older people and 2) to examine the presence of relationships between these factors and gerontological nursing education in Macao, a special administrative region of China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Nursing students in Macao were invited to complete a questionnaire to record their demographic characteristics and gerontological nursing education and measure their attitudes toward older people using Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People (KAOP) scale.

RESULTS

Data from 377 (83.04%) nursing students who returned the questionnaire were analyzed. The students were found to have positive attitudes toward older people, with a mean KAOP score of 168.44 ± 18.38 (mean ± standard deviation). In particular, the item with the lowest mean score was "older adults have excessive demands for love" (2.5 ± 1.2), while the item with the highest mean score was "older adults need no more love than others" (6.0 ± 1.0). The results also revealed that Macao nursing students' positive attitudes toward older people were associated with having "religion," "good experience in gerontological nursing taught course," and "good experience in clinical practice with older people," which were thus considered to be the predictors of their positive attitudes toward older people.

CONCLUSION

Religion and gerontological nursing education are associated with Macao nursing students' attitudes toward older people. A longitudinal study is needed to evaluate the gradual changes in nursing students' attitudes. Nursing students' future career choices and perceptions of gerontological nursing education should be explored in a future study.

Public Awareness and Practice of Responsible Gambling in Macao

Responsible gambling (RG) is a relatively new concept to the Macao gambling industry. Although recent studies reported a heightened public awareness of RG, the prevalence of disordered gambling is still high. This discrepancy may suggest an existing gap between RG awareness and gambling practices, pinpointing aspects that need to be improved by different RG stakeholders. The gap may be attributable to people's limited knowledge toward practices favoring RG. To explore means for enhancing the RG campaign, we studied Macao residents' interpretation and adoption of RG practices. In Study 1, a random community sample was collected to assess the extent to which common RG practices were adopted. Results suggested that there was a fair proportion of gamblers not adhering to them and gambling disorder tendency was related to the adoption of RG practices. It implied a successful promotion of RG practices may reduce gambling problems. In Study 2, focus group discussions were conducted to explore how RG was conceptualized. Twenty-five participants (including 11 casino employees) took part in four focus group interviews. All participants were aware of RG but their knowledge of RG practices was limited. Very few of them were able to identify major practices such as putting constraints on gambling amount and time and the application for self-exclusion. We argue that future RG promotion needs to be more specific and behavior-oriented and it should also address various procedural concerns on how RG practices can be implemented.

The association between workplace violence and physicians' and nurses' job satisfaction in Macau

Background

This paper describes the association between workplace violence and job satisfaction among physicians and nurses in Macau. Convenience sampling was sourced from six health centers under the Macau Health Bureau.

Methods

This study uses a cross-sectional self-administrative survey. The study used case studies research instruments for workplace violence in the health sector by country (from the ILO, ICN, WHO, PSI), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. The data collection period spanned from August to December, 2014.

Data analysis

Multiple logistic regression examines levels of intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction in physicians and nurses and significant correlates affecting their job satisfaction.

Results

A total of 720 (14.9% physicians) participants were recruited. 57.2% of participants reported physical and psychological workplace violence in the preceding year. The most common forms of workplace violence were verbal abuse (53.4%), physical assault (16.1%), bullying / harassment (14.2%), sexual harassment (4.6%) and racial harassment (2.6%). Nurses were at a significantly higher risk of physical assault and verbal abuse compared to physicians. Patients, patients’ relatives, and colleagues were the main perpetrators. Worry about WPV, on-call duty and shift work, experience of bullying and verbal abuse and employment sector emerged as significant correlates affecting the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of physicians and nurses. Frontline staff, aged 30 and 39, coming from an ethnic minority, and perceived stress were significant correlates affecting nurses’ job satisfaction.

Conclusions

WPV remains a significant concern in healthcare settings in Macau. Stakeholders should legally enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards WPV within healthcare workplaces. WPV is detrimental to healthcare professionals’ mental wellbeing, risking irreversible physical and psychological harm for its victims.

Rapid Shifts of Peak Flowering Phenology in 12 Species under the Effects of Extreme Climate Events in Macao

Plant phenology is sensitive to climate change; the timing of flowering has served as a visible indicator of plant phenology in numerous studies. The present study used phenological records from a manual monitoring program to characterize the flowering phenology of 12 species in Guia Hill, Macao. The mean peak flowering dates (PFDs) of these species ranged from March to September, 41.7% of which occurred in May. The earliest or latest PFDs of nine species occurred in 2013, a year with extremely heavy rain events in early spring. In addition, we found that, in the 5-year period, the monthly mean temperature or monthly precipitation in two periods, specifically 1) during November to December of the previous year and 2) during 0-2 months before the PFDs of each species, were significantly correlated with the PFD of eight species. The result showed that, even though complex species-specific responses to the characteristics of climate widely exist, most species in the present study responded to shifts in climate shifts in these two periods. In addition, some species were extraordinarily sensitive to extreme climate events. Precipitation was more effective in altering flowering date than temperature, especially among the late-flowering species in Guia Hill, Macao.

Indirect Effect of Hopelessness on Depression Symptoms Through Perceived Burdensomeness

Hopelessness theory of depression posits that hopelessness due to negative inferences may serve as a proximal and sufficient cause of depression, while interpersonal theories suggest that interpersonal stress resulting from relationship problems and social rejection may lead to symptoms of depression. We propose that the two perspectives can be integrated by examining a model in which hopelessness predicts depression symptoms through two specific interpersonal stress constructs, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, in a sample of university students from Macau (N = 350). Results of mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of hopelessness on depression symptoms through perceived burdensomeness (indirect effect = .45; 95% confidence interval = .28 to .65), but not thwarted belongingness (indirect effect = .06; 95% confidence interval = -.05 to .18). Alternative models were also tested. When each interpersonal construct was treated as a separate mediator without controlling for the other, significant indirect effects of both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were found. Moreover, when hopelessness was assigned as the mediator and interpersonal constructs as independent variables, significant indirect effects were likewise found for perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Findings suggest that the two different yet compatible views about depression-hopelessness and interpersonal theories-may be integrated to provide a better understanding of the process of how depression symptoms occur. It also reinforces the importance of considering interpersonal factors in the study of depression, especially in societies where interpersonal relationships are highly valued.

Quantifying the potential export flows of used electronic products in Macau: a case study of PCs

The used electronic product (UEP) has attracted the worldwide attentions because part of e-waste may be exported from developed countries to developing countries in the name of UEP. On the basis of large foreign trade data of electronic products (e-products), this study adopted the trade data approach (TDA) to quantify the potential exports of UEP in Macau, taking a case study of personal computers (PCs). The results show that the desktop mainframes, LCD monitors, and CRT monitors have more low-unit-value trades with higher trade volumes in the past 10 years, while the laptop and tablet PCs, as the newer technologies, owned the higher ratios of the high-unit-value trades. During the period of 2005-2015, the total mean exports for used laptop and tablet PCs, desktop mainframes, and LCD monitors were approximately 18,592, 79,957, and 43,177 units, respectively, while the possible export volume of used CRT monitors was higher, up to 430,098 units in 2000-2010. Noticed that these potential export volumes could be the lower bound because not all used PCs may be shipped using the PC trade code. For all the four kinds of used PCs, the majority (61.6-98.82%) of the export volumes have gone to Hong Kong, followed by Mainland China and Taiwan. Since 2011, there was no CRT monitor export; however, the other kinds of used PC exports will still exist in Macau in the future. The outcomes are helpful to understand and manage the current export situations of used products in Macau, and can also provide a reference for other countries and regions.