University of Macau

About: University of Macau is a education organization based out in Macao, Macau, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Population. The organization has 6636 authors who have published 18324 publications receiving 327384 citations. The organization is also known as: UM & UMAC.

A Strategic Use of the Communication Mix in the Destination Image-Formation Process

Abstract: National tourist offices and tourism stakeholders are challenged to maintain and secure travel markets. Travelers are constantly bombarded with travel marketing messages. Compounding the challenge is a lack of research on effective, efficient, and optimal methods in convincing tourists to travel to a particular destination. To address this literature gap, a questionnaire survey on destination brand image research was conducted on outbound travelers from four major cities, examining their image perceptions of Macao and the degree of influence that various information sources had on destination selection. Results show that a communication mix strategy could be designed to more effectively manage tourist destination image perceptions. A cross-tabulation of the data revealed that the information sources affecting travel destination choice had varying levels of influence. A “Communication Effectiveness Grid” (CEG) was conceptualized from the research with quadrants indicating marketing resource effectiveness. ...

Surface Passivation Using 2D Perovskites toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract: 3D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown great promise for use in next-generation photovoltaic devices. However, some challenges need to be addressed before their commercial production, such as enormous defects formed on the surface, which result in severe SRH recombination, and inadequate material interplay between the composition, leading to thermal-, moisture-, and light-induced degradation. 2D perovskites, in which the organic layer functions as a protective barrier to block the erosion of moisture or ions, have recently emerged and attracted increasing attention because they exhibit significant robustness. Inspired by this, surface passivation by employing 2D perovskites deposited on the top of 3D counterparts has triggered a new wave of research to simultaneously achieve higher efficiency and stability. Herein, we exploited a vast amount of literature to comprehensively summarize the recent progress on 2D/3D heterostructure PSCs using surface passivation. The review begins with an introduction of the crystal structure, followed by the advantages of the combination of 2D and 3D perovskites. Then, the surface passivation strategies, optoelectronic properties, enhanced stability, and photovoltaic performance of 2D/3D PSCs are systematically discussed. Finally, the perspectives of passivation techniques using 2D perovskites to offer insight into further improved photovoltaic performance in the future are proposed.

On False Data Injection Attacks against Distributed Energy Routing in Smart Grid

Abstract: Smart Grid is a new type of energy-based cyber physical system (CPS) that will provide reliable, secure, and efficient energy transmission and distribution. The way to secure the distributed energy routing process that efficiently utilizes the distributed energy resources and minimizes the energy transmission overhead is essential in smart grid. In this paper, we study the vulnerability of the distributed energy routing process and investigate novel false data injection attacks against the energy routing process. We consider several general attacks, in which the adversary may manipulate the quantity of energy supply, the quantity of energy response, and the link state of energy transmission. The forged data injected by those attacks will cause imbalanced demand and supply, increase the cost for energy distribution, and disrupt the energy distribution. We formally model these attacks and quantitatively analyze their impact on energy distribution. Our evaluation data show that those attacks can effectively disrupt the effectiveness of energy distribution process, causing significant supplied energy loss, energy transmission cost and the number of outage users.

Bidirectional Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns on Health Behaviors and Quality of Life among Chinese Adults.

Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges that have caused profound changes in health behaviors. This study aimed to explore how COVID-19 is affecting the health-related quality of life (QoL) among Chinese adults. Methods: The data of health-related behaviors and QoL were collected via online surveys from 2289 adults (mean age = 27.8 ± 12 years) who had been isolated at home for an average of 77 days. Results: More than 50% of the respondents reported that their time engaged in daily physical activity (PA) decreased, while sedentary behavior (SB) time increased compared with that before the lockdown. Only 20% of the respondents reported engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA, 23% of adults reported changed their diets to be healthier, and 30% reported consuming more vegetables, fruits, and milk products than before home-isolation. During home-isolation, 75.2% of the adults rated their sleep quality as very good, and 65% reported that they were satisfied with their QoL. Sleep quality mediated the relationship between PA and QoL. Conclusion: The two-to-three-month home-isolation has had mixed effects on adult health behaviors in China. The participants were found to have focused more on their eating quality and patterns, which had a positive influence on their QoL. However, people should be encouraged to exercise at home with limited space to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle during a prolonged quarantine.

Near-Infrared Chemiluminescent Carbon Nanodots and Their Application in Reactive Oxygen Species Bioimaging.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the body and related to many pathophysiological processes. Hence, detection of ROS is indispensable in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Here, near-infrared (NIR) chemiluminescent (CL) carbon nanodots (CDs) are fabricated for the first time and their CL quantum yield can reach 9.98 × 10-3 einstein mol-1, which is the highest value ever reported for CDs until now. Nanointegration of NIR CDs and peroxalate (P-CDs) through the bridging effect of amphiphilic triblock copolymer can serve as turn-on probes for the detection and imaging of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Considering high efficiency and large penetration depth of NIR photons, the P-CDs are employed in bioimaging H2O2 in vitro and in vivo, and the detection limit can reach 5 × 10-9 m, among the best reported of CDs-based sensors. Moreover, imaging of inflammatory H2O2 in a mouse model of peritonitis is achieved by employing the P-CDs as sensors. The results may provide a clue for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammation or cancers employing CL CDs as sensors.