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Small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) is a crucial post-translational modification of proteins that plays a vital role in various biological processes in plants. This modification involves the covalent attachment of SUMO proteins to target proteins, thereby influencing their function and activity. Multiple enzymes are involved in this process, including SUMO-specific proteases, SUMO activating enzymes, SUMO conjugating enzymes, and SUMO ligases.There are multiple SUMO proteins and enzymes in plants, and each possesses distinct structural and functional characteristics. However, the precise relationship between different SUMO proteins and the specific enzyme combinations involved in the modification process has not been clarified completely. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to elucidate the characteristics of these SUMO proteins and enzymes to facilitate further researches. Another challenge lies in the identification of SUMOylation substrates. Methods such as mass spectrometry and yeast two-hybrid are available for substrate identification; however, there was still limitations, particularly in crops like maize. Consequently, the development of additional identification methods is necessary to recognize SUMOylation substrates and uncover the mechanisms underlying SUMOylation in maize growth, development and stress responses. To advance the research on SUMOylation, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of SUMO proteins, SUMOylation-related enzymes, protein SUMOylation process, identification methods for substrates, and the research progress in maize protein SUMOylation. By comprehending the regular patterns of SUMOylation and current research techniques, it will offer valuable guidance for maize breeding and researches of other plants and help related researches to have a deeper understanding of the response patterns of SUMOylation in plant growth, development and stress responses.

Using the layered design concept of fine-grained diamond in the upper layer and the coarse-fine diamond in contact with the cemented carbide layer in the lower layer, the polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) with multiple diamond layers for drilling was prepared. The differences in microstructure and performance between the single-layer diamond PDC and the multi-layer diamond PDC with different particle sizes were compared. The internal defects and surface morphology of the PDC were characterized using ultrasonic scanning and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the heat resistance, impact resistance and wear resistance of the PDC were tested, respectively. The results show that the comprehensive performance of the multi-layer diamond PDC is good. The surface layer is wear-resistant, while the lower layer is more impact-resistant. The PDC exhibits a more balanced combination of heat resistance, impact resistance and wear resistance. Specifically, the fine-grained diamond layer PDC demonstrates higher wear resistance but lower heat and impact resistance; while the coarse-grained diamond layer PDC exhibits better heat and impact resistance, but poor wear resistance.

To further clarify the proppant transport and placement law in multi-branched fractures induced by volume fracturing, proppant transport simulation experiments were performed with different fracture shapes, sand ratios, branched fracture opening time and injection sequence of proppants in varied particle sizes. The results show that the settled proppant height increases and the placement length decreases in main fractures as the fracturing fluid diverts gradually to the branched fractures at different positions. The flow rate in branched fractures is the main factor affecting their filling. The diverion to branched fractures leads to low flow rate and poor filling of far-wellbore branched fractures. The inclined fracture wall exerts a frictional force on the proppant to slow its settlement, thus enhancing the vertical proppant distribution in the fracture. The increase of sand ratio can improve the filling of near-wellbore main fracture and far-wellbore branched fracture and also increase the settled proppant height in main fracture. Due to the limitation of fracture height, when the sand ratio increases to a certain level, the increment of fracture filling decreases. When branched fracture is always open (or extends continuously), the supporting effect on the branched fractures is the best, but the proppant placement length within the main fractures is shorter. The fractures support effect is better when it is first closed and then opened (or extends in late stage) than when it is first opened and then closed (or extends in early stage). Injecting proppants with different particle sizes in a specific sequence can improve the placement lengths of main fracture and branched fracture. Injection of proppants in an ascending order of particle size improves the near-wellbore fracture filling, to a better extent than that in a descending order of particle size.

A great mountain seismic often triggers a large number of co-seismic landslides, causing direct damage to local vegetation cover and growth. As an important indicator of landslide activity intensity, the vegetation recovery is of great significance for the activity of post-earthquake geo-hazards. However, due to the limitation of observational data, the current research on vegetation restoration process in earthquake areas is mostly on a small scale. In addition, there is insufficient understanding of the vegetation evolution mechanism in a large area and the relationship between vegetation and the activity of geological disasters. Therefore, this paper uses multi-temporal and long-time series (2000−2020) high-precision remote sensing images to study the vegetation restoration process in the Wenchuan earthquake area. By calculating vegetation recovery rates in different periods, we explore the universal law of vegetation restoration in a large range, and analyze the relationship between vegetation restoration and the change of landslide activity intensity. The results show that by 2020, 71.34% of the landslide area in the earthquake area has been better restored. The proportions of highly active, moderately active, low active and basically stable landslides are 17.6%, 12.4%, 17.7% and 52.3%, respectively. The surface recovery trend of co-seismic landslide indicates that the vegetation in the Wenchuan earthquake area is expected to recover to the pre-earthquake average level about 17 years after the earthquake. However, the process of vegetation recovery and changes in landslide activity are often subject to the combined effects of multiple factors. Although the vegetation recovery of landslide surface reflects the decline of landslide activity after the earthquake to some extent, the effects of the earthquake on landslide activity will last longer than the recovery of surface vegetation to the pre-earthquake level. Referring to the results of previous studies, this paper suggests that the post-earthquake landslide activity will last 25 years or more.The conclusion can provide reference for the assessment and prevention of post earthquake geological disasters in Wenchuan earthquake area.

In order to study, the distribution characteristics and internal links of soil enzyme activities, nutrient content and woody plant diversity in negative topographic habitats of tiankeng, the tiankeng forests of the Dashiwei tiankeng group in Guangxi were selected as the object, and the relationship between species diversity and soil factors of woody plants was explored by correlation analysis and redundancy analysis methods, based on the community diversity survey and soil habitat survey along the inner area-top area-outer area of tiankeng. The results were as follows: (1) There were 21 species, 31 genera and 20 families of woody plants in the inside area of tiankeng, 91 species, 58 genera and 58 families of woody plants in the top area of tiankeng, and 47 species, 30 genera and 30 families of woody plants in the outside area of tiankeng. The Margalef index and Patrick index in the inside areas of tiankeng were significantly lower than those in the top and outside areas of tiankeng, indicating that the individuals of species increased, but the species distribution was steady. (2) The total soil nitrogen content in the outside areas of tiankeng was significantly higher than those in the top and outside areas of tiankeng. The soil total magnesium content, soil phosphorus content and soil available phosphorus content in the inside area of tiankeng were significantly higher than those in the top and outside area of tiankeng. The soil alkaline phosphatase content and soil urease activities in the outside area of tiankeng were significantly higher than those in the top and inside area of tiankeng. The soil phosphorus content in the tiankeng was higher, but the soil enzyme activities were lower. (3) The species diversity was strongly correlated with soil nutrients and soil enzyme activities. In conclusion, it can be seen that the habitats of the tiankeng have a great influence on the species diversity, soil enzyme activity and soil nutrient content distribution characteristics, and the soil available phosphorus content, soil alkaline phosphatase activity, soil moisture content, soil urease activity, soil total magnesium content and soil total phosphorus content are the key factors affecting the species diversity of woody plants in the tiankeng forest. The results provide a theoretical basis for the protection and reconstruction of plant resources in karst areas.

In order to further explore the survival strategy of woody plants in tiankeng habitat. This study selected woody plants in different microhabitats (bottom, waist and edge of Shenmu Tiankeng) as the objects. Shenmu Tiankeng is a typical karst tiankeng in Dashiwei Tiankeng Group in Guangxi, and there is a well-preserved underground forest that is easily accessible. Ten leaf functional traits (leaf thickness, leaf tissue density, leaf area, etc.) were selected, and single-factor analysis of variance and correlation analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between leaf functional traits in different microhabitats. The results were as follows: (1) Among the 10 leaf functional traits of woody plants in Shenmu Tiankeng, the variable coefficient for leaf area (113.9%) was highest, while leaf carbon content was relatively stable (10.5%). (2) Ten leaf functional traits were almost no significant differences (P>0.05) for woody lianas in three different microhabitats. The leaf tissue density for trees was significantly higher at the edge and waist compared to the bottom (P0.05). (3) There were some differences in the correlation of leaf functional traits in different microhabitats. Leaf thickness was extremely significantly positively correlated with leaf area (P

A forward model for optical fiber strain was established based on a planar 3D multi-fracture model. Then the forward method calculating distributed fiber strain induced by multi-fracture growth was proposed. Based on this method, fiber strain evolution during fracturing of the horizontal well was numerically simulated. Fiber strain evolution induced by fracture growth can be divided into three stages: strain increasing, shrinkage convergence, and straight-line convergence, whereas the evolution of fiber strain rate has four stages: strain rate increasing, shrinkage convergence, straight-line convergence, and strain rate reversal after pumping stops. Fiber strain does not flip after pumping stop, while the strain rate flips after pumping stop so that strain rate can reflect injection dynamics. The time when the fracture extends to the fiber and inter-well pressure channeling can be identified by the straight-line convergence band of distributed fiber strain or strain rate, and the non-uniform growth of multiple fractures can be evaluated by using the instants of fractures reaching the fiber monitoring well. When the horizontal section of the fiber monitoring well is within the height range of a hydraulic fracture, the instant of the fracture reaching the fiber can be identified; otherwise, the converging band is not apparent. In multi-stage fracturing, under the influence of stress shadow from previous fracturing stages, the tensile region of fiber strain may not appear, but the fiber strain rate can effectively show the fracture growth behavior in each stage. The evolution law of fiber strain rate in single-stage fracturing can be applied to multi-stage fracturing.

Aiming at the problems of complex and disorderly fragmented knowledge in traditional classrooms, which can easily cause knowledge load on students′ cognition and cognition is not three-dimensional, a new concept of knowledge tree was proposed, and virtual reality(VR) technology was used to realize knowledge content visualization and abstraction. The curriculum concept is three-dimensionally visualized, and the vertical distribution of knowledge fields is highlighted through the hierarchical structure such as tree trunks and branches. 3ds Max was used to build a classroom model, a 3D tree model imported into the Unity 3D engine to lay out the scene and realized interactive development; the knowledge map construction method was used to sort out fragmented knowledge, a tree model generated through an interpolation algorithm, a subject knowledge tree formed; the system was set up with dynamics asynchronous loading of resources and scenes. The results show that the system has a good three-dimensional visualization effect and efficient knowledge aggregation ability, which can effectively enhance students′ knowledge perception ability.

Background and Objective Tumor microenvironment is a complex and dynamic community, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression via the co-evolution of cancer cells and tumor stroma. Among them, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor neo-vessels are two key components in the tumor microenvironment during cancer invasion. In addition, programmed cell death ligand 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) also plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development, and the clinical strategies to block PD-1/PD-L1 pathway could have great benefits for cancer patients. This study was aimed at analyzing the quantitative expression and prognostic significance of TAMs, tumor neo-vessels and PD-L1 in tumor microenvironment and exploring the relations between the expression of above components with the patients’ prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Clinico-pathological data and surgical specimens of 92 patients with NSCLC were collected, and immunohistochemistry was used to stain the expression of TAMs, tumor neo-vessels and PD-L1 on tumor tissue and peri-tumor tissues. The inverted microscopy was used to take pictures and Image-pro Plus 6.0 software was used for quantitative analysis. The clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results The median OS of 92 NSCLC cases was 22.5 month. The expression of TAMs, tumor neo-vessels and PD-L1 in tumor tissue and peri-tumor tissues were not statistically significant (P>0.05). According to the cutoff of above key three components in tumor microenvironment, all the cases could be classified into high, middle and low expression groups. The survival analysis demonstrated that the OS in high expression group of TAMs (P=0.016) and PD-L1 (P=0.002) was shorter than the other two groups, respectively, with statistical significance. The OS in high tumor neo vessels group was shorter than the other two groups. However, there was no statistical significance between these three group (P=0.626). Combined with above the three components, all the cases could be classified into low, middle and high density groups. The survival analysis demonstrated that the median OS of combined high density group was shorter than the other two groups (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis by Cox regression indicated that pathological type, TAMs and PD-L1 expression were the independent prognostic factors. Conclusion The key components of TAMs and PD-L1 in tumor microenvironment are closely related to the prognosis of NSCLC patients.

To resolve the issue of design for multi-stage and multi-cluster fracturing in multi-zone reservoirs, a new efficient algorithm for the planar 3D multi-fracture propagation model was proposed. The model considers fluid flow in the wellbore-perforation-fracture system and fluid leak-off into the rock matrix, and uses a 3D boundary integral equation to describe the solid deformation. The solid-fluid coupling equation is solved by an explicit integration algorithm, and the fracture front is determined by the uniform tip asymptotic solutions and shortest path algorithm. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified by the analytical solution of radial fracture, results of the implicit level set algorithm, and results of organic glass fracturing experiment. Compared with the implicit level set algorithm (ILSA), the new algorithm is much higher in computation speed. The numerical case study is conducted based on a horizontal well in shale gas formation of Zhejiang oilfield. The impact of stress heterogeneity among multiple clusters and perforation number distribution on multi-fracture growth and fluid distribution among multiple fractures are analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that reducing perforation number in each cluster can counteract the effect of stress contrast among perforation clusters. Adjusting perforation number in each cluster can promote uniform flux among clusters, and the perforation number difference should better be 1-2 among clusters. Increasing perforation number in the cluster with high in situ stress is conducive to uniform fluid partitioning. However, uniform fluid partitioning is not equivalent to uniform fracture geometry. The fracture geometry is controlled by the stress interference and horizontal principal stress profile jointly. Key words: horizontal well, multi-stage fracturing, multi-fracture growth, 3D boundary element, planar stress heterogeneity, perforation optimization

Based on the theoretical study and field application of volume stimulation in horizontal wells over the past 10 years, the core connotation of volume stimulation was further interpreted. The implementation methods, design models and key issues were analyzed, and the future development direction was put forward. The research shows that the multi-cluster limited entry technique can achieve homogenous growth of multiple fractures. The hybrid stimulation of “breaking by rock gel stimulation + carrying proppant by slick water” plus small-particle proppant can reduce the fracture complexity near the well bore and increase stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in the far-field. The requirement of fracture conductivity in unconventional formations can be met by shear-sustained fractures and proppant-transporting slick water. The optimum well spacing between a child well and a parent well should be determined by the stimulation modes, injection volume and pressure drawdown. Reconstructing seepage field, stress field and stimulation targets is crucial for improving the stimulation results in a horizontal well. Reducing cluster spacing and well spacing is the basis for establishing development modes of fracture-controlled reserves. Fracturing-design decision system based on “spatial-mode stimulation” and geology-engineering integration is an important research direction for volume stimulation techniques. Key words: volume stimulation, multi-cluster limited entry, shear fracture, small particle size, tight spacing, spatial-mode stimulation, restimulation of horizontal wells

For the issue of proppant embedment in hydraulic fracturing, a new calculation method of embedment depth considering elastic-plastic deformation was proposed based on the mechanism of proppant embedment into rocks by combining proppant embedment constitutive equations and contact stresses on the rock-proppant system. And factors affecting embedment depth of proppant were analyzed using the new method. Compared with the elastic embedment model, the results calculated by the new method match well with the experimental data, proving the new method is more reliable and more convenient to make theoretical calculation and analysis. The simulation results show the process of proppant embedment into rocks is mainly elastic-plastic. The embedment depth of monolayer proppants decreases with higher proppant concentration. Under multi-layer distribution conditions, increasing the proppant concentration will not change its embedment depth. The larger the proppant embedment ratio, the more the stress-bearing proppants, and the smaller the embedment depth will be. The embedment depth under higher closure stress is more remarkable. The embedment depth increased with the drawdown of fluid pressure in the fracture. Increasing proppant radius or the ratio of proppant Young's modulus to rock Young's modulus can reduce the proppant embedment depth. Key words: hydraulic fracturing, proppant, embedment depth, constitutive equation, contact stress, elastic-plastic deformation, proppant concentration

According to the tensile properties of typical aerospace material TC11 titanium alloy, the stress-strain relationship is studied using the quasi-static tensile test at different strain rates, and the tensile fracture morphology is analyzed with SEM. The experimental results show that TC11 titanium alloy has certain strain rate sensitivity, and both tensile strength and yield strength are affected by strain rate. During quasi-static tension test, TC11 titanium alloy specimen has the phenomenon of neck shrinkage. The section of the specimen is cuppy, and there is smooth shear lip zone and grey fiber area in the sample fracture. The fracture of the samples belongs to ductile fracture, but its toughness is poor. The tensile fracture morphology of TC11 titanium alloy is mainly the dimple with different sizes, but with the increase of strain rate, the size and the depth of dimple at the tensile fracture are smaller, and the fracture surface produces a small number of tearing edges and quasi-cleavage plane, and the fracture mechanism of the specimen is mainly ductile fracture and quasi-cleavage fracture. Therefore, the mechanical behavior of TC11 titanium alloy is related to strain rate under quasi-static tensile condition.

A new model for calculating stress fields of fractured media was established by incorporating stress correction factor based on displacement discontinuity boundary element method. The accuracy of the new model is close to 3D displacement discontinuity model, and its calculation is significantly simplified. An algorithm for multi-fracture propagation geometry was proposed based on fracture criterion and fracture growth rate law, which was used to investigate multi-fracture stress interference and propagation geometry. The results show that the size of stress interference is determined by the shortest dimension of fracture face, which is 1.2−1.5 times fracture height when fracture length is longer than fracture height, and 1.2−1.5 times fracture length when fracture length is shorter than fracture height. The larger the ratio of fracture spacing to fracture height, or the smaller the ratio of net pressure to the differential principle stress, the more close to well-bores the deviation position is, and the larger the deviation angle is. The middle fracture propagates to the fracture at a further distance and one dominating fracture propagates longest when three-cluster fractures are not equally spaced, while the middle fracture propagates straightly when three-cluster fractures are equally spaced. Key words: horizontal well, volume fracturing, stress interference, displacement discontinuity method, fracture deviation, multi-fracture propagation, unequally distributed fracture

Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment for patients with lung cancer. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) are widely used to deliver radiation. Here, we focus on the correlations between dose distribution in lung and radiation pneumonitis according to the analysis about radiotherapy for lung cancer: A lot to a little or a little to a lot, which is the main cause of radiation pneumonitis?

Background and objective Controversies exists with regard to target volumes as far as thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) is concerned in the multimodality treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LSCLC). The aim of this study is to prospectively compare the local control rate, toxicity profiles, and overall survival (OS) between patients received different target volumes irradiation after induction chemotherapy. Methods LSCLC patients received 2 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin (EP) induction chemotherapy and were randomly assigned to receive TRT to either the post- or pre-chemotherapy tumor extent (GTV-T) as study arm and control arm, CTV-N included the positive nodal drainage area for both arms. One to 2 weeks after induction chemotherapy, 45 Gy/30 Fx/19 d TRT was administered concurrently with the third cycle of EP regimen. After that, additional 3 cycles of EP consolidation were administered. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was administered to patients with a complete response. Results Thirty-seven and 40 patients were randomly assigned to study arm and control arm. The local recurrence rates were 32.4% and 28.2% respectively (P=0.80); the isolated nodal failure (INF) rate were 3.0% and 2.6% respectively (P=0.91); all INF sites were in the ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa. Medastinal N3 disease was the risk factor for INF (P=0.02, OR=14.13, 95%CI: 1.47-136.13). During radiotherapy, grade I, II weight loss was observed in 29.4%, 5.9% and 56.4%, 7.7% patients respectively (P=0.04). Grade 0-I and II-III late pulmonary injury was developed in 97.1%, 2.9% and 86.4%, 15.4% patients respectively (P=0.07). Median survival time was 22.1 months and 26.9 months respectively. The 1 to 3-year OS were 77.9%, 44.4%, 37.3% and 75.8%, 56.3%, 41.7% respectively (P=0.79). Conclusion The preliminary results of this study indicate that irradiant the post-chemotherapy tumor extent (GTV-T) and positive nodal drainage area did not decrease local control and overall survival while radiation toxicity was reduced. But the current sample size has not met designed requirements, and further investigation is warranted before final conclusions could be drawn.

Background: Motivation is an important factor in disease management for diabetic patients. However, motivational strengthening interventions have been inadequately effective in effecting behavior change in this group. Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effect of a motivational interview intervention on self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The target population comprised patients with type 2 diabetes in two medical wards of a regional hospital in the southern Taiwan. The 112 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 56) and control group (n = 56). Over a three month period, the experimental group received 6 motivational interview sessions of 50 minutes each in addition to usual diabetes care, while the control group received usual diabetes care on the ward. Both groups completed the demographic questionnaire, Chinese version of Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, Diabetes Self-Care Behavior Scale, glycosylated hemoglobin level pre-test, and 3 months post-test survey. The results were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 for Windows. Results: A total of 55 patients in the experimental group and 52 patients in the control group completed the study. After analysis, significant inter-group differences in self-efficacy and self-care behavior were found between the experimental group and the control group at pre-test and three-month post-test (p < .001). For the experimental group, the three-month post-test score and glycated hemoglobin value were higher than at pre-test. The three-month posttest value was significantly lower (p < .001) than the pre-test value, and the change effect in the experimental group was better than that in the control group. There was a significant difference in the stages of change between pre-test and posttest (χ² = 43.89, p < .001), and the change effect in the experimental group was better than that in the control group. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The proposed motivational interview intervention can help patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to medical wards improve their self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and glycated hemoglobin values. In the future, nursing education should improve the teaching of motivational interview skills to allow nurses to conduct effective interviews quickly during treatment, increase their patients' motivation to self-control blood sugar, and enable patients to learn blood sugar control skills before discharge to achieve effective blood sugar control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was to explore the related factors of nurses' knowledge and behavioral management in care of delirium patients. Method: The cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was used, 145 registered nurses were recruited from a regional hospital in Kaohsiung city. The questionnaire of personal information, delirium knowledge and delirium behavioral management was used to collect data. Results: The scores of delirium risk factors and assessment behavior were the lowest. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and behavioral management for delirium. The delirium risk factors of knowledge and year of working experience were the most important correlation factors of delirium behavioral management. Conclusion: The knowledge of risk factors and working experience were the most important factors in delirium behavioral management of nursing staff. The two factors should be included in school training or on-the-job training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Truth-telling is an important step toward reducing the cognitive gap between physicians and patients as well as reducing the psychological pressures applied to physicians by family members. There is a lack of research on the truth-telling experience and needs in the intensive care unit from the perspective of patient family members. Purpose: This study is designed to explore the experiences and needs of families in the intensive care unit. Methods: A descriptive phenomenology method was used in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with five participants who had family members assessed with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores ≥ 20. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological methods and Nvivo 11. Results: Four experience themes were examined, including (1) nothing is clear, requires explanation; (2) helpless to find answers, need a nurse to resolve this issue; (3) professional conduct makes us feel helpless, longing for love from the medical team; (4) decisions are very difficult, hoping to get more help. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The family members expressed that they were unable to understand the underlying causes of the progression in patient condition because the medical team only presented outcomes to the family and did not discuss related causes. Thus, it is recommended that medical teams learn to recognize the cognitive processes of patient family members and consider their emotions, including their needs and expectations, in order to provide individualized explanations based on a patient's status and progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travelers are known to convey infectious diseases across international borders. After its experience with SARS, Taiwan established a comprehensive mechanism at its border to prevent the entry of infectious diseases. However, people with chronic infectious diseases, carriers with no symptoms, and those likely to be infected are not easy to identify during border screenings. Therefore, Taiwan must implement internal disease-containment measures in addition to stopping infectious disease at its borders. With increasing numbers of patients coming to Taiwan for medical examinations, medical aesthetic treatments, and medical treatments and care, the risk of acute, chronic, and contagious diseases originating from non-residents must be considered and addressed. This article was developed to discuss the role and importance of nurses in preventing transnational infectious diseases from the perspective of international medical care. In addition to showing rich nursing experience, sensitivity, and conducting the management and communication of international cases, it is also necessary to make good use of information tools for remote screening care. Taking the period of the COVID-19 outbreak as an example, several procedures have been conducted. First, online detailed history of infectious diseases and nursing evaluations are conducted before admission. Second, preparation and movement notifications are given before admission. Third, online health education and follow-up care as well as cross-unit communication and coordination are implemented. International medical nurses directly affect the quality and effectiveness of international medical treatment. As Taiwan builds up its brand as an international medical caring destination, nursing professionals should help further this trend and announce to the world: Taiwan can help! Nursing can help! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relocating from home to a long-term facility is frequently a stressful event for older persons with diabetes. Therefore, it is important that nurses have available an intervention program that effectively reduces relocation anxiety and promotes adaptation in this population. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing relocation anxiety and promoting adaptation in older persons with diabetes. Methods: Four long-term care facilities in Kaohsiung City were selected as the study sites. Residents of these facilities who had diabetes and who had moved in within the previous year were recruited as participants using a simple random-sampling method. The experimental group (n = 34) received a 9-week mindfulness-based intervention and the control group (n = 32) received routine diabetes care and maintained their normal daily routine. Outcome measurements included a demographic datasheet, the Taiwanese version of the State Anxiety Inventory, and the individual mental factors subscale of the elderly adaptation problem scale. These measures were administered at baseline and upon completion of the intervention. Results: Thirty participants in each group completed the study. The mean differences between the baseline and posttest scores in the experimental group for relocation anxiety (t = 5.15, p < .01) and adaptation (t = -5.57, p < .01) were both significant. Among the participants who tested positive for relocation anxiety at pretest (a mean score > 30.13; 83.3% of the participants), those in the experimental group reported a more significant decrease (p < .05) in relocation anxiety at posttest than their control group peers. Among the participants who tested as having poor adaptation pretest (a mean scores < 45.62; 71.7% of the participants), those in the experimental group reported a more significant improvement (p < .05) in adaptation at posttest than their control group peers. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The results indicate that the 9-week intervention has the potential to help older people with diabetes improve their relocation anxiety and adaptation. This study may be used as a reference to improve emotional distress among residents of long-term care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gap between the expectation and the development of role competency is a dilemma that nurse practitioners (NPs) face in clinical settings . Purpose: This study was designed to explore the perceived importance and actual practice of the role competencies of NPs and to compare the differences between the ideal and practical domains as well as related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional design study used Q-sort to collect data. A 56-item "Nurse Practitioner Role Capacity Questionnaire" was used as the research tool. Two questionnaires: Perceptions of Important Role Competencies and Actual Execution of Role Competencies were distributed to NPs twice, at times that were 2 weeks apart. A total of 40 participants were recruited, including 21(52.5%) internal medicine NPs and 19 (47.5%) surgical medicine NPs. Results: The significant differences that were identified in this study between the perceived importance and actual practice of role competencies were, by domain: medical assistance (t = -5.62, p < .001), clinical research (t = 4.14, p < .001), professional consultation (t = 2.29, p = .027), and direct care (t = 2.21, p = .033). The correlative factors for these differences were: education level (t = -2.17, p = .036) and membership in the Nurse Practitioner Association (t = -2.36, p = .017). NPs with higher levels of education and with membership in the Nurse Practitioner Association earned higher scores for self-expectation in important clinical competency. Conclusions: NPs face discrepancies in their role expectations, in important part due to their role as providers of medical assistance in clinical practical settings. NPs need to learn and demonstrate the roles and functions of advanced nursing practice to enhance nursing professionalism profoundly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the immune regulation and antioxidation effects of polysaccharide from Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng on mouse spleen lymphocytes in vitro. The proliferation, antioxidant capacity (SOD, T-AOC, GSH-Px and CAT) activity and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β) were detected after treating with polysaccharide from Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng. The results showed that polysaccharide from Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng could promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes dose-dependently. Compared to the OD value of control group (0.31), the OD values at the concentration of 80 and 160 μg/mL were increased significantly (P

In order to study the removal effect of pesticide residues in fresh-cut potatoes by electrolyzed functional water combined with ultrasonic cleaning, the simulating pollution of procymidone, phorate, chlorothalonil and chlorpyrifos in fresh-cut potatoes with different cutting methods was carried out. After the detection of these samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the removal rates of four pesticide residues in fresh-cut potatoes treated with acid electrolyzed functional water (AcEW)-ultrasonic cleaning were obtained. The effects of washing solution, the ratio of sample to washing solution, ultrasonic power and washing time on pesticide removal rates were investigated. The results showed that the suitable washing solution for fresh-cut potato was AcEW; there was no significant difference (P>0.05) on pesticide removal rates under the conditions of different ratios of sample to washing solution. The optimal ultrasonic power of potato strip, chips, slices and diced potato were 200, 400, 400 and 400 W, respectively. Under these conditions, the mean removal rate of chlorpyrifos and phorate were 78.79%, 75.05%, 70.56% and 68.46%, respectively; and the mean removal rate of procymidone and chlorothalonil were 45.96%, 45.91%, 37.5% and 36.92%, respectively. And the optimal washing time of them were 10, 10, 20 and 20 minutes, respectively. Under these conditions, the mean removal rate of chlorpyrifos and phorate were 78.03%, 75.52%, 71.85% and 69.18%, respectively; and the mean removal rate of procymidone and chlorothalonil were 47.27%, 45.05%, 40.65% and 41.33%, respectively. The results obtained in this study provide theoretical and technical support for improving the pesticide residue control levels in cleaning process of fresh-cut potato.

In order to meet special requirements of backup power in coal mine refuge chamber, firstly serial lithium-ion batteries were put in an explosion protection box with their battery management system. Then parallel explosion protection boxes formed the backup power system. The system included voltage detection and balance controller, battery pack module controller, assembly controller, LCD controller. It collected voltage and temperature data by distribution voltage sampling method and DS18B20 temperature sensor. It collected current data by current hall sensors. Then system took steps to prevent over voltage, over temperature, over current etc. Through field test verification, system operation was stead)', measuring error of current and voltage were far less than the specified value of coal mine safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although music therapy is now applied widely as an intervention for elderly dementia patients, the effectiveness of this therapy is not yet well understood. Purpose: This study conducts a systematic review of clinical studies that address the effectiveness of music therapy in elderly dementia patients. Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EBMR, CINAHL, and CEPS were searched for relevant articles published between 2004 and 2013 using the key words "music" or "music therapy" with "dementia". An initial 272 original articles were identified. Applying inclusion criteria and excluding duplications left 18 articles that used randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of music therapy in elderly participants for further analysis and synthesis. Result: Music therapy was found effective at improving cognitive functions, mental symptoms, and eating problems. However, this therapy was not found effective at improving irritable behavior. Type of music and method of presentation were the most important factors affecting results. Most studies (61.1%) used songs familiar to / favored by the participants; most studies delivered 30-minute interventions twice weekly; and most studies used a therapy duration of 6 hours. Finally, most studies (77.8%) had music therapy sessions performed by either music therapists or trained healthcare providers. Conclusions / Implications for Practice: This study supports that music therapy is an effective nursing intervention for elderly dementia patients. The authors hope that findings are a helpful reference for clinical nurses to develop practical music therapy procedures and protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Health and Welfare Surcharge on Tobacco in Taiwan increased to NT$20 per pack in 2009, following two other increases of NT$5 and NT$10 in 2002 and 2006, respectively. The aim of this study was to examine whether the 2009 increase in earmarked tax created changes in the pattern of tobacco consumption. Methods: This study compared cigarette consumption before and after the surcharge increase in 2009 by examining the 2007 and 2010 Taiwan Adult Tobacco Survey data. After controlling for demographic variables, we estimated the cigarette price elasticity in the 2007 and 2010 surveys. Results: The demand curve in the 2010 survey was flatter than that in the 2007 survey; this indicated that smokers became more price-elastic after the Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge increase in 2009. When the price of cigarettes increased gradually, the surcharge created a stronger effect on discouraging smoking based on the 2010 observations. Moreover, 20.33% of the smokers in the 2010 panel reportedly switched their cigarette brands after the 2009 surcharge increase. Smokers with lower income were more likely to switch brands. Conclusions: A tobacco-related price strategy as part of health policy can lead to substantial quantitative and qualitative changes in tobacco consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Store brand has been developed for a long time in Europe and the United States. Many large chain retail store brand gradually launched several years ago, then, caused a wave of store brands widespread. Store brand just launched, due to the low price than the manufacturer brand image and popularity is not high, so consumers generally believe that its quality is not as good as the manufacturer brand. This study tries to figure out whether consumer has a loyalty on store brand or not? This model added some factors which consumer may be considered when they bought, in order to detect whether these factors will affect the choice of store brand buying. The methodology of this study is logistic regression. We use two models to measure consumer brand loyalty on store brand. The first model is to measure the general loyalty on store brand but the second model is separate loyalty to first purchase (not loyalty) and last purchasing (preference). We choose the beverage store brand of convenient retail 7-11 as our sample. The research result show that the store brand loyalty does not exist. However, the perceived risk and the purchase amount will affect buying behavior. Perceived risk has the most significant impact on the buying behavior indicates that consumers have a lower perception of the quality of beverage store brand. According to the marketing implications of the results of this study, the retailers should pay more attention to the quality of store brand products which lower prices represent low perceived risk. Therefore, store brand product development strategy should be developed low perceived risk product. On the other hand, if retailors develop high-priced store brand products, consumers feel the high perceived risk and reduce the willingness to purchase store brand products. As a result, the sales of store brand products will lead to the failure which causes by the high-priced store brand products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend of globalization has led to a strong demand for the culture-specific or emic approach in scholarly research. It is the purpose of this paper to provide an opportunity for scholars to have their voices on the issues of indigenous scholarship. The paper consists of four essays examining the theme from four aspects, namely, the centrality of culture and communication, the Asiacentric communication paradigm, the development of Chinese communication theories, and an indigenous view of the study of resilience. It is hoped that the paper will contribute to the better understanding of indigenous scholarship and further provide a possible direction for the future investigation in this line of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of new media has been the main force accelerating the trend of globalization in human society in recent decades. New media has brought human interaction and society to a highly interconnected and complex level, but at the same time challenges the very existence of intercultural communication in its traditional sense. It is under this circumstance that we see more and more scholars becoming involved in the investigation of the relationship between new media and intercultural communication. Emerging topical areas in this line of research mainly include three categories: (1) the impact of national/ethnic culture on the development of new media, (2) the impact of new media on cultural/social identity, and (3) the impact of new media (especially social media) on different aspects of intercultural communication (e.g., intercultural relationships, intercultural adaptation, and intercultural conflict). This paper discusses this trend of research on the relationship between new media and intercultural communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We contend in this paper that language shapes as well as reflects social reality, thought patterns, and value/belief systems of a culture. We substantiate our claim by closely examining Chinese family value orientations and their relationships with language expressions. The linguistic features and cultural implications of the value orientations are explicated. We further investigate the impact of changes in the use of language on the social reality and thought patterns of Chinese culture. We conclude that language and culture are intertwined. The interplay between language and culture creates infinite discursive possibilities and multi-dimensional and ever changing human experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate purpose of digital archives is to provide users with an easy access to archived data. The assessment of the website with digital archives should be from the user's perspectives so that users' needs can be better understood, the potential design problems can be easily revealed, and the websites can be improved accordingly. This study analyzed Taiwan Baseball Wiki, a very popular website dedicated to baseball archives in Taiwan. Google Analytics, a well-known web metrics tool, was used as the primary research instrument. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the users' profile. Questions such as the 5W1H (i.e., who, when, where, why, what, and how) questions regarding the users and the use of the website, and the satisfaction level of the users are investigated. The results of the research provided valuable reference for future improvement of the website, especially for the areas of website management and administration. Furthermore, this study recommended web metrics tools to other websites which provide digital archives. The application of these tools can help with understanding and optimizing web usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paradigm of Asian communication is emerging due to the efforts of Asian communication scholars over the years, thus, it is a critical moment for Asian communication scholars to move a step forward through the process of self-examination. To achieve this goal, this essay focuses on the discussion of the present and prospect of Asian communication studies from three aspects. First, the essence of Asian communication is stipulated based on previous studies; second, the concepts of yin and yang are employed to explicate the controversial or confrontational views that show the internal and external diversity of Asian communication studies; and third, the union of the polarity of yin and yang, or the Tao, of Asian communication studies is proposed. [China Media Report Overseas. 2009; 5(3): 1-11] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]