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This research investigated the hydrogen production and energy conversion from automobile shredder residues (ASRs) and paper mill sludge (PMS) co-gasified in a full-scale fluidized bed gasification plant. The results obtained from full-scale tests provided important information on the feasible assessment of ASRs-to-energy and the selection of alternative technologies for ASRs. Based on the analysis results of produced gas composition, H 2 , CO, and CH 4 composition produced from paper-mill sludge gasified were 4.17%–6.01%, 3.08%–4.32%, 1.71%–2.4%, respectively. Another C 2 gas composition ranged from 2.9% to 3.59%. The heating value of produced gas ranged between 1.64 MJ/Nm3 and 2.18 MJ/Nm3. In the case of 10% ASR addition, the heating value of produced gas was slightly increased to 1.84 MJ/Nm3-2.34 MJ/Nm3. The dioxin emission concentration of flue gas was approximately 0.064 ng I-TEQ/Nm3. It can comply with Taiwan regulation thresholds. The dioxin leaching concentrations of residues derived from gasification were also in compliance with regulation limits by the TCLP test. Meanwhile, in the case of 10% ASRs addition, the dioxin equivalence concentration of gasified residue was nearly 0.002 ng I-TEQ/Nm3. It was far below the current regulation standard limit. In summary, the results of this research have proved the performance of ASRs-to-energy by co-gasified with paper mill sludge using a full-scale gasification plant. The results obtained from this research also provided the information for selecting ASRs alternative technologies and operating full-scale gasifiers in the future. [Display omitted] • This study has confirmed the feasibility of co-gasification of calcium-rich PMS and chlorine-rich ASRs. • Adding 5%–15% of ASRs can maintain the regular operation of the full-scale commercial gasifier. • The synthesis gas has a composition of 4.91 vol% H 2 and 2.06 vol% CO, with a LHV of 1.93 MJ/Nm3. • The HCl emission could comply with regulation thresholds in co-gasification. • Dioxin reformation reduced significantly in co-gasification of PMS and ASRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hygroscopicity affects the chemical and physical stabilities of paper-based historical relics. In this research, the moisture sorption behavior of naturally aged bamboo paper dating from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, and artificially aged and untreated modern bamboo paper was investigated using dynamic vapor sorption analysis (DVS). The results were fitted by sorption models to analyze the regularities of changes in the moisture absorption of aged bamboo paper. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the chemical and physical structures of aged bamboo paper. It was found that untreated and aged bamboo paper showed similar moisture sorption isotherms at 25 °C, indicating that aging did not alter the sorption mechanism of paper. Guggenheim Anderson de Boer (GAB) and Hailwood Horrobin (H–H) models provided good fits to the experimental data and meaningful physical parameters regarding the effective sorption surface area (S GAB), monolayer water content (W 0), and multilayer water content (W s), showing that the S GAB , W 0 , and W s of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper were decreased. Results of FTIR demonstrated that the levels of hydrophilic groups decreased, causing a reduction in the effective adsorption sites of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper, which was the principal reason for a decrease in their hygroscopicity. The fiber structure damage of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper was observed through microscopic morphology, which has different influences on the capillary adsorption of paper depending on the extent of degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work analyzed the energy flow of the pulp and paper industry in Taiwan. The potential technology options that were examined focus on how to capture some of the energy currently lost in the processes and then identifying the areas with energy-saving potential that could also have large impacts across a variety of industries. In addition, the energy-saving potential of these options was evaluated. The energy-saving potential of the pulp and paper industry would be around 6939.9 KLOE/M. The greatest energy-saving potential lies with improving energy distribution and equipment efficiency, which would together potentially comprise 86.8% of total energy conservation. This analysis can serve as a benchmark for current pulp and paper making operations, and as a base case for stimulating changes toward more efficient energy utilization in the pulp and paper industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Taiwan, the incidence and prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have risen significantly in recent years. Moreover, data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) show that more than 85% of PsA patients are treated with just non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). Taiwanese clinicians have also expressed concerns regarding uncertainties in the diagnosis of PsA and the delayed, interrupted, and/or tapered use of biologics, as well as differences in therapeutic preferences between and within dermatologists and rheumatologists. To address these issues, the Taiwan Rheumatology Association and the Taiwanese Association for Psoriasis and Skin Immunology jointly convened a committee of 28 clinicians from the fields of rheumatology, dermatology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations for the practical management of PsA in Taiwan. A total of six overarching principles and 13 recommendations were developed and approved, as well as a treatment algorithm with four separate tracks for axial PsA, peripheral PsA, enthesitis, and dactylitis. Psoriasis (PsO) management was not discussed here, as the Taiwanese Dermatological Association has recently published a comprehensive consensus statement on the management of PsO. Together, these recommendations provide an up-to-date, evidence-based framework for PsA care in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current reliable strategies for information security are all chosen using incomplete information. With standards, problems resulting from incomplete information can be reduced, since with standards, we can decrease the choices and simplify the process for reliable supply and demand decision making. This paper is to study the certification of information security management systems based on specifications promulgated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs in accordance with international standards and their related organizations. And we suggest a certification requirement concept for five different levels of “Information and Communication Security Protection System” in our country, the Republic of China, Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To compare immunologic phenotypes between (1) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and a healthy population and (2) more advanced and early stage HCC patients, we studied 45 HCC patients and 46 healthy controls from January 2006 to January 2008. Using fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, HCC patients were demonstrated to exhibit stronger phagocytosis of granulocytes and monocytes and more peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the G2/M phase compared with healthy volunteers. By contrast, lower percentages of B and Th lymphocytes were also found in the peripheral blood of HCC patients than in the healthy population. Most importantly, a higher percentage of B cells was found in patients with advanced HCC than in those with early HCC in terms of TNM stage (II and III vs I, p = 0.004), the Japanese Integrated Scoring system (2–3 vs 0–1, p = 0.0235), and tumor numbers (≥2 vs 1, p = 0.005). In conclusion, our findings suggested that HCC patients might exhibit enhanced innate immunity and reduced adaptive immunity compared with healthy volunteers. A higher percentage of B cells was found in patients with more advanced HCC compared with patients with early stage HCC, which might serve as an indicator of the severity of HCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Applying a sequence of three multivariate statistical approaches. • The greater the economic prosperity, the greater MSW composition complexity. • Kitchen waste represents a distinct pattern between urban and rural communities. • Paper waste is increased in commensurate with the growth of economy. • Plastics and glass wastes generation decline, contrasting to the expanding economy. Composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) is rapidly changed along with socioeconomic factors, especially in developing countries. Understanding the association between MSW composition and socioeconomic factors is therefore instrumental when deciding types of technologies and optimizing management strategies. In the past decades, Taiwan has gradually evolved from an agricultural society to a post-industrial society through industrialization and urbanization. This study collects a 12-year worth of self-reported dataset in Taiwan, including MSW, individual and household social-economic factors, in order to unveil their relationships. Our analysis is based on multivariate approach. The results indicate that the major socioeconomic factors that dominate the MSW composition were safety concerns, economic activities, and lifestyle. Overall, MSW composition is increasingly complex as the economy experiences more prosperity, and there is an upward trend of recyclable wastes. Moreover, kitchen waste represents a distinct pattern between urban and rural communities, coupled with the contribution of total waste. Consistent with other countries, paper waste is increased in commensurate with the growth of economy. Interestingly, contrasting to the global trend, plastics and glass wastes generation rate decline when the economy expands economic activities. This attributes mainly to the strict enforcement of recycling policies accompanied with marketing campaigns that encourage recycling and enhance consumers' green awareness. Strategies that facilitate modifying consumers' socioeconomic factors and changing consumers' behavior could play an important role in management of MSW in other developing countries. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender pay gaps are present in a wide range of industries, with the medical profession being no exception. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the peer-reviewed literature to identify whether there is a gender pay gap in orthopaedics. A systematic review was conducted by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, Health & Medical Collection, Nursing & Allied Health Database, Publicly Available Content Database, Consumer Health Database and Healthcare Administration Database. Original research papers pertaining to the earnings of male and female orthopaedic surgeons were included for review. Of 745 papers acquired through the database search, 12 were eligible for inclusion. These were published in the USA, Canada and Taiwan. 6 looked at the relationship between sex and annual income, 4 studied industry payments, one analysed hourly earnings and one compared payments per case between males and females. Men were found to earn significantly higher annual incomes than women, even when confounding factors such as rank, practice setting and subspeciality were accounted for. Men also receive significantly higher payments from industry, and earn more per hour than women. This systematic review has demonstrated that there is a gender pay gap in orthopaedics, with women commonly earning significantly less than their male colleagues. The reasons for this, however, remain unclear, and deserve further investigation. It is incumbent upon orthopaedic departments, healthcare providers and orthopaedic associations to raise awareness and ensure that men and women are paid the same for equal work. • There is a gender pay gap in orthopaedics • Women commonly earn significantly less than their male colleagues • Women more commonly pursue less lucrative subspecialties but the reason is unclear • Fee codes should be reviewed to ensure men and women are paid equally • Orthopaedic associations should consider raising awareness of the gender pay gap [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant ionospheric disturbances during the 2021 Typhoon Chanthu were observed by GPS and GLONASS. • The ionospheric disturbances following the Typhoon are accompanied and propagated with the "N"-type wave. • The propagation velocity and center frequency of ionospheric disturbances are within the range of gravity waves. Severe typhoons often result in substantial economic and human losses. Therefore, near-real-time monitoring and forecasting of severe typhoons have a significant importance. In this paper, characteristics of ionospheric disturbances during the 2021 Typhoon Chanthu are estimated and investigated from GPS and GLONASS measurements. We calculate high-precision de-trended and filtered ionospheric vertical total electron content (VTEC) data based on GPS and GLONASS data from intensive Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations at 30-second intervals in Taiwan. Based on the VTEC values, we analyze the characteristics of ionospheric disturbances caused by Typhoon Chanthu, such as the time of appearance of ionospheric disturbances, changes in the magnitude of these disturbances, alterations in two-dimensional disturbances, fluctuations in the speed of disturbance propagation, and shifts in the frequency spectrum. The results reveal that both GPS-TEC and GLONASS-TEC exhibit noticeable disturbances during the specified timeframe. These disturbances are accompanied by the occurrence of "N"-type anomalies in TEC. Notably, at the occurrence of the disturbance, the elevation angle of GPS PRN32 and GLONASS PRN1 satellites is approximately 50°-55°, and their respective distances from the typhoon eye are roughly 350 km and 150 km. The propagation velocity and center frequency of the ionospheric disturbances are located in the range of gravity waves. Specifically, the disturbances propagation speeds of GPS PRN32 and GLONASS PRN1 are approximately 129.36 m/s and 128.33 m/s, respectively, while the center frequencies are about 1.17 mHz and 1.43 mHz. The ionospheric perturbations observed by GPS and GLONASS exhibit certain similarities, which provide valuable insights into the relationship between typhoons and ionospheric disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientometric analysis is a useful tool that utilizes bibliometric data to measure scientific output of a disease or region in a particular field. In this report, we comprehensively provide bibliometric characteristics of all the papers on betel quid (BQ)-related cancer and precancerous lesions. There are 1403 papers on BQ-related cancer and precancerous lesions published until 2022 in the Scopus database. China (mainland and Taiwan region), India, United States, and United Kingdom contribute 1214 (86.5%) papers and 34,120 (91.9%) citations of all the papers. The number (457), citations (14,573), and h index (60) of the papers originated from Taiwan region stably remain in the first. The most frequent research keyword is arecoline, followed by drug, prevalence, metabolism, carcinogenesis, and pathology. Areca nut and BQ cessation program by Taiwan government has demonstrated a significant positive impact on oral cancer prevention. Collectively, the scientific output of BQ-related cancer and precancerous field represents distinct regional characteristic. BQ-related cancer prevention is still a long way off. Encouragingly, Taiwan region is well ahead in this way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since government-provided annual cervical cytology testing for all Taiwanese women aged 30 years or older became available in 1995, both cervical cancer incidence and death have decreased significantly. However, with the 2018 introduction of the national immunization program for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in all schoolgirls aged 13–15 years old, the positive predictive value of cytology testing is expected to decrease with rising vaccination rates, and therefore a transition to more sensitive HPV-based testing may be needed. This position paper, derived from discussions by a panel of experts in cervical cancer screening, provides short-, medium-, and long-term policy recommendations to manage the transition between cervical screening methods for Taiwan. The recommendations include concrete suggestions regarding testing procedures, standards, accreditation, monitoring, promotion, and implementation. It is hoped that comprehensive preparation and management of this transition will enable Taiwan to repeat the previous successes of the cervical cytology testing program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitous poaching poses a persistent challenge to marine protected areas (MPAs) management. The global consensus to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 has heightened the importance of effective MPA management. However, the law enforcement capacity for open-access common pool issues is frequently constrained. There remains an ongoing imperative to expand the knowledge on how to combat poaching. Drawing from environmental criminology approaches, this paper illustrates crime scripts of documented poaching cases in Taiwan's MPAs over the past decade to detail crime commission process and develops prevention strategies. We identify that poachers were often involved shore-based diving, shoreline handpicking and poaching by boats during clear summer evenings in easily accessible MPAs. To prevent marine poaching, suggested key interventions include managing access and exists, controlling fishing equipment, rationally deploying patrolling capacity and natural surveillance measures, creating traceable seafood supply chains, and increasing public vigilance and awareness. Environmental criminology approaches make poaching predictable and enable the precise allocation of law enforcement resources at a certain level. To further improve effectiveness of prevention strategies, we highlight the need to periodically review crime scripts and associated policies when new cases are identified. In addition, incorporating techniques from the best practices in MPA management into prevention strategies can also enhance the effectiveness of environmental criminology approaches in MPA poaching. This paper can inform the development of interventions and enhancing the management of MPAs toward global objectives. ● Ubiquitous poaching poses a persistent challenge to MPA management. ● An analysis of the crime script related to poaching in Taiwan's MPAs over the past decade is presented. ● Evidence-based policy implications aimed at reducing opportunities for poaching to achieve MPA conservation objectives are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of hotel employee's thriving at work (including learning and vitality) on their service performance, and explores how leader-member exchange (LMX) moderates this influence. The sampling object of the questionnaire is the employees of 5-star hotels in the north, central, and south of Taiwan who are willing to answer the questionnaires. Purposive sampling is employed. In total, 900 surveys were disseminated throughout Taiwan., including 300 each in the north, central, and south. Out of these, 657 acceptable surveys were collected, resulting in a 73% response rate. The research findings show that: (1) learning positively affect service performance; (2) vitality positively affect service performance; (3) LMX negatively moderates the influence of learning on service performance; (4) LMX negatively moderates the influence of vitality on service performance. At last, the paper proposes managerial implications and subsequent recommendations derived from the research findings. • leader-member exchange = LMX. • Hotel employees' learning has a positive influence on their service performance. • Hotel employees' vitality has a positive influence on their service performance. • LMX moderates the influence of hotel employees' learning on service performance. • LMX moderates the influence of hotel employees' vitality on service performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, online gambling has flourished in Taiwan and caused severe social problems. Online gambling is often combined with various crimes, such as organized crime, fraud, and money laundering, severely affecting social security. Moreover, as the exponential development of technology has given rise to many high-tech crime tools, the police force has encountered many investigation challenges. This paper intends to understand crime and investigate the patterns of online gambling websites through case studies. It is found that online gambling operators have invented a sophisticated business model to circumvent police investigations and to facilitate their defense in the future. This paper summarizes and analyzes the modus operandi and police investigation model and puts forward recommendations on the current difficulties for the reference of practical criminal justice personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real estate transactions, buyers of presale houses incur greater risks than do buyers of pre-existing houses; consequently, presale housing prices should be discounted. However, in many areas, short-term presale housing markets often overheat. To illustrate this phenomenon, this paper adopts two theoretical models to analyze long-term equilibrium and short-term changes in the presale housing market. First, the cobweb model demonstrates that demand responds immediately to sudden shocks in the housing market. Because the supply of the spot housing market is lagging, the demand may be transferred to the forward market. Therefore, even though the price–volume relationship in the presale market is balanced in the long term, it may still be affected by sudden demand-side shocks and overheating in the short term. Second, the paper uses a forward contract pricing model to illustrate short-term fluctuations in the presale housing market and concludes that governments should raise interest rates and land holding costs to control the overheating of the presale housing market. City-level data from Taiwan are used to verify the long- and short-term price behaviors indicated by the two models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of tertiary education expansion on fertility outcomes of women past the usual college-entry age. We show that the tertiary education expansion in Taiwan led to a decrease in fertility for these mature women both with and without tertiary education, suggesting that the effect did not operate through education alone. Our findings also highlight two empirical concerns with previous studies: (i) the mis-classification of women past college-entry age as "unexposed" to the expansion in the difference-in-differences studies, and (ii) the potential violation of exclusion restriction when using the expansion as an instrument for female education in the instrumental variable studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms achieve their competitive advantage quickly through the concept framework of open innovation by integrating external inspiration with internal endowment when facing hyper-competition in the digital era. This paper deploys open innovation into building platform blocks by modular operators. These eight modular operators are splitting, augmenting, deleting, substituting, inversing, porting, configuring, and integrating. By means of case studies of two Taiwan Internet vendors, the results depict the manipulation strategies between eight modular operators to fit seven functional requirements for weaving social media, which are presence, identity, sharing, reputation, groups, conversations, and relationship. Finally, this paper advances propositions about the deployment of modularization strategies to develop a competitive platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The literatures on subterranean geopolitics have paid insufficient attention to issues of peace. • The concept of affective atmosphere helps to flesh out the elemental and embodied dimensions of subterranean geopolitics. • The paper uses the case study of the Zhaishan Tunnel to show how it serves as a rapprochement tourism site. • Visitors of Zhaishan Tunnel (re)negotiate peaceful China-Taiwan relations in this subterranean space. Geopolitical studies on the subterranean have tended to portray underground spaces (including tunnels and caves) as closely imbricated with warfare, violence and militarism. This paper departs from existing literatures insofar as it explores how peaceful ideas and relationships can similarly be fostered through the subterranean realm. Using the case of the Zhaishan Tunnel located on the Taiwanese island of Kinmen, we demonstrate how this site has converted from a defensive structure against the military antagonisms from mainland China to one that is largely associated with rapprochement tourism for the cultivation of benign China-Taiwan relations. Specifically, by drawing on the concept of affective atmosphere, we argue that the elemental and material aspects of the tunnel have been strategically deployed to affectively shore up Chinese and Taiwanese visitors' collective memories in order to re-orientate their dispositions towards peaceful cross-strait futures. In so doing, we demonstrate how affective atmosphere can be analytically productive in examining the elemental and embodied dimensions of subterranean geopolitics. It not only enables critical appreciation of the ways in which different elemental materialities impact upon subjective feelings in/of subterranean spaces. More crucially, it also encourages incisive reflections into the agency and politics behind the conjoining of the elemental and bodily for the (re)making of subterranean geopolitics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All three discussed recycling types are profitable under current policy measures. • Chicken manure is more cost-effective for composting. • Pig manure is more cost-effective for energy recycling. • Without FITs, biogas power generation of livestock manure is not profitable. • RDF of rice straw is the most cost-effective. Agricultural waste can be recycled in different ways. Cost-effectiveness is important information for investment decision-making of enterprises and policy-making of government to choose a profitable way to recycle agricultural waste. Therefore, this paper aims to present a cost-benefit analysis to assess and compare the cost-effectiveness between feasible recycling methods, and further propose cost-effective ways for recycling agricultural waste in Taiwan. Three recycling types of agricultural wastes, namely, composting, biogas power generation and biomass fuel are selected for cost-benefit analysis based on related regulations and policy supports of agricultural waste management in Taiwan. Primary data collected by sampling surveys conducted in 2018 supplemented by secondary data from national statistics are used for this study. Study results show that all three recycling types of agricultural wastes discussed in this study are profitable under corresponding economic conditions in 2018 with benefit/cost ratio greater than 1 and positive net present value; as expected, the cost-effectiveness of agricultural waste recycling varies depending on the recycling types, composition of input materials, and economic scales. Mixing chicken manure with other agricultural wastes for composting and using rice straw to make biomass fuel rods are estimated to have higher cost-effectiveness; livestock farms with small farming scale have relatively low biogas energy recovery efficiency; the cost-effectiveness of biogas power generation highly depends on fixed-in tariffs (FITs). Results imply that policy support for establishing co-processing centers of agricultural waste and differentiated FITs would be good measures to stimulate recycling efficiency of agricultural waste in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study constructs an analytic framework to examine the essence and effects of affective atmosphere. • This study demonstrates how affective dynamics are converged to reinforce Taiwanese nationalism. • Investigation into how affective nationalism can be employed by the government to dominate public emotions and actions. • This study raises significant concerns regarding the potential risks of emerging 'surveillance nationalism'. This article primarily explores the generation and circulation of the affective atmosphere during the COVID-19 crisis, providing a nuanced understanding of the emergence of affective governance. It constructs an analytical framework to examine the spatiality, collectivity, and authority within affective atmospheres, which are essentially interrelated and mutually influential. It argues that the affective atmosphere can be manipulated to direct public emotions and actions, shaping specific forms of affective governance. Through a case study of Taiwan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper unfolds how affective dynamics converge to reinforce Taiwanese nationalism through the construction of atmospheric walls, social and psychological mobilisation, and technology-based interventions. It demonstrates that governments adapt to changing atmospheres and achieve their strategic intentions through performative spatial arrangements, emotional appeals and affective rhetoric, as well as the development of a digital surveillance landscape. It illuminates how these epidemic transmission control strategies have driven a shift in governance models towards greater emphasis on transforming and manipulating affective nationalism to stimulate public sentiments and collective actions. Finally, this paper suggests that further research and discussion is needed regarding the multifaceted nature of affective atmospheres to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of governance mechanisms, as well as to promote civic engagement and inclusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of large scale ocean current power generally encounters difficulties associated with water depth, seafloor engineering, storms and current meanders. The Cross-stream Active Mooring (CSAM) is a recently proposed new concept to overcome these issues. It features serial mooring of multiple turbines on a common tether as a linear array, single point anchoring and applying hydro sails to position the linear array across current streams over deep seafloor or seabed not suitable for anchoring construction. The CSAM can change the linear array's horizontal position to track meandering velocity core to increase system power capacity and adjust its depth to avoid storms. This paper proposes and studies a new concentrated anchoring concept of high capacity based on slope enhancement and assembled anchors to resolve issues of anchoring on rocky undersea ridges in many areas along the Kuroshio. Two new gravity anchor designs making use of seafloor landforms are devised and analyzed. Efficiency of assembled anchor blocks is analyzed and tested using models. Anchoring sites, anchor implementation and large scale deployment with an example 1 GW power plant in the Kuroshio southeast of Taiwan are discussed. A preliminary cost analysis of the anchors and of the CSAM-based example power plant is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of the "Bluefin Tuna Cultural Festival" in developing and sustaining regional identities within the context of rural regeneration, sustainability, and the creation of closer relationships between production and consumption in the countryside. It focuses on Donggang, Southern Taiwan, an area with rural development issues, increasing tourism impacts, and contested issues of local identity, sustainability, and an aging society. This paper draws on public discourse and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in Donggang to understand the conditions required for substantiating authenticity of the gastronomic products and experiences and the promotion of an appealing gastronomic image. This study traces the process of embedding bluefin tuna in Donggang through marketing, branding and provides a preliminary conceptualization of interrelations between gastronomic tourism and community development in East Asia. The paper draws attention to these particular issues issues: the commodification of local heritage and countryside capital, strategies and challenges of hosting culinary festivals and resolving the issue of return migration. • Local food is a marker of openness and balance between fine palate and sustainability. • Bluefin Tuna Cultural Festival connects consumers to perceived culture and heritage. • Bluefin Tuna Cultural Festival shows that local food can enhance visitor experience. • Social relationships with food are at odds with the ecosystem's health and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more than 4 billion websites on the World Wide Web, it has become essential for companies, especially those who operate worldwide, to make their websites as appealing as possible for their customer base. This paper intended to provide some insight for companies who want to offer their products online to German and Taiwanese customers. A total of 703 valid responses from participants of both countries were collected in this study. The experimental result revealed significant effect of color and price on the customers' responses. The results also indicated that not only does color have a significant main effect on arousal, but that warm and cool colors influence Taiwanese and German participants to different degrees. Additionally, price resulted in a significantly high level of Perceived Usefulness and Pleasure. This paper can provide great insight to companies who wish to sell their products in one or both of these markets, which admittedly differ greatly from each other, by appropriate interface design of web pages. • Online consumers show different responses toward different website interface design. • Consumers from different country show difference preferences of website background color. • Websites offering lower priced product are preferred by online consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on multi-year fieldwork in two wine regions in two emerging wine producing counties, namely Erlin in Taiwan and the Kofu Basin in Japan, this paper discusses key institutional arrangements contributing the development processes of wine sector in the New-New World. Unlike existing studies on the catch-up experiences of wine industries in the New World with emphases on the capability-enhancing mechanisms embedded in the state- or MNC-initiated trans-local networks, this paper finds that the development of Taiwanese and Japanese wine sectors in these two regions has been driven mainly by local actors' active exploration of competence residing in their regional networks. This article employs the Triple Helix (TH) and Innovation systems (IS) as principal frameworks to narrow the research focus on the industry-government-university interaction, and examine the development process and nature of critical institutions supporting the interactive learning and collaboration among the TH actors. Through studying the cases of Taiwanese and Japanese wine industries, this paper goes beyond stating "institutions matter" as in existing IS and TH literature, by illuminating on how to develop institutions to allow actors' interaction to occur and be boosted especially when their local TH are still in the early phase of formation. • This article explains key mechanisms influencing the development of two newly-emerged wine-producing countries. • It provides cases demonstrating the effectiveness of the Triple Helix and Innovation systems as principal frameworks. • It illuminates how to develop institutions to allow enhanced interaction between actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a holistic picture of the factors that affect green port policies through the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitatively, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method with 25 questionnaires was used to identify key factors. Questionnaire participants included 13 ocean carriers and 12 governmental officials, all of whom were senior port experts with a minimum of 10 years working experience. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews based on grounded theory with ocean carriers (5) and governmental officials (4) in three ports were conducted in Taiwan. The quantitative FAHP analysis found the key factors to be environmental policy and regulation, followed by economic leverage, human and technical leverage. The qualitative interviews contextualise and enhance these FAHP results by illustrating the complexities and subtleties of these key factors for different stakeholders. Theoretical and practical implications are considered and suggestions are made for future policy approaches and to help develop green port approaches. • This paper investigates factors affecting green port policies • Quantitative fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used • Qualitative in-depth interviews approaches are also used • This combined approach reveals subtleties and complexities for policy makers • Environmental regulation and economic leverage are the top two key factors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bike repositioning problem with service requirements for rental and return requests was studied. • A mathematical model with the goal of minimizing the travel and unsatisfied costs was developed. • An efficient two-phase heuristic approach based on linear programming was proposed. • The proposed approach performs better than CPLEX optimizer and a genetic algorithm-based method. • The effects of various system parameters on the system were also investigated. An approach to overcome the bike imbalance problem is to transfer excess bikes to branches with bike shortages. This study develops a constrained mathematical model to deal with a multi-vehicle bike-repositioning problem, and aims to minimize the sum of transportation and unmet demand costs over a planning horizon through bike-transfer strategies under a minimum service requirement. A two-phase heuristic based on linear programming was proposed to solve the problem and produce compromising solutions. In the first phase, the paper developed a linear programming model to quickly develop decisions related to bike inventory, unloading, and loading for all stations for each time slot. In the second phase, this paper proposed an iterative approach through two parameter sensitive mathematical models to sequentially reduce the problem scale to develop decisions related to bike transfers. Computational results show that the proposed approach is superior to a CPLEX optimizer and a hybrid heuristic based on a genetic algorithm. The proposed approach was used to analyze the bicycle system in Taiwan. The impacts of various system parameters on the system were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2020, although Taiwan has expelled dredgers and sand-transporting vessels from areas under its control, it has failed to stop sand loss. Marine researchers have noted that such issues problematise the ontology that underlies work on territory and ocean governance, wherein the ocean is regarded as a flat space that can be zoned and territorialised. Attention has thus shifted from considering the ocean as a flat terrestrial legal boundary to regarding it as a dynamic, volumetric entity, constantly shaped by the distinct qualities of the ocean and human endeavours. While such thought-provoking work offers crucial insight into our understanding of territory, its emphasis on the distinct qualities of water unconsciously reinforces the distinction between the land and the sea. Informed by recent materials-related social studies, this paper proposes the notion of the marine environment as a solid-fluid territory that foregrounds the importance of planetary dynamic geological processes. I argue that in this sense, territory is always involved in the governance of solid-fluid transitions in different voluminous contexts. The solid-fluid territory, I suggest, is characterised by three elements: solid-fluid transitions, resources, and volumetric practices. With reference to the controversy over sand mining in the Taiwan Strait, this paper reveals that while various geotechnologies are deployed to manage solid-fluid materials, state security practices often complicate our understanding of these shifting, dynamic geological processes and challenge human boundary-making. Therefore, geopolitics must acknowledge the nuances resulting from such solid-fluid movements and transitions, as well as their impacts on territorial issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the outbreaks of SARS and Covid-19 in Taiwan and their implications for public health and policy. SARS, a novel coronavirus that emerged in China in 2003, caused severe respiratory illness and spread rapidly across Asia, including Taiwan. Covid-19, another novel coronavirus that originated in China in 2019, posed a similar threat to Taiwan due to the high volume of cross-border travel. However, Taiwan learned from its experience with SARS and implemented timely and effective measures to contain the virus and protect its population. The paper draws on evidence from various sources, such as reviews, correspondence, and diaries, to examine how Taiwan responded to both epidemics. It highlights the role of the government, the health care system, the media, and the public in preventing and controlling the spread of infection. It also compares the economic and social impacts of SARS and Covid-19 on Taiwan and other countries. The paper argues that Taiwan's success in managing both epidemics demonstrates its maturity and competence in epidemic prevention and preparedness. It also suggests that Taiwan's model can serve as a reference for other countries facing similar challenges. The paper concludes by acknowledging the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases and calling for global cooperation and vigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new and elegant CPT method for soil liquefaction evaluation is presented with its probabilistic extension. • The model uncertainties of various CPT methods are calibrated based on case histories in Taiwan. • The consideration and applications of model uncertainties of CPT methods for liquefaction assessments are provided. This paper aims to calibrate model uncertainties of the current Cone Penetration Test (CPT) methods for assessing soil liquefaction potential and introduce a new and concise one called the hyperbolic function (HBF) method based on the unique Chi-Chi earthquake database in Taiwan. The development and features of the HBF method were introduced at first. The performance and model uncertainty of each CPT method is then evaluated with a database of historical and Chi-Chi earthquake cases using the indices of the predicted success rate and bias-factor models, respectively. The success rate evaluations show that the HBF is one of the most accurate methods. The calibrated bias-factor models can indicate the conservatism of each CPT method applied to the Taiwan sites. Afterward, the liquefaction hazard curves associated with these CPT methods for Taiwan sites are derived based on the case histories of liquefaction and non-liquefaction in Taiwan. A real case study to illustrate the applications of these calibrated models evaluating liquefaction hazards to an offshore wind farm near Taiwan western coast is also demonstrated in this paper. These above results bring not only recommendations on CPT liquefaction assessment methods incorporated into the Technical Specifications for Site Investigation and Design of offshore wind farms in Taiwan, but procedures to calibrate regional biased models for other offshore wind farms in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridge structures deteriorate due to various factors, and their maintenance can be made more efficient by utilizing relevant information. This paper describes an algorithm called Self-Organizing Map-based Cluster Merging (SOMCM) using a multi-dimensional matrix composite neural network, and a surface image identification system. The algorithm is designed to investigate the relevance between the main components of bridges and their types of deterioration. 6140 records on bridge maintenance were collected for all bridges in the Taoyuan region of Taiwan in 2021. The SOMCM algorithm involves finding the winner neuron through merging processes. 61 clusters were merged into 8 clusters after a predetermined number of iterations. Clustering analysis of the final 8 clusters revealed 9 major bridge maintenance association rules. Follow-up studies can apply the algorithm to integrate more technologies including GIS coordinates, material availability, real-time traffic conditions, and weather information to be of benefit to engineering practitioners. • The study is to develop a new algorithm, SOM-based Cluster Merging (SOMCM). • The paper is to investigate the relevance for bridge main components and their deterioration types. • The initial result involves 61 clusters being merged to 8 clusters with the predetermined iterations. • The clustering analysis for the final 8 clusters shows 9 major bridge maintenance association rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Interfacility transfer (IFT) in Asian communities is seldom discussed. We aimed to describe the characteristics of IFT in Taiwan and to explore the adequacy of care during transfer.Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using standardized, paper-based interfacility ambulance transfer records between 1 January 2018 and 31 January 2018 from Tainan City, Taiwan. The mode of patient care needed was classified as advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) cares based on clinical conditions. ALS providers were defined as physicians and EMT-Paramedics, while BLS providers were defined as nurse practitioners, nurses, EMT-1s and EMT-2s.Results: Of the 377 (227 [60.2%] were >65 years old; 219 [58.1%] were male) IFTs enrolled in the final analysis, 210 (55.7%) patients met the ALS transfer criteria, with poor consciousness (n = 158), tachypnea (n = 17), tachycardia (n = 5), bradycardia (n = 7), hypertension (n = 12), hypotension (n = 13), hypoxia (n = 4), endotracheal intubation (n = 18), a tracheostomy (n = 25), a precipitous labor (n = 1), and after resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 10) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 3). None of the patients who required ALS care had adequate ambulance staffing. Of the 167 BLS IFTs, 9 (5.4%) patients deteriorated and required ALS care during transportation, which included worsened consciousness (n = 2), tachycardia (n = 1), hypertension (n = 2), hypotension (n = 1), and hypoxia (n = 3). The rates of deterioration during BLS-transferals from the emergency departments, general wards, nursing facilities, and unknown areas were 4.8%, 4.7%, 7.7%, and 7.1%, respectively (p = 0.93).Conclusion: The patient care during IFT in Taiwan is inadequate currently and should warrant attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IoT sensors and Signal Detection Theory improve flood modeling accuracy. • IoT flood sensors uniquely identify zero flooding situations. • Optimal spatial scale varies across regions for accurate flood classification. • 450 m is the optimal spatial scale for reliably validating the flood simulation. • Ensemble-based flood verification enhances validation robustness. Inundation mapping by flood simulation is subject to uncertainties which spatial accuracy assessment could not be processed as normal mapping does. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the spatial accuracy of flood verification using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in several flood-prone regions in Taiwan, including Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, during three storm events in 2021. The study adopts Signal Detection Theory (SDT) and proposes an ensemble-based approach that combines multiple evaluation metrics to enhance the accuracy and reliability of flood verification in these regions. The study examines the inundation availabilities between flood observation from IoT sensors and flood simulation. A range of spatial scales varies from 100 m to 1000 m and also administrative divisions are considered including neighborhood-level and village-level scales. The results show that increasing the spatial scale generally leads to higher True Positives, indicating improved flood detection, but it also results in increased False Positives, indicating more misclassification of non-flooded points. The findings reveal that the optimal spatial scale for all cities/counties is 450 m which indicates the averaged spatial accuracy of the flood simulation. However, there is notable variation in the optimal spatial scale across different regions. The ensemble approach demonstrates high consistency in determining the optimal spatial scale, as eight out of ten metrics consistently identify the same value. Additionally, the study compares flood verification across administrative divisions in Taiwan, finding that the village-level spatial scale performs best in Changhua and Yunlin counties, while the neighborhood-level scale is preferred in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. This research provides a valuable framework to estimate inundation mapping accuracy under flood verification using IoT sensors in the specified region of Taiwan and highlights the importance of considering local conditions and administrative divisions in determining the optimal spatial scale. These findings can contribute to the improvement of flood detection and monitoring systems in the area with IoT flood sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the least studied eyes of any beetle taxon are those of the scarabaeoid family Passalidae. Some members of this family of around 600 species worldwide are known to have superposition eyes (Aceraius grandis; A. hikidai) while others have apposition eyes (Cylindrocaulus patalis ; Ceracupes yui). In C. yui of nearly 3 cm body length (this paper) the retinal layer is very thin and occupies approximately half of an ommatidium's total length, the latter amounting to 284 and 266 μm in the respective dorsal and ventral eye regions. The two eye regions are almost completely separated by a prominent cuticular canthus, a feature usually associated with the presence of a tracheal tapetum, a clear-zone between dioptric and light-perceiving structures and a regular array of smooth facets. In C. yui the facets are smooth (but not very regular) and a tracheal tapetum and a clear-zone are absent. The rhabdoms, formed by 8–9 retinula cells, are complicated, multilobed structures with widths and lengths of around 15 and 80 μm, respectively. The combination of some superposition and mostly apposition eye features, e.g., extensive corneal exocones, relatively small number of ommatidia, absence of a clear-zone and tracheal bush, suggest an adaptation of this species' eye to the fossorial lifestyle of C. yui , and, thus, a manifestation of the passalid eye's plasticity. • First detailed ultrastructural study of the eye of a passalid from Taiwan. • Description of a scarabaeoid beetle eye in which apposition features dominate. • Eye adaptations to accommodate the species' fossorial lifestyle. • Compromise between adaptations to protect the eye against physical damage and to retain some sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach involving data on wave-induced sediment transport estimates is essential for managing coastal environments. Numerical models are powerful tools to understand and investigate many processes responsible for longshore sediment transport (LST) in a systematic way, since direct measurement of LST is a difficult task. This paper presents estimates of longshore sediment transport through numerical modeling of wave-induced sediment dispersion patterns in the Formosa Bay, State of Rio de Janeiro - Southeast Brazil. The analysis was conducted using the computational package Coastal Modeling System/SMC-Brazil and mathematical formulations proposed by Cerc (1984). The results suggest average residual solid discharge (Qsr avg) in the order of 131,442.745 m3/yr in northern sector, −151,908.32 m3/yr in central sector, and 71,987.69 m3/yr in southern sector of investigated area. In addition, it is important to highlight that minor variations in the wave incidence angle may cause changes in the longshore sediment drift, promoting the convergence and divergence zones throughout the investigated area. The results presented contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the topic addressed here and will be useful in future engineering projects related to beach nourishment and the management of coastal areas subject to erosion processes. • Data are presented on simulations of wave-induced longshore sediment transport rates in Baia Formosa Bay, southeastern Brazil. • The Coastal Modeling System SMC/Brazil were used. • Results suggest different solid outflow rates for each sector of investigated area. • The model may provide a basis for planning actions and environmental management in coastal zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research looks into the relationship between technology, international law, and marine policy in Taiwan, specifically looking at how these three factors interact to influence the way the maritime environment is monitored, understood, and regulated. The research explores how cutting-edge innovation has improved sustainable marine resource management by reshaping data collecting, analysis, and decision-making via a comprehensive literature review and case studies focused on Taiwan. The impact of international law, and UNCLOS in particular, on the standards and technologies used in marine resource management is a significant topic covered in the paper. Q&A sessions with experts in maritime policy, technology, and international law provide a qualitative analysis of the current state of marine affairs in Taiwan. The research shows that technology has revolutionized the way Taiwan oversees and monitors its marine environment. More effective and cooperative ocean governance has resulted from the rise of evidence-based decision-making made possible by technological advancements. An example of the regulatory impact of international law is UNCLOS, which sets standards for the sustainable management of marine resources and directs the use of technology. In spite of geopolitical obstacles, Taiwan is well-positioned for successful marine conservation and sustainable resource use thanks to its all-encompassing approach, which is based on continuing conversations and partnerships and is in line with worldwide technological advances and changing regulatory frameworks. This study highlights the interconnected nature of technology, international law, and marine policy, and how these factors influence Taiwan's strategy for preserving marine resources for the future. • Integration of Technology and International Law in Taiwan's Ocean Governance: Technology and international law are crucial in shaping Taiwan's ocean governance. • Technological Advances Driving Marine Conservation in Taiwan: Technologies are transforming marine conservation and policy in Taiwan. • Continuous Dialogue and Adaptation for Evolving Technologies: Ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and developing Taiwan-specific legal frameworks are necessary to address evolving technologies and ethical concerns. • International Cooperation for Effective Ocean Governance: International cooperation is crucial in addressing global maritime issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Suicide is a huge global health burden. High suicide rates with a low prevalence of major depressive disorder were reported in East Asia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in relation to the demographic characteristics and major depressive disorder in Taiwan.Methods: This study was based on the Taiwan Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, conducted between 2003 and 2005, a survey of common psychiatric disorders in a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized civilians aged 18 or above. Demographic data, major depressive disorder, and suicidal behaviors were ascertained by a face-to-face interview using the paper version of the World Mental Health Survey Composite International Diagnostic Interview.Results: According to the total sample of 10,135 participants, the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts was 7.52% (S.E = 0.46%), 1.31% (S.E. = 0.16%) and 1.29% (S.E. = 0.16%), respectively. Among suicide ideators, the conditional probability of making a suicide plan was 17.39% (S.E. = 1.92%), and a suicide attempt 17.16% (S.E. = 2.15%). Age ≤ 40, female sex, and major depressive disorder were related to a higher risk of suicidal behaviors in the general population; the former two were associated with further developing suicide attempts and the latter one developing plans among ideators.Conclusion: Despite low prevalence, major depressive disorder remained a significant risk factor for suicidal behaviors in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A critical analysis of existing review papers are provided. • Geographical research distribution and gaps on End of life PV modules are depicted. • The scientific landscape of EoL PV panels by publication is mapped. • Bibliometric details of the papers in EoL PV management are tabulated. • Patents trend analysis on the treatment procedures of EoL PV modules is presented. PV modules which are installed worldwide have a defined lifetime for useful service after which the panels become End-of-Life (EoL) products. An enormous amount of obsolete solar PV modules will be added to the waste stream in the near future. Hence, the EoL photovoltaic waste stream could cause an appalling problem in the future if a holistic management strategy is not considered. Despite the vast research on photovoltaic technology, little is known about the perspective of how the EoL PV modules will be handled. The current study systematically investigates global research on EoL PV modules to identify gaps for further exploration. The review reveals that most of the research concentrates on the recovery and recycling of PV panels. Also, the vast majority of the research is mostly carried out in laboratory-scale. The geographical distribution of the studies was concentrated on 15 countries including the USA, Italy, and Taiwan, the latter of which has produced the most publications. Life-cycle-assessment and reverse logistics (RL) are two critical aspects of PV waste management and have only recently received attention from researchers, with 11 and six papers respectively. There are still many countries which have not attempted to forecast their EoL solar-panel waste stream and develop recycling infrastructure. Based on review findings, the future research must be focused on forecasting the PV waste streams, development of recycling technologies, reverse logistics and the policies of individual PV consumer countries. Finally, this study develops a foundation for future research on Photovoltaic waste management to build upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a discussion on the paper titled “Assessing feed-in tariffs on wind power installation and industry development in Taiwan” published by Hsu et al. In the discussed paper, there were several missing variables in the historical test of the system dynamics (SD) model, and thus the test was not integrated and valid. Additionally, the simulated results of the missing variables were used as important indexes to observe the behavior of the SD model. Therefore, it was highly likely that the solution and related policy analysis based on the simulated results were incorrect. Accordingly, the present study illustrated the structure characteristics of the SD model with respect to the fore-mentioned problems, discussed the reason for missing variables and proposed a method to assess whether or not the historical test was integrated. Finally, after a careful analysis, this study offered suggestions to perfect the historical test proposed in the discussed paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability transitions research to date has paid insufficient attention to the intrinsic benefits of grassroots innovations (GIs) in disadvantaged contexts and to issues of structural inequalities, grounded experiences of unsustainability, and place-based politics. This paper takes inspiration from critical transition studies to address these gaps by reconceptualizing grassroots niches as hybrid spaces involving both socio-spatial differentiation and socio-technical reconfigurations linked to capitalist industrialization. It then proposes a place-centered enabling approach to investigate how grassroots actors create, mobilize for, and assign meanings to GIs. Three interrelated analytical foci directing the approach – the development history of the host community, its place-framing, and its place-making politics – are applied to a case study of a community energy project in rural Taiwan. By demonstrating GIs' potential to empower marginalized communities to pursue their place-based visions for sustainability, this paper adds socio-spatial and structural insights to discussions on the transformative politics of GIs. • Proposes a justice-sensitive approach to studying grassroots innovations initiated by disadvantaged communities. • Adds a bottom-up perspective to the geographical exploration of grassroots innovations. • Provides a new way to study grassroots innovations that recognizes both their socio-spatial and socio-technical entanglements in a capitalist society. • Reveals the structural link and potential tradeoffs between socio-spatial transformations and socio-technical transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative food networks are embedded in sociocultural contexts and have developed distinctive features in different regions, but the literature has generally overlooked how AFNs interact and build networks across countries. This paper fills this gap by analyzing how consumer cooperatives in Taiwan have been inspired by pioneers in Japan, and how Taiwan AFNs now influence their counterparts in China. It shows that specific social material arrangements consist of translated books, the intermediary organizations and mutual visits facilitating a sequence of influence among consumer cooperatives across national borders. These social material arrangements disseminate a specific morality of consumption, teiki , that has reframed the food consumer as a 'life person', designed solidarity economies for 'collective purchasing', and established local distribution stations for agrifood education or policy advocacy. The paper illustrates how AFNs in East Asia share similar moralities of consumption, but have also adapted teiki to different social contexts and developed different imaginations of consumer citizen. • Examines the interactions and learning among consumer cooperatives and CSAs across countries. • Highlights how specific social material arrangements supported interactions and help disseminate specific discourses and practices. • Advances understanding of the characteristics of East Asian AFNs that share a similar morality of consumption. • Argues that it is useful to analyze the morality of consumption to understand consumer-farmer relations and political agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze and understand Taiwan's international fisheries policy through the examination of its participation in tuna RFMOs, as well the variables that affect Taiwan's policy in this regard. This paper finds that Taiwan has always been cooperative in its actions within tuna RFMOs. However, fishing opportunities remain the first priority for Taiwan when participating the work of these tuna RFMOs because of its nature as a fishing nation, and thus is reluctant to accept any new conservation and management measures (CMMs) nor submitting any CMM proposals in most circumstances. Further, Taiwan's experience meets with the four variables, namely "Substitutability", "Value Chain", "Regulatory Capture", and "Environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs)", were analyzed in this paper. However, the consideration of Taiwan's right to equal participation in RFMOs like other States, which have been existed in most RFMOs as of today due to the endeavors made by Taiwan delegations, may still have greater influence to Taiwan's positions of decision-making than all other variables in RFMOs. Therefore, despite the fact that it is true that the four determinants analyzed in this paper do, to a certain degree, affect Taiwan's international fisheries policy, unlike other fishing nations, the influence of Taiwan's statehood debate and the consideration of its equal participation are an additional and a must determinant that has to be analyzed. • Taiwan has always been cooperative in its actions within RFMOs. • Fishing opportunities remain the first priority for Taiwan when participating the work of these RFMOs. • Taiwan weights more fishing opportunities than conservation and sustainability in its foreign fisheries policy. • Taiwan's right to equal participation in RFMOs may have greater influence than all other variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a tailored Symptom Allergy Indication Direction Self-care (SAIDS) counseling by pharmacists on consumers' correct understanding of over-the-counter (OTC) medication use.Methods: This study used a time-based sampling of two independent cohorts at a single community pharmacy in Taiwan for two years beginning in December 2018. In the control cohort, participants received conventional counseling for the OTCs they selected. In the intervention cohort, participants received SAIDS counseling along with pointing out OTC package label instructions. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered face-to-face to evaluate participants' understanding for the correct use of OTCs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the effect of the SAIDS approach on cohorts' understanding of OTC use.Results: Compared with conventional OTC counseling, participants reported better understanding regarding potential side effects of OTCs that they acquired (p < 0.001) and were more aware of strategies to cope with the associated side effects (p < 0.001).Conclusions and Practice Implications: Despite the time constraints that pharmacists often can offer to each customer, the SAIDS counseling approach may refine the structure and effectiveness of pharmacists' OTC counseling skills and thereby improve consumers' understanding of their ailments and self-care medications in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist index (MI) to investigate the growth effects of knowledge-based technological change and technological efficiency change on the output of the industrial sector in Taiwan. The results reveal two main findings: First, due to the lack of knowledge-based scale efficiency, there is no improvement in knowledge-based technological efficiency during the period from 1997 to 2019. Although both the direction of the change in R&D expenditure per researcher and that in education spending time per worker can explain the knowledge-based technological efficiency change, the long-term average of the growth rate of technical efficiency change is negative; thus, the positive coefficient of the technical efficiency change to output growth still makes a negative contribution to the output growth. In other words, if the scale efficiency can be improved, the contribution of knowledge-based technological efficiency change to output growth can be reversed. Second, an increase in R&D expenditure per researcher is more important than an increase in education spending time per worker, especially in knowledge-based technological change. In addition, the results indicate that Taiwan's economic growth driver mainly comes from technological change. The contribution of knowledge-based technological change to manufacturing output growth is close to 65%, especially in the last 20 years. Furthermore, both knowledge-based technological efficiency change and technological change have a positive and significant coefficient of output growth in the Taiwanese industry. Therefore, in addition to continuing to increase R&D to enhance the growth of technological change and facilitate the growth of output, if the contribution of technological efficiency change to output growth can be improved, Taiwan's output growth will be more stable in the future. Overall, knowledge plays a key role in industrial growth and economic growth, and R&D promotes more direct growth than education in Taiwanese industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In February 2021, the Ministry of Commerce Anti-monopoly Bureau of the People's Republic of China released the Antitrust Guidelines for the Platform Economy Industry. This announcement signaled more governmental supervision and governance with Internet-related business. In practice, tech giants have been suffering administrative penalties one after another. This study presents a review and analysis of the research literature on the monopoly quantitative models, outlining the components and concluding the implications for anti-monopoly. This paper delineates three main research topics relating to the monopoly models within the literature: the oligopoly, monopolistic competition, and Internet platform monopoly. The Cournot model, Bertrand model, Stackelberg model, and Innovational model represent the oligopoly studies when a small group of large sellers dominates the market. We then discuss the monopolistic competition models as the Krugman model, D-S Model, and Lancaster Model. We pay particular attention to the platform economy to reflect the new era of monopoly with Marshall's Dilemma. After the summary and comparison of the literature research trajectory, our analysis culminates in implications for antitrust: why Internet corporations and government meet this monopoly predicament, who are involved by monopoly policy, how consumers and market got impacted, and what countermeasures could be taken to improve the antitrust. This study contributes to overview the development of monopoly models and critically analyze based on the current antitrust situation and trend of platform economy integration. We should scrutinize the feasibility to adopt engrain view of monopoly mechanisms as benefit loss on the information technology economy. Therefore, this research raises the novel question and synergistic effects of monopoly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social innovation is considered a promising strategy for coping with societal challenges in rural areas. It is even viewed as essential to revitalisation. The literature suggests that social innovation is driven by the will to pursue a better quality of life, which includes the tangible and practical needs of residents (digital connectivity, healthcare facilities, environmental improvement, etc.), and results in tangible and intangible changes in society. In this paper, we aim to clarify the emergence of social innovation in rural revitalisation from community-driven practices and identify the relevant actors (actants). In doing so, we use the lens of actor-network theory (ANT) to analyse two rural communities from Taiwan. Both were confronted with environmental issues but they addressed in different ways and with different outcomes. Identifying the emergence of social innovation processes and their key actants, we conclude that rural social innovation can be an unintended outcome of continuous engagement in which practical interests result in both tangible and intangible changes. Therefore, it is difficult to predict at the outset whether community-driven rural revitalisation will facilitate social innovation. Nevertheless, staying connected with a group of engaged residents who are driven by a shared vision seems to be essential for fuelling social innovation, regardless of whether the actors are conscious of social innovation. • Civic engagement is a necessary but not sufficient ingredient for SI. • The outcomes of social innovation can be unintentional. • Engaged residents driven by a shared vision seems to be essential for SI. • Spaces for learning, exchange and discussion are crucial for continuous engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies primarily suggest that the generation of medical wastes maintains a positive relationship with national incomes. In contrast, higher incomes may lead to improved health status, consequently resulting in lower generation of medical wastes. Under this circumstance, an inverted U-shaped curve may be used to describe the generation of medical wastes along with economic growth. Additionally, illegal disposal is believed to have a high impact on human health. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the presence of the environmental Kuznets curve for both the generation and illegal disposal of medical wastes by using a model of the environmental Kuznets curve. The results find the generation of medical wastes is positively affected by incomes, but this paper identifies the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve phenomenon for illegal disposal. Both the generation and illegal disposal of medical wastes are positively affected by medical capacity but negatively affected by medical policy. The primary contributions of this paper are three-fold. First, this paper is the first to focus on the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve phenomenon for both the generation and the illegal disposal of medical wastes. Second, this paper confirms the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve for the illegal disposal of medical wastes. Illegal disposal may be blocked when national incomes reach a specific level, and thus, the government may focus on the formulation of medical policy to encourage reduced demand for medical care. Third, this paper finds that the implementation of medical policy may have an important effect on inhibiting the generation and illegal disposal of medical wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an approach to analyze the economic feasibility of offshore wind energy under influences of government financial subsidies, dynamic weather conditions (including typhoon), taxation, expectation of investor, optimal maintenance schedule, generated electricity under real weather conditions, and benefits from reduction of CO 2 emission. Economic criteria are calculated and used to assess efficiency of the government financial subsidies. This paper further proposes more appropriate subsidies for the government in term of satisfying both of investor’s expectation and the government’s target. In the case of Taiwan, government has been currently adopting Feed-in-tariff (FIT) subsidy and offering subsidy on capital cost to promote the development of offshore wind system. However, the currently applied subsidy on capital cost is not attractive enough for the investors and the current FIT subsidy is applied equally for all regions of Taiwan regardless the distinct conditions of each region. This paper proposes a more appropriate subsidy for capital cost, and suggests establishing regional FIT subsidy to subsidize differently for different regions. The results indicate that the proposed subsidy for capital cost and the proposed regional FIT subsidy are more appropriate to promote the expansion of offshore wind system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper systematically reviews the conditions of energy supply and demand in Taiwan and further investigates the energy issues it has been confronted with as well as its objective of energy policy adjustment. In view of the trend of supply-side reform in mainland China energy sector under the New Normal economy and the background of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the paper points out the significance and development prospects of cross-strait energy cooperation. Main contributions of this paper are: by forecasting the future trend of power demand growth in Taiwan, the power shortage in the future of Taiwan is analyzed. On this basis, the paper analyzes the existing contradictions between Taiwan's energy transition policy and its current problem of power shortage, and the feasibility as well as the significance of electricity transmission to Taiwan for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the 'nonfiction entertainment' television programme is a popular genre in this postmodern and media-saturated age, there is as yet no research in rural studies that have shown interest in the media's new discourse on rural idyll. This paper involves an empirical study that critically analyses Taiker Etude's representations of the rural environment and lifestyles - Taiker Etude is a Taiwanese nonfiction entertainment television programme. Our focus in this paper is Taiker Etude's role as the mediator of taste that governs the manner in which an ever-increasing number of people establish new lives in Taiwan's countryside. We adopt Norman Fairclough's critical discourse in analysing Taiker Etude's representation of the rural idyll. Taiker Etude presents the ideal lifestyle in rural areas as including the building of themed dream-houses and the joy of gardening as a physical experience in the rural life. This representation of the rural idyll not only over idealises and romanticises rural life, but it also reflects a middle class perspective. In this way, Taiker Etude contributes to the reaffirmation of established classes and other structures in the rural setting. Furthermore, we argue that the significance of contemporary meaning of the rural idyll is not only reflected in audience-driven lifestyle media, but more importantly is reflected in discussions related to new social media. This reminds researchers that this new media genre will be an important field of study in the future for exploring the meaning of the rural idyll. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study probes students' historical beliefs with an innovative method. • Our approach transcends category models, offering pattern-based insights. • Students increasingly grasp the complexity of historical knowledge. • The findings could be used to foster historical thinking in history education. Epistemic beliefs are crucial in the modern digital world, where individuals must navigate a vast array of information. These beliefs, connected to higher-order thinking skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, enable individuals to evaluate the credibility of information, discern biases, and make informed decisions. Developing sophisticated epistemic beliefs is essential for engaging with the digital world and contributing meaningfully to various domains. For history education, as the goal has put more emphasis on developing students' higher-order thinking in history (i.e. historical thinking and reasoning) both in Taiwan and around the globe, it has then become more and more important to investigate students' historical epistemic beliefs. Despite this, most scholarly work focuses on scientific and mathematical personal epistemology, leaving the discipline of history underexplored. To fill in such a salient gap, this study implemented a mix-method research design with the use of Epistemic Network Analysis to explore high school students' trajectory of historical epistemic beliefs. This study implemented a mix-method research design with the use of Epistemic Network Analysis. Twenty-one high school students were recruited for the study. Data was collected with semi-structured interviews at the start and end of one academic year to investigate the changes in their personal epistemology. Data was then transcribed and coded with the coding framework developed in this study. The results are shown in the pattern-based model for each individual student's trajectory during the course of one academic year. A t -test was used to examine the differences between the first and second sets of interview data of each student. Six participating students witnessed a significant change (p < 0.05) in their historical epistemic beliefs within one year. The students shifted from a more naïve and simple perspective about the nature of history to a more sophisticated stance in which they started to acknowledge the complexity of history due to the consideration of historical contexts. The students also became more aware of the subjectivity in the formation of historical knowledge and, thus, the limitation and uncertainty of the objective truth. Moreover, a fine-grained qualitative analysis of these students was provided to present a more holistic perspective. The evidence indicates that students' epistemic beliefs are not easily categorised, as they display different stances towards various aspects of historical knowledge. Furthermore, students have become more critically engaged in historical thinking and have adopted a more discerning attitude towards history class. This pioneering research not only provides a solid foundation for future investigations in the field but also carries significant implications for enhancing history education and fostering critical thinking skills in students. Limitations and future applications are also discussed at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]