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This paper discusses the behavior and contributing factors of land subsidence in the intersection area of Expressway (Expwy) 78 and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), located on Choshui River alluvial fan-delta (CRAFD) to the midwest of Taiwan. Since the CRAFD has been suffering a long-time problem of land subsidence, the transportation safety of THSR and Expwy 78 thus has become a major concern. The subsidence of CRAFD can be attributed to several factors, including overexploitation of groundwaters for area development. However, additional loadings of Expwy 78 and THSR structures would appear to deteriorate the problem. It would be of interest to know the influence of various factors on subsidence of the study area where the subsidence has now become most serious along the entire THSR route. It would also be advisable to provide information on the potential effects of subsidence on the integrity of THSR structure. With these aims, we perform analyses on the subsidence of the area based on 8-year on-site monitoring and numerical simulations. Results indicate, in a period started approximately from Expwy 78 construction, the average subsiding rate would be 10.53 cm/year, with relative contributions of 14.1%, 55.2%, 11.8%, 11.6%, and 7.3%, respectively, by the factors of soil creeping, previous overpumping, groundwater fluctuations, and loadings of Expwy 78 and THSR. We also estimate 23% and 77% of total subsidence occurred as the compressions of soils within and beyond the installation depth of THSR piles, which might impair pile bearing capacity and vertical alignment, respectively, of THSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand how students engage in computer-supported modeling-based activities (CSMBAs), and the relationship between their engagement and their modeling competence. Different facets of learning engagement were measured through multiple data, including performance on modeling tasks, self-reported level of engagement, and online behavior patterns of science modeling. The research participants were 76 11th-grade students in Taiwan. The research instruments included online student worksheets, an engagement questionnaire, computer logs, and modeling competence tests. Students' online worksheets were scored and used to group them into three performance groups—the low-level-performance group (LPG), the middle-level-performance group (MPG) and the high-level-performance group (HPG). ANOVA statistics lag sequential analysis (LSA), and ANCOVA statistics were used for the data analysis. The results showed that, first, in analyzing the engagement questionnaires, students' negative cognitive engagement, negative behavioral engagement, and negative social engagement all played important roles in their low performance in the CSMBAs. Second, through the use of LSA, it was found that the LPG students lacked evaluative behavior, while the HPG students emphasized reflective behavior. Third, analysis of the students' pre- and post-modeling competence tests showed that those who were in the HPG and MPG scored significantly higher than those in the LPG in two dimensions of the modeling competence post-tests. The results indicate that efforts made in completing tasks in CSMBAs can lead to better modeling competence. Implications for developing future CSMBAs and for promoting student engagement are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the physical health (daily functioning and functional fitness) and mental health (depression and behavioral dysfunction) of older wheelchair users with dementia in long-term care facilities, examine the correlations between physical and mental health, and identify the independent variables of their daily functioning.Methods: A descriptive correlational method was adopted, which was conducted in six long-term care facilities in three cities, south Taiwan. Participants comprised 98 older wheelchair users with dementia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires (Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, and Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly Behavior Rating Scale) and from functional fitness testing (cardiopulmonary functioning, body flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle strength and endurance).Results: Older adults with dementia who had high depression scores were likely to have more behavioral dysfunctions, poorer performance in shoulder flexion and abduction, and lower upper limb muscle strength and endurance. More behavioral dysfunctions were associated with poorer daily functioning, lung capacity, body flexibility, shoulder flexion, and upper limb muscle strength and endurance. Those with better lung capacity, body flexibility, upper limb muscle strength, and endurance were likely to have high daily functioning scores (all p < .05). The key independent variables associated with daily functioning were behavioral dysfunction, lower body flexibility, and lung capacity, which together explained 59.3% of the total variance.Conclusions: Further research should develop appropriate activity-based intervention programs for older wheelchair users with dementia to delay their deterioration and promote their physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]