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Forest thinning is an important method for managing forests, changing forest structure, biological diversity and community. This study examined forest thinning effects on macrofungal diversity and the environmental factors affecting fruiting and community structure. Field surveys were conducted from 2006 to 2010 in 35-year-old Cryptomeria japonica plantations in central Taiwan. Thinning was completed in October 2007 and included control, 25% thinning, and 50% thinning treatments. Each treatment had four replications. Forest thinning and time affected macrofungal species richness observed but not abundance. Thinning influenced macrofungal community compositions; however, the difference between the two thinning intensities was not significant. The macrofungal community showed significant differences between communities of eastern and northern aspect. A redundancy analysis indicated that macrofungal communities in the C. japonica plantations were significantly affected by relative humidity, light, canopy cover, soil water content, soil temperature, soil pH value and soil texture. The fruiting of a dominant coral fungal species, Scytinopogon sp., was affected by thinning and light. The fruiting bodies of this species decreased in the 25% thinning plots and disappeared in 50% thinning plots in the first two years post-thinning, but were recorded in the third year post-thinning. After thinning, macrofungal species richness observed decreased, the community changed, and changes were associated with environmental conditions. Forest thinning decreased observable macrofungal diversity and changed the community structure, and these changes were associated with environmental variation after thinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bluetooth earphones can facilitate communications among workers engaged in manual(e.g., professional driver)or visual tasks (e.g., security guard). If workers remove their Bluetooth earphones due to poor fit, then communication effectiveness will decline, especially during manual or visual tasks. OBJECTIVES: (1) To identify which design properties of Bluetooth earphones can contribute to user comfort, and (2) to identify if person characteristics (i.e., gender and ear shapes in this study) are related to differences in comfort perception during earphone use. METHODS: 198 participants were recruited for this study.Individuals used four models of Bluetooth earphones in randomized order while performing computer tasks and then completed questionnaires on comfort perception specifically designed for this study. The 2 × 3 × 4 mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to investigate the effects of gender, ear shape, and model condition. Results: The results indicated that there were significant differences in model on comfort perception. CONCLUSIONS: For earplugs, the shape of the earphone and the elasticity of material are important ergonomic concerns to improve the comfort perception. In addition, the adjustable tail length is an important ergonomic design property for the ear-hook. The information gained in this study should be useful in improving the ergonomic fitness of Bluetooth earphones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the concentrations of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT) in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port (Taiwan) in 2020. Further, the pollution status, composition, and potential ecotoxicity of BTs were evaluated. This case study provides a reference for the benefits of the ban of TBT-based antifouling paint to date. Results showed that the total butyltin (ΣBTs, sum of TBT, DBT, and MBT) concentrations measured in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port ranged between 14.2–807 ngSn·g−1 dw, with an average of 356 ± 305 ngSn·g−1 dw. TBT was the most dominant species, with an average concentration of 303 ± 287 ngSn·g−1 dw. This average TBT concentration is about 4.3 times lower than in 2003, showing the progress of gradual degradation of TBT in the sediments. Still, the degradation is rather slow, with a half-life of about 8.09 years. An analysis of the effects of TBT on organisms in the sediments of the Qianzhen Fishing Port was carried out according to the TBT toxicity guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the assessment class criterion for imposex (ACCI) of the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR). The results showed that TBT levels in 80% of the sediments may pose negative effects on sensitive gastropods, and half of the sediments may even have an impact on gastropod reproduction. These show that marine life is still affected and threatened by TBT compounds, despite the decline of TBT concentrations since the ban of TBT-containing antifouling paints on ships in 2008. Therefore, it is necessary to continue paying attention to the changes of TBT concentrations and their potential ecological risks in the marine environment, and to formulate TBT management plans and strategies to mitigate their impacts in marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treating transplant-ineligible myeloma patients with either a bortezomib plus thalidomide plus dexamethasone (VTD) or a bortezomib plus melphalan plus prednisolone (VMP) treatment in Taiwan. Methods: Newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible myeloma patients with VTD or VMP therapy were enrolled from two medical centers in southern Taiwan. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used as the measurement unit of the effectiveness evaluation, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used for comparison between the two groups. A net monetary benefit approach and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were also used for the cost-effectiveness assessment. A one-way sensitivity analysis was used to check the impact of different parameters. In total, 77 patients were enrolled in the study with 43 patients in the VTD group and 34 patients in the VMP group. Clinical presentations were similar without significant difference, except the VTD group had a higher survival rate (p = 0.029). Comparisons of the two groups over an eight-month time horizon revealed a significant lower mean of direct medical costs in the VTD group than in the VMP group (p < 0.001), and a significantly higher average QALY was gained (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study demonstrated the greater clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of VTD compared to VMP therapy in transplant-ineligible, newly diagnosed myeloma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how the investment horizon of the institutional shareholders of a firm affects the stock performance of private equity placements. The results show that firms with long-term institutional investors receive significantly positive abnormal returns around the offering announcement. Post-issue stock price underperformance is especially pronounced in firms held by short-term institutional investors. These findings suggest that private placement firms with long-term institutional investors acquire certification and monitoring-related benefits and thus reduce the information asymmetry and entrenchment costs between managers and external investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the secular trend in incidence of and mortality from Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Taiwan, 1999–2010. Methods: All 7,225 incident cases of T1DM were retrospectively retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from 1999 to 2010. Trend of bi-annual age- and sex-specific incidence rates of T1DM was calculated and tested with Poisson regression model. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, using age-, sex-, and calendar years-specific mortality rates of the general population as the reference, to estimate the relative mortality risk of T1DM. Results: The number of male and female T1DM was 3,471 (48%) and 3,754 (52%), respectively. The annual number of incident T1DM increased from 543 in 1999 to 737 in 2010. The overall bi-annual incidence rate rose from 1999–00 to 2003–04 and mildly declined thereafter rose to 2009–10, with an insignificant trend (P = 0.489) over the study period. Regardless of gender, the higher age-specific incidence rate was noted in the younger groups (<30 years) and highest at <15 years. The incidence rates in younger groups were constantly higher in female population than in male one. The SMR from all causes was significantly increased at 3.00 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.83–3.16) in patients with T1DM. The sex-specific SMR was 2.66 (95% CI 2.46–2.85) and 3.58 (95% CI 3.28–3.87) for male and female patients, respectively. For both sexes, the age-specific SMR peaked at 15–29 years. Conclusions: Among T1DM patients in Taiwan, there were significant increasing trends in males and female aged <15 years. We also noted a significantly increased overall and sex-specific SMR from all causes in patients with TIDM which suggests a need for improvements in treatment and care of patients with T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a common finding in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may contribute to mortality. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of ESRD and all-cause mortality and their risk factors in patients newly diagnosed with SLE in Taiwan. Methods: This nationwide cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified 4130 newly diagnosed SLE patients at risk for ESRD during 2000-2002; among them, 103 developed ESRD by the end of 2008. Additional 412 age- and sex-matched incident ESRD non-SLE patients served as controls for the survival analysis. Results: Of the newly diagnosed SLE patients, 2.5% developed ESRD. Age (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 0.66 for each 1-year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.94) and male gender (adjusted HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.4- 3.6) were significantly associated with ESRD development. Survival analysis conducted after ESRD development revealed a higher mortality risk among the older patients (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Survival analysis in the younger population (age < 40 years) after ESRD development revealed a significant mortality risk among SLE patients (HR 2.73; 95% CI 1.22-6.07). Conclusion: In the follow-up of newly diagnosed SLE patients in Taiwan, younger age and male gender were risk factors for ESRD development. After entering ESRD, these risk factors had different impacts on mortality. Despite the overall improvement in care of patients with lupus nephritis, survival is still poorer in the younger age population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the value relevance of voluntary versus mandatory independent director appointments based on market reaction. Our analytical model proposes that the market expects voluntary appointments to bring more positive value than mandatory appointments since voluntary appointments signal the integrity of the firm, and this signaling effect is more obvious for firms in which the market recognizes the existence of severe agency problems. Using a unique empirical setting in Taiwan, we find that voluntary appointments are associated with higher abnormal returns from appointment announcements, particularly for firms with severe agency problems, as indicated by the deviation between ownership and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Information on the physicochemical properties, mineral species and micromorphology of lateritic soils and gravel soil layers in paleo-environmental soil profile is severely lacking. Red soil profile of the Taoyuan terrace was employed to demonstrate its different extents of lateritic weathering. The objectives of this study were to compare the physicochemical properties of lateritic soils and gravel soil layers and identify using conventional and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses mineral species in nanoparticles separated by automated ultrafiltration device (AUD) apparatus. Materials and methods: Soil samples were collected from paleo-environmental lateritic soils. Soil samples were examined using elemental analysis, conventional and synchrotron XRD analyses, high gradient magnetic separation, separation and collection of nanoparticles by AUD apparatus, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results and discussion: The soil pH, redness index, quantities of free Al- and Fe-oxides (Al and Fe), and clay content of lateritic soils are higher than those of gravel soil layers. Illite, kaolinite, gibbsite, quartz, goethite, and hematite were identified in clay fractions and nanoparticles by conventional and synchrotron XRD analyses. TEM images show presence of hematite nanoparticles on the surface coating of kaolinite nanoparticles and aggregated hematite nanoparticles overlapping the edge of a kaolinite flake in a size range of 4-7 nm. Synchrotron XRD techniques are more straightforward and powerful than conventional XRD with random powder methods for identifying nanoparticles in red soils, particularly for illite, kaolinite, goethite, and hematite nanoparticles. According to chemical compositions of clay fractions and red soil features in the Taoyuan terrace, these red soils can be taken as lateritic red earths or red earths. Conclusions: This work suggests that physicochemical properties, mineral species, and micromorphology of red soil at all depths can shed light on the extent of paleo-environmental lateritic weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Network structures are critical in the acquisition of resources; however, their impact on innovative performance remains unclear, especially in an uncertain environment. This study aims to advance research on network research by investigating how the configuration of the industrial environment shapes the relationship between network structures of a new venture and its innovative performance. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical support was derived from entrepreneurial survey data. Data were collected through a survey of 1,510 new ventures in Taiwan for this research study. Findings – The authors find that innovative performance is impacted by different aspects of the network structure, and that environmental uncertainty contributes to this impact. Overall, the authors find that network structure, innovative performance and environmental uncertainty together contribute to a contingent view of the conditions under which network boundary conditions impact innovative performance. Practical implications – Given the contradictory role of network centrality and the cooperative network on innovativeness, managers need to focus on acquiring a critical position in the industrial network rather than expecting to obtain resources and information from strong relationships with cooperators, especially in an uncertain environment. Originality/value – This research contributes to network theory in two ways. First, it provides descriptive data on different aspects of the network structure and how these aspects impact innovative performance. Second, it sheds light on the configuration of resources and allocations for new ventures, which must compete with rivals in an uncertain environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a formal methodology to gauge the credit risk of housing loans. It estimates the default probability and recovery rate endogenously, which is more detailed than previous studies. Using data from a bank in Taiwan, this study also determines whether securing loans, granting grace periods, and lending to first-time buyers influence the credit risk of housing loans. Results show that unsecured loans and housing loans with grace periods have a higher credit risk because repayment is more uncertain. Housing loans to first-time buyers may distort loan-pricing decisions. Finally, this study estimates four risk factors emphasized by the New Basel Capital Accord, including default probability, loss given default, exposure at default, and maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is one of the most important dimensions of resource partitioning for species coexistence. In this study, we investigated the dietary composition and foraging habits of three sympatric odontocetes in order to identify their levels of food niche overlap and ecological separation. Stomach content analysis was performed on samples collected from carcasses confiscated by police or entangled in gill nets from 1994 to 2001, including 27 Risso's dolphins (GG) ( Grampus griseus), 27 Fraser's dolphins (LH) ( Lagenodelphis hosei), and 45 pantropical spotted dolphins (SA) ( Stenella attenuata). GG consumed only cephalopods, with Enoploteuthis chunii accounting for 90.5% of total prey consumed, LH fed on mesopelagic fishes and cephalopods, dominated by hatchetfish, Polyipnus stereope (50.2%), and SA ate both mesopelagic and epipelagic preys, primarily fishes of Myctophum asperum (20.3%) and squids of E. chunii (25.8%). Among the three odontocetes, GG had the narrowest dietary niche width, while SA had the widest width. Both the niche overlap index and the analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) showed significant diet differentiation among these three dolphin species. The depth distribution of their principal prey items further suggests that LH feeds in the deepest waters while SA utilizes prey resources near surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a substantial amount of destination image research has been performed, few researchers have explored image perception gaps between tourists and government promotions. This study examines the perception gap between blogs and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) promotions by introducing a four-quadrant diagnostic tool: the Perception-Promotion Matrix (PPM). This case study collected data from 168 domestic and 64 international blogs, and 70 Chinese and 36 English official Kaohsiung City promotional websites to investigate image gap. The findings revealed significant “Tourist Infrastructure” image perception gaps, both from domestic and international traveler perspectives. The PPM suggests Kaohsiung City DMOs successfully promote an image of culture by hosting events and festivals. However, analysis indicates failure on the part of these DMOs to promote an image of Kaohsiung as an Ocean capital. Recommendations resulting from this study are provided for Kaohsiung City DMO consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This research uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze the key factors in evaluating and screening managers of the intellectual property rights speciality in Taiwan, related to industry. Industry can utilize the key factors of human resource management to provide self-growth and obtain competitive advantage opportunities for expanding the global market share. This research summarizes the evaluation and screening criteria of managers of the intellectual property rights speciality via a questionnaire of 29 managerial or technical staff from the IP rights-related industries, technology or management experts from the governmental departments related to IP rights industries, and scholars with backgrounds in IP rights related industries who had actually participated in IP rights managers speciality decisions or related tasks and who had employed AHP screening criteria. The findings include three key factors in evaluating and screening the managers’ speciality: evaluating IP rights competency, locating the core patent group competency, and calculating the chance of patents to be granted competency. This research can provide a reference for Taiwan’s related industry, when evaluating and screening managers of the IP rights speciality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Japan established the medical system in Taiwan during its 50 years of occupation, which evolved into the present National Taiwan University Hospital system. This paper summarizes the biographies of 97 Japanese leaders in various medical disciplines during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. These leaders were among the elite of Japan, with superior intellectual, social and economic status, who helped to establish the important attributes of medical professionals in Taiwan, such as a good academic background, heritage, and research skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a data set from market participants in the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index options markets to demonstrate a strong positive relationship between prior trading outcomes and subsequent risk taking. In particular, investors in this market take above-average risks in afternoon trading after morning gains. The phenomenon is prevalent in all three types of market makers' accounts and across different types of market participants. Our findings are consistent with the argument that prior outcomes affect subsequent risk taking through a relationship that is sensitive to the model parameters (i.e., expected return, trading period, and curvature of the value function), because prospect theory can predict both increased and decreased levels of subsequent risk taking. We provide possible explanations behind the phenomenon and discuss reasons for the variety of findings in the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employee stock option (ESO) issuance in Taiwan is associated with some unique characteristics. We believe this to be the first paper to examine the impact of different pricing model options on the theoretical price of ESOs in Taiwan. A clear consensus in terms of the time point to expense the ESO issuance and the setting of a restricted exercise price lead us to believe that the reset pricing model represents the most pertinent model to price Taiwanese ESOs. Furthermore, the factors that determine the decision to impose a restricted exercise price are also discussed. With an outreach of 24 logistic regressions, the empirical results show that the ultimate control power, operational performance and volatility of a firm are important indicators regarding the probability of adding a restriction on the exercise price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chemical engineering Professors in Taiwan commonly deliver lectures in mixed Chinese and English words accompanied with numbers. To the authors’ best knowledge, no studies have explored how the brain of the same individual processes reading of numbers, Chinese words and English words. This work investigated brain activity by applying functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for selected University students. The activation patterns in brains revealed distinct behavior, which can be roughly divided into two categories. The Group A subjects focused on language words reading; conversely, showed little interest to numbers with no intention for further comprehension. The Group B subjects paid high attention to numbers, and activate numerous brain areas to interpret the therein hidden meanings. Meanwhile, these subjects largely ignored the Chinese or English words in reading. The two groups of subjects should be subjected to different curriculums in chemical engineering education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the effects of social networks and trust on a new venture's innovative capability. The concept of social networks is studied as the configuration of internal and external social networks for entrepreneurial team members. This study collected information about 112 technology-based entrepreneurial teams from the 65 research-based incubators in Taiwan. The results indicate that both internal and external social networks have marginally positive impacts on a new venture's innovative capability, and trust within the entrepreneurial teams is found to be as important a moderator for the relationship between external social networks and innovative capability. Moreover, results reveal that a higher level of trust between entrepreneurial team members can reduce the external social networks spanning the boundaries of the new venture and therefore may cause a ‘not invented here’ syndrome which will reduce its innovative capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognosis of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest remains very poor. Reports have shown patients often have clinically abnormal events prior to arrest. To improve patient outcome and prevent arrest, detection of the abnormal events with early intervention has been advocated. However, the incidence of these events in Taiwan and their clinical significance remain unclear.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study with the implementation of the clinical alert system (CAS) in a university-affiliated tertiary referral medical center. Clinically abnormal events were detected using the CAS criteria for acute physiologic deterioration, and reported to experienced physicians for management. Patient and report data were retrieved, collected and analyzed.Results: During the 14-month study period, a total of 2,050 events were detected in 1,640 patients. The estimated incidence of the events was 3.19 per 1,000 bed-days, which occurred in 2.14% of admissions. The most common event was abnormal heart rate (36.5%), followed by desaturation (26.7%), abnormal respiratory rate (24.5%), and abnormal blood pressure (23.1%). The majority of the events were reported in the day time, and nurses contributed most of the reports (66.4%). The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 26.3% and 34%, respectively. Multivariate survival analysis showed that desaturation (relative risk [RR] = 1.715; p < 0.001), abnormal respiratory rate (RR = 1.652; p < 0.001), abnormal blood pressure (RR = 1.460; p = 0.001), coma (RR = 1.918; p < 0.001), and oliguria (RR = 1.424; p = 0.0024) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Mortality of patients in the last 2 months was significantly lower than that in the first 2 months (20.5% vs. 35.4%; p < 0.001), which suggests the effectiveness of the CAS.Conclusion: The development of clinically abnormal events is associated with poor outcome, which suggests that early detection and timely management of these events is necessary. Implementation of the CAS may improve the in-hospital outcome of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forecasts can be improved by combining separate forecasts obtained by different methods. The complementary nature of the scenario analysis and technological substitution models means that combining the two can obtain improved forecasts. The former has the strength of dealing with the uncertain future, while the later offers data-based forecasts of quantifiable parameters. This study thus proposes a process for combining the scenario analysis with the technological substitution model for discussing new generation technological developments. The proposed process not only has the strengths of scenario analysis, but also contains features that scenario analysis lacks, including predicting annual developments for future years, considering old technology development, and forecasting substitution of old technologies. This study uses the forecast of the market share of Fiber to the x in Taiwan over the next ten years as an example illustrating the proposed combined forecast process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated the clay mineralogy of 3 pedons along a toposequence of perhumid forest soils facing a subalpine lake in northeastern Taiwan to gain insight into the individual factors that affect weathering rates. Toposequence of the transect was investigated from summit to footslope and at the lakeshore. The natural drainage of soils varies from well drained to poorly drained. The major minerals in the well-drained soils at the summit site were illite and kaolinite, whereas illite and vermiculite were dominant in the poorly drained soil at the footslope. In the poorly drained soils of the lakeshore site, almost permanent saturation inhibited weathering of minerals, and vermiculite, illite and illite–vermiculite were the dominant minerals. The magnitude of the mean layer charge of vermiculite was estimated by use of the alkylammonium exchange method (nC=12). The mean layer charge of vermiculite ranged between 0.63 and 0.78 cmolc/(O10(OH)2). The distribution of clay layer charge varied with location and soil depth. Vermiculite in the surface horizons displayed lower mean layer charges, indicating stronger weathering intensity in the surface horizons. Acidification by organic acids may result in the reduction of layer charge in vermiculite, particularly at the surface. Differences in layer charge with landscape position may be due to differences in weathering processes. The drainage condition caused by topography is a critical factor in the transformation and redistribution of clay minerals. High precipitation, combined with surface runoff, enhance the variation of the type and mean layer charge of clay minerals along this toposequence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the past decade, the escalating roadway congestion and environmental deterioration due to heavy use of private vehicles have provoked the Taiwan government to realize the importance of public transport systems. Under the “carrot-and-stick” rationales, the government has formulated public transport policies and exercised a series of related initiatives by providing sufficient and higher quality of public transport services so as to attract more private vehicle users. In this paper, the planning philosophy and policy formulation of Taiwan’s public transport development are highlighted. The most important initiatives, including the Five-year Enhancement of Mass Transportation Program and the upgrading public transport schemes in the National Development Plan are examined. Based on previous experience and lessons, we point out the most challenging issues that the government will encounter. Suggestions for the future of public transport planning are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risks always exist in construction projects and often cause schedule delay or cost overrun. Risk management is a key issue in project management. The first step of risk management is risk identification. It includes the recognition of potential risk event conditions in the project and the clarification of risk responsibilities. We conducted multiple-case studies using a systematic analytical procedure to identify risks in highway projects in Taiwan, to recognize risk allocation by contract clauses, and to analyze the influence of risk allocation on the contractor’s risk handling strategies. The results show that the owner allocates risks by stipulating specific contract clauses into five kinds of risk allocation conditions. If a risk is more controllable by the contractor, the owner has a greater tendency to allocate the risk to the contractor. Risk allocation determines which kinds of risks the contractor would take and influences the contractor’s risk handling decisions. The analysis furthermore indicates that, if the probability of a certain risk event condition is uncontrollable, then with the increasing possibility of taking the risk, the contractor’s tendency of risk handling changes from actively transferring the risk to passively retaining the risk. In contrast, if a risk is controllable and certainly allocated to the contractor, the contractor tends to take the initiative to reduce the impact caused by the risk event rather than retain the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the buried bag incubation method to study temporal patterns of net N mineralization and net nitrification in soils at Ta-Ta-Chia forest in central Taiwan. The site included a grassland zone, (dominant vegetation consists of Yushania niitakayamensis and Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata) and a forest zone (Tsuga chinensis var. formosana and Yushania niitakamensis). In the grassland, soil concentration NH4+ in the organic horizon (0.1–0.2 m) ranged from 1.0 to 12.4 mg N kg-1 soil and that of NO3- varied from 0.2 to 2.1 mg N kg-1 soil. In the forest zone, NH4+ concentration was between 2.8 and 25.0 mg N kg-1 soil and NO3-varied from 0.2 to 1.3 mg N kg-1 soil. There were lower soil NH4+ concentrations during the summer than other seasons. Net N mineralization was higher during the summer while net nitrification rates did not show a distinct seasonal pattern. In the grassland, net N mineralization and net nitrification rates were between -0.1 and 0.24 and from -0.04 to 0.04 mg N kg-1 soil day-1, respectively. In the forest zone, net N mineralization rates were between -0.03 and 0.45 mg N kg-1 soil day-1 and net nitrification rates were between -0.01 and 0.03 mg N kg-1 soil day-1. These differences likely result from differing vegetation communities (C3 versus C4 plant type) and soil characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the buried-bag in situ incubation technique to quantify net rates of N mineralization and nitrification in a forest ecosystem in northeastern Taiwan. At the near-ridge top site, NH4+ concentrations in the organic horizon (O horizon; 2–0 cm) ranged from 14.5 to 58.5 mg N kg−1 and NO3− varied from 2.5 to 7.8 mg N kg−1. In the lower part of the watershed, NH4+ concentrations in the O horizon were between 10.3 and 28.8 mg N kg−1 and NO3− varied from 2.6 to 20.1 mg N kg−1. There were slightly lower soil NH4+ concentrations during the summer than other seasons. Using the buried-bag technique, we estimated net mineralization rates to vary between 0.02 and 0.28 mg N kg−1 soil per day and net nitrification rates between 0.02 and 0.26 mg N kg−1 soil per day at the upper site. Rates of both processes were lower during the summer and were positively related to soil moisture content. We speculate that differences in soil texture are likely related to the differing pattern in concentrations of inorganic soil N between the two sites. N mineralization was positively correlated with nitrification rate (r=0.820, P<0.001) and relative nitrification (slope of this relationship) was 0.709, indicating the dominance of nitrate cycling relative to ammonium cycling. Our results show that improved knowledge about rates of fundamental ecosystem nutrient cycling processes in watersheds in Taiwan can contribute to our understanding of regional variation in rates of ecosystem function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT / Achieving successful and well-integrated environmental management depends on principled and orderly assignment of responsibilities within and between public sector organizations. Guidelines for making these assignments can be found by considering different modes of public response in light of a framework based on some distinguishable patterns in the complexity they exhibit. The basic dimensions of environmental problems can be used to identify these patterns. Two examples from current environmental problems in Taiwan are given, illustrating how this framework can be put to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Statistical and machine learning methods for imputing missing electric power data are studied. • Multiple missing feature values of each electric power data are considered. • The performance of different methods over the summer and non-summer season data is compared. • The imputation performances during the peak, off-peak, and semi-peak times are examined. Demand for electricity is gradually increasing in many countries. Efforts in related studies have been made for the application of data mining techniques over related electric power data for the development of more effective energy management systems. However, one major challenge is how to compensate for parts of the collected dataset, such as power consumption, voltage, or electric current that may be missing for a specific period of time. In the literature, several methods have been employed for imputation of the missing data, especially single feature value imputation. However, the performance of the different types of imputation methods, i.e. statistical and machine learning methods, for multiple missing features of electric power data has not been fully explored. Moreover, variations in their imputation performance during the summer/non-summer seasons and in the peak/off-peak/semi-peak times have not been investigated. In this paper, the performance of five well-known imputation methods for processing electric power data, two statistical methods, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and linear interpolation (LI) models, and three machine learning methods, k-nearest neighbor (K-NN), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector regression (SVR) is compared. The experimental results, based on electric power data for a two-year period in Taiwan, show that the machine learning methods generally perform better than the statistical ones, with K-NN and SVR performing the best. In particular, all of the imputation methods produced higher error rates during the summer season than the non-summer seasons. Moreover, the machine learning methods (especially K-NN) are better choices for the imputation of missing data during peak times, whereas the statistical methods (especially LI) are better for off-peak and semi-peak times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online social media platforms play an important role in political communication where users can freely express and exchange their political opinion. Political entities have leveraged social media platforms as essential channels to disseminate information, interact with voters, and even influence public opinion. For this purpose, some organizations may create one or more accounts to join online political discussions. Using these accounts, they could promote candidates and attack competitors. To avoid such misleading speeches and improve the transparency of the online society, spotting such malicious accounts and understanding their behaviors are crucial issues. In this paper, we aim to use network-based analysis to sense influential human-operated malicious accounts who attempt to manipulate public opinion on political discussion forums. To this end, we collected the election-related articles and malicious accounts from the prominent Taiwan discussion forum spanning from 25 May 2018 to 11 January 2020 (the election day). We modeled the discussion network as a multilayer network and used various centrality measures to sense influential malicious accounts not only in a single-layer but also across different layers of the network. Moreover, community analysis was performed to discover prominent communities and their characteristics for each layer of the network. The results demonstrate that our proposed method can successfully identify several influential malicious accounts and prominent communities with apparent behavior differences from others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which analyzed the competitive advantages of the Dynamic Random Access Memory industry of Taiwan. Research framework and factors established; Methodology; Empirical results and analysis; Conclusion and recommendations.

A large number of residents on the southwest coast of Taiwan suffer from an endemic peripheral vascular disease called blackfoot disease. Although the etiology has been investigated since 1958, the cause of blackfoot disease remains unknown. Certain substances contained in artesian well water have been implicated as causal factors, including arsenic as the predominant element. Data in this study demonstrated that in the well water collected from blackfoot disease regions of Taiwan there was a marked increase in total arsenic concentrations, with the predominant species being inorganic arsenical compounds. The concentrations of organic methyl arsenicals were present in minimal amounts. The excretion of total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid, and trimethylarsenic acid in the urine of patients afflicted with blackfoot disease was significantly higher than for control subjects. Further, in patients with blackfoot disease the concentrations of total arsenic and inorganic arsenic were markedly elevated in the hair and fingernails. Data suggest that blackfoot disease is associated with individuals ingesting well water contaminated with arsenic primarily in the inorganic form and that hair, fingernails, or urine specimens serve as equally effective biomarkers of exposure. The fact that arsenic intoxication as manifested by blackfoot disease is still prevalent despite the stoppage of well-water consumption for two decades illustrates the persistent nature of arsenic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on 27 rare filter-feeding megamouth sharks (Megachasma pelagios) captured as a by-catch of drift gillnet fishery in the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan, this study analyzes the concentrations of 24 elements in their muscle, discusses the bioaccumulation of each element and the correlation between different elements, and assesses the potential health risks of consuming megamouth shark muscle. Among the 24 elements, mean concentrations of Ga, Ag, Li, Bi, Hg, Co, and Cd were relatively low ranging from 10−3 to 10−1 mg/kg, those of Pb, Ba, Mn, Ni, As, Cr, B, Sr, Cu, and Zn ranged from 10−1–101 mg/kg, and those of Fe, Ca, Al, K, Mg, Ti, and Na were relatively high ranging from 101 to 103 mg/kg. The toxic element content index was most significantly correlated with the concentration of Cu. Hence, this study recommends that the concentration of Cu could be used as an indicator of metal accumulation in megamouth shark muscle. The log bioconcentration factor (BCF) ranged from less than 0 to 7.85 in shark muscle. For elements with a concentration of less than 100 μg/L in seawater, the log BCF was inversely proportional to their concentration in seawater. According to the correlation analysis, the accumulation of elements in muscle of megamouth sharks is primarily affected by the concentrations of dissolved elements in seawater, except that the accumulation of Hg, As, Cu, Ti, Al, and Fe appears to be mainly affected by feeding behaviors. The assessment of the health risk of consuming megamouth shark muscle showed that its total hazard index was greater than 1. This suggests that the long-term or high-frequency consumption of megamouth shark muscle may cause health hazards due to the accumulation of trace elements, particularly those with a large contribution of health risk, including As, Hg, and Cu. Image 1 • Reveals the profile of 24 elements in the muscle tissue of Megachasma pelagios. • Cu level may be used as an indicator of metal accumulation in megamouth shark muscle. • Metal in seawater with level <100 μg/L inversely correlated with its log BCF in muscle. • Feeding behavior seems mainly affecting on element bioaccumulation of shark. • Long-term eating megamouth shark muscle may cause adverse risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level and distribution of 16 USEPA Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in aquaculture farmed fish (Mugil cephalus and Oreochromis mossambicus) and shellfish (Corbicula fluminea Formosa and Meretrix lusoria) were determined in Taiwan and then assessed cancer and non-cancer risks for those consuming these kinds of seafood. Results indicated that C. fluminea Formosa accumulated the highest average concentration of total PAHs (43.0 ± 11.3 ng/g wet weight) while M. lusoria contained the lowest concentration (20.0 ± 5.8 ng/g) among all species. The low-molecular-weight PAHs were dominant for both fish and shellfish, which consistent with other studies. Notably, parts of high-molecular-weight PAHs were found in shellfish whereas that was little in fish. The calculated hazard quotients (HQ) of all PAHs were smaller than 1 and the incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for Benzo[ a ]pyrene were below 1 × 10−5, suggesting that PAHs in the collected seafood could pose a low hazard to residents. Although the results indicated that the studied seafood is safe for human consumption, children and seniors post relatively higher risks, suggesting that it needs to continue monitoring and control the PAHs concentration in seafood and the associated environments. [Display omitted] • Level of 16 PAHs in five famous seafood collected from aquaculture in western Taiwan was measured. • Level in bivalves showed a higher proportion of high-molecular-weight PAHs than that in fish. • Although no risk for all populations consuming the 5 seafood, the slightly high risk for children and seniors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates the species of Cu and As (enargite) residues present in soils of the Chinkuashih area, northern Taiwan. Two pedons, on the shoulder and footslope along a toposequence, were examined for their metal partitioning and geochemical origins. The bulk soils were analyzed by sequential extraction combined with mineralogical analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy ∕ energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM ∕ EDS) analyses. Soil pH ranged from 4.23 to 4.91 with low base saturation, and the soils can be classified as fine, mixed, thermic, Typic Kandiudults. Mineralogical study indicated that enargite and pyrite particles mainly coexisted in silt and sand fractions, particularly in lower soil horizons of the footslope, showing high contents of Cu and As. Kaolinite and illite were dominant minerals in clay fractions. The footslope accumulated more total Cu and As than that of shoulder pedon. The sequential extraction experiments resulted in high proportions of Cu remaining in residual fractions, while the most of As was bound in amorphous Fe and Al oxyhydroxide fraction. The risk analyses of Cu and As (enargite) contamination in soils of the Chinkuashih area merits further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence of glauconite in Oligocene and Miocene sedimentary rocks remains obscure. This study focused on the mineralogy and occurrence of glauconite at Kuohsing (KH) and Chungliao (CL) villages, Nantou Prefecture in central Taiwan. The glauconite pellets occur mainly in siltstones and mudstones that contain abundant shell and fossils, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with petrography microscopic investigations, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were employed for this study. The glauconitic pellets show two main types of morphology. (1) Spheroidal or ovoidal glauconitic pellets consist of microcrystals of phyllosilicates in random orientation. The HRTEM study showed that the spheroidal or ovoidal pellets consist mainly of glauconitic packets, iron-rich chlorite, muscovite, biotite and low amounts of smectites. The glauconite and chlorite packets were generally arranged in random orientation in the spheroidal or ovoidal pellet. There are also low concentrations of submicroscopic quartz, apatite, and monazite in the pellets. (2) Vermicular pellets in packet sizes of glauconite ranging from several to 50 nm in thickness. Vermicular glauconitic pellets occur like a single crystal (i.e., oriented aggregation of polycrystalline glauconites). The basal planes of vermicular glauconitic pellets show cleavages, which are approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the vermicular pellets. The XRD analysis of vermicular glauconitic pellets showed glauconite and chlorite present. The EPMA indicated that vermicular glauconitic pellets contained more K and Fe than spheroidal or ovoidal glauconitic pellets. The spheroidal or ovoidal glauconitic pellets contained more glauconitic/smectite mixed-layer clays than the vermicular glauconitic pellets. The morphology, mineral constituents and chemical compositions, and submicroscopic textures, indicated that spheroidal or ovoidal and vermicular glauconitic pellets are formed from faecal pellets through neoformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Sixteen third-order Oligo-Miocene well-log sequences are identified in Taiwan. • These sequences are deposited in the northeast passive margin of the South China Sea. • Sequence development is governed by eustasy but modulated by local tectonics. Oligocene-Miocene sediments in the Taiwan region were accumulated in the NE passive-continental margin of the South China Sea. We utilized around ~200 boreholes and reflection seismic data to study the Oligo-Miocene sequence stratigraphic framework in the Taiwan region. Major sequence boundaries are used to map out various sediment isopach maps, enabling us to decipher dominant tectonic events during the course of passive-margin evolution. The Oligocene-Miocene succession is divided into 16 sequences on the basis of well-log correlation. These 16 sequences can be grouped into four (A, B, C, D) sequence sets. Isopach maps of sequence sets B and C (~21–12.5 Ma) show that they blanket the west Taiwan basins with relatively uniform thickness deposited during uniform and slow basement subsidence. Sequence sets A (~30–21 Ma) and D (~12.5–6.5 Ma), however, thickened into fault-bounded troughs, recording two extensional events that were especially active in the outer margin (i.e., the Tainan Basin). There is a general correlation between the Taiwan Miocene sequences and the glacioeustasy during the interval ~21–6.5 Ma. Therefore, eustasy is the dominant control on the Taiwan Miocene stratigraphic development. The deposition of the sequence set A during ~30–21 Ma and possibly the sequence set D in the outer margin during the late Miocene, however, appears to have been strongly modulated by extensional tectonics and local sedimentary factors (e.g., rates of basin subsidence, sediment supply and basin physiography, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food hazards can appear at any stage of global food supply chains, making it essential to define critical control points to capture the data about ingredients, manufacture and dates-certain (sell-by, use-by), etc., and provide it in a transparent manner to supply chain participants and consumers. The government of Taiwan has appointed a non-profit research organization to conduct a pilot project to launch a potential national-wide food traceability system to increase the intangible value of purchased food and to enhance food safety. This paper discusses a financially viable business model for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) application to a food traceability system. We conduct a case study of RFID implementation in the chain of convenience stores in Taiwan. The Taiwanese experiment may have implications for policy-makers, industry and public health officials elsewhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigates the species of As and Pb (beudantite) residues present in the seriously contaminated agricultural rice soils of the Guandu Plain. Two pedons in the Guandu Plain agricultural soils, each pedon separated into five horizons (each of 20cm) were collected for this study. Soil samples were packed into a column for leaching with simulated acid rains. Soil pH ranged from 5.1 to 7.1 with high base saturation. Soils can be classified as clay loam, mixed, thermic, Typic or Umbric Albaqualfs. The XRD analysis indicated the beudantite particles are present in clay fractions, showing high concentrations of As and Pb. This is because of 50–100 years ago irrigation water was introduced from Huang Gang Creek of hot springs containing high concentrations of As and Pb. Only low concentrations of As and Pb can be leached out with simulated acid rains (i.e., pHs 2 and 4), even through 40 pore volumes of leaching experiments. The sequential extraction experiments resulted in the high portions of As and Pb remaining in the amorphous, Fe and Al oxyhydroxides and residual fractions. Thus, the remediation of As and Pb in this agricultural rice paddy soils merits further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose of the study: While the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) are reported for many regions, none is reported for Asian countries. We report the outcomes of CPR for pediatric IHCA in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan and also identify prognostic factors associated with poor outcome. Methods: Data were retrieved retrospectively from 2000 to 2003 and prospectively from 2004 to 2006 from our web-based registry system. We evaluated patients younger than 18 years of age who had IHCA and received CPR. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcomes were sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and favorable neurological outcomes as assessed by pediatric cerebral performance categories (PCPC). Results: We identified 316 patients and the overall hospital survival was 20.9% and 16.1% had favorable neurological outcomes. Sixty-four patients ever supported with ECMO. We further analyzed 252 patients who underwent conventional CPR only and most had cardiac disease (133/252, 52.8%). The second most common preexisting condition was hematologic or oncologic disease (43/252, 17.1%). Of the 252 patients, 153 (60.7%) achieved sustained ROSC, 50 (19.8%) survived to discharge, and 39 patients (15.5%) had favorable neurological outcomes. CPR during off-work hours resulted in inferior chances of reaching sustained ROSC. Multivariate analysis showed that long CPR duration, hematology/oncology patients, and pre-arrest vasoactive drug infusion were significantly associated with decreased hospital survival (p <0.05). Conclusions: Outcomes of CPR for pediatric patients with IHCA in Taiwan were comparable to corresponding reports in Western countries, but more hematology/oncology patients were included. Long CPR duration, hematologic or oncologic underlying diseases, and vasoactive agent infusion prior IHCA were associated with poor outcomes. The concept of palliative care should be proposed to families of terminally ill cancer patients in order to avoid unnecessary patient suffering. Also, establishing a balanced duty system in the future might increase chances of sustained ROSC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To assess the relationship between acarbose and hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Methods: 32,531 T2D patients with ESRD were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database in 2000~∼2012 and followed up until 2013. 19.3% of subjects were newly initiated with acarbose during the follow-up. The use of acarbose was quantified as the numbers of the 30-day drug's supplies and dosages (measured by defined daily doses; DDDs), respectively. Time-varying Cox models were applied to evaluate the association of acarbose use with hepatic, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes, with adjustment for patients' demographics, comorbidities, diabetes severity, and co-medications.Results: For each 30-day supply increase in acarbose exposure, the risks of hepatic injury, composite CVD events, and all-cause mortality were significantly lowered by 9% (95% confidence interval: 6-12%), 7% (6-7%) and 7% (7-8%), respectively, while for each 30-day DDD increase in acarbose exposure, the risks for three aforementioned outcomes were significantly reduced by 45% (33-54%), 33% (29-36%) and 35% (32-39%), respectively. In subgroup analyses, the favorable study outcomes of acarbose use were more apparent among patients with more severe diabetes, a longer diabetes duration, or absence of established CVD at baseline.Conclusion: Acarbose used in real-world T2D patients with ESRD may have hepatic and cardiovascular safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acupuncture, a widely employed traditional therapeutic modality known for its efficacy in pain alleviation and diverse condition management, may inadvertently result in mechanical nerve injury due to its invasive nature. This research aimed to ascertain the incidence of nerve injuries post-acupuncture, identify associated risk factors, and map the distribution of nerve injury sites., Methods: A case-control study nested in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) 2000-2018 two million cohort was conducted. Patients previously diagnosed with nerve injury, surgery, or degeneration before acupuncture were excluded. Cases were defined as patients receiving acupuncture and seeking medical attention for nerve injury (ICD9-CM code 950-957) within 14 days post-procedure, while control groups comprised patients undergoing acupuncture without subsequent adverse events. Invasive treatments prior to adverse events and adverse events occurring more than 14 days post-acupuncture were excluded. To ensure case-control comparability, factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and medical facility environment were controlled using propensity score matching., Results: The study encompassed 14,507,847 acupuncture treatments administered to 886,753 patients, with 8361 instances of post-acupuncture nerve injury identified, representing an incidence rate of approximately 5.76 per 10,000 procedures. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, with the adjusted odds ratios escalating with age. Several comorbidities including diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, herpes zoster, hepatitis virus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dementia, and cerebrovascular accidents were associated with an elevated risk of nerve injury post-acupuncture., Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of meticulous patient profiling and cautious therapeutic approach in acupuncture, considering the evident influence of various demographic, systemic, and treatment-related factors on the incidence of nerve injuries., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in fluoroquinolone-nonsusceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (FQNSKP) in Taiwan, 1999-2022., Methods: A total of 938 FQNSKP isolates were identified from 1966 isolates. The presence of PMQR and virulence genes, antimicrobial susceptibility, capsular types, and PMQR-plasmid transferability were determined., Results: An increasing number of PMQR-containing FQNSKP isolates were observed over the study period. Our results showed that 69.0% (647 isolates) of FQNSKP isolates contained at least one PMQR gene, and 40.6%, 37.0%, and 33.9% of FQNSKP carried aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrB, and qnrS, respectively. None of FQNSKP carried qepA and qnrC. The most common combination of PMQR genes was aac(6')-Ib-cr and qnrB (12.3%). The presence of PMQR genes is strongly related to resistance to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim in FQNSKP. The capsular serotype K64 is the most common serotype we tested in both the non-PMQR and PMQR FQNSKP isolates, while K20 showed a higher prevalence in PMQR isolates. The magA and peg-344 genes showed a significantly higher prevalence rate in non-PMQR isolates than in PMQR isolates. Eleven isolates that carried the PMQR and carbapenemase genes were identified; however, three successful transconjugants showed that the PMQR and carbapenemase genes were not located on the same plasmid., Conclusions: Our results indicated an increasing prevalence of PMQR genes, especially qnrB and qnrS, in FQNSKP in Taiwan. Moreover, the distribution of PMQR genes was associated with capsular serotypes and antimicrobial resistance gene and virulence gene distribution in FQNSKP., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Trans-femoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) performed under conscious sedation (LACS) is not yet become routine practice in Taiwan. We aimed to compared the results between patients received general anesthesia (GA) versus LACS. Our cohort was divided into 3 groups: initial 48 patients received TF-TAVR under routine GA (GA group), subsequent 50 patients under routine LACS (LACS group 1), and recent 125 patients under LACS (LACS group 2). The baseline, procedural characteristics and all outcomes were prospectively collected and retrospectively compared. From Sep 2010 to July 2019, a total of 223 patients were included. The procedure time (157.6 ± 39.4 min vs 131.6 ± 30.3 vs 95.2 ± 40.0, < 0.0001), contrast medium consumption (245.6 ± 92.6 ml vs 207.8 ± 77.9 vs 175.1 ± 64.6, < 0.0001), length of intensive care unit (2 [1-5] days vs 2 [1-3] vs 1 [1-1], P = 0.0001) and hospital stay (9 [7-13] days vs 8 [6-11] vs 6 [5-9], P = 0.0001) decreased significantly with LACS, combined with a trend of less hospital acquired pneumonia (12.5% vs 6.0% vs 5.6%, P = 0.427). 1-year survival rate were also different among 3 groups (83.3% vs 90.0% vs 93.6%, P = 0.053). In our single center experience, a "minimalist" approach of TF-TAVR procedure resulted in less medical resources usage, along with more favorable clinical outcomes., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Although the incidence of invasive breast cancer (BC) among women in Asian is generally lower than that in Western countries, the incidence of BC has been on the rise in the past three decades in Asian countries. This hospital-based case-control study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary and metabolic factors and BC risk in pre- and post-menopausal women. We enrolled 285 patients with newly diagnosed BC at the National Taiwan University Hospital and 297 controls from the local community and hospital staff. Before receiving anticancer therapy, all patients with BC and control participants completed a 57-question semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. For pre-menopausal women, plant-based factor scores rich in seeds and nuts, soy, fruits, and seaweeds correlated significantly with reduced BC risks, whereas menarche occurring at <12 years of age, reduced physical activity, and high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL were associated with increased BC risks. For post-menopausal women, plant-based dietary factor scores were also associated with reduced risks, whereas increased body mass index and energy intake levels correlated with increased BC risks. Diets rich in plant-based dietary patterns are protective against BC risk, regardless of menopausal status. Habitual physical activity is protective against BC risk among pre-menopausal Taiwanese women. Maintaining optimal weight and caloric intake is beneficial for reducing post-menopausal BC risk.

Background/purpose: The treatment landscape of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is rapidly evolving in Taiwan. The present study aimed to assess the treatment patterns among RRMM patients in Taiwan., Methods: This retrospective, chart review-based, non-interventional study collected data on RRMM patients (≥20 years old) receiving pomalidomide-based treatment between January 2017 and December 2020 across five sites in Taiwan., Results: Median age of the study population was 65.6 years. Approximately 75% patients received a doublet regimen and 25% were on a triplet regimen. Disease progression was the most common cause for switching to pomalidomide-based treatments in doublet (71.2%) and triplet (58.3%) groups. Patients in doublet and triplet groups (>80%) received 4 mg pomalidomide as a starting dose. Overall response rate (ORR: 31.5% and 45.8%) and median progression-free survival (PFS: 4.7 and 6.8 months) were reported in the doublet and triplet regimen. Doublet regimen was discontinued mainly due to disease progression or death (78.1%); however, triplet regimen patients mainly terminated their treatment due to reimbursement limitations (29.2%). Healthcare resource utilization (HRU) was comparable between doublet and triplet groups., Conclusion: In Taiwan, half of RRMM patients received pomalidomide-based triplet regimens. Triplet regimens showed a trend towards better outcomes with longer PFS and higher response rates compared to doublets. Notably, the duration of triplet use is influenced by reimbursement limitations. This study provides insight into RRMM treatment patterns in Taiwan and the findings suggest that triplet regimens may be a better alternative than doublet regimens.

Background: The direct comparison of molecular responses of front-line imatinib (IM) monitored at the same laboratory between children and adults with chronic phase (CP) of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) had not been reported. In this multicenter study, we compared the landmark molecular responses and outcomes of paediatric and adult CML-CP cohorts treated with front-line IM in whom the BCR::ABL1 transcript levels were monitored at the same accredited laboratory in Taiwan., Methods: Between June 2004 and July 2020, 55 newly diagnosed paediatric and 782 adult CML-CP patients, with molecular diagnosis and monitoring at the same reference laboratory in Taiwan, were enrolled. The criteria of 2020 European LeukemiaNet were applied to evaluate the molecular responses., Results: By year 5, the cumulative incidences of IS <1%, MMR, MR 4.0 and MR 4.5 of paediatric patients were all significantly lower than those of adult patients (58 vs 75%, 48 vs 66%, 25 vs 44%, 16 vs 34%, respectively). The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) (90%) and overall survival (OS) (94%) of paediatric patients did not differ from those (92%) of adult patients., Conclusions: We demonstrated the paediatric cohort had slower molecular responses to front-line IM and similar outcomes in 10-year PFS and OS in real-world practice., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

This study aimed to investigate the association between drunk riding, unhelmeted riding, unlicensed riding, and running-off-road (ROR) crashes. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) by using the National Taiwan Traffic Crash Dataset for 2011-2016. The results revealed that unhelmeted riding was associated with 138% (AOR = 2.38; CI (confidence interval) = 2.34-2.42) and 47% (AOR = 1.47; CI = 1.45-1.49) higher risks of drunk riding and unlicensed riding, respectively. The risk of unhelmeted riding increased with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), and riders with the minimum BAC (0.031-0.05%) had nearly five times (AOR = 4.99; CI = 4.74-5.26) higher odds of unlicensed riding compared with those of riders with a negative BAC. Unhelmeted riding, drunk riding, and unlicensed riding were associated with 1.21 times (AOR = 1.21; CI = 1.13-1.30), 2.38 times (AOR = 2.38; CI = 2.20-2.57), and 1.13 times (AOR = 1.13; CI = 1.06-1.21) higher odds of ROR crashes, respectively. The three risky riding behaviours (i.e., unhelmeted riding, drunk riding, and unlicensed riding) were significantly related to ROR crashes. The risk of unhelmeted riding and ROR crashes increased with BACs.

Unaccounted-for migrant workers (UMWs), who have left their employment placement and whose whereabouts are unknown, make up a vulnerable population in Taiwan. The children of UMWs have a particularly precarious status because they are undocumented/stateless, immigrant, and young. Living with this precarious status limits their children's rights to survival and development. Moreover, services for female UMWs and their undocumented children are underdeveloped. This study explores the accessibility and availability of social services for UMWs and undocumented children, based on interviews with 12 stakeholders from multiple systems, including a local government, a child welfare placement center, a migrant worker detention center, a hospital, a regional religious center, and a foreign country office. Preliminary findings indicate the following: First, UMWs' rights to healthcare are not preserved, and they experience greater prenatal risks because their illegal status excludes them from universal health coverage. Second, undocumented children's rights to survival and development are concerning because these children can be placed in residential care without individualized care or environmental stimulation. Third, children's rights to cultural identity and permanency are uncertain in that repatriation or adoption does not guarantee their future best interests.