Showing papers by "Fu Jen Catholic University published in 2022"

Exposure to PM2.5 induces neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.

Abstract: Ambient air pollution is a global public health issue. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to fine aerosolized particulate matter (PM) as small as ≤2.5 microns (PM2.5) is neurotoxic to brain structures. Many studies also suggest exposure to PM2.5 may cause neurotoxicity and affect brain function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PM2.5 exerts these effects are not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the hypothesis that PM2.5 exposure exerts its neurotoxic effects via increased oxidative and inflammatory cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction using human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Here, we show PM2.5 exposure significantly decreases viability, and increases caspase 3 and 9 protein expression and activity in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, PM2.5 exposure decreases SH-SY5Y survival, disrupts cell and mitochondrial morphology, and significantly decreases ATP levels, D-loop levels, and mitochondrial mass and function (maximal respiratory function, COX activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential) in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, SH-SY5Y cells exposed to PM2.5 have significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of survival genes (CREB and Bcl-2) and neuroprotective genes (PPARγ and AMPK). We further show SH-SY5Y cells exposure to PM2.5 induces significant increases in the levels of oxidative stress, and expression levels of the inflammatory mediator’s TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence of the biochemical, molecular and morphological effects of PM2.5 on human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, and support our hypothesis that increased mitochondrial disruption, oxidative stress and inflammation are critical mediators of its neurotoxic effects. These findings further improve our understanding of the neuronal cell impact of PM2.5 exposure, and may be useful in the design of strategies for the treatment and prevention of human neurodegenerative disorders.

Neutrino-like particle for particle swarm optimization

Abstract: The real‐world optimal problems frequently encountered by various industries are the nonlinear constrained optimization problems (NCOPs), where the constraints represent the limitations of practical resources. Many researchers have attempted to improve particle swarm optimization (PSO) in the past decades; however, in solving the NCOPs, the PSO‐based approaches often cause premature convergences. The problem‐specific constraints frequently generate many infeasible regions that block the movements of particles. The particles' behavior causes the exploration abilities of particles that tend to weaken along with time. The decreasing of exploration ability often comes from the particle becoming stagnant or moving unusefully. This study proposes a neutrino‐like particle (NLP) with adaptive NLP hyperparameters that simulate the natural neutrino behavior. The proposed NLPs can be embedded in the PSO‐based approaches for overcoming premature convergence. The experiment results demonstrate that all referenced PSO‐based methods with the NLPs improved significantly compared with those without the NLPs to solve the NCOPs. All referenced PSO‐based methods that embedded the NLPs also significantly outperform four recent strong algorithms in most IEEE CEC 2020 benchmark problems. Therefore, the proposed NLPs with adaptive NLP hyperparameters can effectively solve the premature convergences, reinforce the exploration ability, and maintain the exploitation capability for solving the NCOPs over the whole evolution process.

Rail transport network reliability with train arrival delay: A reference indicator for a travel agency in tour planning

Abstract: As a tour agency plans a tour schedule with rail transport, it is necessary to evaluate the capacity of the rail transport network to determine the number of passengers in the tour group that can be served. This study develops a stochastic rail transport network (SRTN) according to the train timetable and tour schedule, such that each available train’s loading capacity (that is, the number of cars) may be fully and partially reserved for other requests. Under the consideration of a tour group including q passengers, the network reliability accordingly means the probability that the q-passenger group can successfully depart from a source station for a sink station via the SRTN. In addition, the passengers might not punctually change trains at a transfer station owing to train arrival delay. Because the travel agency cannot control the situation of train arrival delay while planning a tour schedule, the uncertainty of train arrival delay results in an acceptable delay probability that the passengers traveling by non-direct trains can successfully change trains and this must be considered for the network reliability evaluation. An algorithm integrating the minimal paths and the modified Recursive Sum of Disjoint Product are integrated to solve the addressed problem. A real case of a rail transport network in Taiwan is adopted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach. The travel agency can view the network reliability as a reference indicator to evaluate the number of passengers in the group that can be served.

Association between health-related physical fitness and self-reported health status in older Taiwanese adults

Abstract: Aging is an inevitable process of life development. These physical changes may cause a decline in the functional adaptability and health of older adults. This study aims to determine if an association exists between health-related physical fitness measurements and self-reported health status in older Taiwanese adults.A total of 22,389 Taiwanese adults aged 65 years or older were recruited as study participants. Demographic characteristics, life habits, anthropometric assessments, health-related physical fitness measurements, and self-reported health status from this dataset were analyzed using the chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis.The results showed that there was significant association between back scratch and self-reported health status (excellent/good) (odds ratio [OR], 1.003; 95% CI 1.000-1.006) after adjusting potential confounders (gender, height, weight, body mass index, education, monthly income, marital status, smoking status, and chewing betel nuts). However, adjusted OR for unhealthy status (poor/very poor) significantly decreased for chair sit-and-reach test (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.988-0.999).The present study reveals significant associations between health-related physical fitness measurements and self-reported health status in older Taiwanese adults. In particular, the waist-to-hip ratio could be involved in the cognitive process of one's subjective health status, since individuals' perception of their physical appearance affects their self-reported health. Future researches are suggested to investigate the causality between health-related physical fitness and subjective health status.

Design and Implementation of an Indoor Warning System with Physiological Signal Monitoring for People Isolated at Home

Abstract: Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many people have faced in-home isolation, as every suspected patient must stay at home. The behavior of such isolated people needs to be monitored to ensure that they are staying at home. Using a camera is a very practical method. However, smart bracelets are more convenient when personal privacy is a concern or when the blood oxygen value or heart rate must be monitored. In this study, a low-cost indoor positioning system that uses a Bluetooth beacon, a smart bracelet, and an embedded system is proposed. In addition to monitoring whether a person living alone is active in a specific environment and tracking the heart rate or blood oxygen value under particular conditions, this system can also send early warning signals to specific observation units or relatives through instant messaging software.

Harden the Hardline, Soften the Softline: Unravelling China's <i>Qiaoling</i>-centred Diaspora Governance in Laos

Abstract: Abstract Since the 1990s, the Chinese government has intensified efforts to control the political life of the diaspora by recruiting proxies, or qiaoling 侨领, from the extraterritorial population for community-based governance. This paper examines the efficacy of this co-optive strategy by investigating its ramifications in Lao Chinese business communities. Following a group of qiaoling in Vientiane through qualitative fieldwork, I reveal how these individuals are self-motivated to perform patriotism by the desire to earn symbolic recognition. Their fame and prestige as qiaoling are critical for their material accumulation in the often-fraudulent business of intermediation for Chinese bureaucrats and investors. As such, while contributing to realigning the political allegiance of the diaspora, qiaoling simultaneously reshape the ongoing expansion of Chinese capitalism in ways that diverge from Beijing's developmental agenda. This finding complicates the long-held imaginary of an autonomous state–diaspora synergy in post-socialist China.

Effect of whole chia seed flour on gelling properties, microstructure and texture modification of tofu

Abstract: Effect of whole chia seed flour (WCSF) on the gelation, microstructure, texture, and water-binding ability of tofu was studied. The WCSF with different concentration (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/w) was added in soymilk. Glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) was used as coagulant for tofu making. Results showed that the initial gelling time of soymilk gradually decreased with the increase of WCSF concentration, but it did not affect the gelling rate of soymilk during gelation. The tanδ of chia seed tofu was between 0.154 and 0.166, indicating a weak gel structure. Control tofu showed a continuous and honeycomb-like structure, whereas tofu with 2% (w/w) WCSF had a discontinuous network. Furthermore, the addition of WCSF decreased the texture property and increased the water-binding ability of tofu. The rheological results suggested that the chia seed mucilage might affect the coagulation process of protein aggregates in soymilk due to the phase separation and electrostatic interaction, resulting in the formation of tofu with distinct rheological property, texture, and water-binding ability.

Undescribed Metabolites from an Actinobacteria Acrocarpospora punica and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Abstract: In an effort to explore bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds from natural Actinobacteria resources from all over Taiwan and various ecological environments, an active strain of Acrocarpospora punica was collected at Taitung County in Taiwan, prepared from soil origin. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the BuOH extract of a culture broth of a new strain of the actinomycete Acrocarpospora punica led to the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: acrocarpunicains A–F (1–6). The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were subjected to in vitro testing to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Of these isolates, acrocarpunicains A (1), B (2), C (3) and F (6) showed NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 9.36 ± 0.25, 10.11 ± 0.47, 5.15 ± 0.18, and 27.17 ± 1.87 μM, stronger than the positive control, quercetin (IC50 = 35.95 ± 2.34 μM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on azaphilone and phenanthrene-type metabolites from the genus Acrocarpospora.

The relationship between sufficient leisure time physical activity and happiness: An age stratification perspective

Abstract: Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has been frequently reported as a method of improving happiness. However, the effects of LTPA sufficiency and age differences in adults have been less discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between LTPA sufficiency and happiness based on an age stratification perspective. A total of 16,412 data observations from the Taiwanese Physical Activity Annual Survey (PAAS) were used for this study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the odds ratio of the LTPA-sufficient population on happiness. The odds of happiness were 2.5–3 times higher among LTPA-sufficient young adults (25–29 years old) than among the insufficient group. However, unexpectedly, a negative association was observed between sufficient LTPA and happiness in 35- to 39-year-old men. Intrapersonal differences (e.g., achievement goals and motivational level) and the environment (social context) might play a fundamental role in the LPTA-happiness relationship. Sufficient LTPA was associated with increased happiness among Taiwanese adults. However, the relationships between sufficient LTPA and happiness were not consistent when stratified by age. Further research on the relevant mechanism underlying this phenomenon is warranted. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital (CRREC-104-015), registered on 18 October 2016.

Building beginning Spanish language learners' linguistic and cultural competence through online task-based instruction

Abstract: The chapter reports on a study that explores the effectiveness of a fully online task-based instruction course for adult novice Spanish learners, involving the application of a four-skill integration approach. Twenty-four beginning language students participated in the study in a five-week summer session. Students carried out a variety of real-world tasks to develop their language skills and cultural knowledge. Data from post-surveys, reflective essays, final interviews and learning tasks were collected and analyzed to report the findings. The results indicate that task-based instruction enhances the development of students’ language skills and cultural knowledge in a meaningful way. The students reported positive attitudes toward the use of task-based instruction mediated by digital platforms because this pedagogical approach gave them agency over their learning and engaged them in co-construction of knowledge with their peers. The study concludes that well-designed tasks are crucial and that instructional scaffolding through modeling and corrective feedback is indispensable to guide beginning students through the learning process and accommodate their individual needs in fully online language courses.

Can conflict cultivate collaboration? The positive impact of mild versus intense task conflict via perceived openness rather than emotions.

Abstract: Previous research has demonstrated negative associations between task-relevant conflicts and collaboration. To supplement the previous findings and explore the potential benefits of conflicts, we differentiate between two types of task conflict expressions (i.e., mild vs. intense task conflicts, such as debates vs. disagreements regarding work-related issues) in dyad interactions and propose the differential effects of mild versus intense task conflicts on collaboration based on the theory of conflict expression. In three studies with experimental manipulations and surveys on working adults, the results demonstrated that perceptions of debates versus disagreements (in Studies 1 and 2) or mild versus intense task conflicts (in Study 3) enhanced perceivers' collaboration with others via the perceivers' assessments of others' openness rather than emotions. The findings regarding positive associations between mild task conflicts and collaboration implicate the coexistence of conflict and collaboration. Moreover, the results showed that debates versus disagreements (in Study 1) or mild versus intense task conflicts (in Study 3) achieved high task performance by enhancing perceptions of others' openness that subsequently increased collaboration. These findings clarify why conflicts inconsistently influence interpersonal interactions and task performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Medical Malpractice in Taiwan

Abstract: Around 2012, the insufficient supply of physicians in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology/obstetrics, pediatrics and emergency medicine became an important policy problem in Taiwan. Increasing numbers of medical disputes and medical malpractice were recognized as one of the contributing factors. Several bills, intending to systematically manage medical malpractice problems, failed. The government (at both the central and local levels) and professionals (including medicine and law) continued to work together to incrementally modify the laws, regulations and practices of medicine, to manage the problems. The trend of increasing risk of medical disputes and medical malpractice seems to have subsided. The recruitment of residents also improved. This chapter aims to describe the main development of the systems of managing medical disputes and medical malpractice in Taiwan. Although it is difficult to ascertain the causes for the above trend, the chapter provides some insight into what might have facilitated the development. In the following, Sect. 2 briefs the basic legal principles of medical malpractice in Taiwan. Section 3 addresses the procedures and characteristics of medical malpractice in Taiwan before the year of 2012. Section 4 describes the alternative medical disputes resolution mechanisms, in Taiwan, about a decade ago. Section 5 presents the attitudes of the public in Taiwan, towards medical malpractice which could be used as a check on the medical malpractice policy. Section 6 depicts the current no-fault and quasi-no-fault compensation programs in Taiwan. Only vaccine injury (no-fault), drug injury (quasi-no-fault) and childbirth incidents (no-fault) are covered now. Section 7 reviews the failed bills intending to systematically address medical disputes and medical malpractice in Taiwan. Section 8 depicts the later development of legislation related to medical malpractice and Sect. 9 the later development of mechanisms of alternative medical dispute resolution in Taiwan. Taiwan currently does not have a full-scale no-fault medical malpractice liability system. Through reforms in law, mediation procedure reconciliation procedure and cooperation among governments at different levels and different professionals may continue to facilitate the development of a better medical malpractice system in the future.

Concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine and anticoagulants may reduce major bleeding events

Abstract: Background This retrospective cohort study investigated the risk of major bleeding events during the concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and anticoagulants in clinical practice. Methods A total of 4,470 patients receiving anticoagulant drugs were selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Half (n = 2,235) were also using CHMs (CHM cohort); the other half were not (non-CHM cohort). Each cohort was matched 1:1 using the propensity score. Chi-square testing and the Student’s t -test were used to examine differences between two cohorts. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis assessed the risks for major bleeding events in each cohort, as well as bleeding risks associated with specific CHM formulas and herbs. Cumulative incidence curves for major bleeding events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Compared with the non-CHM cohort, the CHM cohort had a lower risk of overall bleeding events (p < 0.001) including hemorrhagic stroke (p = 0.008), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p < 0.001), urogenital bleeding (p ≤ 0.001) and nasal/ear/eye bleeding (p = 0.004). Single herbs, such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma , Panax notoginseng , Panax ginseng , Platycodon grandiflorum , Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and formulas, such as Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang and Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan were associated with a lower risk of major bleeding events. Conclusion Using CHMs with anticoagulants appeared to decrease the risk of major bleeding, especially CHMs products containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma , Panax notoginseng , Panax ginseng , Platycodon grandiflorum and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver . Further investigations are needed to determine whether CHM can maintain the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulants while simultaneously reducing potential side effects.

Urban Planning, Public Interest, and Spatial Justice

Abstract: Using the Lo-Sheng Sanatorium Preservation Movement as a case study, this chapter examines several substantial problems in urban planning theories, including the multiplicity of public interests, the necessity of framing public interest from the perspective of spatial justice, and the changing relationship between the state and civil society in the planning process. By exploring various urban discourses proposed by a plurality of groups concerning the Lo-Sheng heritage site, I argue that the Lo-Sheng Preservation Movement demonstrates how heritage activism can reshape public interest and change the state’s relationship with civil society. As such, the movement was an invaluable milestone in the emergence of civic urbanism in Taipei.

Enhancing Language and Culture Learning through Social Network Technologies

Abstract: In light of the potential of social network technologies to enhance language and culture learning both inside and outside of the classroom, this chapter explores the most emerging issues arising from the existing research to address affordances and constraints of social media for L2 learning and development. Examples of studies illustrating the transformation afforded by the integration of social media into L2 instruction are used to highlight theoretical underpinnings (e.g., sociocultural perspectives) and pedagogical approaches (e.g., task-based language teaching), and practices beyond the classroom. Prominent studies are examined to discuss topics of task design, digital literacy skills, language awareness, and learner autonomy in social media use and its impact on language acquisition and cultural awareness. The discussion underscores the importance of helping students build connections between in-class and out-of-class learning experiences with the support of digital technologies. In addition to challenges facing teacher preparation for using multimodal communication, the chapter concludes with a discussion of future research directions for social media use in informal settings. Thought-provoking questions and Recommended readings are presented at the end of the chapter for language educators dedicated to building effective strategies for digital-mediated language learning.