Districts In Taiwan Research Articles

Taiwanese Teachers’ Beliefs about Professional Growth in Shin-Ju District

The purpose of this study is to identify experienced teachers’ perceptions of and beliefs about their professional development; examine experienced teachers’ perceptions of their process of learning to teach and forming personal practical theories of teaching, and describe experienced teachers’ perceptions of significant experiences in their professional growth and personal development that shaped or influenced their approach to teaching. The experiences serve as a backdrop for understanding teachers’ beliefs about their professional growth. This qualitative study selected 10 experienced secondary teachers with more than 15 years of teaching experiences in Shin-Chu District in Taiwan. Data collection techniques include: (1) semi-structured individual interviews; (2) informal observations, interviews, and field notes, and (3) documents and records. The OSR-NUD*IST qualitative data analysis computer software program was used as the tool for data analysis. The following conclusions were based on the results of the analysis of the data: knowledge about teachers’ beliefs about professional development, and knowledge about practice that facilitated teachers’ personal development. The emerging concerns and beliefs identified in this study included: (a) beliefs about professional development; (b) beliefs about teachers’ learning; (c) beliefs about teachers’ role; and (d) teachers’ beliefs about curriculum.

Does knowledge management matter? Assessing the performance of electricity distribution districts based on slacks-based data envelopment analysis

This study uses slacks-based data envelopment analysis (DEA) to examine the performance of electricity distribution districts (EDDs) in Taiwan in 2004. It also explores the relationship between a knowledge management system (KMS) and variations in the efficiency of EDDs in the Taiwan Power Company from 2000 to 2004. The findings show that the EDDs performed well in terms of managerial efficiency in 2004, and 75% of the districts exhibited an increasing performance variation when using cross-period analysis for that period. We show that there is a positive relationship between a KMS and variations in organizational efficiency. In addition, we present a decision-making matrix and conceptual map to help EDD managers improve their managerial efficiency and skills. This study contributes to the field of knowledge management research by applying the DEA model to link the performance between KMS and an organization. Several significant findings emerge from the study.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission characteristics and control strategies for a petrochemical industrial area in middle Taiwan

This study investigated VOC emissions from the largest petrochemical industrial district in Taiwan and recommended some control measures to reduce VOC emissions. In addition to the petrochemical industry, the district encompasses a chemical and fiber industry, a plastics industry and a harbor, which together produce more than 95% of the VOC emissions in the area. The sequence of VOC emission was as follows: components (e.g., valves, flanges, and pumps) (47%) > tanks (29%) > stacks (15%) > wastewater treatment facility (6%) > loading (2%) > flares (1%). Other plants producing high-density polyethylene (HDPE), styrene, ethylene glycol (EG), gas oil, and iso-nonyl-alchol (INA) were measured to determine the VOC leaching in the district. The VOC emissions of these 35 plants (90% of all plants) were less than 100 tons/year. About 74% of the tanks were fixed-roof tanks that leached more VOCs than the other types of tanks. To reduce leaching, the components should be checked periodically, and companies should be required to follow the Taiwan EPA regulations. A VOC emission management system was developed in state implementation plans (SIPs) to inspect and reduce emissions in the industrial district.

Use of Folk Remedies among Families of Children Hospitalised in Taiwan

To describe the attitudes toward and the use of folk remedies among caregivers of children who were hospitalised in Taiwan. Parents incorporate folk remedies into the care of sick children in many cultures, including Taiwan. Twelve common folk remedies are commonly used in the Taiwanese culture for the care of sick children. The study employed a descriptive, exploratory design using survey methods. Participants were 92 caregivers (parents) whose children were hospitalised for at least three days in a hospital in the middle district of Taiwan. Sixty per cent of the participants used some form of folk remedies in the care of their hospitalised children. The most frequently used remedies were: spirit-calling (63%); carrying a cross or incense bag (47%), praying a Buddhist mantra (36%). There was a positive relationship between a positive attitude towards folk remedies and current use with children (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that parents' previous experience of using folk remedies (odds ratio = 0.272, p = 0.037), and parents' knowledge of the care of disease (odds ratio = 18.044, p = 0.015) were the strongest predictors of use of folk remedies. Almost three-fourths (73%) of all participants expected that health care providers would respect and not interfere with their use of folk remedies; 72% of parents stated that they would not tell healthcare providers about the use of folk remedies. The majority of the parents of hospitalised children in Taiwan can be expected to use folk remedies for the purpose of psychological and spiritual support during child hospitalised. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the folk remedies used within various cultural groups so that culturally appropriate and safe care can be provided for the child and family.

Prevalence of prehypertension and associated risk factors in a rural Taiwanese adult population

The Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure has recently introduced the prehypertension category of blood pressure status that needs monitoring and intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prehypertension and its associated risks in rural Taiwan. From community-based cross-sectional data of 6204 adults (2650 men and 3554 women) who received general health examination in the Chi-Shan district in rural Taiwan, collected between 2002 and 2007, we analyzed and compared the blood pressure and demographic, metabolic, and behavior characteristics of prehypertensive and normotensive subjects. Multiple logistic regression methods were used to identify risk factors for prehypertension. Within the study population, 3354 had hypertension, 1875 had prehypertension, and 975 had normal blood pressure. The prehypertensive subjects were older, had higher body mass index (BMI), and had higher blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid levels than did the normotensive group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI was the strongest predictor of prehypertension in both men and women (OR=1.102, 95% CI=1.054-1.152, P<0.001; and OR=1.121, 95% CI=1.085-1.159, P<0.001, respectively). The prevalence of prehypertension is high among adults in rural Taiwan and it was associated with many risk factors for further hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Early lifestyle modifications, such as healthy diet, optimal weight control, and exercise are recommended interventions.

Nutrition and Health Survey of Taiwan Elementary School Children 2001-2002: research design, methods and scope.

The "Nutrition and Health Survey of Taiwan's Elementary School Children (2001-2002)" was to investigate the nutritional status, influential dietary and non-dietary factors, health and development, and school performance, as well as the inter-relationships among these factors. The survey adopted a two-staged stratified, clustered probability sampling scheme. Towns and districts in Taiwan with particular ethnic and geographical characteristics were designated into 13 strata including Hakka areas, mountain areas, eastern Taiwan, the Penghu Islands, 3 northern regions, 3 central regions and 3 southern regions. Eight schools were selected from each stratum using the probabilities proportional to sizes method. Twenty-four pupils were randomly selected within each school. The survey included face-to-face interviews and health examinations. Taking seasonal effects into consideration, the face-to-face interviews were evenly allocated into each of the two semesters. A total of 2,419 face-to-face interviews and 2,475 health examinations were completed. Interview data included household information, socio-demographics, 24-hour dietary recall, food frequency, dietary and nutritional knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, physical activity, medical history, oral health, pubertal development, and bone health. Health exam data included anthropometry, blood pressure, physical fitness, bone density, dental health, and blood and urine collection. SUDAAN was used to adjust sampling design effect. There were no significant differences in sibling rank and parental characteristics between respondents and non-respondents, which indicates that our survey is representative and unbiased. The results of this survey will increase our understanding on the nutrition and health status of schoolchildren and can be used to shape public health policy in Taiwan.

Bone mass status of school-aged children in Taiwan assessed by quantitative ultrasound: the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan Elementary School Children (NAHSIT Children 2001-2002).

Bone health status in childhood and adolescence may be important factors influencing the attainment of peak bone mass. The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan Elementary School Children 2000-2001 was carried out to evaluate the overall nutrition and health status of school children aged between 6 and 13 years. The survey was conducted using a multi-stage complex sampling scheme. Townships and city districts in Taiwan were classified into 13 strata. Bone mass measured as broadband ultrasound attenuation was taken at heel by quantitative ultrasound bone densitometry. A total of 1164 boys and 1016 girls who had complete physical examination data with ultrasound bone scan were included in the current analysis. There were no apparent differences in BUA across all strata for both genders. In both boys and girls, age, height, body weight, BMI, and intake frequencies of vegetables and fruits/juices were significantly related to BUA. Results of multivariate regression showed that age (beta=1.36, p=0.0002) and body weight (beta=0.40, p<0.0001) were significant predictors for BUA in boys, whereas in girls body weight (beta=0.47, p<0.0001), height, (beta=0.20, p=0.01), dietary phosphorus intake (beta=-0.002, p=0.038), and frequency of fruit/juice intake (beta=0.15, p=0.029) remained statistically significant. The differential effects dietary intake variables on BUA in boys and girls may be in part due to the development of puberty. It would be necessary to include levels of physical activity in future analyses for better understanding factors influencing the development of peak bone mass in Taiwanese children.

Investigation on the model of consumers’ perceived risk—integrated viewpoint

This research integrated internal and external clues and proposed the model of consumers' perceived risk. The population of this research was the A level travel agency in Taiwan. The reason to choose this industry was in that first, the fashion of Taiwanese' traveling abroad was vigorous; secondly, the proportion of the industry's service quality for customers was high. Based on the regional segmentation of three major geographical districts in Taiwan (north, center and south), this research employed Stratified Random Sampling and distributed 1000 questionnaires. The sampling was based on population proportion (about 6:2:2) and used Non-linear Fuzzy Neural Network Model. The empirical result revealed the follows: there was negative relation between service involvement and perceived risk; the consumers' positive emotion revealed significant and negative influence on perceived risk; the consumers' negative emotion revealed significant and positive influence on perceived risk; perceived risk revealed significant and negative influence on purchasing will. The characteristic of this research was mainly to employ Fuzzy Neural Network Model to validate the related hypotheses and acquire the original data through plenty of questionnaires to meet the conditions of using this method.

Seroepidemiology of Toxocara canis infection among mountain aboriginal schoolchildren living in contaminated districts in eastern Taiwan

We conducted a seroepidemiological study of Toxocara canis infection among mountain aboriginal schoolchildren aged 7-12 years living in contaminated districts in eastern Taiwan. To detect sera IgG (> or =1:64) we used a T. canis larval excretory-secretory antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A short questionnaire elicited information on the practices of raising dogs, playing with soil, eating raw vegetables, or whether the child normally washed his/her hands before eating. The overall seroprevalence was quite high, reaching 76.6% (252/329). Neither age nor gender seemed to be important factors related to a positive serology. Aboriginal schoolchildren who raised dogs (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.04-3.19, P=0.03), or played with soil (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.49-4.25, P <0.001) seemed to be more susceptible to T. canis infection than those who did not. Children who habitually washed their hands before eating (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.97, P=0.04) had a lower chance of acquiring T. canis infection than those who did not.

Breastfeeding knowledge among health professionals in Taiwan.

This study was designed to evaluate the breastfeeding knowledge among different discipline of health professionals nationwide. From July 2002 to October 2002, Society of Neonatology, R.O.C. held six one-day seminars on the topic of breastfeeding in four districts in Taiwan. One thousand one hundred and fifty-two professionals attended these conferences. A questionnaire of twenty breastfeeding questions was distributed and collected before the conference then the result was analyzed. Eight hundred seventy three of them (83%) fulfilled the questionnaire. Five hundred thirty five of them (61.3%) were clinical nurses, 252 (28.9%) were public health nurses, 49 (5.6%) were physicians and 37 (4.2%) were other paramedical professionals. The average knowledge score were 78.6 (full score 100). A question about counseling got the worst correct answer rate (29.8%). Participants from northern part of Taiwan, having occupation as clinical nurses or physicians, having attended in-service education, working in level III and II hospitals showed positive relationship with the knowledge score. We suggested that when conducting breastfeeding promotion programs, we have to look at districts disparity. Education should include not only the information but also the counseling skills to support breastfeeding mothers.

Influence of asian dusts on the physicochemical properties of atmospheric aerosols in taiwan district — using the penghu islands as an example

Using the Penghu Islands as an example, this study investigates the influence of Asian dusts on the physicochemical properties of atmospheric aerosols in Taiwan District in the year of 2002. An aerosol-sampling site was established at Xiaumen, the Penghu Islands, to collect sea level atmospheric aerosols for further analysis of their physicochemical properties. This study revealed that, during the sampling campaign, three Asian dust storms were transported from North China and Mongolia to the Penghu Islands. The mass concentrations of atmospheric aerosols, particularly PM 2.5∼10, were generally 2∼3 times higher than the regular level. An increase of coarse particle mode in the size distribution of atmospheric aerosols further validated the invasion of Asian dusts. Moreover, the comparison of water-soluble ionic species, carbonaceous content, and metallic content of atmospheric aerosols indicated that Asian dusts could significantly influence the chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols in Taiwan District. A significant increase of Cl −, Br −, Na +, K +, SO 4 2−, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ concentration on coarse particle mode was observed. It suggested that not just natural soil dusts and oceanic spray, but also anthropogenic pollutants could accompany Asian dusts. Source apportionment of atmospheric aerosols indicated that the concentration (percentage) of aerosol particles contributed from soil dusts increased significantly from 20.98 μg·m −3 (29.2%) to 60.37 μg·m −3 (47.7%), and then decreased to the regular level of 22.44 μg·m −3 (28.2%).

Fire Nature of a Subtropical Maritime Island in East Asia: Taiwan

Abstract Twelve years (1985–96) of monthly house fire reports for 22 districts in Taiwan, a maritime subtropical island of east Asia, were analyzed to characterize its fire nature. The major effort focused on the identification of temporal variation signals and their possible links with meteorological variables. Two significant modes of house fires were identified: annual and diurnal. As revealed from the power spectral analyses of fire time series in every fire district, a pronounced annual cycle peak emerges, with a peak phase in December and a minimum phase in June. In contrast to the warm and dry summer fire season of three continental landmasses (i.e., the U.S. West, the Northwest Territories of Canada, and the large wildland of Australia), an active fire season appears during the cool, dry winter in Taiwan. The fires on this island are highly correlated with several hydrometeorological variables; a decrease (increase) in rainfall in the dry (wet) cool (warm) environment with strong (weak) winds faci...

Imaging of Renal Tuberculosis in Eastern Taiwan: Correlation with Clinical Course and Different Communities

Hualien, located in eastern Taiwan, is a relatively isolated district. The population is composed of different ethnic communities. Our hospital is the only medical center in eastern Taiwan, so is the most important referral hospital for epidemic diseases. After reviewing our collected cases of renal tuberculosis (TB), we observed a great diversity in staging and outcomes. The aim of this study was to classify different imaging presentations and clinical outcomes in the ethnic communities represented by these cases (non-aboriginal and aboriginal). We retrospectively reviewed 22 cases from 1991 to 2001. We reviewed laboratory data, radiologic reports, and clinical outcomes. Before TB was proved by biopsy or culture, patients were not treated with an anti-TB regimen. Roentgenography showed that 68% of patients had renal calcification, 59% had dilated calyces, 55% had lung involvement, and 41% had auto-nephrectomy. The proportion of mild and severe forms was significantly different between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups (0.05 > p > or = 0.00409). From this series, we recommend routine plain film roentgenography, including chest roentgenography and kidney, ureter, and bladder or abdominal roentgenography, followed by intravenous urography or computerized tomography as investigative tools for renal TB. Based on the significantly different outcomes of the disease between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups, a stronger health education program for the isolated district in eastern Taiwan is necessary.

Development of a recombinant protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and its applications in field surveillance of rodent mice for presence of immunoglobulin G against Orientia tsutsugamushi.

A recombinant protein containing the immunodominant conserved epitope region of the 56-kDa outer membrane protein of the Karp strain of Orientia tsutsugamushi was purified to near homogeneity using recombinant DNA techniques. The purified protein was used to immunize rabbits and produced an antibody that could recognize different strains of O. tsutsugamushi, as demonstrated both by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on this recombinant protein was developed to detect antibody (immunoglobulin G [IgG]) against O. tsutsugamushi in mice captured in different districts of Taiwan during 2000 to 2001. A significant difference was found in the antibody seroprevalence rates of Suncus murinus mice captured in different districts of Taiwan (chi(2)(4, 0.95) = 26.64; P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference of IgG seropositivity rates was observed among different kinds of mice (chi(2)(5, 0.95) = 93.85; P < 0.05). Antibody seropositivity rates were higher in Bandicota indica (100%), Rattus flavipectus (96.17%), and Rattus losea (95.83%) than in Rattus norvegicus (86.05%) and Rattus mindanensis (83.67%) (chi(2)(diff, 5, 0.95) = 12.59, P < 0.05). The lowest antibody seropositivity rate (54.4%) was observed in Suncus murinus. Antibody seropositivity rates of mice from different districts differed significantly because of the significant difference in antibody seroprevalence rates for S. murinus. The results of this study indicated that the recombinant protein ELISA developed in this study could be used to conduct large-scale surveillance of rodent mice for the presence of antibody against O. tsutsugamushi. The high seroprevalence rates in rodent mice (except S. murinus) suggest that people residing in these districts are at increased risk of developing O. tsutsugamushi infection.

Seroepidemiologic survey of Dirofilaria immitis infection among domestic dogs in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts in Taiwan (1998–1999)

To estimate the seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs in Taiwan, we utilized a commercial ELISA kit (Snap™, IDEXX, USA) for detecting circulating antigens released by adult female worms. Serum specimens of 664 domestic dogs sampled from Taipei City in northern Taiwan and 14 mountain aboriginal districts in eastern Taiwan were screened for D. immitis antigens. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 89 subjects were antigen-positive, giving a seroprevalence of 13.4%, of which the seroprevalence in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts were 13.8 and 12.1%, respectively. The mean overall seropositive rates were 6.3% in 1–3-year-old age group, 14.1% in 3–6-year-old age group and 23.7% in the ≥6-year-old age group. The older the age, the higher the seroprevalence (OR=4.6, 95% CI=2.4–9.0 for the ≥6-year-old age group versus 1–3-year-old age group, P<0.001) for all the dogs in the present study. Moreover, seroprevalence was not different between female and male dogs in either Taipei City or mountain aboriginal districts ( P>0.05). Also, no significant difference in seroprevalence among dogs between the two geographical areas was found ( P>0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the seroprevalence of D. immitis remained significantly increased with age after multivariate adjustment in the present study. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the status of D. immitis infection in domestic dogs in Taipei City and mountain aboriginal districts in Taiwan to date.

Measuring the Performance Improvement of Taiwan Forests after Reorganization

Abstract The data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach has been widely applied to measure the relative efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) for a time period. This article measures the performance improvement of a DMU at two time points by using the DEA approach. Two ideas are proposed. One is to treat one DMU at two time points as two different DMUs, and the ratio of the efficiency scores of a DMU at two time points serves as a measure of the efficiency improvement. The other is to calculate the Malmquist productivity index of a DMU to represent its productivity improvement. Both the efficiency ratio and the productivity index can be decomposed into the technical part and the scale part. From the data of the eight forest districts of Taiwan compiled in 1989 and 1992, the efficiency and productivity improvement in these two periods are measured. The results of the two methods are consistent in that both indicate a slight improvement in performance. FOR. SCI. 46(4):577–584.

Data envelopment analysis in resource allocation: An application to forest management

This paper discusses the resource allocation problem for not-for-profit organizations that have control over several production units of similar functions. A case of budget allocation among the subdistricts of a forest district in Taiwan is exemplified to illustrate the idea. The model proposed is a nonlinear fractional program superimposed upon the data envelopment analysis framework. This nonlinear fractional program can be transformed to a model similar to the generalized linear program and solved by a type of decomposition method. Within prespecified ranges, the district office searches for ways of allocating a fixed amount of budget to its subdistricts to result in a higher aggregate efficiency score. Wider ranges allow for more flexibility in allocating budget; consequently, higher aggregate efficiency scores are experienced. Since this method is more objective, it is more persuasive to the subdistricts in allocating resources.

Crude protein content and amino acid composition in Taiwanese human milk.

Breast milk provides the essential nutrients for infants in readily available form. The content of nitrogen in human milk is of great importance because it relates to the growth of infants in the early stage, and the composition of nitrogenated compounds varies according to the lactational stage. Three-hundred-and-three human milk specimens were obtained from 240 healthy mothers living in two different districts in Taiwan, and 264 specimens were used for the analysis. The crude protein content, total and free amino acid compositions as well as urea content were evaluated using pooled milk samples according to different lactational stages and geographical location. The crude protein content decreased sharply from colostrum (2.51 g/100 mL) to mature milk (1.25 g/100 mL). Total amino acids account for 80-85% of the crude protein throughout the whole lactation period. Crude protein also contained 30 to 35 mg/ 100 mL urea and 41 to 48 mg/ 100 mL free amino acids as non-protein nitrogen components. The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids remained constant throughout the lactation period in spite of a decline in amino acid content. The amino acid composition per 1 g of nitrogen varied during the lactation period. The differences of these lactational changing patterns of individual amino acids were probably reflected by variation of the protein composition during lactation. The sum of free amino acid content ranged from 43 to 50 mg/100 mL in Taipei and 40 to 45 mg/100 ml, in Kaohsiung. Although the variations of free amino acids during the lactation period differed among amino acids, glutamic acid predominated in mature milk while phosphoethanolamine was predominant in colostrum.

Natural occurrence of fumonisins B(1) and B(2) in domestic maize of Taiwan.

Samples of maize grown in various districts of Taiwan were collected and analyzed for the presence of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and fumonisin B(2) (FB(2)) using high-performance liquid chromatography. Forty-nine (44.5%) and 2 (1.8%) of 110 samples were found to contain FB(1) (109-1148 ng/g) and FB(2) (222-255 ng/g), respectively. The frequency of detection and also the maximum FB(1) concentration were found in samples from Penton (2/2, 262 ng/g), followed by Chiayi (18/26, 264 ng/g), Tainan (8/16, 160 ng/g), Hualinen (5/14, 1148 ng/g), Taitung (7/20, 109 ng/g), and Yunlin (9/26, 361 ng/g). Of the 110 samples examined, only 2 samples from Hualinen had been detected containing FB(2). During an analysis of the distribution pattern of FB(1), it became apparent that >79% of tested samples had FB(1) concentrations <100 ng/g, whereas 2.7% (or 3 samples) contained FB(1) >300 ng/g. These results clearly illustrated that domestically produced maize for human consumption is frequently contaminated with FB(1).

Epidemiology of bovine ephemeral fever virus infection in Taiwan

Sick animals with excessive nasal discharges and protruding tongue as a result of dyspnea were observed in the August of 1996. Eight strains of BEF virus were isolated from heparinized blood samples of the affected cattle. Most of the affected cattle were difficult to be treated and had a poor prognosis. A total of 516 farms in the 9 districts of Taiwan were affected in 1996. Among a population of 110,247 dairy cattle, 14,993 (13.6%) cattle were found to be clinically ill. During the epidemic, 1,685 (11.3%) affected cattle were culled or dead after the onset of the disease. Furthermore, a strain of Ibaraki virus was isolated from the blood sample of a sick cattle that showed pyrexia, labored respiration and solitary behavior in the affected farm. The cattle with Ibaraki virus infection had typical symptoms of BEF at the early stage of the disease, but neither stomatitis nor pharyngoesophageal paralysis was observed at the onset of the disease. The outbreak was presumably brought about by the low level or non-immune status of a large cattle population due to the negligence of BEF vaccination. Therefore, the disease easily recurred in Taiwan after a typhoon episode in the August of 1996, which resulted in the proliferation of biting midges in the field. No difference in the antigenicty was found between the new and the previous isolates of BEF virus. As analyzed by cross neutralization test, the isolated BEF viruses showed no relationship to the Kimberley and Berrimah viruses that were isolated from the blood of cattle and related to BEF virus in Australia. We have tried to advise farmers that they must vaccinate their cattle annually to prevent BEF outbreak in the future.