Taiwanese Research Articles

Analysis of the 2024 Taiwan Presidential Election

In the 2024 Taiwan presidential election, Lai Ching-te, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate calling for the continuation of the Tsai Ing-wen administration’s line, won the election, while the DPP lost its majority in the legislative elections held at the same time. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) became the leading party in the Legislative Yuan, and the third largest party, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), although a small party, held the casting vote. The election campaign revolved around the pros and cons of “change in government,” and the DPP, already in power for eight years, had an uphill battle. In the end, however, neither of the opposition parties was able to raise expectations higher than those of the DPP. For the next four years, Taiwan’s political landscape is now under a “divided government,” with the Executive Yuan led by the ruling party but the Legislative Yuan dominated by the opposition parties. This situation shows a fine balancing act, but it could also lead to a paralysis of Taiwanese politics. The election results carry a degree of uncertainty.

Health Workers' Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Resilience During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Research indicates that a significant number of healthcare workers accounted for all confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and many of the infected healthcare workers were asymptomatic. During the COVID-19 outbreak, a considerable number of people in Taiwan contracted the disease. Therefore, health workers in Taiwan often experienced lack of medical resources, and this problem is worse for outer island areas. In terms of stress and mental health, this study investigated the effect of poor healthcare capacity and high workload on health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also explored mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience in health workers. This study conducted an in-depth interview to investigate stress perceived by health workers in a hospital located on an outer island of Taiwan as well as their mental health and stress relieving strategies. It was found that during the COVID-19 outbreak, some common sources of stress for health workers included exposure to infectious diseases, heavy workloads, facing ethical dilemma in clinical decision-making, and unfamiliar problems from the pandemic. These types of stress cause worries, anxiety, and depression in health workers, which affects their mental and physical health as well as their patient-care performance. This study proposed that mindfulness-based stress reduction and protecting mental health are important for health workers.

Digital health literacy and its determinants among community dwelling elderly people in Taiwan.

Digital Health Literacy (DHL) is crucial in navigating digital health environments, yet few studies focus on older adults. Explore the associations of digital health information and resource utilization, IT-related social support, and barriers/enhancers to digital health service usage with DHL among older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to April 2023, involving 417 individuals over the age of 60 who were interviewed using an instrument for collecting data on DHL, social support, barriers/enhancers influencing use of digital health resources and personal/demographic data. Multi-regression models were used to examine the associations. Higher DHL scores were associated with daily use of digital interaction with healthcare (B = 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07, 0.49; p = .01), daily use of other digital health resources (B = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.40; p = .01), ease in finding assistance for online navigation (B = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.45; p = .01), self-perceived digital proficiency ("usually very good at surfing the internet," B = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.52; p = .01), assistance from relatives/others in internet browsing (B = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.37; p = .02), and having access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone (B = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.47, p = .01). Conversely, barriers like "no access to a computer, tablet, or phone at all times" (B = -0.19; 95% CI = -0.34, -0.04; p = .01), "difficulty understanding online content" (B = -0.22; 95% CI = -0.36, -0.07; p = .01), and "believing to be too old for online services" (B = -0.18; 95% CI = -0.32, -0.03; p = .02) were associated with lower DHL scores. Engagement with digital health platforms, including making online appointments and accessing personal health records, is associated with higher DHL levels. Support from relatives or others, a modifiable attribute, is also associated with elevated DHL among older adults.

The Formation of National Identity in Conditions of Existential Threat: The Cases of Ukraine and Taiwan

Despite the distance, Ukraine and Taiwan share parallels in the domain of geopolitical struggle and identity issues. Both are experiencing an ongoing process of national identity strengthening and redefinition. External factors, such as Russia’s 2014 occupation of Crimea and the subsequent 2022 invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan, have shaped both Ukrainian and Taiwanese identities and people’s attitudes. On the one hand, this paper explores the transformation of Ukrainian identity in the wake of Russian aggression, focusing on how the invasion has influenced the strengthening of civic attachment among Ukrainians. On the other hand, we explore the development of Taiwanese identity in the context of growing distinctions from mainland China, primarily focusing on Taiwan’s ongoing democratization process and developing a self-confident national identity distinct from the mainland. The rise of Taiwanese identity coincided with growing sympathy for Taiwan’s independence. Additionally, we consider the evolving nature of civic and national identities, emphasizing their fluidity and adaptability in response to political and social complexity.

Cluster Analysis of the Positive and Negative Indicators of Complete Mental Health State Model

<p>本研究目的在了解正負向指標篩檢心理健康型態集群分佈情形，是否符合Keyes主張以主觀幸福感與憂鬱症狀雙指標區分的完整心理健康模式。研究設計以心理健康BMI幸福感問卷、病人健康狀況憂鬱問卷，做為正負向指標篩檢工具，架構完整心理健康模式；以問卷調查法立意取樣739份樣本，經群集分析法作統計分群。結果能區分出有意義的四群集，包括擁有高幸福低憂鬱之完整圓滿心理健康型態的「心盛型」群集（46.28%）、不完整心理健康型態三個群集:「冷靜型」（低幸福低憂鬱之不完整心理亞健康型態，31.94%）、「奮戰型」（高幸福高憂鬱之不完整心理健康型態，11.10%）、「混沌型」（低幸福高憂鬱之不完整心理健康型態，10.69%）。低憂鬱者佔全體 78.22%，其中59.17%擁有高幸福而處於完整圓滿心理健康型態；高憂鬱者佔全體21.78%，其中50.93%擁有高幸福感。驗證了幸福感、憂鬱傾向作為正負向心理健康指標，篩檢完整或不完整心理健康型態。建議:（1）高憂鬱者參照「奮戰型」這群人高幸福感來源，藉由參與社團獲得人際支持、找到工作及收入來增加自我價值感；（2）「冷靜型」不能單看低憂鬱的心理健康篩檢，需提升「友善人際支持 正念情緒平穩 認同自我價值意義」之正向心理健康BMI幸福感，以獲得完整心理健康；（3）未來研究可依據正負向心理健康指標去發展心理健康素養能力，作為心理健檢與自主管理完整心理健康之用。</p> <p> </p><p>This study aimed to understand the cluster distribution of positive and negative indicators for screening mental health patterns and whether they conform to Keyes’ claim that positive and negative indicators should be included in the complete mental health state model. The positive mental health indicators included social, emotional, and psychological well-being, which should be measured using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF). Negative indicators measure the level of symptoms of mental illness concurrently, serving as a complete assessment of whether the individual is in a healthy state of positive and negative mental health indicators. Keyes employed these to distinguish four clusters of people with four mental health modes, of which the incomplete mental health cluster was in the state. Even if they have a negative mental illness, they could have positive mental health and well-being. Although some people do not have negative mental illness, they cannot have positive mental health and well-being. Therefore, Taiwanese scholar Li corresponded to these three well-being developments and selected three operational mental health skills: ""Befriend-Mindfulness-Identity"" as the Mental Health BMI Well-Being Index questionnaire (mBMI). After using them to evaluate 739 people, it was evident that the scores of the above two questionnaires were significantly correlated, and the mBMI questionnaire total score and Questions B, M, and I could effectively predict the total score, social, emotional, and psychological well-being of the MHC-SF, with a total explanatory power of 30.3%. This test should be used as a simple screening for well-being and as a positive mental health screening tool. Additionally, a Depression Scale Screening Tool for Negative Mental Health Depression was combined to explore the complete mental health state model of Taiwanese people. </p> <p> Therefore, in this study, the mBMI questionnaire was selected as a simple tool to measure positive mental health well-being, and the patients’ health questionnaire for depression was used as a screening tool for negative mental health indicators. These are used as positive and negative indicators to test whether a complete or incomplete mental health state model fits. The questionnaire survey method was used to deliberately sample the data from 739 valid samples, and the cluster analysis method was used for statistical grouping to verify its suitability. According to the results of the aforementioned positive and negative indicators, four meaningful clusters were distinguished, including one complete and three incomplete mental health models. One cluster was ""Flourishing type""(46.28%) of high well-being and low depression, which belonged to the complete mental health state model. The other three clusters were incomplete mental health state models. ""Fighting type"" (31.94%) of high well-being and high depression, ""Calm type"" (11.10%) of low well-being and low depression, and ""Chaos type"" (10.69%) of low well-being and high depression could fight for high well-being. It was verified that well-being and depression could be used as positive and negative mental health indicators to screen for complete or incomplete mental health state models. When we identified people with high depression, we encouraged them to refer to the source of high well-being of the ""fighting type"" group and increase their sense of self-worth by participating in clubs to obtain interpersonal support, find jobs, and earn income. We reminded the ""calm type"" people with low depression to promote their high well-being to have a complete mental health state. Finally, we monitored positive and negative indicators of mental health using screening tools of the Mental Health BMI Well-Being Index and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to screen for complete or incomplete mental health states as a reference for promoting positive and negative mental health. The befriend-mindfulness-identity skills should be improved to promote well-being and adjust depression to achieve complete mental health.</p> <p> </p>

Just as I Please

Due to reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t been able to visit Taiwan for nearly four years. Last week, albeit for a short duration, I finally visited Taipei for the first time in four years and reconnected with old friends after a long absence. I also met Mr. Lu Fangxiong, the second son of Lu Heruo, who was a representative Japanese writer in pre-war Taiwan. Mr. Fangxiong provided me with a wealth of valuable materials for the writing and publication of my book. Because Lu Heruo passed away as a result of the White Terror, his bereaved family went through great hardships in the post-war period. Naturally, the family was extremely cautious regarding the publication of the diaries that Lu Heruo left behind. It was Mr. Fangxiong who took the initial step toward their publication by providing copies to several researchers. Subsequently, Mr. Fangxiong has continued to contribute to the advancement of Lu Heruo studies by publishing memoirs on various occasions and by appearing in documentary programs to share his insights. He has been making efforts to reconstruct the post-war journey of the Lu family and of Mr. Fangxiong himself, which must have been a challenging undertaking. One of important facets of Lu Heruo’s work was the depiction of the family histories of the Taiwanese people, and similarly, Mr. Fangxiong is also portraying his own family’s history in a unique manner. In fact, the title of this humble piece, ‘Just as I Please’, is borrowed from an essay title contributed by Lu Heruo in the inaugural issue of the journal “Taiwan Literature” in May 1941. I hope that this journal will leave a mark on the history of Japanese literary research, akin to the impact of what is regarded as “the iconic monument in Taiwanese literature, the journal ‘Taiwan Literature’”.

LIFESTYLE TRAJECTORIES PREDICT LATER COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER PEOPLE IN TAIWAN

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify the group-based trajectories of lifestyles and to predict the later cognitive function among older people in Taiwan. Methods The data were from five waves of the “Taiwan Survey on Aging “ (1999-2015). Only those who completed the last wave of cognitive function were used for analysis (n=1314). The cognitive function was measured by 8 items of SPMSQ, reverse numbers and recall 10 words, with score ranged 0-19. Nineteen lifestyle behaviors (healthy behaviors, leisure activities, lifelong learning and social participation) across waves were analysed by group-based trajectory analysis first, and then the effects of lifestyle trajectories on cognitive function were analysed by linear regression. Results Each lifestyle variable was identified as 2 to 6 trajectory groups. Significant lifestyle trajectories on later cognitive function included gardening (high), drinking (increasing), providing instrumental support (increasing), playing chess (high), reading (middle & high), outdoor activities (high), group activities (yes), political participation (no), volunteering (yes), and stress (high vs. lowest). After controlling for covariates, cognitive function was related to gardening (high) (B=0.642), playing chess (high) (B=0.855), reading (high) (B=1.699), group activities (B=0.640), and lower stress (high stress B=−0.806). Other significant variables for better cognitive function included younger age, living with less family members, having less physical function difficulties, having lower depressive symptoms, and being more religious. Conclusion Long-term lifestyle trajectories may affect later cognitive function. Having more social participation, more cognitive-related leisure, having less stress and being physically healthier are protective for cognitive function.

Digital Copyright Management Mechanism Based on Dynamic Encryption for Multiplatform Browsers

In recent years, the internet and smart devices have developed rapidly. Many people no longer rely on newspapers, magazines, or television to receive news. They can see the latest news using computers or mobile phones. According to a study by the Taiwan Internet Information Center, nearly 90% of Taiwanese people have used the internet. Many online streaming services have emerged, and people can easily watch movies and TV programs through computers or mobile phones. Hence, some websites use digital copyright management mechanisms to protect videos from being directly downloaded. However, 30% of websites use AES-128 encryption to protect their content. If the key access mechanism is not well protected, the encryption methodology may be useless. Therefore, this paper proposes a cross-platform digital copyright management mechanism for adaptive streaming. With this mechanism, users do not need to download additional applications, as the mechanism implements Web-Assembly language through the browser.

Becoming Silent Mentors: Buddhist Ethics Regarding Cadaver Donations for Science in Taiwan

ABSTRACTSince 1995, thousands of people in Taiwan have pledged each year to donate their cadavers to the medical college run by the Buddhist Tzu Chi (Ciji) Foundation. The “surge of cadavers” seems intriguing in a society where ancestor worship continues to be salient. Drawing on my fieldwork in 2012–2013 and 2015, the purpose of this paper is to describe a series of practices involving the transformation of a cadaver into a Buddhist moral subject: the donor, the family, and the medical school engage in various endeavors and rituals involving “emotional practices” to honor the deceased; situate the donation as a “good death”; and fulfill the family's obligations to ancestor worship. I argue what makes the ritual transformation efficacious is the dominant currency of emotional practices. Emotional practices “authenticate” the ritual transformation. The main ethic for commemorating the cadaver donation is not generosity or dāna but equanimity.

Symboliczne wymiary tajwańskiego nacjonalizmu

THE SYMBOLIC DIMENSION OF TAIWANESE NATIONALISMA great majority of Taiwanese people declare themselves to be Taiwanese only (61% in 2022) or Taiwanese and also Chinese (additional 31%), which gives an impression of ethnic and national unity. However, the divisive factors of (sub) ethnic grouping, language diversity and historical consciousness are still present. Taiwanese nationalism, which in its civilian form is organized around present state of Republic of China (ROC) as opposed to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). However, ROC, although de facto an independent state is not de iure a Taiwanese state, as can be seen in its national symbolism. The paper analyses this enthosymbolical dimension of Taiwanese national identity, discussing four main symbolical spheres: the memory of the 2-28 Incident; memory and idealization of the Japanese colonial period; strong presence of local languages, used alongside the official northern mandarin standard; and finally, the presence of the Aborigine people and their cultures. All these spheres are important in Taiwan symbolical space, and their importance is further strengthened by the actions of the state (public commemorations, protecting the cultural relicts of Japanese period, removing the ones connected with authoritarian regime of Chiang Kai shek etc.). However, the author remains doubtful if they have enough emotional and symbolical power to unite Taiwanese in the face of the Chinese threat. Closely related question is the future effect of the recommendations of the report of the Commision of Transitional Justice about the monuments of the KMT period, whose fate is a strongly contested issue, and which needs further research.

The Relationship between Self-Reported Sitting Time and Vitamin D Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Taiwanese Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Many studies have revealed a relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported sitting time and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. (2) Methods: A total of 396 people were enrolled in our study during a community health examination in Taiwan in 2019. We grouped participants from low to high according to their tertile of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, using the following categories: deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. Parameters including self-reported sitting time were analyzed between each group. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationships of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels with age-adjusted risk factors. A scatter plot demonstrated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and self-reported sitting time. The association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and self-reported sitting time was assessed by multivariate linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and smoking and drinking status. (3) Results: We analyzed the data from 396 participants. A total of 41.4% of participants were male, and the average age of all participants was 64.91 (±8.80) years. The participants in the high serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D group were more likely to have shorter self-reported sitting time. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was negatively correlated (Pearson's r) with self-reported sitting time, even after adjustment for age. According to the results of multivariate linear regression, vitamin D levels showed a negative association with self-reported sitting time (β = -0.131, p = 0.006) after adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and smoking and drinking status. (4) Conclusions: According to our research, self-reported sitting time was inversely correlated with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in middle-aged and elderly people in Taiwan. Meanwhile, longer self-reported sitting time can be an independent risk factor for lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.

The tactile reading systems in East Asia: missionaries, colonialism, and unintended consequences

ABSTRACT In the late nineteenth century, Protestant missionaries introduced modern education for the blind people in Taiwan and Korea. They developed various tactile reading systems to enhance literacy and provided handicraft training for self-sufficiency. When these regions came under Japanese colonial rule in the first half of the twentieth century, the colonial government introduced Japanese Braille and massage training for blind students. However, most of these training programmes fell short in effectively equipping blind individuals for sustaining their livelihoods upon completing their education. As a result, paradoxically, tactile reading systems initially designed to discourage blind individuals from participating in traditional fortune-telling practices ended up inadvertently catalysing the modernisation of these longstanding traditions. This case study highlights the intricate and diverse nature of special education in East Asia.

Prediction of incidence of neurological disorders in HIV-infected persons in Taiwan: a nested case–control study

BackgroundNeurological disorders are still prevalent in HIV-infected people. We aimed to determine the prevalence of neurological disorders and identify their risk factors in HIV-infected persons in Taiwan.MethodsWe identified 30,101 HIV-infected people between 2002 and 2016 from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, and analyzed the incidence of neurological disorders. We applied a retrospective, nested case–control study design. The individuals with (case group) and without (control group) a neurological disorder were then matched by age, sex and time. Factors associated with neurological disorders were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model, and a nomogram was generated to estimate the risk of developing a neurological disorder.ResultsThe incidence of neurological disorders was 13.67 per 1000 person-years. The incidence remained stable during the observation period despite the use of early treatment and more tolerable modern anti-retroviral therapy. The conditional logistic regression model identified nine clinical factors and comorbidities that were associated with neurological disorders, namely age, substance use, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric illness, HIV-associated opportunistic infections, frequency of emergency department visits, cART adherence, urbanization, and monthly income. These factors were used to establish the nomogram.ConclusionNeurological disorders are still prevalent in HIV-infected people in Taiwan. To efficiently identify those at risk, we established a nomogram with nine risk factors. This nomogram could prompt clinicians to initiate further evaluations and management of neurological disorders in this population.

43 A Qualitative Study to Establish a Culture Specific Presurgical Psychological Screening for Patients with Degenerative Spinal Disease in Taiwan

Objective:Presurgical psychological screening (PPS) is a procedure for mitigating possible unfavorable outcomes after spinal surgery. Although the effectiveness of PPS on degenerative spinal diseases has been investigated in Western studies, a potential cultural influence on PPS is still unknown. This study thus aims to explore the experiences of Taiwanese people before spinal surgery and tries to establish culture-specific components of PPS in Taiwan.Participants and Methods:A total of five participants aged from 44–69 with degenerative spinal diseases were eligible in this study. All participants visited a neurosurgical outpatient clinic for potential surgical treatment, and each participant underwent an one-hour semi-structured interview before surgery. The demographical information, medical history, psychological status (e.g., personality traits and emotional disturbances) and considerations to make a surgical decision, were recorded and further analyzed following the rule of grounded theory.Results:Four major components with 21 sub-components were reported when deciding to receive a surgical treatment for their spinal diseases, including disease-related considerations, medical information, self-concept and interpersonal relations. In terms of disease-related aspects, patients concerned about etiology, symptomatology, impacts, coping strategies and rehabilitation methods. As for medical information, patients paid more attention on medical compliance, the relationship with medical system, attitude for treatment, expectation to surgical outcomes, medical decisions and medical information. As for the self-concept, patients considered more on the impacts of disease on self-concept, strategies of emotional regulations and personality traits. In terms of interpersonal relations, patients reported more on the supportive resources, patterns of interpersonal activities and impacts of interpersonal relations on medical decisions. Additionally, other specific factors, such as past negative experiences (e.g., chronic insomnia, experiences of psychological counseling), litigation, physical punishment in childhood and social roles, were also reported.Conclusions:Like previous findings, our results supported that the interpersonal relations and doctor-patient relationship in PPS were important considerations before surgery, while we further evidenced that influences of family members on medical decision is determinant and unique in this culture.

Afterlives of the Clouded Leopard

This paper analyses the afterlives of the likulau (clouded leopard), through its spiritual presence and material traces among the indigenous Paiwan people of Taiwan. Despite having been locally extinct for over half a century, the clouded leopard still continues to inhabit the myths and imaginations of the local population. In traditional Paiwan culture, the clouded leopard held a special status, and its skin and teeth were used to make ritual clothes and adornments for the village chiefs. In this paper, I explore the significance of these likulau artefacts in contemporary Paiwan society. I also examine how the Paiwan’s interactions with and the cultural significance of these objects have evolved in connection with environmental changes and social transformations of Paiwan society. As embodied in these material traces, the clouded leopard is both absent and present, extinct and alive. I explore this spectral presence via the concept of survivance (Didi-Huberman), examining how the ambiguous persistence of the clouded leopard relates to the resilience of traditional Paiwan culture.

Analyzing Social Media Strategy in Korean Music Industries

The Korean Wave (K-wave), also known as Hallyu, is the term used to describe the phenomenon of Korean pop culture, including TV dramas, movies, pop music, fashion, and online games, becoming widely popular and shared among the people of Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Asian nations. Korean pop music, also known as K-pop, became a major component of the second K-wave after the first K-wave's drama-focused craze. Additionally, K-pop's fanbase has grown outside of Asia to the West thanks to the quick adoption of social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter. The popularity of K-pop throughout the world helps to improve the perception of "Korea" and has a positive effect on the Korean economy. According to reports, Korea has 1,000 active entertainment agencies in addition to the "big three" record labels and agencies: SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. In this instance, we talk about the K-pop phenomenon's global appeal and how social media has contributed to the genre's recent boom. Our lessons on how to manage social media strategically, with a focus on the major agencies mentioned above, include: aligning your strategic business model with social media; maximizing different social media channels; enticing customers with on- and offline promotions; and stimulating audience with exclusive content.

Memes of Care: Good Morning Images and Digital Care among Older People in Taiwan

Every morning, images carrying greetings and pictures of girls, cute animals, or beautiful flowers are circulated among Taiwanese older people on the messaging app LINE. These “good morning images” (GM images) are building a new social network for seniors, and its ritual of exchange has produced a digital subculture. In this article, I will be considering these images as “memes of care.” While memes for younger people are usually humorous and meant to raise a laugh, for older people, GM images are about care and connection. However, care is never innocent and not always desirable, and GM images have joined a sharing culture within LINE that precipitates the spread of unverified, authorless rumors. By examining the “care-ful” feelings, doings, and obligations of GM images, I show how older people actively participate in the practice of digital care so as to open up to “as well as possible” reconfigurations engaged with troubled presents—that is, the pandemic and social isolation on the one hand, and the proliferation of false and misleading information on the other.

The Multiverse of Taiwan’s Future: Reconsidering the Independence–Unification (Tondu) Attitudes

For decades, scholars have constructed various ways to measure Taiwanese public opinion on the nation’s future, the independence–unification ( Tondu) question. While existing surveys find that Taiwanese people become more likely to support independence, the majority still favors the “status quo” option. Existing measurements have a number of weaknesses. For instance, most do not inform citizens what the “status quo” means, nor do they specify when and how independence and unification will manifest in reality. We propose a new approach to measuring citizens’ preferences of the nation’s future by specifying five mutually exclusive options on the independence–unification spectrum and field a nationwide survey to illustrate the validity of the new typology. Compared with traditional measurements, our method has more substantial explanatory power for several key political issues in Taiwan.

Longitudinal impact of distinct infection trajectories on all-cause mortality of older people in Taiwan: a retrospective, nationwide, population-based study

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of deaths in adults aged 65 years or older. Studies of adverse infection outcomes have been limited to specific infections and acute episodes and have not investigated longitudinal trends of cumulative infections. We aimed to identify distinct trajectories of longitudinal infection episodes in older adults and to assess their corresponding risk of all-cause mortality. In this retrospective cohort study, we included people aged 65 years or older who were admitted to hospital between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2011, with one of the following infections: urinary tract, pneumonia, sepsis, cellulitis, cholecystitis, peritonitis, endocarditis, and meningitis. Participants were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We analysed infection episodes on a quarterly basis during a 5-year period (2011-15) and used group-based trajectory modelling to identify distinct trajectories. We examined the associations between infection trajectories and all-cause mortality using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazard model. Among 79 666 eligible older adults, we identified four distinct infection trajectories over the 5-year follow-up: infrequent (58 619 [73·6%]), increasing (9746 [12·2%]), decreasing (9069 [11·4%]), and frequent (2232 [2·8%]). Compared with people with infrequent infections, the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 2·96 (95% CI 2·82-3·11) in participants with frequent infections, 2·15 (2·09-2·22) in those with increasing infections, and 1·85 (1·80-1·91) in those with decreasing infections. Older adults with multiple infection episodes, irrespective of type, pathogens, and distinct infection pattern, had greater risk of all-cause mortality compared with those with infrequent infections. Further research to define the overall infection burden in older adults is needed for risk stratification and to inform prevention strategies. The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Healthy Longevity of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University from The Featured Areas Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education, the National Science and Technology Council, and the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan.

Young Taiwanese People’s Ethnic Identity and Stance on Independence vs. Unification: Regulating Effects of China’s Favorable Measures Toward Taiwanese

The study examines the relationship between ethnic identity, the unification-independence stance, and China's favorable measures among young Taiwanese individuals. It finds that there is a negative relationship between ethnic identity and the unification-independence stance, meaning that those with a stronger Taiwanese identity are more likely to support independence. However, China's favorable measures have a positive relationship with the unification-independence stance, indicating that they can influence young Taiwanese individuals to be more supportive of unification. The study also reveals that China's favorable measures strengthen the positive influence of ethnic identity on the unification-independence stance. Overall, the findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of political stances among young Taiwanese individuals, which can be influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, cultural exchanges, and educational cooperation with China. The study suggests further research to explore these relationships in more depth and to consider individual differences and temporal changes. Additionally, it recommends studying the impact of cross-cultural exchanges and conducting comparative research in cross-national contexts to gain a broader understanding of young people's political attitudes.