National Pingtung University of Science and Technology

Background Wildlife rehabilitation is crucial for the recovery of injured endangered species; however, this process can induce significant stress, potentially leading to secondary injuries and complications. This case report details the rehabilitation of two severely injured Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) with desensitization techniques as an alternative approach to reducing stress while promoting voluntary cooperation during treatment. Case presentation Patient 1 was an adult female bear with injuries, including the loss of the second, third and fourth phalanges of the left forelimb and extensive necrosis of the right palm. Patient 2 was a subadult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, severe necrosis of the distal part of the right wrist, and a fracture of the right mandibular ramus and left humerus. Both bears underwent desensitization training, which fostered calmness during routine procedures and facilitated smooth recovery throughout rehabilitation. Pre-release training focused on rebuilding physical capacity and developing natural behaviors, as well as human avoidance, to increase survival and reduce human-bear conflicts. Conclusions The successful outcomes, characterized by complete recovery and avoidance of human interactions, underscore the effectiveness of desensitization strategies in wildlife rehabilitation. This approach not only enhances the quality of medical care but also mitigates the risks of post-release conflicts, contributing to the conservation of endangered species.

An integrated simulation-based approach is proposed for planning single-axis bench tests for evaluating the ability of vehicle shock absorbers to withstand the multi-axis acceleration, deceleration and steering forces produced under real-world driving conditions. In the proposed framework, multi-body dynamic analysis and computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations are first performed to identify the regions of maximum stress produced in the four-wheel suspension system under seven representative driving conditions. Further finite element simulations are then performed to predict the regions of maximum stress in the shock absorber in three single-axis bench tests performed with the load applied at different positions of the absorber and in different directions. It is shown that, between them, the three single-axis bench tests successfully induce the same regions of maximum stress as those observed in the CAE simulations under the different driving conditions. The simulation results obtained in the bench tests for the variation of the shock absorber deformation with the applied load are used to determine the maximum loading forces and deformations the shock absorber can resist under vertical and lateral loading conditions, respectively. The feasibility of the early-stage shock absorber design can then be evaluated by confirming that the maximum deformation experienced by the shock absorber under real-world driving conditions (multipled by a given safety factor) falls within this maximum loading force range. The method proposed in this study provides a low-cost and systematic approach for planning the single-axis bench tests and evaluation criteria required to confirm the ability of shock absorbers to meet vehicle suspension requirements under real-world driving conditions.

High-pressure processing (HPP) is an emerging non-thermal alternative to thermal pasteurization, offering enhanced safety and quality to dairy products. However, the industry demands an update on HPP's progress, sustainability impact, limitations, and prospects. this review analyzed recent progress (2021-2025) in applying HPP as a preservation method by recapping its microbiological, physicochemical, and nutritional effects on dairy products. it also examined HPP's prospects, consumer preferences, sustainability impact, regulatory aspects, and limitations. HPP has reduced microbial loads in milk, cheese, yogurt, and reconstituted milk. At 600 MPa, HPP reduced pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes by 3-5 logs in fresh milk and extended refrigerated shelf-life to 60 days. L. monocytogenes was particularly sensitive to HPP in low-salt white cheese, achieving 8-log reduction. Besides, this emerging technology enhanced food nutrition by maintaining more than 90% of essential vitamins (A, B1-B3, B5-B7, B9, B12, c, D, e) and minerals (e.g., calcium and phosphorus). HPP can preserve milk's pH, viscosity, color, and taste to meet consumer preferences. However, current HPP-based dairy processing has a limited capacity to effectively inactivate spore-forming bacteria at commercial scales. Nevertheless, HPP can redefine dairy preservation by bridging safety, quality, nutrition, and sustainability after developing affordable, scalable systems that align with regional safety standards.

Background Previous studies have examined the correlation between fitness characteristics and firefighter's job performance. Objective This study was to examine the ability of firefighters’ specific fitness tests to predict firefighter's job performance. Methods Fifty fire academy trainees (48 males and 2 females, age = 27.3 ± 3.8) participated in the firefighting simulation tasks and firefighters’ specific fitness tests (which included standing long jump, backward overhead medicine ball throw, 6-meter shuttle run, trap bar deadlift, leg tuck, farmer's walk, 1500-meter run). Participants wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to complete firefighting simulation tasks (which included 12 structural firefighting tasks). Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed. Results The results demonstrated that standing long jump (r = −0.290, p < 0.05), backward overhead medicine ball throw (r = −0.657, p < 0.05), 6-meter shuttle run (r = −0.318, p < 0.05), trap bar deadlift (r = −0.760, p < 0.05), leg tuck (r = −0.392, p < 0.05), farmer's walk (r = 0.701, p < 0.05), and 1500-meter run (r = 0.536, p < 0.05) were significantly correlated with the firefighting simulation tasks. In addition, the multiple regression models identified that 78.8% of the variance in performing the firefighting simulation tasks were related to 1500-meter run, trap bar deadlift, farmer's walk, and backward overhead medicine ball throw. Conclusions Measures of strength, load-carriage capacity, power and aerobic capacity best predict firefighting simulation tasks performance. Regular assessment and maintenance of these specific fitness levels enhances work capacity within firefighting.

The citrus industry produces substantial peel waste, often regarded as an environmental challenge but rich in bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and limonoids. These components hold potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel industries. This chapter explores the application of an electronic nose (E-nose) coupled with chemometric methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and discriminant analysis (DA), in the discrimination of citrus peel waste from varying geographical regions. The procedures for conducting chemometric methods are also discussed in detail. This protocol may provide valuable insight into the chemical complexities of citrus peels, facilitating their classification and thereby emphasizing the importance of chemometric methods in advancing food quality and authenticity assurance and environmental sustainability.

This study explores tourists’ purchasing behavior regarding agricultural souvenirs through the lens of the stimulus-organism response (SOR) framework. It examines how physical, environmental, social, and cultural stimulation shapes tourists’ emotions and influences their purchase intentions. By identifying the key factors that enhance the appeal of these souvenirs, the research fills a gap in the existing literature on consumer behavior in agricultural tourism. Data were collected through 503 valid responses from tourists visiting agricultural specialty areas in Pingtung. Using structural equation modeling, the results show that physical stimulation, such as sensory attributes like aroma and texture, positively influenced pleasure and arousal emotions, increasing purchase intentions. Social and cultural stimulation also contributed to emotional reactions, with social stimulation influencing pleasure and cultural stimulation impacting pleasure and arousal. However, environmental stimulation had no significant effect on emotions or purchase intentions. Moreover, both pleasant and arousal emotions mediated the relationship between stimulation and purchase intentions. The findings suggest that tourism operators should focus on creating emotionally engaging experiences, emphasizing sensory appeal and cultural significance, to enhance purchase intentions. These results provide practical insights for souvenir producers, marketers, and policymakers in boosting agricultural souvenir sales and supporting the local economy.

Lignocellulose biomass is one of the most abundant resources for sustainable biofuels. However, scaling up the biomass-to-biofuels conversion process for widespread usage is still pending. One of the main bottlenecks is the high cost of enzymes used in key process of biomass degradation. Current research efforts are therefore targeted at creative solutions to improve the feasibility of lignocellulosic-degrading enzymes. One way is to engineer multi-enzyme complexes that mimic the bacterial cellulosomal system, known to increase degradation efficiency up to 50-fold when compared to freely-secreted enzymes. However, these designer cellulosomes are instable and less efficient than wild type cellulosomes. In this review, we aim to extensively analyze the current knowledge on the lignocellulosic-degrading enzymes through three aspects. We start by reviewing and comparing sets of enzymes in bacterial and fungal lignocellulose degradation. Next, we focus on the characteristics of cellulosomes in both systems and their feasibility to be engineered. Finally, we highlight three key strategies to enhance enzymatic lignocellulose degradation efficiency: discovering novel lignocellulolytic species and enzymes, bioengineering enzymes for improved thermostability, and structurally optimizing designer cellulosomes. We anticipate these insights to act as resources for the biomass community looking to elevate the usage of lignocellulose as biofuel.

Although locally sourced ingredients are perceived to have a lower carbon footprint due to shorter transportation distances, their comprehensive environmental impact has been less studied. The study compares Taiwanese locally sourced, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand-imported raw materials using the life cycle assessment (LCA) model, employing both Midpoint and Endpoint methods from ReCiPe to assess the carbon footprint and environmental impacts of industrially produced black tea latte and sesame ice cream. Results show that locally sourced black tea latte ice cream ingredients contribute to more obvious global warming (0.563 kg CO 2 eq) and terrestrial ecotoxicity (0.433 kg 1,4-DCB) than imported. The land use impact of domestic sesame is 2.9 times higher than that of imported. Endpoint analysis reveals that locally sourced black tea ingredients have a 22% to 24% higher impact on human health, ecosystem damage, and resource scarcity, while locally sourced sesame has a 55% to 60% higher impact than imported. The carbon footprint analysis shows products made with imported ingredients have lower emissions during production stages, including 0.04 kg CO 2 e during raw material acquisition and reductions of 0.03 and 0.05 kg CO 2 e for production and transportation. Scenario simulations suggest that replacing whole milk powder with domestically sourced fresh milk can reduce emissions by 37% to 67%, and using imported fresh milk instead of powder could reduce emissions by 41% to 70%. The findings offer strategic recommendations for balancing cost, flavor, and environmental impact to achieve sustainable production models and effective carbon reduction strategies.

Perovskite La1‐xCaxNiO3 catalysts doped with varying molar ratios of Ca (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) were investigated to enhance the efficiency of dry reforming of methane (DRM). The experiments were conducted under operational conditions with a CO2/CH4 feed ratio 1:1 at atmospheric pressure and various reaction temperatures ranging from 550 to 800 °C. At 800 °C, the LaNiO3 catalyst achieved a CH4 conversion rate of 63.3% and a syngas H2/CO ratio of 0.56. In contrast, the La1‐xCaxNiO3 catalyst, with partial substitution of Ca where x = 0.3, demonstrated markedly enhanced CH4 conversion rates of 98.05%, coupled with syngas production showcasing an H2/CO ratio of 0.98. This underscores the superior catalytic activity of the Ca‐substituted perovskite LaNiO3 catalysts, which not only achieved a comparable CH4 conversion rate at 800 °C but also allowed for the adjustment of the syngas H2/CO ratio closer to 1.

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) poses diagnostic challenges due to subjective assessments and limited biomarkers. This study aims to enhance accuracy by integrating skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) with urine biomarkers. A prospective analysis included 36 UUI and 36 non-UUI participants. All participants underwent measurements of SKNA and evaluations of nine urine biomarkers, both with and without urinary creatinine correction. Logistic regression and support vector machine with L1 penalty were applied to SKNA and urine biomarker measurements. Six-fold stratified cross-validation ensuring equitable distribution of UUI positive and negative samples was adopted. Nonzero model weights were extracted to identify most relevant biomarkers. Elevated SKNA and calibrated urine biomarkers were observed in UUI participants. Calibrated urinary biomarkers alone achieves better accuracy than using raw biomarkers. Integration of SKNA and calibrated biomarkers demonstrated superior diagnostic performance for UUI (AUC = 0.80 ± 0.07; sensitivity = 0.72, specificity = 0.83) compared to using SKNA alone, raw or calibrated urine biomarkers alone, and alternative combinations. Baseline SKNA, calibrated MCP-1, MIP-1β, and IP-10 emerged as promising biomarkers. In conclusion, combining SKNA and urinary creatinine-normalized biomarkers yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for UUI. This study proposes an innovative diagnostic algorithm, advancing UUI diagnostics by integrating autonomic function parameters and urine biomarker analysis.

A concise K2CO3/TFAA-mediated diarylation of readily accessible sulfonyl o-hydroxyacetophenones with o-nitroaryl disulfides is described. This single-step strategy provides a variety of functionalized sulfonyl C- and O- bis-o-nitroaryl acetophenones via the...

Introduction In recent years, E-sports has emerged as a global competitive sports discipline. However, research in the field of exercise science regarding this burgeoning area remains relatively limited. Within this context, an in-depth exploration of E-sports from an exercise science perspective not only aids in optimizing players’ training and performance but also contributes important theoretical and practical value to the advancement of exercise science. This study investigated the physiological changes in E-sports athletes by measuring Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Methods A total of 40 male college students (mean age 21.2 ± 2.4 years, mean height 171.8 ± 7.9 cm, and mean weight 70.2 ± 11.5 kg) were recruited. Heart rate data were collected before, during, and after gaming using SCOSCHE heart rate armbands. HRV Analysis 1.1 software was employed to convert heart rate changes into HRV parameters. First, a normality test was conducted to determine the data distribution. Since the data did not meet the assumption of normality, the Friedman test was used to compare pre-, during-, and post-gaming heart rate data. Post hoc comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results The results showed that E-sports gaming significantly affected autonomic nervous system activity. Specifically, pre-game mean heart rate (Mean HR) and low-frequency (LF) power were significantly lower than those measured during and after gaming (p < 0.05), while pre-game mean RR interval (Mean RR) was significantly longer (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pre-game HRV indices [e.g., Standard Deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD), Number of NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (NN50), Percentage of NN50 (pNN50)] and high-frequency (HF) power and LF/HF Ratio were significantly higher than those recorded during and after gaming (p < 0.05). Conclusion E-sports gaming imposes stress and fatigue on HRV-related parameters, heightening sympathetic activity and suppressing parasympathetic function. Although certain indicators exhibited a trend toward recovery during the post-gaming rest period, complete recovery appears to require a longer duration. These findings confirm the utility of HRV as an essential tool for monitoring athletes’ physiological status and underscore the need for effective recovery strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of gaming-related stress.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, aggressive, and dangerous lethal tumor in the brain, which develops in adults. Currently, the efficiency of chemotherapy treatment for GBM patients is still unsatisfactory. PW06 was synthesized by Dr. Lien's laboratory (China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan), and it was demonstrated to induce cancer cell apoptosis in human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa‐2 cells. However, the anti‐cancer activities of PW06 on human GBM cancer cells are not reported. Thus, herein, PW06 was investigated on the anticancer activity on human glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cells. Both PI exclusion and Annexin V/PI double staining methods were conducted for investing cell viability and apoptosis in GBM 8401 cells, respectively; they were analyzed with flow cytometer assay. Results showed that PW06 decreased total viable cell number with the process of cell apoptosis in GBM 8401 cells. Both productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca ²⁺ , affect mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) levels, and activities of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 in GBM 8401 cells after exposure with PW06 were assayed by flow cytometer. Results showed that PW06 promoted ROS production and Ca ²⁺ release from ER but lowered the levels of ΔΨm, and it also induced higher activities in caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 in GBM 8401 cells. Evaluation of protein expressions associated with apoptosis in GBM 8401 cells after being incubated with PW06 were conducted by Western blot analysis. Results show that PW06 increased GADD153, BiP, ATF‐6α, ATF‐6β, eIF2α, eIF2α pSer51 , CHOP, and caspase‐4, and they are associated with ER stress‐associated protein expression. However, it induced higher pro‐apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad) expression and inhibited anti‐apoptotic proteins (Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl, and Mcl‐1) expression, even promoting higher cleaved caspase‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 protein expression and increased EndoG and AIF in GBM 8401 cells. Collectively, it may suggest PW06 exits anti‐GBM activity to process cell apoptosis in the human GBM 8401 cells in vitro.

The destroyer ant (Trichomyrmex destructor) builds aggressive nests in an indoor environment, damaging machinery and structures, and poses threats to humans. Plants contain secondary metabolites that may be toxic to insect pests. In this study, the contact toxicity and repellency of three plants—lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)—and their bioactive compounds—citral, carvone, and camphor—to destroyer ants were investigated. Under laboratory conditions, contact toxicity of all test materials was assessed at six different application rates (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, and 2 μL/cm²), and the repellency of essential oils and two compounds (citral and carvone) against destroyer ants was assessed at three different application rates (0.8, 1, and 1.2 μL/cm²). Based on the results, all essential oils and bioactive compounds demonstrated strong contact toxicity against destroyer ants, caused mortality rates 80–90% within 12 h. Among the essential oils tested, lemongrass oil was the most toxic to the ants, followed by spearmint oil and rosemary oil. Similarly, citral was the most toxic bioactive compound to the ants among the tested compounds, followed by carvone and camphor. For repellency, both test materials demonstrated a repellency rate of 74–90% against destroyer ants within two-hours. According to this study, lemongrass, spearmint, and rosemary essential oils, along with their bioactive compounds, can effectively eliminate and repel destroyer ants, suggesting that these natural ingredients may be a viable alternative to synthetic insecticides in controlling the populations of these destructive ants.

Introduction This study explored whether cognitive function mediates the impact of postacute care (PAC) programs on depression or anxiety in patients with stroke, with consideration for potential moderation effects in the pathway. Methods A PAC group ( n = 2087) receiving PAC for stroke was compared to a non-PAC group ( n = 1591) receiving standard stroke care in Taiwan from March 2015 to March 2023. The effects of PAC on cognitive function and depression and anxiety at baseline, 12 th week, and 1 st year after rehabilitation were investigated using Hayes’ Models. The model was estimated via maximum likelihood with robust standard errors and significance of indirect effects were assessed via a Sobel test. The effect of each variable on the moderation of different pathways in the model was analyzed using AMOS 23.0, and The SPSS PROCESS macro also was used to perform the mediation analysis. Results The PAC program had a mediating effect on cognition and depression at week 12 (a × b = −0.098, P < 0.001) on cognition and anxiety at week 12 (a × b = −0.107, P < 0.001), and the PAC program had a direct effect on depression and anxiety in the 1 st year. It was found that acute lengths of stay had a significant moderation effect in the model (X × W → M = 0.204, P = 0.002), but the model lost its mediating effect when the m oderation variable was added. Conclusion Patients with stroke should receive PAC as soon as possible to improve their cognitive function after rehabilitation, to maximize the effectiveness of treatment for mental disorders, and to reduce the burden of the disease.

Many methods have been proposed to enhance the surface wettability of stainless steel to improve its wear and corrosion-resistant properties. However, these methods are often expensive and time-consuming. Accordingly, this study presents a straightforward approach for improving the surface wettability of 316L stainless steel using UV laser patterning at a wavelength of 355 nm, followed by heat treatment. The effects of the laser power (0.3–1.0 W), scanning speed (100–900 mm/s), heat treatment temperature (100–200 °C), and heat treatment duration (0–12 h) on the surface roughness, wettability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance are systematically explored. The experimental results show that laser treatment at a scanning speed of 500 mm/s followed by heat treatment at 150 °C for 6 h produced a hydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 138.0°. The wear resistance of the sample was significantly improved, with a reduction in the friction coefficient from 0.075 to 0.059. The electrochemical tests showed that the hydrophobic surface reduced the corrosion current from 7.89E − 8 to 5.11E − 8 A/cm². Overall, the optimal laser modification (1 W- 500 mm/s) and post-heat treatment (150 °C) provide an effective approach for enhancing the hydrophobicity, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel, thereby offering an efficient alternative to existing surface modification methods.

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, making it a promising candidate for functional food development. This study investigated phytochemical profiles and bioactivities in different tamarillo parts. Various parts of tamarillo were extracted using water and ethanol (0–95%), with 95% ethanol yielding the highest content of bioactive compounds in the peel, pulp, mucilage, and whole fruit, while 75% ethanol was more effective for the seeds. Among tamarillo components, the peel exhibited the highest concentrations of hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, along with superior antioxidant capacity, including strong scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (EC50, 45.26 µg extract/mL) and high reducing power (EC50, 113.3 µg extract/mL). The peel extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (IC50, 1.623 mg/mL) and angiotensin-converting enzymes (IC50, 1.435 mg/mL). In contrast, the pulp extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (IC50, 0.882 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50, 2.369 mg/mL). These findings suggest that tamarillo extracts possess potent antioxidant activity and enzyme-inhibitory properties related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, gastrointestinal digestion simulation influenced the bioactive compound content and bioactivities. Overall, tamarillo has promising potential as a functional ingredient for MetS prevention, but processing strategies are needed to retain its bioactive properties.

Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of co-culturing embryos with stem cells on embryo development in various mammalian systems. Stem cells secrete numerous factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and microRNAs, which promote embryo development. However, the impact of stem cells on the development of embryos derived from aged mice's oocytes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the co-culture effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on zygotes, focusing on the developmental potential of fertilized embryos. Embryo quality was assessed through staining techniques to measure trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and total blastocyst cell numbers during in vitro culture. Results demonstrated that ADMSC co-culture significantly improved zygote cleavage and blastocyst development rates, particularly in embryos derived from aged mice. Enhanced implantation and post-implantation potential were observed in embryos from both young and aged mice. Notably, co-culture increased TE, ICM, and total blastocyst cell numbers in aged mice-derived embryos without inducing apoptosis in blastocysts. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of OCT4 and G6PDH, associated with pluripotency and glucose metabolism, particularly in embryos from aged mice, while the heat stress marker HSP70 showed no significant changes. These findings demonstrate the potential of ADMSC co-culture as a beneficial protocol for improving embryo development. These findings from this study could offer an important basis for future mechanistic studies in this area.

Climate change, regulatory pressures, and shifting consumer demands urgently drive the bakery industry to adopt sustainable processing technologies. Ohmic heating is a promising alternative to conventional bakery production methods, offering significant sustainability and product quality benefits. This study aims to analyze the role of ohmic heating across various bakery production steps, elaborate on its effect on physicochemical properties and process efficiency, and specify its contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs). According to PRISMA methodology for systematic review, ohmic heating has been used mainly as a baking tool, followed by modifying raw material and dough fermentation. Ohmic heating has demonstrated advantages such as increased specific volume and crust color while reducing energy consumption, processing time, wastewater, staling rate, and losses of β-carotene and phenolic compounds. These benefits align with SDGs 2, 6, and 7 by promoting improved nutrition, reduced wastewater, and enhanced energy efficiency. Researching production optimization, electrode-related concerns, industrial implementation, and consumer-focused education must be considered to unlock ohmic potential in sustainable bakery production. Graphical Abstract