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Background. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is a standard treatment in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, the timing of initiation of DAPT in the Emergency Department (ED) is not well established. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the correlation between the different timings of DAPT initiation in ED and the outcomes in patients with NSTEMI. Method. We retrospectively collected data of patients who were diagnosed as NSTEMI in the ED of China Medical University Hospital during 2016 to 2019. All NSTEMI patients who required coronary stenting or ballooning were enrolled into the study, which means NSTEMI patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included. The time interval between ED arrival and DAPT given was recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they received DAPT within 6 hours after arrival to the ED. The primary outcomes were in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes were unexpected return to the ED within 72 hours, readmission within 14 days, and revascularization procedures performed within the first 30 days. Results. 938 NSTEMI patients with PCI were enrolled. Patients who received DAPT beyond 6 hours were relatively old (65.70 ± 14.13 versus 63.16 ± 13.31, p = 0.014 ) and had relatively more comorbidities and higher Killip scores than those who received DAPT within 6 hours. The group that received DAPT within 6 hours had lower in-hospital MACE rate (3.52% versus 8.37%, p = 0.009 ). Multivariate logistic regression showed the group beyond 6 hours was independently associated with higher risk for in-hospital MACE rate (OR : 2.09, 95% CI 1.07–4.07, p = 0.030 ). Conclusion. Among patients with NSTEMI, DAPT beyond 6 hours after ED arrival have higher in-hospital MACE rate than those within 6 hours.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) exist worldwide to alleviate the gap between human development and conserving nature, history/culture heritage, and resources. In Taiwan, most of MPAs were established as aquatic organism and fishery resource conservation zones (FCZs), such as mud shrimp (Austinogebia edulis) protection since 2006, which we used as a study case. However, comprehensive review has yet conducted to determine whether management objectives are being achieved. We therefore examined the FCZs management effectiveness by conducting a 4 year (2017–2020) field survey of mud shrimp density in the tidal flat and MPA institution in Taiwan. The mud shrimp density obtained from both historical record in references and our observations was analyzed using geographic information systems to determine their spatial distribution within and around the designated FCZs. The results indicate that mud shrimp density is dominant outside the protected zones, which might be related to habitat changes over time. Moreover, the review of MPA governance in Taiwan indicated that FCZs management lack regular financial support and regular examination of management plan. An operational framework is suggested to improve the sustainable management of conservation zones decision-making that comprises four steps: (1) Partnerships with MPA commitment authorities and non-government organizations, specifically, regional fisheries associations; (2) plan regular financial support and fundraise; (3) conduct long-term monitoring programs; and (4) create a coordination platform with stakeholders to evaluate the management plan and/or induce necessary adjustments. This framework will enable users to create strategies that strengthen long-term monitoring and MPA operation maintaining socioeconomic linkages with stakeholders.

Derelict fishing gear produced by oyster farming activities is being dispersed along the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The derelict gear fragments littering at the coastal areas and is responsible for ghost fishing being a type of marine pollution. To address this problem, the paper presents an experimental implementation of a method to localize radio-frequency identification tags in oyster farms for monitoring using drone technologies. The advantage of the proposed system is to provide a useful tool in analyzing identification of oyster rafts farming with less man power and time. The findings provide an initial feasibility study on combining radio-frequency identification system with drone technology to improve oyster farms management. In addition, this paper depicts the proposed system, shows the testing methodology and analyses some achieved performances in an experimental scenario.