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The reconstruction of residences has led to an increase in the use of single-use materials in the construction industry. In the context of the circular economy, with the implementation of circular housing from a cradle-to-cradle perspective, the field of housing construction is changing rapidly. Innovation and sharing improve the consumer experience and increase consumers' purchase intention. This research integrates design attributes, sharing attributes, perceived value, and affective value to study the impact of circular housing on acceptance and identification. The framework of SOR theory framework is used to analyze the predictive factors of consumer intention. The results emphasize that emotional responses in terms of affective value, perceived value, and social equity are the most prominent. This research also utilizes the KJ method. The research methods include a literature review, field observations, expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, and triangulation validation. Moreover, this research uses PLS-SEM to analyze the data of 568 participants. The structural analysis shows that consumers' acceptance and identification of circular housing are strongly influenced by social equity. A total of 16 out of 17 hypotheses are established, with eight partial mediating effects, including the mediating role of social equity. Perceived value is found to affect consumers' cognition and attitudes Perceived value and design attributes, as well as these factors combined, influence consumer acceptance and identification. This research provides strategies to enhance the design of circular housing and promote its development. This research explores the relationship between consumers' acceptance and identification of circular design and the development of circular housing. It first establishes a structural model based on the SOR theory. Adding the mental map of interview results to the model, the results of this research analyzes the design attribute value, and the SEM-PLS analysis influences highlights the identification and acceptance of circular housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrates circular economy (CE) metrics with machine learning techniques, specifically XGBoost and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), to forecast municipal solid waste (MSW) in the EU, analyzing data from 2010 to 2020. It examines key economic and consumption indicators, including GDP per capita and energy consumption, along with CE metrics such as resource productivity, the municipal waste recycling rate, and the circular material use rate. The model demonstrates high predictive accuracy, with an R2 of 99% for in-sample data and 75% for out-of-sample data. The results indicate a significant correlation between a higher GDP per capita and an increased gross municipal waste per capita (GMWp). Conversely, lower energy consumption is associated with reduced GMWp. Notably, the circular material use rate emerges as a crucial factor for sustainability, with increased use significantly decreasing the GMWp. In contrast, a higher resource productivity correlates with an increased GMWp, suggesting complex implications for waste generation. The recycling rate, while impactful, shows a more modest effect compared to the other factors. The culminating insights from this study emphasize the need for sustainable, integrated waste management and support the adoption of circular economy-aligned policies. They underscore the efficacy of merging CE metrics with advanced predictive models to bolster regional sustainability efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, research on regional revitalization has mainly focused on local culture and cultural industry. There is less research on the value composition of introducing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local industries. Thus, we analyzed existing local characteristic industries and the composition of the industry value chain from a consumer perspective. The main observation factors were determined for the introduction of products with sustainable development, value creation networks, and the formation of a sixth industrial structure under SDGs. The value creation configuration of local industries was also analyzed. By applying the two-dimensional Kano model of quality, consumers' attitudes towards products with SDG indicators were determined in local traditional industries more precisely. The correlation between the design of products with SDG indicators and satisfaction was also obtained. There was a two-dimensional correlation between the different qualities and satisfaction, rather than just a linear correlation. The research findings suggested that the value of the SDG indicators influenced consumers and societal trends significantly. Therefore, the value composition of the SDG indicators is the main determining factor for consumer expectations. The result provides a reference for stakeholders of local industries to construct a sustainable ecosystem in the regional revitalization system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily oral activities may severely influence oral health of children with disabilities. In this survey, we analyzed the impact of dietary and tooth-brushing habits to dental caries in special school children with disabilities. This cross-sectional survey investigated 535 special school children with disabilities aged 6-12 years, 60.93% males, 39.07% females from 10 special schools in Taiwan. Oral examinations were carried out by dentists with a Kappa score of their inter-examiner agreement exceeding 0.8. Data on demographics, diet, and tooth-brushing habits of children with disabilities were collected using a standardized questionnaire completed by parents/caregivers. More than three quarters of the participants were combined with severe or profound disability. Children with profound severity in disability had a higher percentage (67.37%) in teeth-brushing by parents/caregivers compared to those children with mild/moderate severity in disability which had a higher percentage (81.60%) in teeth-brushing by themselves. Children whose teeth were brushed by parents/caregivers had a better dental health, and lower caries prevalence. The main risk factors related to decayed teeth of children with disabilities are frequency of sweets intake, ability to brush teeth and with plaque or not. The dental health education, prevention program and periodical oral check-up to children with disabilities and their parents/caregivers should be reinforced. Brushing skill should be taught to children according to their type, severity and individual characteristics of disability. (Contains 5 tables.)

This study examined the causal dynamics between circular economy (CE) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in European Union (EU) countries. The selected CE indicators included the trade in recyclable raw materials (TRM) and the circular material use rate (CMR) in the secondary raw materials area, the generation of municipal waste per capita (GMWp) in the production and consumption area and the recycling rate of municipal waste (RMW) in the area of waste management. The coefficients of the panel cointegration equations showed that for every 1 percentage point increase in RMW, average CO2 emissions decreased by 0.5%, while for every 1 percentage point increase in GMWp and TRM, the average CO2 emissions increased by 0.263% and 0.101%, respectively. It also showed that the recycling volumes and recycling rate had a positive but very limited impact on the CMR. The panel vector error correction model result showed that there were long-run bidirectional causalities between CE indicators and carbon emissions, and the TRM had a short-run negative impact on waste generation. However, the short-run impact of CE indicators on carbon emissions was not significant, which may be because the European CE is still in its infancy. The finding suggests that policymakers should adopt multilateral policies such as reducing carbon emissions, improving the efficiency and productivity of resource management and waste recycling, and increasing investment and innovation in the secondary raw materials market to achieve resource decoupling and impact decoupling. The decoupling of these two types is a necessary condition for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan intends to be nuclear free by 2025. This study employs the Lotka–Volterra competition model for sustainable development to analyze the emissions–energy–economy (3Es) issue to make appropriate policy suggestions for a nuclear-free transition. It also offers a new approach to naming the 3E relationship. The literature review shows that the environmental Kuznets curve accompanies the feedback and conservation hypotheses. In the 3E dynamics relationship analysis, the model shows a good mean absolute percentage error (<15%) for the model estimation. The key findings are as follows: 1) the fossil fuel-led economy exists; 2) CO2 emissions are reduced with nuclear energy consumption; 3) renewable energy is far from scale; 4) a complementary effect exists between fossil fuel and nuclear energy consumption; and 5) gas retrofitting and phasing out of nuclear seem imminent. In the energy transition, Taiwan drastically cuts nuclear energy without considering energy diversity due to which troubles might ensue. The priority issue for Taiwan's energy mix is energy security. To deal with these concerns, this study suggests the government could improve energy efficiency, build a smart grid, develop carbon capture and storage, and reconsider putting nuclear energy back into the energy mix before renewable energy is scaled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality inspection and long term reliability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are critical for product assurance. In this work, the degradation of LCDs under both high temperature (~90°C) and high humidity (~near 100%) are characterized as a reference for related product reliability test in accelerating manner. Traditionally, manually inspection is performed for finding display defects such as Mura. Such an approach could be biased easily by subjective opinions and a more objective evaluation should be sought. In this paper, a computer-based inspection approach is proposed for addressing this need through a systematic design of LCD durability test. By capturing standard LCD display images during operation and perform essential image processing, it is possible to evaluate defect quantitatively. After each heating period, the LCD images are taken and analyzed either by Otsu thresholding or by analyzing their statistical properties in the gray level histograms. The results indicate that these image-based methods are highly correlated and therefore can be adapted as the measures of display qualities. The mean time to failure is characterized as 1500 hours under the testing condition. Meanwhile, both the Young’s modulus and warpage testing of the polarizer and the diffuser membranes of the LCDs, as well as the essential finite element deformation analyses, are performed for correlating the display performance of the LCDs. It is found that the resulted warpage and the reported Mura are also highly correlated. This provides a rational approach for improving device longevity based on fundamental mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Paliperidone extended release (ER) is an oral psychotropic treatment formulated to release paliperidone at a controlled, gradually ascending rate. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of switching to paliperidone ER in Taiwanese patients with schizophrenia who were unresponsive or intolerant to previous antipsychotic therapy. Patients and methods: This was a 24-week, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, Phase IV trial. Based on consulting psychiatrists' judgment, patients were deemed eligible for the switch to paliperidone ER; the switch was achieved by cross-tapering, using a recommended starting dose of 6 mg. Eligibility considerations included lack of efficacy, tolerability, and/or adherence to previous oral antipsychotic medication. Results: Of the 297 enrolled patients, 178 (59.5%) completed the study. The main reasons for discontinuation included insufficient efficacy (8.7%), patient decision (8.4%), and adverse events (AEs; 6.4%). Improvements in the: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score and Clinical Global Impression-Severity score were observed only in patients treated at medical centers and not in those treated at psychiatric hospitals. The most common AEs were insomnia, headache, constipation, and extrapyramidal syndrome. One or more serious AEs were reported in 11 (3.7%) patients; none resulted in death. No significant changes in body weight, plasma glucose, or lipid levels were observed. Conclusion: Switching to paliperidone ER was effective and well tolerated for up to 24 weeks in patients with schizophrenia who were unresponsive or intolerant to previous antipsychotic therapy. The observed differences in treatment between psychiatric hospitals and medical centers with regard to dosage and titration of paliperidone ER warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin conductive polymer membranes are the major sensing structure in resistive touch panels. However, device malfunctions such as early touching and false triggering have been reported during product development and reliability assessment. A surface profile examination has indicated that these membranes have considerable initial warpage, which could be a sign of membrane buckling, since the clamped design of the assembly may cause additional in-plane compression, in turn causing structural buckling. As a result, it is important to analyze the buckling and post-buckling behaviors of conductive polymer membranes due to initial imperfections, residual stress, or assembly issues in order to develop engineering solutions to ensure quality assurance. In this paper, both finite-element analyses and experimental characterizations are performed as the first step toward solving the observed problems. For the buckling analysis, we focus on the correlations between the calculated mode shapes and the observed surface warpage. Post-buckling analysis is also performed for exploring the performance of touch panels with initial warpage. In addition, several experimental investigations are conducted to validate the above mentioned mechanical analyses. The simulation results essentially agree with the observations. Both simulation and experimental investigations indicate that in-plane compression and shear can contribute to the observed failures. Engineering methods to increase buckling rigidity can be helpful for enhancing device reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the relationship between the stock market and the neurotic disorder doctor visits. We use aggregate data, partition the population by age and gender and examine the impact of changes in the stock market on neurotic disorders. Using doctor visits as a proxy measure of morbidity, we find evidence of some relationship between neurotic disorder morbidity and stock market variations. A stock market falling in a single day and the accumulation of daily stock market drops are both associated with more neurotic disorder doctor visits. We also observe more neurotic disorder doctor visits during periods of a low stock index for the elderly, regardless of gender. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The traditional management of open/laparoscopic choledochotomy after common bile duct (CBD) exploration is accomplished by placement of a T-tube, a procedure historically associated with complications and discomfort. In this study, we share in humble our laparoscopic experience of the use of primary closure of CBD, primary closure over pigtail J, and endonasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tubes as easy and effective alternatives to T-tubes. Methods: From April 2006 to March 2009, 27 (16 women) patients with CBD stones underwent laparoscopic choledochotomy at our institute and were engaged in this study by means of T-tube-free approach after bile duct exploration: primary closure, pigtail J tube, and ENBD tube groups. On admission, routine laboratory and imaging workups were performed to confirm choledocholithiasis diagnosis. Results: The mean operative time for primary closure, pigtail J tube, and ENBD tube groups were 95, 100, and 97.5 minutes, respectively. There was no conversion to open surgery nor was intraoperative complication experienced in all the groups. No major biliary complications such as bile leakage or bile peritonitis were seen; however, 1 patient from the pigtail J group experienced premature tube dislodgement and 1 patient from the ENBD tube group was found with a singular CBD retained stone. Conclusions: Laparoscopic primary closure of the CBD and over pigtail J and ENBD tubes are easy and effective alternatives to T-tube placements; these procedures are safe and with great feasibility, they offer faster recovery time for patients and early discharge with lower hospital charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Optimization of quality of life is an important goal in the management of patients with unresectable peri-ampullary cancer. Herein, we share our two cases to demonstrate the feasibility of scarless transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy using conventional instruments in the management of unresectable peri-ampullary cancer.Cases and Methods: Two 58-year-old patients (one male) underwent transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomies: The male and female patients were diagnosed with duodenal papillary carcinoma and pancreatic cancer, respectively. The hepatocystic junction was confirmed patent preoperatively in both patients. A 2-cm periumbilical incision was made for the placement of three trocars. Conventional rigid laparoscopic instruments were solely used throughout the procedure, and operative techniques were carried out in the same fashion as for conventional laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy.Results: The procedures were completed uneventfully in 190 and 155 min, respectively, with no complications, and the blood loss was estimated at 80 and 20 ml, respectively. Postoperative pain scores on postoperative day 1 were 4/10 and 3/10. The patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperative days 3 and 5 with resolving jaundice.Conclusions: Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy appears to be a technically feasible alternative to standard laparoscopic procedure and can be performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a self-adjusting concentration of graphene thermal grease was developed to reduce the contact surface thermal resistance of 50 W light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The purpose was to identify an important type of heat conduction material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, which can be applied to the contact surface of various high-heat sources or concentrated heat sources to achieve seamless heat transfer with an extremely low thermal resistance state. The contact heat conduction material conductivity reached the highest K value of 13.4 W/m·K with a 15 wt.% self-adjusting concentration of graphene grease. This material could continuously achieve a completely uniform and rapid thermal diffusion of heat energy. Therefore, we performed an analysis of chip-on-board light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a highly concentrated heat source, which showed excellent heat dissipation under natural convection heat transfer. As such, this study achieved the natural convection mechanism and a heat sink volume thermal performance capacity of 473,750 mm3 for LEDs under 50 W, but those over 50 W require an enhanced forced convection solution and a heat sink volume thermal performance capacity between 473,750 mm3 and 947,500 mm3. If the heat source dissipation reaches 100 W, the volume capacity must be at least 947,500 mm3 for lighting equipment applications. In the experimental study, we also verified and analyzed the research data, including an analysis of the measured data, grease component wt.%, heat sink material selection, increase in heat sink volume, heat transfer path, and contact surface, a discrimination analysis of infrared thermal images, and an analysis of flow visualization, which were conducted to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement, provide a mechanism for judging the technical performance, and provide research results to enable discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, CSR assurance and the reputation of assurance providers (accounting firms) on the cost of debt capital. Our difference-in-difference research design in conjunction with univariate and multiple regression analysis was assessed using a large sample of firms listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the Taipei Exchange. Our empirical results revealed that mandatory CSR assurance on CSR disclosure provided by accounting firms tended to reduce the cost of debt capital. However, contrary to expectations, the reputation of the accounting firm (Big 4 accounting firms vs. non-Big 4 accounting firms) tasked with providing CSR assurance did not have a significant effect on the cost of debt capital. These results have implications for firms seeking an assurance provider as well as for Big 4 accounting firms. These results also provide specific evidence relevant to government agencies seeking to update policies and extend the scope of mandatory CSR assurance to other environmentally sensitive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than a decade, many countries have been actively developing robotic assistive devices to assist in the rehabilitation of individuals with limb disability to regain function in the extremities. The exoskeleton assistive device in this study has been designed primarily for hemiplegic stroke patients to aid in the extension of fingers to open up the palm to simulate the effects of rehabilitation. This exoskeleton was designed as an anterior-support type to achieve palmar extension and acts as a robotic assistive device for rehabilitation in bilateral upper limb task training. Testing results show that this wearable exoskeleton assistive device with human factor consideration using percentile dimensions can provide comfortable wear on patients as well as adequate torque to pull individual fingers into flexion towards the palm for rehabilitation. We hope this exoskeleton device can help stroke patients with loss of function in the upper extremities to resume motor activities in order to maintain activities of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method allows access to a broad spectrum of the required diarylmethylamine synthons with excellent enantioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]