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Soybeans are a good source of protein and functional nutrition for humans and are used in the production of many foods, such as soymilk and tofu, which are popular in Asia. Soymilk is a beverage with a milky appearance and is produced by grinding soybeans in water; this raw soymilk is then filtered and heated. Soymilk can be used to produce tofu, a gelatinous food, in a process that generally involves coagulating, forming, and pressing soymilk. Tofu is also a source of functional ingredients, such as isoflavones, that have received much attention for their antioxidant properties. These isoflavones bind to soy protein to form soy protein–isoflavone complexes in tofu. In this review, we examined the processing, gelation and functional components of tofu. First, we introduced novel processing technologies (such as thermal and nonthermal processing) and hydrocolloids that affect the rheological property and texture of tofu. Then, because the coagulation and gelation of soymilk are important steps in the tofu manufacturing process, we also described detailed coagulation and gelation mechanisms of soybean proteins in tofu. Finally, we described the functional compounds and ingredients in tofu. This review provides basic knowledge for the further application of novel processing technology in tofu processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the digital economy, as artificial intelligence applications increase, big data analytical capability (BDAC) plays a crucial role, and intellectual capital is growing in importance. This study aims to examine the possible benefits and effects of intellectual capital, BDAC and integrations on operational performance. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected data from firms in Asia, and a total of 257 senior managers completed a questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used for statistical analysis. Findings: Intellectual capital positively correlates with BDAC, and BDAC positively relates to internal integration but not to external integration. Furthermore, both internal integration and external integration positively correlate with operational performance. This study supports that internal integration is a significant mediator in the influence of BDAC on operational performance. Practical implications: First, the authors provide empirical evidence that intelligent capital in intangible resources helps firms to build BDAC. Second, this study stresses the importance of BDAC in business, which enhances the integration of the whole supply chain and results in superior operational performance. Originality/value: This is a first attempt from the perspective of intelligent capital and uses SEM to emphasize the relationships among BDAC, supply chain integration and performance based on unique and irreplaceable intangible resources, thus providing a new perspective on the contributing factors of BDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Based on the fundamental of the S3-level clinical practice guideline (CPG) for treating stage I-III periodontitis developed by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), this consensus report aimed to develop treatment recommendations for treating periodontitis in the Taiwanese population.Methods: The report was constructed by experts from the Taiwan Academy of Periodontology. The following topics were reviewed: (a) the prevalence of periodontitis in Asia and current status of treatment in Taiwan; (b) specific anatomical considerations for treating periodontitis in Asians; (d) educational and preventive interventions and supragingival plaque control; (d) subgingival instrumentation and adjunctive treatment; (e) surgical periodontal therapy; and (f) maintenance and supportive periodontal care. Recommendations were made according to the evidences from the EFP CPG, the published literature and clinical studies in Asians, and the expert opinions.Results: The treatment recommendations for the Taiwanese population were generally in parallel with the EFP CPG, and extra cautions during treatment and maintenance phases were advised due to the anatomical variations, such as shorter root trunk, higher prevalence of supernumerary distolingual root and lingual bony concavity in mandibular posteriors, and thinner anterior labial plate, of the Asian population.Conclusion: The EFP CPG could be adopted for treating periodontitis and maintaining periodontal health of the Taiwanese population, and anatomical variations should be cautious when the treatment is delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the rapidly increasing demand for culturally and linguistically diverse school psychologists and training needs for international school psychology students in the USA, this study was grounded in the risk and resilience framework and used semi-structured interviews to explore the nuanced experiences of Asian international trainees in school psychology programs in the USA. Participants included 11 Asian international students who were enrolled in or recently graduated from school psychology programs in the USA. Thematic analysis revealed that Asian international school psychology students identified some assets they have brought to the program, including their diverse perspectives and experiences, awareness and commitment to social justice, and the potential to diversify the school psychology workforce. Participants also identified several challenges they were facing, such as acculturative stress, microaggression and discrimination, training program–related issues, and working restrictions related to their visa status. Moreover, they identified some effective strategies (i.e., seeking resources and increasing internal strengths) they have used to cope with these challenges. The findings provide important implications for school psychology graduate programs in the USA to improve the training experiences and training outcomes for international students from Asia and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) technology enables consistent PCR amplification and detection in a simple heating device. A pan-dengue virus (DENV) RT-iiPCR, targeting the 5’ untranslated region, was validated previously on the semi-automated POCKIT combo system (involving separate devices for nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification/detection) to offer performance comparable to a laboratory real-time PCR. Working on the same technologies, a compact automated sample-in-answer-out system (POCKIT Central Nucleic Acid Analyser) has been available commercially for iiPCR, minimizing human error risks and allowing easy molecular bio-detection near points of need. Here, we evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the pan-DENV RT-iiPCR on the fully automated system by comparison to those on the semi-automated system. Methodology/Principal findings: Testing sera containing serial diluted DENV-1, -2, -3, or -4 cell culture stock, the pan-DENV RT-iiPCR system had similar 100% detection endpoints on the two systems; i.e. at 1, 10, 1 and 10 PFU/ml, respectively, on the fully automated system, and at 10, 1, 10 and 10 PFU/ml, respectively, on the semi-automated system. Furthermore, both fully automated and semi-automated PCR system can detect all four DENV serotypes in mosquitos. Clinical performance of the reagent on the two systems was evaluated by testing 60 human serum samples. Both systems detected the same 40 samples (ten DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4 positive each) and did not detect the other 20; 100% agreement (κ = 1) was found between the two systems. Conclusions/Significance: With performance comparable to a previously validated system, the fully-automated PCR system allows applications of the pan-DENV reagent as a useful tool near points of need to facilitate easy, fast and effective detection of dengue virus and help mitigate versatile public health challenges in the control and management of dengue disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: To investigate the Janus kinase-1 and 3 (JAK-1 and 3) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods: The levels of JAK-1 and JAK-3 mRNA in PBMCs, CD3+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes were measured by RT-PCR in 52 AS patients and 31 healthy controls (HCs). The demographic features, BASDAI, BASFI, HLA-B27, ESR, CRP and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) level were recorded and correlated with the JAK-1 & JAK-3 transcripts in patients and HCs as appropriate.Results: JAK-1 and JAK-3 expression in PB CD3+ T cells plus CD14+ monocytes was significantly higher in AS patients than in HCs (p < 0.05). There is a positive correlation between JAK-1 expression in CD3+ T cells plus CD14+ monocytes and ESR, CRP, IgA, HLA-B27, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and uveitis (all p < 0.05), respectively. JAK-1 transcript was also increased in CD14+ monocytes from patients and correlated well with ESR and CRP as the disease deteriorated. Conversely, JAK-1 was negatively correlated to chest expansion. Area under the curve of standard receiver operating characteristic suggested that JAK-1 transcript in CD3+ T cells plus CD14+ monocytes is better to predict the higher BASDAI (>4) and BASFI (>4) than ESR or CRP in AS patients.Conclusion: In AS, JAK-1 expression in PB cells rather than ESR or CRP might be regarded as a bio-marker for monitoring disease activity and functional index in AS. These findings have also suggested that JAK-1 and JAK-3 expression may play a role in the inflammatory processes in patients with AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cruise tourism is a significant growth trend in Europe and America. However, in recent years, it has gradually gained popularity among tourists in Asia, showing great potential. Strategically located in Asia, Taiwan is an ideal place to develop cruise tourism. This study explores how Taiwan could build a niche in Asia's cruise tourism industry. It applies the Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy IPA methods. According to study results, Taiwan should prioritize on the following aspects: establishing a 24-h tourist service center, providing a complete cruise logistics service, inviting foreign cruise operators to inspect special resources in Taiwan, cooperating with other Asian countries, setting up a special government unit, as well as planning and developing unique tourism resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the maladjustment of Asian (Bangladeshi, Pakistani) and African (Nigerian, Namibian, Ghanaian) peacekeepers and its major influence factors. By random cluster sampling, 300 Asian peacekeepers and 271 African peacekeepers were administered the military psychological maladjustment scale (MPMS) and risk factors questionnaire. Investigation at Day 7 and Day 120 into the peacekeeping deployment period indicated that MPMS total score and factor scores of the Asian peacekeepers were significantly lower than those of the African peacekeepers (p < .01). The total score and each factor score of MPMS of the Asian peacekeepers significantly decreased (p < .01); for the African peacekeepers, only the factor score of emotional disorder of MPMS significantly decreased (p < .05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the education duration was the influence factor for the emotional disorder factor score in the Asian peacekeepers, and the two factors were positively correlated. Age, military service duration, education duration and marital status were the major influence factors for the MPMS factors of the African peacekeepers, among which age was negatively correlated with the total score and each factor score, and military service duration, education duration and marital status were positively related. We conclude that the Asian peacekeepers are more adaptable and resilient than the African peacekeepers. Education duration was the major influence factor for Emotional Disorder in the Asian peacekeepers. The major influence factors for maladjustment in the African peacekeepers were age, military service duration, education duration and marital status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research goals of this study were to investigate how the design and service quality of the website of the public sectors affect tourists' satisfaction and continued usage intention. We collected a sample of tourists, using a survey questionnaire, and we tested the model and hypotheses using a structural equation modelling approach. E-tourism websites have unique interactive and multimedia qualities with the potential to create experiences similar to a product trial. In total, invitation messages were mailed to 2000 members of the Taiwanese backpackers' forum, of which 256 were returned completed. The findings of this study indicate that the mission of excellence in travel services will be an important strategy in e-tourism website design; an e-tourism website that allows quick navigation is likely to attract travellers. Moreover, it is important that governments adopt a knowledge-sharing culture in their relationship strategy by developing a competence for building long-term relationships with tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late cardiovascular complications after intervention for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) might be common. Such data, especially in Asian populations, are still limited. A total of 169 patients with CoA who survived balloon (n = 41) or surgical (n = 128) intervention from 1986 to 2004 were enrolled. The total follow-up was 1,776 patient-years, and the patient age at last follow-up was 14.7 ± 8.5 years. Reintervention for recoarctation, systemic hypertension, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) was subsequently noted in 57 (34%), 36 (21.3%), and 24 (14.2%) patients, respectively, without significant differences between the balloon and surgical groups. The 20-year freedom from reintervention, systemic hypertension, and LVOTO rate was 52%, 78.6%, and 80.8% in the balloon group and 59%, 51%, and 81.9% in the surgical group, respectively. The age at CoA intervention and the aortic geometry after CoA intervention of gothic type were common risk factors for reintervention for recoarctation and late systemic hypertension. In contrast, the presence of bicuspid aortic valves and gothic arch geometry after CoA intervention increased the risk of LVOTO. Plasma renin/aldosterone activities were not elevated in those with or without systemic hypertension. In conclusion, the profile of reintervention for recoarctation and late systemic hypertension after CoA interventions in our Asian cohort with CoA was similar to that observed in white patients. Asian patients might have a lower risk of LVOTO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with adult congenital heart disease in Western countries is already known. We investigate clinical characteristics of PH in adult congenital heart disease with emphasis on complex congenital heart disease (CHD) from an Asian cohort in Taiwan. Methods and Results All adult patients (aged >18 years) diagnosed with CHD between January 2007 and July 2018 qualified for the study. PH was determined by cardiac catheterization data or echocardiography reports. In accord with the World Symposia on Pulmonary Hypertension, CHD was further categorized as simple, severe, or complex CHD (including pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect and single-ventricle anomalies). There were 4301 patients (55.6% women), 15.7% with severe and 3.9% with complex CHD. The cumulative incidence of PH was 4.4% (95% CI, 3.8-5.0). Our multivariable regression model indicated 4.2-fold mortality increase (95% CI, 3.0-5.9) in the presence of PH, with age, female sex, and severe or complex CHD linked to higher incidence of PH. Only 49% of patients received PH-specific therapy. Five- and 10-year survival rates of patients with PH (n=190) were 72.3% (95% CI, 65.1%-78.4%) and 58.8% (95% CI, 50.1%-66.5%), respectively. Survival rates in those with Eisenmenger syndrome, PH after defect correction, and complex CHD were similar. Low oxygen saturation and high uric acid levels were associated with increased mortality. Conclusions In this sizable Asian adult CHD cohort, the cumulative incidence of PH was aligned with that of Western countries. Mortality proved higher in patients with PH versus without PH. Although complex CHD carried greater risk of PH compared with other adult CHD subsets, survival rate was similar.

Historically endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, yellow fever is absent from the Asia-Pacific region. Yellow fever virus (YFV) is mainly transmitted by the anthropophilic Aedes mosquitoes whose distribution encompasses a large belt of tropical and sub tropical regions. Increasing exchanges between Africa and Asia have caused imported YFV incidents in non-endemic areas, which are threatening Asia with a new viral emergence. Here, using experimental infections of field-collected mosquitoes, we show that Asian-Pacific Aedes mosquitoes are competent vectors for YFV. We observe that Aedes aegypti populations from Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and New Caledonia are capable of transmitting YFV 14 days after oral infections, with a number of viral particles excreted from saliva reaching up to 23,000 viral particles. These findings represent the most comprehensive assessment of vector competence and show that Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from the Asia-Pacific region are highly competent to YFV, corroborating that vector populations are seemingly not a brake to the emergence of yellow fever in the region.