National Chiayi University

Despite five years of hazard tree investigation and mitigation (Potential Hazard Tree monitoring and hazard tree removal) from 2020 to 2024, the incidence ratios of hazard trees (HTs) and Potential Hazard Trees (PHTs) along the Alishan Forest Railway corridor (spanning subtropical, warm temperate, and temperate zones) have not exhibited a significant downward trend. This study aims to investigate the impacts of climate zones, succession, and functional groups on hazard tree occurrence and to further predict the incidence ratios of hazard trees. We employed Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and structural defect frequency to evaluate these interactions. The significance of the impacts is ranked as follows: functional group > succession regeneration > climate zone. Incidence was highest in subtropical (S) and warm temperate (W) zones (S ≈ W > T), and significantly greater for secondary succession (SS) areas compared to Planning Plantation (PP). Crucially, heliophilous species (H + P; small-to-medium pioneer and canopy heliophilous species) contributed significantly more to hazard incidence than non-heliophilous species (MT + T; mid-shade-tolerant and shade-tolerant species). Model predictions identified (H + P) + SS + S as the highest-incidence ecological combination, while (MT + T) + PP + T was the lowest. Structural defect relative frequency analysis revealed that the fast-growth strategy of H + P species fundamentally compromises their biomechanical stability, resulting in significantly higher defect frequencies compared to MT + T species. Furthermore, continuous corridor disturbances maintain a persistent light environment that perpetually recruits these H + P species via secondary succession. To effectively manage the incidence of HT and PHT, future mitigation measures must prioritize Planning Plantation (PP) using non-heliophilous (MT + T) species selected within their appropriate ecological amplitudes.

Abstract: Neurodegenerative disorders have become a global health threat following a prolonged lifespan, with the majority involving the accumulation and propagation of pathological tau. Tau oligomers can migrate to presynaptic terminals and interact with surrounding proteins, among which Bassoon (BSN) is one that selectively binds to and colocalises with misfolded tau. Studies have reported numerous implications of BSN mutations in tau pathology, including promoting tau seeding activity, hyperphosphorylation, misfolding, and aggregation. These eventually lead to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in tauopathies. Given the BSN's physiological role in maintaining synapses, its mutation also impairs synaptic integrity. These abnormalities are consistently attenuated by downregulating BSN levels. However, BSN downregulation can lead to tau hyperphosphorylation via an alternative pathway, CDK5 hyperactivity. Current findings hypothesize that BSN reduces tau clearance by inhibiting proteasome activity. It is also suggested that BSN can impair dopaminergic pathways prior to the detection of tau pathological features. Tunnelling nanotubes also emerge as a potential interneuronal route for BSN-mediated tau spread. Despite a lack of clinical evidence, findings from postmortem samples, in vitro, and preclinical models highlight BSN as a potential candidate for tau-targeting therapies, indicating its role in the pathological development of tau. The involvement of BSN in tau seeding might also resolve challenges posed by tau-targeting drugs during clinical trials. Hence, this article aims to provide new insights into recent findings on BSN and tau with reference to previous studies. We will discuss the possible mechanisms involved, along with the future therapeutic value of BSN in the treatment of tauopathies.

Abstract This study explores the impact of spa experiences on customer emotions and well-being, focusing on the roles of facility experience, body benefits, and spiritual benefits. Data collected from 450 spa customers were analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test 8 hypotheses. The findings reveal that facility experiences significantly enhance both body and spiritual benefits, which in turn positively influence positive emotions and happiness. Body benefits were found to have a negligible impact on negative emotions, while spiritual benefits contributed to increased negative emotions. Additionally, positive emotions strongly impacted overall happiness, while negative emotions showed a weak influence on happiness. These results highlight the importance of providing an enjoyable, well-equipped spa environment to foster customer satisfaction and well-being. The study’s implications for spa operators include enhancing facility experiences and addressing spiritual and body benefits to promote positive emotional outcomes. Future research should explore longitudinal designs and cross-cultural differences for a broader understanding of spa experiences.