Day 結果共624筆

A pivotal study reveals that dengue fever can rapidly spread through a transmission method similar to needle-sharing in infectious diseases like HBV, HCB, and HIV. The study, conducted by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes in collaboration with the Department of Health and Kaohsiung City Government, analyzed the timing of infections during the 2015 outbreak. They found that in 85% of household cases, symptoms occurred within three days of each other, contradicting the previously believed incubation period for virus transmission. Using animal models, researchers confirmed that when mosquitoes bite an infected animal and then promptly bite another, the virus can transfer via the mosquito’s proboscis, bypassing the once-considered essential eight-day extrinsic incubation period. This finding explains the rapid spread of the 2015 dengue epidemic in Taiwan and raises concerns for the recent spike in cases. The study, published in the esteemed journal eBiomedicine, a Lancet subsidiary, in August 2023, also involved international researchers from the University of California, Nagoya University, Tsinghua University, and National Taiwan University.

The Carrefour Market Fuzhong Store in Banqiao District, New Taipei, will close on January 14, 2024, after operating for 14 years. The store, which has been open 24 hours a day since its grand opening in 2009, will shut down due to the expiration of its lease contract. Carrefour plans to find a new location and announce a grand reopening once a site is selected. The news of the closure has disappointed many customers, particularly those who rely on the store’s round-the-clock services. Residents in the area have been discussing the impending closure, with some expressing shock and pity for the loss of the convenient late-night operation.

Due to strong winds, ferry services between Xiamen and Kinmen were suspended on December 16. The Kinmen County Harbor Bureau forecasts that services may resume around noon, depending on wind conditions. Gale-force winds reaching level eight were recorded earlier that day, leading to the temporary halt. Officials warn that the windy weather could continue to disrupt ferry schedules, and advise passengers to stay informed and make alternative travel arrangements.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has forecasted sunny to partly cloudy skies across Taiwan and its outlying islands on Friday (Dec. 15), with a front bringing brief rain showers to the north, northeast, and Matsu in the evening. A continental polar air mass will move in the next day, resulting in a drop in temperatures and damp, cold weather that will persist through Monday. Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu predicts that a stronger wave of cold air will arrive on Tuesday (Dec. 19), potentially marking the season’s first cold wave. Brief showers are expected in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan from Saturday, with lows around 12 degrees Celsius in some metropolitan areas. Rain will pause on Monday until Tuesday afternoon, followed by another wave of cold air from Tuesday evening to Friday (Dec. 22). Weather models suggest that this wave might reach the strength of a strong continental cold air mass, with the potential for it to be upgraded to a cold wave. The cold is expected to gradually weaken by Saturday, Dec. 23.

The Taipei City Government is urging YouBike users to sign up for coverage to obtain additional protection, following a report stating that 812 YouBike accidents have occurred from last year to the end of November this year. Transportation Management Division Chief Chu Chen-tso indicated that most accidents involved riders cycling too fast or being unable to brake in time while going downhill, leading to falls and injuries. With injury insurance, compensation for fractures or serious accidents can reach up to NT$1 million, and hospitalization claims amount to NT$1,000 per day. However, minor scrapes and bruises are generally not covered. Since the initiation of a free public bicycle injury insurance policy in 2018, the insurance rate has risen from 49.4% to 63.5%. Despite this improvement, surveys reveal that 37% of individuals are unaware of public bicycle injury insurance, 30% believe they do not need the insurance, and 20% are reluctant to go through the insurance application process. Additionally, about 60% of users do not understand that each YouBike card requires separate insurance coverage. Taipei boasts 1,325 YouBike 2.0 stations and 15,047 bicycles.

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) will add 81 train services from Jan. 12 to 15 next year to accommodate travelers returning home for the presidential and legislative elections. The additional train services will cover all types of trains and aim to strengthen transportation capacity during the election period. Starting Friday at midnight, presidential and legislative election train tickets will be available for booking online, at convenience stores, and via telephone reservation system. The TRA estimates a 5.2 percent average daily increase in capacity during this period, with the west line seeing a 2.4 percent rise, the east line 12.6 percent, and the south-link line 4.7%. This will result in approximately 39,000 extra seats each day compared to regular days. Compared to the election year of 2020, the overall number of seats will increase by 8.89 percent and total seat kilometers by 9.76 percent in 2024, according to the TRA.

The College Entrance Examination Center (CEEC) has announced that the second session of the high school English listening test will take place this Saturday, with 35,986 registered candidates. The test will be conducted in the morning across 30 districts, 44 zones, and 1,067 venues. Test-takers are advised to check their personal examination information and test location layout on the CEEC’s website. Valid identification, such as an ID card or passport, must be brought to the exam. Mask-wearing is optional for most test-takers, but those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have respiratory symptoms must wear a mask throughout the examination. Candidates causing noise may be relocated to a reserve venue to avoid disturbing others.

Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association visited the Kaohsiung City government to discuss enhancing industry, education, and tourism cooperation exchanges with Mayor Chen Chi-Mai. Ohashi emphasized the significance of Kaohsiung in Japan’s relations with Taiwan. Mayor Chen expressed enthusiasm for deeper interactions between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting the crucial role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in global supply chain security. He cited the collaboration between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in Kaohsiung and Kumamoto, Japan, as an example of potential economic cooperation. Chen described the Taiwan-Japan relationship as a deepening bond, referencing their long-standing friendship and mutual support during crises. Ohashi, who visited Kaohsiung 40 years ago and has maintained connections with past Mayor Chen Chu and Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Frank Hsieh, expressed admiration for Kaohsiung’s recent development. He believes that Japan-Kaohsiung cooperation should extend to the private enterprise level and is hopeful for the future of Japanese-Taiwanese relations. Ohashi frequently speaks at the annual National Day reception at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, advocating for promoting friendly Japan-Taiwan relations as an example for the international community.

由俄羅斯遊戲工作室Fntastic開發、紐西蘭遊戲發行商Mytona發行的多人生存恐怖射擊遊戲《浩劫前夕》（The Day Before），歷經多次風波後終於在12月8日上市，未料遊戲BUG百出、連線品質不佳、整體內容不完善引來壓倒性負評，被稱為「年度最爛遊戲。 」今（12）日Fntastic開發團隊宣布，工作室因財務問題倒閉，讓玩家怒不可遏，紛紛湧入留言區大罵詐騙。

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has apprehended 20 suspects and seized 15 illegal operations involved in a smartphone SMS phishing scam in Taiwan. The ＂Info Thunder Project＂ was deployed to combat the scam, which sent out an average of 4,000 to 5,000 fraudulent text messages per day. The criminal syndicate posed as representatives from legitimate entities, such as the Taiwan Water Corporation and telecom companies, to deceive recipients with misleading alerts. The fraudsters enticed victims to click on malicious links and enter their credit card and bank account details. The CIB’s intelligence analysis team conducted comprehensive studies of phishing cases, leading to the arrests. Evidence seized in two operations includes modem pools, mobile phones, SIM cards, computers, Wi-Fi routers, and application forms for phone numbers. Director-General Chou Yu-wei urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious text messages and to refrain from clicking on dubious links. The police will continue to dismantle these fraudulent networks and protect citizens from cyber threats.

進入冬季開始感受到寒冷，街上也多了許多妹子的冬季潮流穿搭，然而不難發現今年「雪靴+堆堆襪」的搭配滿街跑，尤其年輕妹子OOTD（Outfit of the Day）幾乎都能見到，有網友便好奇這種穿搭真的好看嗎？意外在網上掀起熱議。

The renowned Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band, also known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ has returned to Taiwan in December after gaining a fervent fan base. Known for their vibrant and smile-filled performance style, the band made a memorable mark during last year’s National Day celebrations. The ’Orange Devils’ have planned flash mob events and are scheduled to hold their premiere concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The band expressed their happiness about visiting Taiwan and their anticipation of meeting with the Taiwanese audience again. The visit aims to fortify cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, as expressed by Huang Chun-chieh, the General Manager of a Taiwanese food brand. To enhance the band members’ experience in Taiwan, arrangements have been made for them to tour distinctive local scenic spots. Upon their arrival on the evening of December 9, the Kyoto Tachibana High School Band immediately showcased their signature enthusiasm and energy. The visit is expected to entertain their Taiwanese fans and continue strengthening the cultural bridges between the two nations.

Taiwan experiences a significant temperature drop as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA) on December 12th. Northern Taiwan sees a sharp decline in daytime highs, reaching around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius, with a damp and chilly atmosphere worsening at night. The cooler temperatures are attributed to the passing of a cold front and a strengthening northeastern monsoon. Central and southern Taiwan witness pronounced day-to-night temperature variations, with highs ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius and lows falling between 20 and 22 degrees. Eastern Taiwan also experiences a cold snap, with top temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius. Sporadic, short-lived rainfall is expected in certain areas, while others will see mostly clear to cloudy skies. Gusty winds are predicted in open coastal areas, and the air quality may be affected by pollutants carried by northeastern winds. The air quality index rates different regions of Taiwan, with Yilan, Hualien-Taitung, and Penghu having ＂good＂ levels, while other areas are rated ＂moderate＂ or may experience ＂orange alert＂ levels.

The Superstar Christmas Concert in New Taipei concluded with captivating performances by Taiwanese singer Sam Lee and actor-singer Nick Chou (NICKTHEREAL). The event featured an impressive lineup of renowned singers and bands, delighting fans who filled the venue. Chou’s rendition of his hit song ＂Handsome to Break Up＂ ignited the crowd, while Sam Lee, known as the ＂Taiwanese Prince of Love Songs,＂ mesmerized the audience with his performances of ＂The Night Sky Under Your Eye＂ and ＂Absolute Infatuation.＂ The atmosphere was enhanced by the audience, who created a starry night effect using their cellphone flashlights. Another standout moment was singer and rapper OSN’s rendition of his classic song ＂Without You,＂ which prompted a massive sing-along among fans. The two-day concert at New Taipei Fun Christmas City set a festive tone for the upcoming Christmas season, with fans eagerly cheering for their favorite artists.

The Tourist Administration of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) organized a two-day event at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, showcasing Taiwan’s attractions. The event featured various activities, including VR experiences, calligraphy bookmark crafting, pinball games, indigenous beadwork, and oil-paper umbrella painting workshops. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto reported a significant increase in Canadian visitors to Taiwan, with a 1366.17 percent rise compared to the previous year. However, the number of visitors has not yet returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. In an effort to boost tourism, Taiwan has waived visa requirements for Canadians, positioning itself as an ideal winter getaway. Taiwan’s picturesque mountains, coastlines, and diverse urban and small-town landscapes make it a perfect destination for leisurely exploration.

The Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band, known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ arrived in Taiwan to a warm welcome at Taoyuan International Airport. Their visit is a testament to the strong ties between Taiwan and Japan, which were first sparked during their performance at the 2022 Taiwan National Day celebration. The band’s invitation this year, alongside Taipei First Girls High School, is an effort to further strengthen cultural bonds, as they are set to participate in the upcoming celebration of TGH’s 120th Anniversary. The visit has been made possible through corporate support, including an invitation from the Kaohsiung City Government for school exchanges and performances. Over the next five days, the Tachibana SHS band will showcase their talent at prestigious venues such as Kaohsiung’s Time Avenue, TAI Urban Resort, New Taipei’s Fuji Grand Hotel, Ximending, and the National Theater & Concert Hall.

由陳零九、邱鋒澤、婁峻碩、小賴、黃偉晉組成的男團五堅情，第四度登上新北歡樂耶誕城「巨星耶誕演唱會－一起閃耀繽紛之夜」舞台，帶來〈All Day〉及〈Be A Liar〉等歌曲，更首次正式演唱新歌〈立刻要爆炸〉，讓現場粉絲直呼驚艷，婁峻碩最近才傳出烏龍死訊，讓黃偉晉哭出來，婁峻碩爆料剛剛從車站走出來，沒被認出，可能以為我是AI，而他們也獻出新北耶誕城第一次，在舞台上升到高空，小賴開玩笑說：「高到直接跟聖誕樹平視。」有懼高症的邱鋒澤發抖：「盡量不看前方，我應該會閉眼。」卻立刻被其他團員虧說：「閉眼可能會摔下去。」

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported the first case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child detected during airport screening. A teenage boy developed a fever upon arriving from mainland China on December 4 and tested positive for the pathogen the following day. This detection has raised concerns amid an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in mainland China. The CDC has initiated targeted surveillance at the country’s four major international airports, urging travelers to undergo voluntary testing. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections account for only 1.2 percent of the cases identified through airport screenings, indicating a downward trend overall. The current respiratory diseases in mainland China are predominantly attributed to influenza viruses, with Mycoplasma infections declining. Health officials have reassured the public that airport testing protocols will continue and are expected to be maintained through the Lunar New Year period to ensure monitoring of incoming travelers and the containment of potential infectious diseases.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) predicts stable weather with clear to cloudy skies in Taiwan on Saturday (Dec. 9), except for isolated rain showers in the eastern half of the island. Morning temperatures were cooler in some areas, ranging from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly during the day, reaching highs of 26 to 29 degrees in the north, central, and southern parts of Taiwan. The western half of the island will experience a greater difference between day and night temperatures. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) forecasts clear to cloudy skies with significant diurnal temperature ranges for Taiwan from Saturday until Monday, with the possibility of scattered light rain in the east. Temperature ranges for Dec. 9 are expected to be 14 to 30 degrees in the north, 15 to 29 degrees in the central region, 15 to 30 degrees in the south, and 14 to 30 degrees in the east. By next Tuesday (Dec. 12), the northeast monsoon will bring local brief rains to the north of Taoyuan and the eastern half of the island, with cooler daytime weather in northern Taiwan. The northeast monsoon will weaken by next Wednesday (Dec. 13), resulting in clear weather in the west and short, local rains in the east. Thursday and Friday (Dec. 14 and 15) will see sunny to cloudy skies across Taiwan, with temperatures continuing to rise.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has announced that Taiwan will experience sunny to cloudy conditions with noticeable radiational cooling in the early morning, resulting in a cold start to the day. The temperature difference between day and night in the northern parts of the country is expected to exceed 10 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature recorded this morning was 11.6 degrees Celsius at Liyu Lake, Hualien. Other regions, including Daxi District in Taoyuan, Guanxi Township in Hsinchu, Xihu Township in Miaoli, and Lunbei Township in Yunlin, also experienced temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius. During the day, temperatures are projected to rebound swiftly, with highs between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan, and 28 to 29 degrees Celsius in the central and southern parts. From Saturday to Monday, the CWA predicts a shift in winds from easterlies to southerlies, leading to a general increase in temperature across the country. This change will bring mostly sunny to cloudy weather and comfortable warmth. By next Tuesday, a rapidly passing frontal system, along with a strengthened northeast monsoon, will bring a slight dip in temperatures. The northern and northeastern parts of the country will have a cooler day with brief, localized showers, while changes in weather for other regions will be minimal. Starting next Wednesday, clear and sunny skies are expected to return to the entirety of Taiwan.

National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) students are set to enjoy an unprecedented winter break lasting 56 days, from December 25 to February 18, the longest in the institution’s history. This extended vacation period aligns with the academic schedules of several countries, allowing international students to return home for Christmas. Other universities, such as National Taiwan University (NTU) and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), also begin their winter breaks on December 25. NTU’s break will last until February 6, while Taiwan Tech has added 10 extra days, ending on February 16. During this winter break, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation is offering discounted tickets to university students, with discounts of 50%, 75%, and 88% available from January 4 to January 10. Additionally, there are 28 train services providing tickets at 50% off. The upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan, taking place on January 13, is also on students’ minds, as it coincides with their winter break, potentially facilitating greater voter participation among the youth demographic.

The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ poll announced that the character ＂缺＂ (lack) received the most votes, representing the multifaceted social issues faced by Taiwan. The character symbolizes challenges such as shortages of water, electricity, masks, vaccines, rapid test kits, labor, and notably, eggs. ＂蛋＂ (egg) secured the second position, forming the term ＂缺蛋＂ (lack eggs), highlighting the egg scarcity in Taiwan. ＂詐＂ (fraud) came in third place, reflecting the persistent fraud cases in Taiwanese society. The nominations for these characters were made by Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, former Control Yuan President Wang Chien-shien, and Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin, who emphasized growing insecurity, political quality, and fraud issues, respectively. The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ election, organized by the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture and the United Daily News, received a total of 65,043 votes from the public over a 25-day period. This annual character selection has been conducted for 16 consecutive years, reflecting the pulse of Taiwanese society and its people’s thoughts.

Don Quijote, the popular Japanese retail brand, has opened its largest flagship store in Taiwan, located in Kaohsiung. The store, situated in the Dalee Department Store, spans an impressive area of nearly 1,000 pings and features three distinctive zones catering to different shopping desires. These include an Outdoor section for camping and trekking gear, the Donki Sake area for Japanese alcohol enthusiasts, and the Coco Kawaii section for all things cute and adorable. In addition, the store offers a selection of ready-to-eat food restaurants. The opening day saw over 600 people queuing up outside the store, showcasing the excitement surrounding the new establishment. The Kaohsiung Mayor attended the opening, expressing astonishment at the turnout and lauding the decision of these two major Japanese brands, Muji and Don Quijote, to invest in Kaohsiung. With this new addition, Don Quijote now operates five stores across Taiwan, further solidifying its presence in the country’s retail landscape.

The Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch Court (KSH) has upheld a 16-year sentence for a man named Chen who was convicted of murder and attempted murder. Chen attacked a homeless man, Lee, with a brick after being refused help and insulted, resulting in Lee’s death. The next day, Chen severely injured an air conditioning repairman named Chang. Chen’s previous convictions for assault and violence, as well as a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (APD), were taken into consideration during the trial. The Pintung District Court initially sentenced him to 13 years for murder and 7 years for attempted murder. The Kaohsiung Branch Court has affirmed the original verdict, denying Chen’s appeal and confirming that he will serve the full 16-year term.

Discover the sustainable achievements of Tainan City in Taiwan as Director-General Hsu Jen-tse shares the city’s strategies for net-zero sustainability at the COP28 conference. Learn about Tainan’s initiatives to combat extreme weather, promote sustainable development, and achieve low-carbon adaptation. Explore their efforts in constructing an electric bus transport system and implementing smart parking solutions to reduce air pollution. With a focus on renewable energy, Tainan aims to become a solar-powered city with 4GW of solar panel installations. Additionally, the city is actively harnessing renewable water sources, projecting a future water supply of 83,000 cubic meters per day.