Taiwan Area Research Articles

Biochar Utilization to Sustain Rice Cultivation in Taiwan: A Review

The responses of rice production and pyrolysis-based biochar in Taiwan are reviewed as biochar is an available soil amendment alternative. We examine how biochar addition to the rice field would influence rice planted areas in Taiwan due to crop yield increase. The result provides insights into biochar utilization and changes in current rice cultivation activities with a modified Taiwanese agricultural model. The area of higher rice yields increases while the lower output area decreases. Plant location also influences the change in area. With a change in plant location, rice plantations change considerably. While most biochar is used in southern and central Taiwan, the results vary depending on where the pyrolysis plant is built and the transportation cost. Climate change might have substantial influences on Taiwan’s rice production

Wellness Tourism Enhances Elderly Life Satisfaction

ABSTRACT This study investigates how local culture sharing and altruistic values from the elderly affect satisfaction levels with travel and life satisfaction via tourism product selection. Stratified random sampling is used in this study, we invited 1,000 qualified elderly tourists to participate in the survey from hot spring areas in Taiwan. We received 242 usable responses and that was fully completed questionnaires. Our research analysis and hypotheses were evaluated with partial least squares (PLS) modeling using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The findings of the study point out the elderly look forward to vacationing with other members to enjoy the local values of wellness tourism at tourist destinations, the service providers provide suitable and special tourism products to attract elderly tourists. Likewise, hoteliers, will provide more fun facilities for the elderly; marketers of travel agencies can emphasize the fun of wellness tourism with advertising icons; therefore, a happy travel experience contributes to the dignity and quality of life of the elderly.

An Overview of Low-Level Jets (LLJs) and Their Roles in Heavy Rainfall over the Taiwan Area during the Early Summer Rainy Season

During the early summer rainy season over Taiwan, three types of low-level jets are observed, including a synoptic low-level jet (SLLJ) situated in the 850–700 hPa layer in the frontal zone, a marine boundary layer jet (MBLJ) embedded within the southwesterly monsoon flow over the northern South China Sea at approximately the 925 hPa level, and an orographically induced jet at approximately the 1 km level off the northwestern Taiwan coast (e.g., barrier jet (BJ)). The characteristics and physical processes of the formation of these three types of low-level jets are reviewed, and their roles in the development of heavy rainfall are discussed.

The Impact of Hepatitis C Virus, Metabolic Disturbance, and Unhealthy Behavior on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Secondary Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigates the relationship among HCV, CKD, and understudied confounders, such as unhealthy behaviors and metabolic disturbances. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community health promotion program in an HCV endemic area of Taiwan from June to December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed to investigate the association between CKD and HCV seropositivity. Results: Of 2387 participants who underwent health check-ups, the mean age was 64.1 years old; females predominated (63.2%), and 306 (12.8%) subjects were seropositive for HCV. CKD, defined as a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with unhealthy dietary habits, metabolic syndrome, and HCV. Less frequent exercise, higher waist circumference (WC) and HbA1c all affected risk of CKD; HCV increased risk of CKD by 44% compared to non-HCV (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.98) in the multivariable analysis. In the HCV group, lower eGFR was also significantly associated with the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (median eGFR was 86.4, 77.1, and 64.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 for individuals with three and five MetS components, respectively). Conclusions: Beyond metabolic disturbance and irregular exercise, HCV seropositivity is independently associated with CKD in a community survey. Healthy lifestyle promotion might protect against renal function decline in HCV; however, the mechanisms underlying the association need further large-scale investigation.

Convolutional neural network bidirectional long short-term memory to online classify the distribution insulator leakage currents

In this project, the online monitoring systems to classify the leakage current of 15 kV and 25 kV distribution insulators were installed in mountain areas in Taiwan. The convolution neural network bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-Bi-LSTM) was employed to categorize the leakage current levels based on the field experiences of the TaiPower company. The sequential weather factors and the different distribution insulators leakage current were collected every hour and utilized in the proposed model's learning process. In addition, a simple grid search parameter optimization was implemented to identify the optimum architecture of CNN-Bi-LSTM for each data collection. Moreover, the optimized CNN-Bi-LSTM structure performances were evaluated and compared with the gated recurrent unit (GRU), LSTM, CNN-LSTM, and Bi-LSTM neural networks. The experiments results proved that the proposed CNN-Bi-LSTM improved the category cross-entropy error, the accuracy, and the precision metric with a maximum enhancement of 71.331%, 14.382%, and 14.042% in the training data and 91.250%, 17.529%, and 17.343% in the validating data, respectively. Moreover, the experiment outcomes in different data models prove that the 24-sequential weather parameters have a significant impact on the achievement of CNN-Bi-LSTM in categorizing the leakage current. The optimized CNN-Bi-LSTM structures were applied in the online monitoring systems to provide a better schedule for maintenance operations at the Taipower company.

Liver Disease Screening and Hepatitis C Virus Elimination in Taiwan Rural Indigenous Townships: Village-By-Village Screening and Linking to Outreach Hepatology Care.

Medical resources are limited for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in rural indigenous areas of Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate liver disease risk and conduct a HCV elimination program in two rural indigenous townships. A program of village-by-village screening tests was conducted including hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), linking to outreach hepatology care at two indigenous townships (Laiyi and Mudan). Adult residents were invited to join this program. One hepatology specialist assessed liver disease risk, provided HCV treatment counselling and initiated direct acting antivirals (DAA) at an outreach hepatology clinic in primary health centers. A total of 3503 residents attended this program with a screening coverage of 73.5%. The prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and high GGT level was 8.2%, 10.0% and 19.5%, respectively. Laiyi had significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV than Mudan. While males had significantly higher prevalence of HBsAg and high GGT in both townships, females in Laiyi had higher anti-HCV prevalence. HBsAg and high GGT prevalence peaked at 40–59 years of age and anti-HCV prevalence increased significantly with age. Two hundred and sixty-three residents visited the outreach hepatology clinic for HCV treatment evaluation, with 121 (46%) residents having active HCV, while 116 received DAA, with 111 (95.7%) achieving HCV elimination. For rural indigenous townships in southern Taiwan, HCV infection and alcohol consumption were two major liver disease risks. While HCV infection was predominant in old females, chronic hepatitis B virus infection and habitual alcohol consumptions predominated in middle-aged males. HCV elimination was achieved by the village-by-village screening model and linked to outreach hepatology care.

Association of traffic air pollution with severity of obstructive sleep apnea in urban areas of Northern Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough recent studies have indicated an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and air pollution, they have reported inconsistent results. Moreover, few studies investigated the effects of short-term air pollution exposure. ObjectiveTo estimate the health effects of short- and long-term exposure to traffic air pollution on mild OSA in Taipei. MethodsWe collected participants' data from Taipei Sleep Center and air pollution data from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. A spatiotemporal model was used to estimate the individual exposure level. Generalized linear models were used to assess the percent change of overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), AHI in rapid eye movement period (AHI-REM), AHI in non-REM (AHI-NREM), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) associated with an interquartile (IQR) increase in personal pollution exposure. A generalized logistic model was used to estimate the ORs of different severities of OSA compared with the reference group. ResultsIn the patients with AHI of <15, both short- and long-term exposure to NO2 were significantly associated with AHI and ODI increases: an IQR increase in 2-year mean NO2 increased 7.3% of AHI and 8.4% of ODI; these values were the highest among all exposure windows. The effects of NO2 on AHI increase were stronger in the men and younger patients. Moreover, the association between AHI and NO2 in the patients with AHI of <15 was mediated by the REM stage. NO2 exposure was associated with an increased risk of mild OSA that reached up to 24.8% per IQR increase in NO2 averaged over 2 years. PM2.5 exerted no effects on AHI, but an IQR increase in 1-year and 2-year mean PM2.5 was associated with 6.8% and 8.8% increases in ODI, respectively. ConclusionsBoth short- and long-term exposure to traffic air pollution were associated with the risk of mild OSA, which was modified by REM stage.

Repeat and Near Repeat Burglary Victimization in Taiwan

Extensive evidence shows that repeat victimization is common and widespread, but studies on the prevalence of repeat victimization in Asia are limited. This study examines the extent and patterns of repeat and near-repeat burglary victimization in Taiwan using both 2015 Taiwan Area Victimization Survey data and police recorded burglary data. Results indicated that: (1) burglaries against the same household in Taiwan are highly concentrated (with the top 10% most burgled households making up around 30% of reported victimizations), more so than is often found in many Western countries; (2) the risk of (repeat) burglary is not consistently spread over space and time, particularly within the 100-m range of an initial burglary incident; and (3) the levels of near repeat burglaries identified in this study are notably lower than was observed in prior studies both in China and in many western countries. The findings highlight the value of developing prevention strategies specifically targeting repeat burglary victimization.

Questionnaire for Community Medicine Training in Family Medicine Training Program and Rural Health Center Training Program

&lt;p&gt;目的：根據衛生福利部調查醫療區域醫師人力密度，部份次醫療區域醫師人力仍低於世界衛生組織所定最低醫療基本需求之每萬人口醫師數10位，因此衛生福利部提出優化偏鄉醫療精進計畫，其中教育方面規範家庭醫學科於專科訓練期間得前往偏遠地區衛生所進行輪訓。為完善規劃偏遠衛生所輪訓試辦之事宜，因此進行本研究。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;方法：於2020年6月對全台68所符合家庭醫學科訓練資格醫院之部科主任或家庭醫學專科醫師訓練計畫主持人行問卷調查，後續召集有參加試辦計畫意願之醫療院所進行會談與二次調查。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;結果：問卷回收率100%。全台約60.3%之教學訓練醫院有大於一個月以上的衛生所訓練計畫，且大部分的訓練醫院同意衛生所是具備教學功能之院外基層醫療訓練場所。然而安排偏遠地區衛生所訓練的主要障礙是工作分配困難與和不符合醫院組織的方向與需求，此外工作場所安全、學習和工作間的平衡也是一大考量。儘管如此，多數醫院仍認為偏遠地區衛生所之訓練能有助住院醫師的責任感訓練及不同制度下之工作與溝通訓練。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;結論：此計畫執行立意良善，然衛福部需考慮增加家庭醫學科總訓練容額、補助交通經費、補助相關保險、偏遠執業風險及教學訓練之平衡。以期於住院醫師訓練、醫療院所家庭醫學科成長及國家偏遠醫療精進之間達成多贏局面。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose: According to a MOHW (the Ministry of Health and Welfare) survey, several sub-regions (mainly rural and remote areas) in Taiwan fail to meet the WHO minimum requirement for health workforce (ten physicians per ten thousands residents). The MOHW had accordingly developed and implemented a program requiring all family medicine doctors-in-training to spend a part of their residency at rural health centers (RHCs). To promote the quality and efficacy of the training program and the safety of the training environment, the following research was conducted.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Methods: A questionnaire was issued in June 2020 to the branch chiefs and training program organizers of the 68 hospitals qualified for family medicine training in Taiwan. A symposium was subsequently held and a survey conducted to learn and analyze the responses of all the participating hospitals and public health centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Results: The response rate of the questionnaire was 100%. Around 63% of the responding hospitals had a RHC training program more than one month long, and most of the hospitals found public health center a good training venue. A major difficulty was that sending residents specializing in family medicine to RHCs seldom met the needs and goals of those hospitals. In addition, safety of the working environment and balance between learning and working were identified as issues demanding further consideration. Nevertheless, most participating hospitals believed that training at RHCs did help promote residents&amp;rsquo; sense of responsibility, as well as their ability to work under different systems.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Discussion: The program has great humanitarian potential. However, the MOHW may need to consider increasing the allowed number of trainees in family medicine each year, subsidizing trainee&amp;rsquo;s travel and insurance expenses, and assessing and addressing the risks of practicing in remote and rural areas so both the quality and efficacy of the training program can be improved to create win-win outcomes for all parties involved.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Anti-Fatigue and Exercise Performance Improvement Effect of Glossogyne tenuifolia Extract in Mice.

Glossogyne tenuifolia (GT) is a native perennial plant growing across the coastline areas in Taiwan. The current study aimed to examine the efficacy of GT extract in ameliorating physical fatigue during exercise and increasing exercise performance. Fifty male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly segregated into five groups (n = 10) to GT extract orally for 4 weeks, at different concentrations (50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW/day): LGT 1X, MGT 2X, HGT 5X, and HGT 10X groups. Forelimb grip strength, endurance swimming time, serum biochemical marker levels, blood lipid profile and histological analysis of various organs were performed to assess the anti-fatigue effect and exercise performance of GT extract. The forelimb-grips strength and endurance-swimming time of GT-administered mice were increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the control. Serum glucose, creatine kinase, and lactate levels were increased significantly in the HGT 10X group. Liver marker serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) was increased in the HGT 5X and HGT 10X groups, whereas Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) was not altered. Renal markers, creatinine and uric acid levels, were not altered. Muscle and hepatic glycogen levels, which are essential for energy sources during exercise, were also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner in all GT extract groups. No visible histological aberrations were observed in the vital organs after GT extract administration. The supplementation with GT extract could have beneficial effects on exercise performance and anti-fatigue function without toxicity at a higher dose.

Contributions of acidic ions in secondary aerosol to PM2.5 bioreactivity in an urban area

Adverse human health effects caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were reported; however, source-specific PM2.5 and its bioreactivity need to be assessed to understand regional human impacts. The objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of PM2.5 to particle bioreactivity in Taichung City, an urban area of west-central Taiwan. The average mass concentration of PM2.5 was 44.4 μg m−3 from 21 March to April 22, 2018. PM2.5 was identified from six distinct sources using a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Secondary aerosols were discovered to be the primary contributor to PM2.5 (25.58%), and were primarily composed of Cl−, NO3−, EC, NH4+, and SO42−. It was found that approximately 52.20% (23.2 μg m−3) of inhaled PM2.5 was deposited in the alveolar region after inhalation in the human lungs according to the multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. Therefore, human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were exposed to PM2.5, which significantly reduced lung cell viability, and increased the cytotoxic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.05). Next, we discovered positive correlation between secondary aerosols and ROS production, which was further linked to increases in inorganic ions (Mg2+, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, acidic ions from secondary aerosols were positively correlated with ROS production in human alveolar epithelial cells. Our results showed that secondary aerosols could be an important determinant of the deterioration of air quality and human respiratory health in urban areas.

Effects of Thinning on the Growth and Relative Change in the Diameter of a Mahogany Plantation

Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) is an important forestry tree species in low altitude areas in central and southern Taiwan and has good potential for sustainable forestry in tropical regions. The aim of this study was to understand changes in the diameter at breast height (DBH) and stand structure of large-leafed mahogany. A lower layer thinning experiment was conducted in 2011 in a 14-year-old mahogany plantation in Guanmiao, Tainan City, Taiwan. Four zones of heavy, moderate, and light thinning, as well as a control were established and DBH surveys were conducted in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017 at tree ages of 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 years, respectively. The DBH trend was observed using simple linear regression with continuous slope values and the Weibull density function was used to match the distribution of diameter classes and compare the average DBH growth under different thinning treatments. The results showed that the growth of small diameter trees remained slow after felling, whereas medium-intensity thinning could result in a similar increase in DBH for larger diameter trees within a certain period. The stand structure remained skewed (c &lt; 3.6) six years after harvesting and spatial allocation needed to be re-adjusted to alleviate competition pressure. The mean periodic growth of a single tree DBH after thinning was significantly different from that of the un-thinned trees at tree ages of 16, 18, and 20 years (p value &lt; 0.05). However, the difference between thinning treatments was not significant and the effect of moderate thinning and intensive thinning was a similar in terms of promoting the mean periodic growth of single wood.

Wind and Sea Breeze Characteristics for the Offshore Wind Farms in the Central Coastal Area of Taiwan

Renewable energy is crucial for achieving net zero emissions. Taiwan has abundant wind resources and most major wind farms are offshore over the Taiwan Strait due to a lack of space on land. A thorough study that includes time series modeling of wind speed and sea breeze identification and evaluation for Taiwan’s offshore wind farms was conducted. The time series modeling identified two periodic (annual and diurnal) components and an autoregressive model for multiple-year wind speed time series. A new method for sea breeze type identification and magnitude evaluation is proposed. The method (named as EACH) utilizes a vector and an ellipse to represent the wind condition of a day. Verification of the type identification determined by the new method in two cases of different seasons has been conducted by using surface weather charts and wind data measured by lidar. It is a concise, effective, and programmable way to filter a number of dates for type identification and speed change precursor of sea breeze. We found that the typical daily wind power production of corkscrew sea breeze in Central Taiwan is more than 33 times that of pure sea breeze and more than 9 times that of backdoor sea breeze, which highlights the impact of sea breeze types on wind power.

Boundary Layer Characteristics Over Complex Terrain in Central Taiwan: Observations and Numerical Modeling

AbstractThe development of the atmospheric boundary layer and flow circulation becomes complicated over complex terrain. A field campaign involving the acquisition of tethersonde, ozonesonde and 10‐m meteorological tower observations was conducted during September 2–8, 2013, over the Puli Basin located in the mountainous area of central Taiwan to investigate the evolution of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and flow circulation. In addition, numerical simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were performed to examine the three‐dimensional air flow variations. Analysis of the tethersonde data indicated a well‐mixed boundary layer structure and a steady westerly flow over the Puli Basin during the daytime that became further enhanced in the afternoon. The 600‐m resolution WRF model simulation showed that the enhanced wind flow in the afternoon was due to the inland penetration of the onshore sea breeze, which also transported high concentrations of O3 from the western metropolitan area into the basin. During the nighttime, a stable boundary layer formed, above which a nocturnal low‐level jet formed throughout the campaign period in the Puli Basin. The WRF model is able to reproduce the general variations in the wind flows and thermal structures. Furthermore, the diagnostic PBL height estimated based on the critical Richardson number provides an enhanced understanding of the evolutionary characteristics of the PBL over complex terrain.

USA — China: Strategic balance

This article examines the current state of the US-China strategic balance — both military and economic aspects of the latter. This balance, however, is not changing in favor of the United States. Currently, China is the largest economy in the world, and economic ties with China are too important for US partners and allies to break off trade and economic ties with China to please Washington. More importantly, the rapid growth of China’s military-technical potential in recent years has led to radical changes in the balance of power in the western Pacific. Washington has lost its former absolute military superiority in the coastal areas of the PRC, and in the event of a large-scale armed US-Chinese conflict in the Taiwan area or in the South China Sea, American losses will be enormous, and the United States will not be able to achieve a decisive victory during this conflict. Under these conditions, the American ruling elite is united in the fact that without a system of anti-Chinese alliances, which should unite both the countries of the Indo-Pacific region and countries outside the ITR, China’s containment is impossible. The Biden administration continued Trump’s policy of building a “sanitary cordon” around China with the involvement of extra-regional actors in this construction. We are talking about the creation of a military-political alliance AUKUS, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The purpose of this alliance is to counter China in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. It is concluded that the formation of such a system of alliances is difficult to achieve — and it’s not just that the partners and allies of the United States are too interested in maintaining trade and economic ties with China to participate in the creation of an anti-Chinese “sanitary cordon”. China’s strategic isolation is impossible if Russia cannot be brought into the anti-Chinese system of alliances. At present, however, China has a solid rear in the form of a growing Russian-Chinese partnership and cooperation. The actions of the United States and its allies, which Moscow and Beijing view as threatening and provocative (NATO expansion to the East; American block-building in the ITR) could not but lead to a serious revision by the Russian and Chinese leadership of military cooperation between the two powers.

Case Study of Local Revitalization in Indigenous Areas of Taiwan: Using the Namasia District as an Example

This study aims to analyze the operational model of the local revitalization plan implemented in the indigenous tribes in Taiwan. It treated Namasia District of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan as the subject, and conducted an investigation by qualitative research. According to the findings, the practices of local revitalization are based on the following conditions: 1) local government leads the plan of revitalization; 2) it finds DNA to develop local revitalization; 3) it seeks investment from enterprises; 4) it accepts the assistance from academic and professional teams for the integration and development of innovative and creative products; 5) it reinforces the ethnic consciousness, supports local residents and industries, and participates in the execution of plans.

Evaluation of parameters for the sustainable supply chain management: a Taiwanese fresh-fruit sector

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Numerous sustainability initiatives have been discussed and widely adopted in various sectors worldwide. This research aims to identify which essential parameters affect sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practice through the case of the Taiwanese fresh-fruit sector. An industry has great importance to the households of indigenous people, significantly contributing to the sustainable development in rural areas of Taiwan. A total of twelve SSCM parameters have been verified, and then the authors conducted the TOPSIS approach process to determine the importance level of these SSCM parameters. The analysis results suggested that "Collaboration", "Distribution and Logistics service", "Customer" have supreme importance, respectively. On the contrary, at the bottom of the prioritized list is three variables consisting of "Warehouse/Storage", "Organizational social responsibilities", and "Processing and packaging". This is the unique study to consider SSCM practice through the case of the Taiwanese fresh-fruit chain; hence, these key findings could be a valuable reference for the top managers to make decisions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Morphological traits and root anchorage ability of native pioneer tree species for reforestation of mudstone badlands

ABSTRACT Mudstone badlands occupy a large area in southwestern Taiwan. Mudstone soils with poor cementation property are particularly vulnerable to water erosion and landslides during rainy seasons. Broussonetia papyrifera, Hibiscus taiwanensis and Macaranga tanarius are major pioneer tree species occurring on mudstone badlands. Therefore, these species are beneficial for slope stabilization and forest restoration to control erosion and landslide. Nevertheless, information on their morphological traits and root biomechanical properties are lacking. In this research, root morphological traits of these species were inspected utilizing WinRHIZOPro Image Analysis System. Root anchorage ability and root tensile strength of 1-year-old B. papyrifera, H. taiwanensis and M. tanarius saplings were evaluated using uprooting testing and root tensile testing. The results show, compared to H. taiwanensis, B. papyrifera and M. tanarius plants had markedly greater root traits. Moreover, the root anchorage abilities of M. tanarius and B. papyrifer plants were notably higher than that of H. taiwanensis. In addition, root tensile strength of M. tanarius plants was markedly higher than those of B. papyrifera and H. taiwanensis plants. The results clearly demonstrate that M. tanarius outperforms B. papyrifera and H. taiwanensis, in these traits. Taken together, the priority for selecting these species for reforestation of mudstone badlands follows as: M. tanarius > B. papyrifera > H. taiwanensis. These results, together with the information on ecological succession following erosion and landslide, allow us to develop the reforestation plan and management strategy of mudstone badlands.

Study on Array Floating Platform for Wind Energy and Marine Space Optimization

The concept of multiline anchor, whose application is mainly considered in water depths beyond 100 m and analyzed only by numerical simulation, has been discussed for half a decade, yet previous studies have not conducted the wave basin experiment. Thus, this paper set this concept firstly with a shallow water mooring system designed for a Taiwan offshore water area, where the suitable water depth for floating offshore wind turbine is located from 50 to 100 m, and then conducted a 1:144 scaled model wave basin experiment to validate the results from numerical simulation. In this paper, the numerical model simulated and analyzed three identical DeepCwind OC4 semi-submersible platforms equipped with NREL 5MW wind turbines in OrcaFlex and the experiment carried out by using three 1:144 scaled semi-submersible platforms with equivalent disks which simulated different operations of wind thrusts. To consider the possible influence of the wake effect, the minimum turbines spacing was set at 750 m in a full scaled model and the length of mooring lines was redesigned according to the catenary theory. This paper utilized OrcaWave to calculate hydrodynamic parameters and input it into OrcaFlex to simulate the line tension and the three degrees of freedom (surge, heave, and pitch) of the platforms under regular and irregular wave tests, and coordinate with scaled model tests carried out in Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory (THL). In addition to the reduction in the number of anchors, the concept of multiline anchor was also discussed in this study for the spatial configuration of offshore wind farms. It shows that the wind farm composed of three floating wind turbines can reduce the ocean space by roughly 24% compared to that with a single-line anchor. According to the comparison of numerical and experimental results, this study finally optimized the mooring lines by changing the diameter to increase the stability and the threshold of Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) and proposed a multiline anchor configuration for shallow offshore water area in Taiwan based on the results obtained.

Exploring the Potential Distribution of Relic Trochodendron aralioides: An Approach Using Open-Access Resources and Free Software

Trochodendron aralioides Siebold &amp; Zucc. is a relic tree that is discontinuously scattered across the mountainous areas of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, but the origin of T. aralioides in South Korea is still unclear and debated. To confirm its distribution and explore its origins, we constructed a streamlined framework to examine potential species distribution using multiple open access data and free and open-source software, as well as employing maximum entropy principles to predict the potential distribution of T. aralioides. The results showed reasonably good discrimination and were used to examine and discuss the explicit distribution of T. aralioides. The potential distribution of T. aralioides in Japan extended from Iriomote Island to approximately 37° N in Honshu on the Pacific Ocean side. In Taiwan, the potential distribution of T. aralioides was more common than in Japan. It occurred at 1500–3000 m a.s.l. across the Central Mountain Range and decreased toward the northern and southern tips, correlating to the descending pattern of the cloud belt. Thermal and moisture conditions were important factors to determine the distribution of T. aralioides. The potential distribution indicated that Jeju island had high potential as a habitat for T. aralioides, and that may indirectly imply its existence and origins in South Korea, as some researchers have noted.