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OBJECTIVE: To measure the association between ambient heat and hypoglycemia-related emergency department visit or hospitalization in insulin users. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We identified cases of serious hypoglycemia among adults using insulin aged ≥65 in the U.S. (via Medicare Part A/B/D-eligible beneficiaries) and Taiwan (via National Health Insurance Database) from June to September, 2016–2019. We then estimated odds of hypoglycemia by heat index (HI) percentile categories using conditional logistic regression with a time-stratified case-crossover design. RESULTS: Among ∼2 million insulin users in the U.S. (32,461 hypoglycemia case subjects), odds ratios of hypoglycemia for HI >99th, 95–98th, 85–94th, and 75–84th percentiles compared with the 25–74th percentile were 1.38 (95% CI, 1.28–1.48), 1.14 (1.08–1.20), 1.12 (1.08–1.17), and 1.09 (1.04–1.13) respectively. Overall patterns of associations were similar for insulin users in the Taiwan sample (∼283,000 insulin users, 10,162 hypoglycemia case subjects). CONCLUSIONS: In two national samples of older insulin users, higher ambient temperature was associated with increased hypoglycemia risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teaching and learning of mathematics in schools has drawn tremendous attention since the education reform in Taiwan. In addition to assessing cognitive abilities, Taiwan Assessment of Student Achievement in Mathematics (TASA-MAT) collects background information to help depict average student achievement in schools in an educational context. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between student achievement in mathematics and student background characteristics. The data for this study was derived from the sample for the 2005 TASA-MAT Sixth-Grade Main Survey in Taiwan. The average age of the sixth-grade students in Taiwan is 11 years old, as was the sample for the 2005 TASA-MAT. Student socioeconomic status (SES) and student learning-goal orientation were specified as predictor variables of student performance in mathematics. The results indicate that the better performance in mathematics tended to be associated with a higher SES and stronger mastery goal orientation. The SES factor accounted for 4.98% of the variance, and student learning-goal orientation accounted for an additional 10.61% of the variance. The major implication obtained from this study was that goal orientation was much more significant than SES in predicting student performance in mathematics. In addition, the Rasch model treatment of the ordinal response-category data is a novel approach to scoring the goal-orientation items, with the corresponding results in this study being satisfactory.

In response to sustainable development goals, the architectural industry aims to decrease the high proportion of emissions and energy use in the construction sector. Therefore, the design method of building performance optimization (BPO) has been advocated in recent studies as a method for accomplishing high-performance building design. However, BPO remains difficult to implement in practice due to the lack of a definite process and supporting tools for architects/designers in the early design process. The purpose of this paper is to propose a BPO framework and integrated design decision support (DDS) interface to provide a visual and science-based analysis and assist designers working with high-performance building façade designs. The framework and DDS tool are then tested by designers through a practice design of the headquarters façade. All the designers started and implemented the facade optimization design in a short training session, although they reported that the developed support tools still needed to be improved in terms of also integrating optimization tools. The characteristics of the user interface help considerably with comparing and making decisions in optimal solutions. The results emphasize the importance of developing design support tools for practical adoption from practical designers' perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Filler injection for lower eyelid rejuvenation remains a difficult subject due to many complicated anatomic changes as the face ages. Objectives: To propose an alternative, simple, and effective filler injection method in lower eyelids for Asian patients. Methods: Any patient who has tear trough deformities, infra‐orbital hollows, nasojugal grooves, dark eye circles, as well as mild eyebags is a potential candidate for this method. Our filler choice is injectable poly‐d,l‐lactic acid (PDLLA; AestheFill; REGEN). PDLLA must be reconstituted with sterile water for injection (SWFI) before administration. When the patient's troughs, grooves, or volume deficit are classes II and III, 3–4 ml of SWFI and 1 ml of lidocaine are used. When the deficits are class I, 5–7 ml of SWFI and 1 ml of lidocaine are used. With the fanning injection technique, a wide region that covers all the deficits is evenly injected. The depth is under the dermis layer. The total amount of filler injection is not more than 2 ml on each side. Results: Since 2019, we have injected more than 100 patients by following these steps in Taiwan. The level of patient satisfaction is high. Only some mild and transient post‐injection complications such as edema, erythema, and ecchymosis were found. Conclusions: We propose an alternative, simple and effective method for non‐surgical lower eyelid rejuvenation for Asian patients. However, anyone who wants to perform this procedure should be well‐trained and knowledgeable about the anatomy, product, and procedure to prevent adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 4 June 2021, short-duration extreme precipitation occurred in Taipei. Within 2 h, over 200 mm of rainfall accumulated in the Xinyi district. In this study, advanced data assimilation technology (e.g., hybrid data and 3D variations) was incorporated to develop a high-resolution, small-scale (e.g., northern Taiwan) data assimilation forecast system, namely the weather research and forecast-grid statistical interpolation (WRF-GSI) model. The 3D wind field data recorded by the Doppler wind lidar system of Taipei Songshan Airport were assimilated for effective simulation of the extreme precipitation. The results revealed that the extreme rainfall was caused by the interaction between the northeast wind incurred by a front to the north of Taiwan, a humid southerly wind generated by Typhoon Choi-wan, and the regional sea–land breeze circulation. For the Xinyi district, the WRF-GSI_lidar model reported accumulated rainfall 30 mm higher than that in the non-assimilated experiment (WRF-GSI_noDA), indicating that the WRF-GSI model with lidar observation was improved 15% more than the nonassimilated run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-range transport (LRT) can carry air pollutants to downwind areas. However, studies about the impacts of LRT on bacterial communities are few. This study investigated the influence of Asian dust storms (ADS) and frontal pollution (FP) on bacterial communities in ambient air using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP). Air samples were collected at Cape Fugui (CF) and National Taiwan University (NTU) in northern Taiwan before (or background days), during, and after LRTs from November 2013 to March 2015. The richness, H index, and evenness increased during FPs and then decreased after FPs. During and after ADS and FP, the prevalence of the phylum Proteobacteria decreased, but that of Firmicutes increased. The dominant class of Proteobacteria changed from Alphaproteobacteria on background days to Betaproteobacteria during LRTs. At the genus level, the high abundance of Ralstonia and Bacillus during FP and Clostridium during ADS were detected at both locations. Additionally, Ralstonia was dominant at CF during ADS. In conclusion, FP and ADS both changed the bacterial community. The indicator genus was Clostridium and Ralstonia for ADS as well as Bacillus and Ralstonia for FP. Given the potential health threats posed by the bioaerosols transported, people should avoid outdoor activities during LRTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate lead (Pb) is a primary air pollutant that affects society because of its health impacts. This study investigates the source sectors of Pb associated with ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over central-western Taiwan (CWT) with new constraints on the Pb-isotopic composition. We demonstrate that the contribution of coal-fired facilities is overwhelming, which is estimated to reach 35 ± 16% in the summertime and is enhanced to 57 ± 24% during the winter monsoon seasons. Moreover, fossil-fuel vehicles remain a major source of atmospheric Pb, which accounts for 12 ± 5%, despite the current absence of a leaded gasoline supply. Significant seasonal and geographical variations in the Pb-isotopic composition are revealed, which suggest that the impact of East Asian (EA) pollution outflows is important in north CWT and drastically declines toward the south. We estimate the average contribution of EA outflows as accounting for 35 ± 15% (3.6 ± 1.5 ng/m3) of the atmospheric Pb loading in CWT during the winter monsoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind is one of the cleanest renewable energy resources. Through the "Thousand Wind Turbines Project", Taiwan is planning to increase the proportion of power generation from renewable energy and has set a target of 5.7 GW for offshore wind by 2025. The effects of future offshore wind farms (OWFs) over the Taiwan Strait on the atmospheric environment have not been evaluated. This study examined the potential effects of proposed OWFs on the atmospheric environment if the OWFs had existed during Tropical Storm Haitang (2017) by using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. A small set of ensemble simulations was conducted for studying the sensitivity of the ambient conditions in the region to the wind farm locations, the number and density of the turbines, and the initial time of simulations. Following the landfall and northward movement of Tropical Storm Haitang, a series of complex interactions between the typhoon circulation and the wind farm emerged, including small time slots of wake effect and mountain blocking effect. The combination of these rapidly changing OWFs-related effects contributed to a weak reduction in precipitation (− 1.08 mm) and hub-height wind speed (− 0.25 m s−1), as well as minimal warming near the surface (+ 0.13 °C) over southern Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical decisions about whether and how to integrate sustainability measures into the life cycle activities of green buildings are made in the early architectural design phase. To this end, researchers have advocated the use of various green building simulation technologies (GBSTs) to perform sustainability analyses to support integrated architectural design processes, cross-disciplinary communications, and evidence-based decision making. However, the adoption of GBSTs in architectural design practices remains limited. Building on the technology acceptance model, this paper investigates the determinants and mechanisms that influence the adoption of GBSTs in practice. Empirical data collected from architectural designers in Taiwan through qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey show that perceived usefulness is a strong predictor of designers' intentions to adopt GBSTs. Job relevance, result demonstrability, compatibility, and competitive advantage are also important determinants of GBST adoption. Practical recommendations are offered to encourage greater adoption of GBSTs in architectural design practices. Theoretically, this research extends the technology adoption literature in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry by broadening and deepening the understanding of context-specific determinants of GBST adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is typically at its lowest in Taiwan during summer. The mean concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and daytime ozone (08:00–17:00 LST) during summer (June–August) over central Taiwan were 35–40 µ g m -3 , 18–22 µ g m -3 , and 30–42 ppb, respectively, between 2004 and 2019. Sampling analysis revealed that the contribution of organic carbon (OC) to PM 2.5 could have exceeded 30 % in urban and inland mountain sites during July in 2017 and 2018. Frequent episodes of air quality deterioration occur over the western plains of Taiwan when an easterly typhoon circulation interacts with the complex topographic structure of the island. We explored an episode of air quality deterioration that was associated with a typhoon between 15 and 17 July 2018 using the Weather Research Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model. The results indicated that the continual formation of low-pressure systems or typhoons in the area between Taiwan and Luzon island in the Philippines provided a strong easterly ambient flow, which lasted for an extended period between 15 and 17 July. The interaction between the easterly flow and Taiwan's Central Mountain Range (CMR) resulted in stable weather conditions and weak wind speed in western Taiwan during the study period. Numerical modeling also indicated that a lee side vortex easily formed, and the wind direction could have changed from southwesterly to northwesterly over central Taiwan because of the interaction between the typhoon circulation and the CMR. The northwesterly wind coupled with a sea breeze was conducive to the transport of air pollutants from the coastal upstream industrial and urban areas to the inland area. The dynamic process for the wind direction changed given a reasonable explanation for why the observed SO 42- became the major contributor to PM 2.5 during the episode. SO 42- contribution proportions (%) to PM 2.5 at the coastal, urban, and mountain sites were 9.4 µ g m -3 (30.5 %), 12.1 µ g m -3 (29.9 %), and 11.6 µ g m -3 (29.7 %), respectively. Moreover, the variation of the boundary layer height had a strong effect on the concentration level of both PM 2.5 and ozone. The lee vortex and land–sea breeze, as well as the boundary layer development, were the key mechanisms in air pollutant accumulation and transport. As typhoons frequently occur around Taiwan during summer and fall, their effect on the island's air quality merits further research attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is related to caffeine metabolism and the risk of CVD among coffee drinkers. CYP1A2 rs762551 influenced the risk of stroke among hypertensive patients. We examined the relationship between hypertension and coffee drinking based on CYP1A2 rs762551 SNP in Taiwanese adults. Methods: We used data contained in the Taiwan Biobank database (2011–2018) and included 19,133 participants having complete information on hypertension, rs762551 polymorphism, coffee intake, etc. The risk of hypertension was determined using multiple logistic regression. Results: Coffee intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of hypertension. The odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-value were 0.877, 0.807–0.954, and 0.0032, respectively. CYP1A2 rs762551 was not significantly associated with the risk of hypertension, but it had a significant interactive association with coffee drinking (p value = 0.0303). After stratification by rs762551 genotypes, the inverse coffee drinking-hypertension association was retained, but significant results were observed only in those with the AC + CC genotype (OR 0.678, 95% CI 0.722–900, p value = 0.0001). According to the combination of coffee drinking and rs762551 genotypes (reference group: no coffee drinking and rs762551 AA), the coffee drinking-AC + CC group had a lower risk of hypertension (OR 0.888, 95% CI 0.789–0.999, p value = 0.0483). Conclusion: Coffee drinking, particularly among individuals with the CYP1A2 rs762551 AC + CC genotype was associated with lower odds of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a life-threatening condition affecting the lower extremities. Common risk factors include type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and older age. There is a little-documented research on the genetic basis of the disease in Taiwan. We examined the impact of T2D and the blood pressure-associated rs17367504 variant of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on PVD risk. Materials and Methods: In this population-based association study, we linked data from 8992 participants in Taiwan Biobank (TWB) to their medical records in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Participants were 30 to 70 years old at recruitment and included those assessed between 2008 and 2015. We tested for association of PVD with rs17367504 and T2D using multiple logistic regression models. The rs17367504 variant was assessed using the Axiom-Taiwan Biobank Array Plate (TWB chip: Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Results: Among cases with T2D (n = 1294), 158 (12.21%) were identified with PVD. T2D was associated with PVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21– 1.91; p< 0.001) whereas rs17367504 variant was not (OR, 0.96; CI, 0.76– 1.21; p = 0.728 in AG/GG compared to AA homozygotes). However, T2D and rs17367504 had an interactive effect on PVD (p for interaction = 0.0076). Results from our stratified analyses displayed OR of 1.75 (CI, 1.35– 2.26; p< 0.001) in AA individuals with DM and 0.94 (CI, 0.56– 1.58; p = 0.811) in AG+GG individuals with T2D. Using the AA genotype and no T2D as the reference group, the respective OR of PVD was 1.77 (CI, 1.38– 2.28; p< 0.001) in AA individuals with T2D; 1.18 (CI, 0.91– 1.55; p = 0.215) in AG+GG individuals with no T2D, and 1.03 (CI, 0.66– 1.60; p = 0.892) in AG+GG individuals with T2D. Conclusion: We found that type 2 diabetes was associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, particularly in AA genotype carriers of the rs17367504 variant in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2018, Super Typhoon Maria moved in the northwestward direction, passed by the northern tip of Taiwan Island, and severely impacted the coasts along Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces, China. In this paper, the storm surge and wind waves induced by Typhoon Maria are numerically simulated using a weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and the wind–surge–wave modeling suite [semi-implicit cross-scale hydroscience integrated system model (SCHISM)—wind wave model III (WWMIII)]. Numerical results are compared against available field measurements, including winds, atmospheric pressures, storm tides, and wave parameters. Using the model results, the significance of waves on modulating storm surges during Typhoon Maria is examined. Wind waves contribute significantly to surge heights in the Taiwan Strait and in nearshore waters. The models are then employed to conduct numerical experiments by reducing the topographic heights of Taiwan to 25% of their original values so as to investigate their effects on wind fields, surges, and currents. From these results, we observe that reduced topography weakens the wind intensity on the eastern side of the island while intensifying the wind on the other side of the island by up to 10 m/s, which is due to the terrain-induced blocking and channeling effects. The scenario with reduced topography also shows elevated surge heights on the right-hand side of typhoon landfalling coasts but slightly attenuated surge in the Taiwan Strait. Storm surge tends to increase the southwestwardly flux via the Taiwan Strait with maximum current velocities increased by approximately 0.5 m/s, compared with the case induced by astronomical tides only. The reduced island topography slightly weakens the southwestwardly current, decreasing maximum flux by approximately 16%, relative to the hindcast simulation using the original island topography. The results in this study indicate that the presence of island influences the propagation of surge wave with elevated surge height and storm-induced flux in the Taiwan Strait, this blocking effect weakens with reduced island topographic heights; meanwhile, the terrain-induced channeling effect, which alters the typhoon circulation and further impacts the surge pattern, is prone to forming in the case of high island topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falling is one of the causes of accidental death of elderly people over 65 years old in Taiwan. If the fall incidents are not detected in a timely manner, it could lead to serious injury or even death of those who fell. General fall detection approaches require the users to wear sensors, which could be cumbersome for the users to put on, and misalignment of sensors could lead to erroneous readings. In this paper, we propose using computer vision and applied machine-learning algorithms to detect fall without any sensors. We applied OpenPose real-time multi-person 2D pose estimation to detect movement of a subject using two datasets of 570 × 30 frames recorded in five different rooms from eight different viewing angles. The system retrieves the locations of 25 joint points of the human body and detects human movement through detecting the joint point location changes. The system is able to effectively identify the joints of the human body as well as filtering ambient environmental noise for an improved accuracy. The use of joint points instead of images improves the training time effectively as well as eliminating the effects of traditional image-based approaches such as blurriness, light, and shadows. This paper uses single-view images to reduce equipment costs. We experimented with time series recurrent neural network, long- and short-term memory, and gated recurrent unit models to learn the changes in human joint points in continuous time. The experimental results show that the fall detection accuracy of the proposed model is 98.2%, which outperforms the baseline 88.9% with 9.3% improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Taiwan government has been calling for the use of public transportation and has been popularizing pollution-reducing green vehicles. Passenger transport operators are being encouraged to replace traditional buses with electric buses, to increase their use in urban transportation. Reduced energy consumption and operating costs are important operational benefits for passenger transport operators, and driving behavior has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Although many literatures or real-world systems have addressed the issues related to reducing energy consumption with electric buses, these works do not involve the records collected from an on-vehicle battery management system (BMS). Accordingly, the results of analyses of existing works lack in-depth discussions, and therefore the applicability of existing works is insignificant. Therefore, in this study, driving data were collected using a battery management system (BMS), and vehicular power consumption was classified according to energy efficiency. Then, decision trees and random forest were applied to construct energy consumption analytical models. Finally, the driving behaviors that influence energy consumption were investigated. A case study was conducted in which a Taichung passenger transport operator's electric bus driving data on urban routes were collected to construct energy consumption analytical models. The data consisted of two parts, i.e., vehicle records and route records. On the basis of these records, we considered the practicability and applicability of the analytical models by transforming the unstructured records into raw data. Passenger transport operators and drivers can leverage the obtained eco-driving indicators for different bus routes for energy savings and carbon reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Springtime is the biomass burning (BB) season in Indochina. BB emissions are transported to East Asia and Taiwan at elevations of between 2000 and 4000 m and then transported downward to the near-surface layer when weather conditions are favorable. In this study, a numerical model, the Weather Research Forecast with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) model with tracer simulation was employed to explore the downward transport mechanisms and evaluate their potential effects on the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and near-surface layer during the springtime (Feb.–April) in 2018. Ambient backscatter was measured through LiDAR, aerosol optical depth was measured by MODIS and Himawari-8 satellites and by ground observations from the stations of AERONET. The data were applied to identify the transport mechanisms and evaluate the performance of the model. We summarized the downward transport mechanisms surrounding Taiwan, including the thermal effects of mountain downslope circulations (MDC), frontal secondary circulation (FSC) downward transport, and the mixing of MDC and FSC (MMF). Over Taiwan, the contributions of BB emissions for the MDC to the near-surface layer (<500 m), PBL (<1500 m), and free atmosphere (1500–6000 m) were 0.4%, 4.7%, and >95%, respectively, during springtime in 2018. For the FSC (MMF) mechanisms, the BB contributions to the near-surface layer, PBL, and free atmosphere were 2.5% (3.3%), 15.7% (17.1%), and 84.3% (82.9%), respectively. MMF occurred the most frequently among these three mechanisms and had the largest effect on the near-surface layer and PBL. The downward contributions of BB in different regions, including Taiwan, southern China, and the East China Sea (ECS), were also evaluated. Southern China had the highest value (11.0% [2.1%]) in the PBL (near-surface layer), followed by Taiwan and the ECS (8.2% [1.2%] and 4.5% [0.4%]). Overall, this research fills a gap in our understanding of the mechanisms by which BB emissions are transported to the surface and how they affect air quality in East Asia in general and Taiwan in particular. • We analyzed the BB emissions transport from Indochina to East Asia in general. • The downward transport mechanisms of aloft BB emissions have been explored. • The Impacts of BB emission on the PBL over the study regions were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban heat island (UHI) and global warming effects will raise the ambient temperature of cities and increase building energy consumption. This paper discusses the residential cooling energy variations imposed by urban warming in the present and future. Data from a dynamically downscaled hourly meteorological model with a grid resolution of 5 km and for time slices 1979–2003, 2015–2039, and 2075–2099 were used for dynamic building energy simulation against a typical residential apartment in the central Taiwan region. The meteorological grids were classified as 4 city grids, 25 town grids, and 31 countryside grids based on their urban morphology attributes. The values from 20 countryside grids with lower average ambient temperatures during cooling seasons were selected as reference. The spatial and temporal distributions of the impact of indoor overheating risk and annual cooling energy consumption by UHI and global warming effects were quantified against the reference value. Furthermore, because the energy penalty can be used to rapidly estimate the urban warming impact on total cooling energy consumption of a given city, the linear correlation of the energy penalty and the magnitude of the UHI effect was also established and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the risk of stroke in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), based on nationwide data in Taiwan.Method: This prospective cohort study was comprised of patients recorded on the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 (LHID2005) who had a diagnosis of CP (n=1975) in records between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007. A comparison group (1:5) drawn from the same database was matched for age and sex (n=9875). Each patient was tracked by data until the development of stroke or the end of 2008. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratios after adjusting for potential confounding factors.Results: Patients with CP were more likely to suffer stroke than the comparison population, after adjusting for potential confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-2.69). The hazard ratio of stroke was 4.78 (95% CI: 3.18-7.17) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.20-2.05) for patients with CP aged 50 years and under, and over 50 years respectively.Interpretation: Cerebral palsy is a risk factor or marker for stroke that is independent of traditional stroke risk factors. Further research in this area is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by varied clinical symptoms and can be comorbid with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the association between SLE and dementia risk in patients with SLE remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of dementia in patients with SLE.Methods: Patients were recruited from a nationwide cohort in 2004-2008 and categorized as SLE (n = 1,074; patients diagnosed with SLE) or non-SLE (n = 5,370; age- and sex-matched controls). Each patient was followed for up to 7 years, until either receiving a diagnosis of dementia or until December 31, 2010. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.Results: The incidence rate of dementia was higher in the SLE cohort (357 per 100,000 person-years) than in the non-SLE cohort (180 per 100,000 person-years). Patients with SLE had a higher risk of dementia than did those without SLE (crude hazard ratio [HR] 1.92; P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed an adjusted HR for dementia in the SLE cohort of 2.14 (P < 0.001), after adjustment for other comorbid diseases and variables.Conclusion: Patients with SLE have a higher risk of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable long-horizon PM 2.5 forecasts are crucial and beneficial for health protection through early warning against air pollution. However, the dynamic nature of air quality makes PM 2.5 forecasts at long horizons very challenging. This study proposed a novel machine learning-based model (MCNN-BP) that fused multiple convolutional neural networks (MCNN) with a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) for making spatiotemporal PM 2.5 forecasts for the next 72 h at 74 stations covering the whole Taiwan simultaneously. Model configuration involved an ensemble of massive hourly air quality and meteorological monitoring datasets and the existing publicly-available PM 2.5 simulated (forecasted) datasets from an atmospheric chemical transport (ACT) model. The proposed methodology collaboratively constructed two CNNs to mine the observed data (the past) and the forecasted data from ACT (the future) separately. The results showed that the MCNN-BP model could significantly improve the accuracy of spatiotemporal PM 2.5 forecasts and substantially reduce the forecast biases of the ACT model. We demonstrated that the proposed MCNN-BP model with effective feature extraction and good denoising ability could overcome the curse of dimensionality and offer satisfactory regional long-horizon PM 2.5 forecasts. Moreover, the MCNN-BP model has considerably shorter computational time (5 min) and lower computational load than the compute-intensive ACT model. The proposed approach hits a milestone in multi-site and multi-horizon forecasting, which significantly contributes to early warning against regional air pollution. [Display omitted] • Build a novel MCNN-BP model by multi-convolutional and backpropagation neural networks. • MCNN-BP allows in-depth feature learning from ensemble observed and forecasted inputs. • MCNN-BP makes accurate and reliable multi-site & multi-horizon PM 2.5 forecasts. • MCNN-BP outperforms benchmark models for its feature extraction and denoising ability. • MCNN-BP foresees occurrence of air pollution incidents and tackle time-lag phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Winter monsoon not only brings cold air but also transports air pollutants to Taiwan. [•] Biomass burnings are important dioxin emission sources in Southeast Asia. [•] Typhoon events have a documented impact on the remobilization of dioxins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, the high PCDD/F emissions observed in the coastal provinces of eastern China have raised global concerns over their adverse effects on human health. To address the effects of the long-range transport of persistent organic pollutants, the observations of atmospheric PCDD/F pollution were conducted across Southeast Asian in this study. Atmospheric PCDD/F levels were evaluated at two background stations (Sites A and B) in Taiwan, three remote islands (Sites C, D and E) around Taiwan and at Dongsha Island (Site F) in South China Sea at various times. Significantly lower atmospheric PCDD/F concentrations (1.24–7.75 fg I-TEQ m−3) and PCDD/F contents (3.45–49.1 pg I-TEQ/g-TSP) in total suspended particles (TSPs) were measured during the summer season. Based on a 72-h backward trajectory analysis conducted for the sampling sites used in this study, the air mass containing theses low levels had originated from the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea during the summer. The highest PCDD/F concentrations (10.2–65.2 fg I-TEQ m−3) and PCDD/F contents (132–620 pg I-TEQ/g-TSP) in ambient air were measured in northern Taiwan (Site A) and at two islands (Site C and Site E) close to mainland China during the northeast monsoon periods. In the meantime, the PCDF compounds in ambient air also increased from 52–54% to 65–75% at those sampling sites. Based on these measurements and corresponding trajectory analysis, we conclude that the significant increase in atmospheric PCDD/Fs measured during the northeast monsoon period in this study was attributable to the long-range transport of emissions from the coastal regions of mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surface ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratios were measured at Mei-Feng (24.05 °N, 120.10 °E, 2269 m above sea level) remote mountain site between March 2009 and September 2010 to investigate the impact of regional pollution on O3 and CO. The results showed that the maximum values of both O3 and CO were found in the springtime. Backward trajectory analysis, combined with MODIS fire spots suggested that the enhanced O3 and CO in springtime could be attributed to biomass burning (BB) activities over Southeast (SE) Asia. Thirteen BB events were identified by backward trajectory analysis, MODIS fires, NCEP weather data sets and CO concentrations. Good correlation between O3 and CO was found during the BB plumes. Using the linear regression, the slope (ΔO3/ΔCO) was calculated to be 0.18 ± 0.08 (mean ± 1σ). This value was in agreement with that of 0.2 observed over the west Pacific region during the TRACE-P campaign, but was higher than those (0.11–0.14) of Canadian and Siberian fires. Moreover, significant enhanced O3 productivity was also found in aged BB plumes and that mixed with urban emissions from SE coastal China. To assess the net influence of SE Asian BB, the air masses from SE Asia and SE China were divided in two groups: those that passed over the fire regions (PF) and those that did not (NP). The result showed that the maximum differences between PF and NP were estimated in March with 8 ppb for O3 and 45 ppb for CO, respectively, accounting for 23% of both CO and O3 levels at Mei-Feng. Although uncertainties existed in the estimations, the significant discrepancies of O3 and CO in the two air groups suggested the air pollutants emitted by SE Asian BB could be transported and influence the air quality over subtropical Taiwan in springtime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The impacts of long-range transport of Asian dust and anthropogenic air pollutants to Taiwan are strongly associated with the atmospheric conditions and paths of transport. In this study, we identified 16 significant dust events (daily mean mass concentration ≥ 120 μg m−3) to Taiwan from 2002 to 2008. To investigate transport characteristics associated with long-range transport of Asian dust and anthropogenic air pollutants to Taiwan, significant dust events were further classified into dry (12 cases) and wet (4 cases) types according to atmospheric conditions. We found that the major transport paths for the dry type (DT) dust cases passed through anthropogenic source areas in the low boundary while the major paths for the wet type (WT) dust cases passed over the ocean. After mineral dust, which occupied around 32% of total PM10 mass concentration, anthropogenic ionic pollutants was the second major contributor and occupied 19–22% at three sampling stations in Taiwan for DT cases. In the fine particle, the anthropogenic ionic pollutants contributed from 29 to 36% to PM2.5, making it the major contributor. The two most significant cases, one from the DT and one from the WT cases, were selected to study transport mechanisms with the NAQPMS air quality model. Simulation results also suggest that transport paths and boundary atmospheric conditions play important roles in aerosol compositions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kaohsiung City and the suburban region of southwestern Taiwan have suffered from severe air pollution since becoming the largest center of heavy industry in Taiwan. The complex process of ozone (O3) formation and its precursor compounds (the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxide (NO x ) emissions), accompanied by meteorological conditions, make controlling ozone difficult. Using a decision tree is especially appropriate for analyzing time series data that contain ozone levels and meteorological and explanatory variables for ozone formation. Results show that dominant variables such as temperature, wind speed, VOCs, and NO x can play vital roles in describing ozone variations among observations. That temperature and wind speed are highly correlated with ozone levels indicates that these meteorological conditions largely affect ozone variability. The results also demonstrate that spatial heterogeneity of ozone patterns are in coastal and inland areas caused by sea-land breeze and pollutant sources during high ozone episodes over southwestern Taiwan. This study used a decision tree to obtain quantitative insight into spatial distributions of precursor compound emissions and effects of meteorological conditions on ozone levels that are useful for refining monitoring plans and developing management strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Continuous measurements of ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) were carried out at Mei-Feng (24.05°N, 120.10°E, 2269m above sea level), a remote mountain site in central Taiwan, to investigate the influence of long-range transported air pollution on O3 and CO variations in the subtropical Pacific region. Data collected from March 2009 to September 2010 revealed average mixing ratios of 37±14ppb for O3 and 188±82ppb for CO at this remote site. Diurnal variations for both O3 and CO were observed as well in all seasons. The higher levels for O3 and CO in the afternoon were attributed to transport of boundary layer pollution to the site during daytime upslope flow. Monthly means of both O3 and CO showed maxima in spring and in the continental air masses from Southeast Asia, coastal China, and Korea/Japan. On the contrary, the lower O3 and CO levels found in summer were due to the marine air masses originating from the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean. The relationship between O3 and CO was analyzed, using nighttime data to minimize any local influence. The results showed a fairly good correlation between O3 and CO from March to September. The contribution of CO from the Asian outflow reached a maximum in spring (88ppb) and had a minimum in summer (27ppb). The photochemical buildup of O3 resulting from anthropogenic emissions in continental Asia was estimated to be 15ppb in spring, while its production was insignificant, with an average of 4ppb, in summer. A positive correlation between O3 and CO plus high ozone levels in springtime suggested that the enhancements of O3 were likely due to O3 which was photochemically produced over this region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the impacts of the urban heat island (UHI) effect on precipitation over a complex geographic environment in northern Taiwan, the next-generation mesoscale model, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, coupled with the Noah land surface model and urban canopy model (UCM), was used to study this issue. Based on a better land use classification derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data (the MODIS case), it has significantly improved simulation results for the accumulation rainfall pattern as compared with the original U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 25-category land use classification (the USGS case). The precipitation system was found to develop later but stronger in the urban (MODIS) case than in the nonurban (USGS) case. In comparison with the observation by radar, simulation results predicted reasonably well; not only was the rainfall system enhanced downwind of the city over the mountainous area, but it also occurred at the upwind plain area in the MODIS case. The simulation results suggested that the correct land use classification is crucial for urban heat island modeling study. The UHI effect plays an important role in perturbing thermal and dynamic processes; it affects the location of thunderstorms and precipitation over the complex geographic environment in northern Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface energy processes have an essential role in regional weather, climate and hydrosphere cycles, as well in regulating urban heat redistribution. The Chiayi urban area of Taiwan and its surrounding agricultural plains are an appropriate complex for studying land surface parameters and energy fluxes of different land cover/land use types in an urban heat island. In this study, three micro-meteorological stations were established over Chiayi Plain to collect in situ reference observations from 2006. In order to properly characterize the surface heat fluxes over a regional scale by point measurement, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite images and images acquired by a high resolution airborne campaign in conjunction with meteorological data were used to estimate the surface heat fluxes over a large area. The analytical results indicated that surface heat fluxes determined from both airborne and satellite images were feasible for estimating surface heat flux. The correlation coefficient of surface heat fluxes with in situ corresponding observations exceeded 0.80. On the other hand, satellite-observed surface skin temperature and land surface energy fluxes were the core factors analysed in different land cover types. The urban surface was rather dry as half of net radiation is converted to sensible heat flux for heating the surface, whereas over 90% net radiation is converted to latent heat flux at wet surfaces such as evergreen broadleaf or water. Surface heat flux was also proven to be an indicator of the magnitude of urban heat island effect and the findings of this study encouraged further use of remotely sensed imagery for assessing the urban heat island effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratios were observed from 30 January to 7 April 2008 at Mt. Lulin (23.51°N, 120.92°E, 2862masl) in central Taiwan to investigate characteristics of CO during biomass burning periods. During the sampling campaign, the average mixing ratio of CO was 234±63ppb with higher levels observed in March. The elevated CO in March can, on the basis of backward trajectories and satellite fire spots analyses, possibly be attributed to biomass burning activities in the Asian continent. Significant diurnal variations of CO mixing ratios were observed at the remote site. The higher CO levels in the afternoon were influenced by the transport of boundary layer pollution to the site during daytime upslope flow. Backward trajectory analysis showed that air masses mainly originated from India (ID), the Indochina Peninsula (IP) and South Coastal China (SC), which together accounted for 85% of the total trajectories. Higher mixing ratios of CO were found in the ID, IP, and SC categories, indicating significant impacts of anthropogenic emissions on the Pacific region. Furthermore, the air parcels were divided into two categories, those that passed over the fire regions and those that did not. The result showed that the average difference of CO levels between the two categories was approximately 79ppb, suggesting that Asian biomass burning plays an important role in CO levels at this remote site during the springtime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To quantify the possible sources of the high ambient ozone concentration in the low troposphere over Taiwan, ozone sounding data from a two-year intensive field measurement program conducted in April and early May of 2004 and 2005 in northern Taiwan has been examined. We found that the vertical ozone distributions and occurrence of enhanced ozone in the lower troposphere (below 6 km) mainly resulted from (1)Type NE: the long-range transport of ozone controlled by the prevailing northeasterly winds below 2 km, (2)Type LO: the local photochemical ozone production process, and (3)Type SW: the strong southwest/westerly winds aloft (2–6 km). In the boundary layer (BL), where Asian continental outflow prevails, the average profile for type NE is characterized by a peak ozone concentration of nearly 65 ppb at about 1500 m altitude. For type LO, high ozone concentration with an average ozone concentration greater than 80 ppb was also found in the BL in the case of stagnant atmospheric and sunny weather conditions dominated. For type SW, significant ozone enhancement with average ozone concentration of 70–85 ppb was found at around 4 km altitude. It is about 10 ppb greater than that of the types NE and LO at the same troposphere layer owing to the contribution of the biomass burning over Indochina. Due to Taiwan''s unique geographic location, the complex interaction of these ozone features in the BL and aloft, especially features associated with northeasterly and south/southwesterly winds, have resulted in complex characteristics of ozone distributions in the lower troposphere over northern Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The teaching and learning of mathematics in schools has drawn tremendous attention since the education reform in Taiwan. In addition to assessing cognitive abilities, Taiwan Assessment of Student Achievement in Mathematics (TASA-MAT) collects background information to help depict average student achievement in schools in an educational context. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between student achievement in mathematics and student background characteristics. The data for this study was derived from the sample for the 2005 TASA-MAT Sixth-Grade Main Survey in Taiwan. The average age of the sixth-grade students in Taiwan is 11 years old, as was the sample for the 2005 TASA-MAT. Student socioeconomic status (SES) and student learning-goal orientation were specified as predictor variables of student performance in mathematics. The results indicate that the better performance in mathematics tended to be associated with a higher SES and stronger mastery goal orientation. The SES factor accounted for 4.98% of the variance, and student learning-goal orientation accounted for an additional 10.61% of the variance. The major implication obtained from this study was that goal orientation was much more significant than SES in predicting student performance in mathematics. In addition, the Rasch model treatment of the ordinal response-category data is a novel approach to scoring the goal-orientation items, with the corresponding results in this study being satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the urban heat island (UHI) effect on environmental and regional climate has been receiving wide attention in recent decades. Taiwan, especially Taipei (located in northern Taiwan), is experiencing a significant UHI effect due to its high population density and the uniqueness of the geographic structure. In order to evaluate the impacts of urbanization and UHI effect over northern Taiwan, a next generation mesoscale model, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Noah land surface model and Urban Canopy model (UCM), was used to study this issue. By using the WRF–Noah–UCM model, it has significantly improved our simulation results for the prediction of the UHI effect, boundary layer development, and land sea breeze. Observations of weather stations and Lidar showed that the near surface air temperature was nearly 34–35°C and the boundary layer height was nearly 1500m around noon in Taipei on 17 June 2006. Around midnight, the air temperature ranged from 26 to 28°C. Our model can predict well for boundary layer development during the daytime and the UHI effect in northern Taiwan. Sensitivity tests indicate that the anthropogenic heat (AH) plays an important role for the boundary layer development and UHI intensity in the Taipei area, especially during nighttime and early morning. When we increase AH by 100Wm−2 in the model, the average surface temperature could increase nearly 0.3°C in Taipei. Furthermore, we found the UHI effect also has a significant impact on land sea circulation. It could enhance the sea breeze in the daytime and weaken the land breeze during the nighttime and hence had a significant impact on the air pollution diffusion in northern Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A highly developed industry and a large population density have turned the western plain of Taiwan into a mega-suburb with many cities and small towns and countless factories, and roads. As a result, the western plain is experiencing a regional heat-island effect. The MM5 mesoscale model was conducted in order to study and evaluate the impacts of the heat-island effect on regional weather, including thunderstorms, over Taiwan. According to land use data provided by the US Geological Survey (USGS), we assumed three different urban sizes in the simulation study to theoretically evaluate the impact of urbanization on the precipitation. Along with urban size increase in central Taiwan, more pronounced effects of meteorological parameters were shown in the sensitivity experiment with urban cases. For the urban case (case SA, with urban size 15×15km2), sensible heat flux is nearly 500Wm−2 around noon-time. It is about a factor of 3 more than the non-urban case (case CT) over the western plain. The surface air temperature in case SA increased by nearly 3°C and humidity decreased with nearly 10% more than case CT. Along with the urban size increases in central Taiwan, the effects are the surrounding areas and were more pronounced not only the precipitation over downwind areas. Apparently, the unique and complex topographic features in Taiwan, including the lifting effect of the mountain bordering the western plain, are also play important roles for precipitation formation. Numerical study suggests that the heat-island effect over the western plain could perturb thermal and dynamic processes and hence affect the location of thunderstorms and precipitation over Taiwan''s western plain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elevated ozone concentration is one of the current major environmental concerns in Taiwan. The spatial distribution and seasonal variations of ground level ozone over Taiwan are investigated by using air quality network stations of Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TEPA). Data shows that high ozone episodes frequently occur over southwest Taiwan during autumn. In this season, shallow northeasterly winds prevail after frontal passage and are diverted by the Central Mountain Range (CMR) because of its mean altitude of about 2. 5km. The windward side in northern Taiwan is usually associated with cloudy days, whereas sunny days with weak wind speeds usually occur on the lee side of the CMR over southwest Taiwan due to topographical blocking. Numerical results indicate that anthropogenic emissions from the north of Kaohsiung could contribute as much as 41% of ozone for the Kaohsiung metropolitan area and 24% for the inland rural Pingtung area during the northerly flow. It is concluded that the contribution of the emissions from the north of Kaohsiung is significant and cannot be ignored. The northerly air masses, which flows over the western plain during daytime, picks up ozone and its precursors which are transported to southwestern Taiwan. After a sea breeze develops, strong onshore flow transports significant amounts of ozone and precursors to the inland rural areas resulting in the high ozone episodes that frequently occur over southwestern Taiwan during the autumn season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The impact of long-range transport on the air quality of Taiwan was assessed by using measurements at stations of the air quality monitoring network of the Taiwan Environment Protection Administration over the winter monsoon periods of 2000 and 2001. The primary long-range transport process can be clearly identified to be the prevailing northeasterly following the cold front of winter monsoon that originates in the Asian continent. Based on pollutants concentration differences among different meteorological conditions, we estimate that the long-range transport of particulate pollutants contributes to about 30μgm−3 to the PM10 concentrations in northern and eastern Taiwan. A smaller contribution is estimated for the western plain of Taiwan. Contributions of the long-range transport to CO and SO2 are about 230 and 0.5ppb, respectively. The identified, dust events have the highest average inflow concentration (about 71±34μgm−3) of PM10. The dust impacts on PM10 have been estimated to be nearly 100% at windward background stations along the north and northeast coast. In the northern cities of Taiwan, such as Taipei and Hsinchu, the impacts decrease to around 60–80% as local emission increase. Due to geographic blocking, a smaller impact is estimated for the western plain of Taiwan. However, the identified frontal pollution cases have significant impact on CO and SO2, which is more evident than the impact of dust events. In general, impacts of long-range transport on air pollutants at coastal stations are greater than those in urban areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates how sounding characteristics affects afternoon rainshowers on days during which the rainfall amount exceeded 100 mm, as observed at least at 1 out of 232 to 326 automatic rainfall and meteorological telemetry system stations and 22 conventional surface stations in Taiwan during the mei-yu (monsoon rain) season between 1993 and 1997. In the first group of three out of five events (Group A), the West Pacific Subtropical High was just to the east of Taiwan, and a southerly wind beneath 700 hPa was observed with a speed ranging from 4 to 13 m/s. In the other two events (Group B), the ridge axis of the West Pacific Subtropical High was over southern Taiwan and the wind was southwesterly with a more uniform speed of below 700 hPa. In Group A, most of the precipitation was observed in low sloping and mountainous areas over northern and central Taiwan while in Group B, most of the precipitation occurred at elevations over 500 m in central Taiwan. Based on the sounding characteristics of these two groups, the Penn State/NCAR MM5 Mesoscale model was employed in 31 experiments to investigate the impact of wind direction, speed and relative humidity on the distribution of heavy precipitation during the mei-yu season. The predominant southerly or southwesterly wind converged in northern Taiwan over the lee side of the north–south-orientated central mountain range (CMR). Meanwhile, surface heating resulted in a northerly upslope wind in northern Taiwan. The lee side convergence and upslope wind accompanied by onshore flow from northern coastal areas, promoted simulated precipitation systems in northern Taiwan. In the simulation, an upslope wind over the windward side of western Taiwan, intensified precipitation systems over sloping areas. A larger wind component perpendicular to CMR was produced in predominantly southwesterly flow than in predominantly southerly flow. Subsequently, a larger wind shear was generated between the boundary layer and the free atmosphere over the western slope, resulting in a high entrainment to inhibit the upward motion and the development of precipitation systems. Consequently, the simulated rainfall accumulation over Taiwan in predominantly southwesterly wind was less than in predominantly southerly wind. The increase in the speed of the predominant wind also increased wind shear over the slope, reducing the vertical velocity and the intensity of the precipitation. Accordingly, less rainfall accumulated over the island in simulations with higher predominant wind speeds. These results are consistent with observation. Simulated rainfall fell over low land in high low-level relative humidity experiments, with a low level of free convection (LFC). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research investigates the impact of higher education expansion on the educational wage premium from a long-term perspective in Taiwan. By using 1985 to 2015 Manpower Utilization Survey (MUS) data with the difference-in-difference-in-differences model (DDD), this study analyzes the change of the wage premium of university educated versus lower-than-university educated counterparts across the expansion of higher education since 1995. The number of universities in Taiwan tripled between 1995 and 2005, from 50 to more than 150, with upgrading of about 100 technology colleges and vocational schools additionally. Dramatic expansion of universities as well as the number of university graduates will shrink the university wage premium for the young generation who entered into the labor market after year 2000, but the older generation will be less affected. The empirical results show that the wages premium of university graduates of the younger generation is 12% to 21% lower than their older generation counterparts due to the higher-education expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-range transport (LRT) reportedly carries air pollutants and microorganisms to downwind areas. LRT can be of various types, such as dust storm (DS) and frontal pollution (FP); however, studies comparing their effects on bioaerosols are lacking. This study evaluated the effect of LRT on viral and bacterial concentrations in Northern Taiwan. When LRT occurred and possibly affected Taiwan from August 2013 to April 2014, air samples (before, during, and after LRT) were collected in Cape Fugui (CF, Taiwan's northernmost point) and National Taiwan University (NTU). Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to quantify influenza A virus. qPCR and qPCR coupled with propidium monoazide were, respectively, used to quantify total and viable bacteria. Types and occurrence of LRT were confirmed according to the changing patterns of meteorological factors and air pollution, air mass sources (HYSPLIT model), and satellite images. Two Asian DS and three FP cases were included in this study. Influenza A virus was detected only on days before and during FP occurred on January 3–5, 2014, with concentrations of 0.87 and 10.19 copies/m3, respectively. For bacteria, the increase in concentrations of total and viable cells during Asian DSs (17–19 and 25–29 November 2013) was found at CF only (from 3.13 to 3.40 and from 2.62 to 2.85 log copies/m3, respectively). However, bacterial levels at NTU and CF both increased during FP and lasted for 2 days after FP. In conclusion, LRT increased the levels of influenza A virus and bacteria in the ambient air of Northern Taiwan, particularly at CF. During and 2 days (at least) after LRT, people should avoid outdoor activities, especially in case of FP. Image 1 • Bioaerosols were monitored before, during, and after long-range transport. • Dust storm and frontal pollution cases transported bacteria and influenza A virus. • Both non-viable (dominant) and viable bacteria were transported. • The effect of long-range transport was lasted to at least two days after events. • Factors associated bacterial levels were varied between background and event days. A capsule of no more than two lines that summarizes the main finding: Asian DS and FP both can transport virus and total and viable bacteria to the downwind area, which can last up to at least 2 days after LRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the winter and spring times, the cold continental airs not only often outflow to Taiwan, but also bring air pollutants and dusts. Moreover, springtime happens to be the biomass burning season in Indochina. Under favor weather conditions, the products of biomass burning pollutants could be transported easily to Taiwan and even East Asia. Due to the unique geographic location of Taiwan, that allows us to receive more than just one source in spring. Actually, the complex interactions of these air pollutants and aerosols features in the boundary layer and aloft have resulted in complex characteristics of air pollutants and aerosols distributions in the lower troposphere over Taiwan and East Asia. The impacts are also essential and complex. The project "Effect of Megacities on the transport and transformation of pollutants on the Regional and Global scales (EMeRGe)" aims to improve our knowledge and prediction of the transport and transformation patterns of European and Asian megacities pollutant outflows. In EMeRGe Asia, the composition of the plumes of pollution entering and leaving Asia measured by the new High Altitude and LOng Range (HALO) aircraft research platform. The HALO aircraft performing optimized transects and vertical profiling in Asia during 12 March and 7 April in 2018. To design the measurement of aircraft flight paths and elevations, a high resolution, 9 km, numerical prediction by Weather Research Forecast (WRF) and WRF-Chem models were joined and performed during the campaigns. The EMeRGe Asia has successfully finished more than 10 missions during study period. Model performances and preliminary results will discuss in this meeting. Overall, this series of studies significantly fill the gap of our understanding on air pollutants transformation and transport to Taiwan and East Asia, and show the potential directions of future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigated isotopic signatures of carbon (C), lead (Pb) and strontium (Sr) in PM 2.5 samples collected from two paired sites (urban vs. rural/background) in northern Taiwan during the summer of 2015 and the spring of 2016, respectively. Significant seasonality was revealed in the isotopic signatures of C and Pb, whereas no seasonal difference was observed in 87Sr/86Sr ratio. The values of δ13C, 206Pb/207Pb, and 208Pb/207Pb were more diverse and exhibited local features in summer. However, during the episodes of continental pollution outbreaks in springtime, the δ13C and Pb isotope ratios of PM 2.5 shifted and converged consistently toward the documented characteristics of particulate matters in northern China. Moreover, the results showed that the differences in the Pb and Sr isotopic characteristics between the paired urban and rural sites were statistically insignificant, whereas marginally lower δ13C values were observed at the urban site. It was inferred accordingly that a substantial amount of gaseous hydrocarbons emitted in local urban areas could have been converted to secondary organic aerosols with lower δ13C. On the contrary, the consistency in the spatial and temporal variations of mass concentration and isotope ratios of Pb at the two sites suggested that East-Asian continental pollution outbreak was the major source of Pb-containing particles in the northern Taiwan during springtime. It is noteworthy that there was neither seasonal nor spatial differences in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio observed in this study, which suggested that the Sr-containing particles collected in this study could be originating from a common mixture of sources, including not only natural dust but also the anthropogenic emissions, coal-combustion for instance. This investigation upon the C-Pb-Sr isotopic features evidenced the substantial impacts of the continental pollution outbreaks on the aerosol composition and air quality in the downwind areas of the East-Asian winter monsoons. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Seasonal and temporal variations of C-Pb-Sr isotopes of PM 2.5 were investigated. • C and Pb in PM 2.5 exhibited significant seasonal isotope signatures. • Isotopic evidences for the impacts of Asian outflows on air quality were revealed. • Consistent Sr isotope ratios were observed from local and distant sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taichung City has become the second largest city in Taiwan, where PM 2.5 and O 3 pollution events occur frequently. The causes of these events urgently need a comprehensive and in-depth study. Therefore, a series of well-planned observation experiments were conducted in the city and its surrounding areas. The first experiment supported the current simulation study of the major causes of air quality deterioration in Central-Western Taiwan. First, we utilized the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)/Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system to simulate the intensive observation period (IOP) from 31 October 2021 to 22 November 2021. The performance of WRF-CMAQ is well justified by comparison with the observations. Next, we selected the PM 2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameters equal to or <2.5 μm) pollution event occurring on 3–6 November 2021 for detailed analysis. The results reveal that the meteorological conditions of this event were the prevailing easterly/southeasterly winds blocked by the Central Mountain Range (CMR). Central Taiwan is located on the leeward side of the CMR and embedded in a calm wind area, which is especially favorable for the accumulation of PM 2.5 during the nighttime. At noon, the PM 2.5 concentration increased from the surface to the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), even though the PBLH was overestimated. In the afternoon, the clean sea breeze would dilute the PM 2.5 in the Taichung Basin and the urban PM 2.5 plume would be transported to the mountains. The current simulation suggests that the aloft return PM 2.5 layer would subside along with the sinking PBLH and deteriorate the PM 2.5 concentration at night. At the downtown site of the IOP (UAPRS), from the trend of radicals and nitrogen oxides, ozone (O 3) is closely involved in the formation of nitrate (NO 3 −) during both daytime and nighttime. If Taichung City is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-limited according to our previous study, then reducing VOC emissions could decrease O 3 and thus the NO 3 − concentration in Taichung City. [Display omitted] • The modeling of an intensive observation campaign is comprehensively evaluated. • The modeling performed well and reproduced meteorological and chemical fields. • Aloft return PM 2.5 layer subsidence could enhance pollution at night. • NO 3 − is a major species during nighttime PM 2.5 pollution events. • Reducing VOCemissions could decrease NO 3 − in the Taichung Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rotator cuff tears are the most common cause of shoulder disability in people older than 50years, and surgical intervention is usually required for restoring functioning. However, in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery, patients with DM had poorer functional outcomes than those without DM, and hence, DM is one of the possible risks factor for rotator cut off tear. The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the relationship between DM and the risk of rotator cuff tear in patients receiving rotator cuff repair surgery.Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal population-based 7-year cohort study, we investigated the risk of rotator cuff repair surgery in patients with DM. We performed a case-control matched analysis by using data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005. Patients were enrolled on the basis of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes for DM between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2007. The prevalence and the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of a rotator cuff repair surgery in patients with and without DM were estimated according to the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis using the frailty model.Results: The DM and non-DM cohorts comprised 58,652 patients with DM and 117,304 (1:2) patients without DM after matching for age and sex. The incidence of rotator cuff repair surgery was 41 per 100,000 and 26 per 100,000 person-years in the DM and non-DM cohorts, respectively. The HR of rotator cuff repair surgery during the follow-up period was 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-1.93, p<0.001) for patients with DM. After adjustment for covariates, the adjusted HR of rotator cuff repair surgery was 1.33 (95% CI, 1.05-1.68, p<0.001) in the DM cohort.Conclusion: DM is an independent risk factor for rotator cuff tear repair surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 24-hr PM 2.5 (particle aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) concentration standard was regulated in Taiwan in 2012, the PM 2.5 concentration has been decreasing year by year, but the ozone (O 3) concentration remains almost the same. In particular, the daily maximum 8-hr average O 3 (MDA8 O 3) concentration frequently exceeds the standard. The goal of this study is to find a solution for reducing PM 2.5 and O 3 simultaneously by numerical modeling. After the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC S)-limited and nitrogen oxides (NO X)-limited areas were defined in Taiwan, then, in total, 50 scenarios are simulated in this study. In terms of the average in Taiwan, the effect of VOC S emission reduction is better than that of NO X on the decrease in PM 2.5 concentration, when the same reduction proportion (20%, 40%) is implemented. While the effect of further NO X emission reduction (60%) will exceed that of VOC S. The decrease in PM 2.5 is proportional to the reduction in precursor emissions such as NO X , VOC S , sulfur dioxides (SO 2), and ammonia (NH 3). The lower reduction of NO X emission for whole Taiwan caused O 3 increases on average but higher reduction can ease the increase, which suggests the implement of NO X emission reductions must be cautious. When comparing administrative jurisdictions in terms of grids, districts/towns, and cities/counties, it was found that controlling NO X and VOC S at a finer spatial resolution of control units did not benefit the decrease in PM 2.5 but did benefit the decrease in O 3. The enhanced O 3 control strategies obviously cause a higher decrease of O 3 throughout Taiwan due to NO X and VOC S emission changes when they are implemented in the right places. Finally, three sets of short-term and long-term goals of controlling PM 2.5 and O 3 simultaneously are drawn from the comprehensive rankings for all simulated scenarios, depending on whether PM 2.5 or O 3 control is more urgent. In principle, the short-term scenarios could be ordinary or enhanced version of O 3 decrease with lower NO X /VOC S emissions, while the long-term scenario is enhanced version of O 3 decrease plus high emission reductions for all precursors. [Display omitted] • Strategies including NO X emission reduction all over Taiwan is not recommended. • NO X /VOC S reduction exerted on NO X /VOC S -limited regimes is strongly suggested. • High NOx reduction is more effective than VOCS reduction on decrease of PM 2.5. • Enhanced O 3 control strategies cause a higher decrease of O 3 throughout Taiwan. • Decrease for PM 2.5 is proportional to reduction of precursor emissions, not for O 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term downward trend of NO X concentrations does not reflect the reduction of nitrate (NO 3 −) in Taiwan. Instead, the proportion of NO 3 − in PM 2.5 increased in recent years. To probe the increasing importance of NO 3 − in PM 2.5 , this study applied the WRF/CMAQ modeling system to implement a simulation from 16 March 2017 to 30 April 2017, in which 5 p.m. 2.5 events with daily average concentrations ≥35 μg m−3 and their corresponding correlation coefficients (R) of simulated and observed PM 2.5 above 0.6 were selected for analysis. During the daytime, the reaction of NO 2 and OH contributed more than 90% of the total HNO 3. After sunset, the high concentrations of NO 3 and N 2 O 5 peaked, followed soon by the simultaneous rise of NO 3 −, aerosol water content, and HNO 3 concentrations around midnight, which indicated that the heterogeneous reaction was the main formation mechanism of NO 3 −, accounting for approximately 30%–90% of total HNO 3. At nighttime, the daytime-formed gaseous phase NO 3 − condensed, and low wind and low boundary layer height favored accumulation; therefore, PM 2.5 peaked around the midnight period to the early morning. The sensitivity test showed that doubling and halving the NO X and NH 3 emissions could directly lead to the highest production and reduction of NO 3 −, respectively, followed by doubling and halving NMHC emissions, which caused the highest and lowest O 3 concentrations. The correlation analysis of the simulation results showed that the daytime maximum O 3 and HNO 3 were highly correlated. The relationships between daytime maximum O 3 , nighttime maximum NO 3 , N 2 O 5 , and HNO 3 in pairs were also moderately to highly correlated. This study implies that in addition to direct reduction of NO X or NH 3 emissions, controlling O 3 is possibly another useful strategy to reduce NO 3 −. Because NO X emission reduction could conflict with controlling O 3 , this study suggests to re-examine the determination of NO X -limited and VOC S -limited regions in order to develop strategies for reducing NO X emission and O 3 simultaneously. The proportion of NO 3 - in PM 2.5 was the highest among PM 2.5 components in many recent PM 2.5 episodes. The daytime NO 2 +OH→HNO 3 accounts more than 90% of total HNO 3. The nighttime heterogeneous reaction of N 2 O 5 accounts about 50% to 90% of total HNO 3 , plus the daytime NO 3 - condensed, forms the high NO 3 - and high PM 2.5 event. The simulation result suggests to control O 3 could reduce NO 3 - and thus PM 2.5. [Display omitted] • The observed proportion of NO 3 − in PM 2.5 has been decreasing in recent years. • Evolution of meteorology, NO 3 −, its precursors/intermedia products are addressed. • The contributions of eight NO 3 − formation pathways were calculated. • To control O 3 could also reduce NO 3 − in addition to direct NOx and NH 3 reduction. • Daytime maximum O 3 has close relationship with daytime/nighttime maximum HNO 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate lead (Pb) is a primary air pollutant that affects society because of its health impacts. This study investigates the source sectors of Pb associated with ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over central-western Taiwan (CWT) with new constraints on the Pb-isotopic composition. We demonstrate that the contribution of coal-fired facilities is overwhelming, which is estimated to reach 35 ± 16% in the summertime and is enhanced to 57 ± 24% during the winter monsoon seasons. Moreover, fossil-fuel vehicles remain a major source of atmospheric Pb, which accounts for 12 ± 5%, despite the current absence of a leaded gasoline supply. Significant seasonal and geographical variations in the Pb-isotopic composition are revealed, which suggest that the impact of East Asian (EA) pollution outflows is important in north CWT and drastically declines toward the south. We estimate the average contribution of EA outflows as accounting for 35 ± 15% (3.6 ± 1.5 ng/m3) of the atmospheric Pb loading in CWT during the winter monsoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Height, evolution and structure of the nocturnal aerosol layers in the lower troposphere is reported by using a ground-based lidar over Chung-Li (), Taiwan, during the period from March 2002 to December 2008. Investigation shows that the aerosol layers mainly distributed at an altitude range between 0.2 and 3km. The mean height and depth of the aerosol layer are 0.57±0.11km and 0.63±0.14km, respectively. Seasonality is observed for the depth and height of the aerosol layer. The wind shear and temperature inversion is calculated from the radiosonde data. The statistical interpretation shows a correlation between lidar-derived aerosol layer height and wind shear and also with the temperature inversion. The depth and height of aerosol layer have a positive correlation with Bulk Richardson number. The seasonal features of tropospheric aerosols and their impact on the PM10 mass concentrations are also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan was the worst nuclear disaster following the 1986 Chernobyl accident. Fission products (nuclides) released from the Fukushima plant site since March 12, 2011 had been detected around the northern hemisphere in about two weeks and also in the southern hemisphere about one month later. We report here detailed time series of radioiodine and radiocesium isotopes monitored in a regional network around Taiwan, including one high-mountain and three ground-level sites. Our results show several pulses of emission from a sequence of accidents in the Fukushima facility, with the more volatile 131I released preferentially over 134Cs and 137Cs at the beginning. In the middle of the time series, there was a pronounced peak of radiocesium observed in northern Taiwan, with activity concentrations of 134Cs and 137Cs far exceeding that of 131I during that episode. From the first arrival time of these fission nuclides and their spatial and temporal variations at our sampling sites and elsewhere, we suggest that Fukushima-derived radioactive nuclides were transported to Taiwan and its vicinity via two pathways at different altitudes. One was transported in the free troposphere by the prevailing westerly winds around the globe; the other was transported in the planetary boundary layer by the northeast monsoon wind directly toward Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Environmental temperature is known to correlate with schizophrenia, but little is known about the association with changes in temperature. This 12-year study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the mean daily range of ambient temperature and schizophrenia admissions in a national cohort of psychiatric inpatients in Taiwan. Meteorological data provided by the Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan were interpolated to create representative estimates. Psychiatric inpatient admissions in all hospitals with medical services enrolled in the current health care insurance system were retrieved from the 1996–2007 Psychiatric Inpatient Medical Claim dataset of the National Health Insurance Research Database. Generalized linear models with Poisson distributions were used to analyze the impact of mean diurnal change of temperature on schizophrenia admissions, controlling for internal correlations and demographic covariates. The daily temperature range varied between 1.7°C and 12.1°C (1st to 99th percentile). The relative risk of schizophrenia admission was significantly increased at a temperature range of 3.2°C (10th percentile), and the maximum was at 12.1°C (99th percentile); however, no such association was found with schizoaffective disorder. When restricted to the capital and largest city, the effects of temperature range were prominent and may correlate with temperature itself. The joint effect of temperature and temperature range was associated with elevated risk, particularly at cooler temperatures. A positive correlation was found between increasing temperature range and schizophrenia admissions. The increase in morbidity at high percentiles suggests that the increasing dynamics of temperature range are a valid reflection of risk, highlighting the need for precautionary action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations and depositions in ambient air, water column and sediment were measured at a coupled reservoir-watershed system in northern Taiwan. The atmospheric PCDD/F concentration measured in the vicinity of the reservoir ranged from 4.9 to 39fgI-TEQm−3 and the Asian dust storm in February accounted for the peak value, which corresponded to a total suspended particle concentration of 128μgm−3. The atmospheric PCDD/F deposition ranged from 1.4 to 19pg I-TEQm−2 d−1, with higher deposition occurring during winter and spring (long-range transport events). During summer, when atmospheric deposition is lower, consecutive tropical cyclones (typhoons) bring heavy rainfall that enhances soil erosion and creates turbidity-driven intermediate flow. This results in significantly higher PCDD/F deposition in water column of the reservoir at 70m water depth (179pg I-TEQ m−2 d−1) than at 20m (21pg I-TEQm−2 d−1) during typhoon event. The accumulation rate of PCDD/Fs (9.1ngI-TEQm−2 y−1) in the reservoir sediments (depth: 0–2cm) was consistent with PCDD/F deposition obtained from water column (6.1 and 8.3ngI-TEQm−2 y−1); however, it is significantly higher when compared to the atmospheric deposition (2.0ng I-TEQm−2 y−1). Based on the mass balance between the measurements of atmospheric deposition and sinking particles in water column, around 54–74% of PCDD/F inputs into the reservoir were contributed by the catchment erosion during normal period. However, the PCDD/F input contributed by the enhanced catchment erosion significantly increased to 90% during intensive typhoon events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ambient air samples were collected at 13 air quality monitoring stations in Kaohsiung city, Kaohsiung county, and Pingtung county (KKP) to investigate the composition and spatial distribution of C2–C10 non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in southern Taiwan. Ozone formation potentials (OFPs) of NMHCs were estimated using maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) and k OH method (reactivity of NMHC with OH radical) to assess the relative effects of hydrocarbons on ozone formation. The measurements showed that mixing ratios of toluene, ethene, ethyne, ethane, isopantane and propane were the highest among all measured species at most of the sampling sites. Nevertheless, considering both the photochemical reactivities and mixing ratios of all the measured species, toluene, xylene, ethene and propene were calculated to have the highest OFPs and reactivities. The OFPs and reactivities assessed by the MIR and k OH methods for the four compounds accounted for 54.5% and 39.3% of all the measured species. Larger benefit margin of ozone abatement may be obtained by reducing emissions of a group of key species with high OFPs. 2,2-dimethylbutane (22DMC4) was used as an indicator of traffic emissions to distinguish traffic from non-traffic contributions of key species in Kaohsiung metropolitan area. It revealed that the contribution of non-traffic source was significant for toluene, whereas xylene was found to be primarily from the traffic source in Kaohsiung metropolitan area during the sampling periods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]