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This review paper presents a systematic literature review on the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in engineering education, and specifically in student's spatial ability training, for the last decade. Researchers have explored the benefits of AR, and its application has been of increasing interest in all levels of education. Engineering students tend to have difficulties in acquiring visualization skills, and hence, AR is gaining momentum in enhancing students' learning achievements. This paper aims to present valuable information to researchers, tutors and software developers of learning technology systems concerning the advantages and limitations of AR in spatial ability training, the incorporation of adaptivity and personalization in AR applications as well as the aspects of spatial ability having been evaluated using AR and the prevalent evaluation methods for AR applications. To this direction, a total of thirty-two (32) studies were reviewed, having been published since 2010. The findings reveal an increase in the number of studies during the last three years. One major conclusion is the improvement of learners' spatial ability using AR in educational settings, and the noted challenge is the need for more learning content. One research gap that has been identified is the lack of personalization in the developed applications, offering space for future research. Concluding, this area is under-researched, and thus, there is scope for a lot of improvement.

To explore knowledge co-construction patterns and learning motivation within virtual EFL co-creation environments, this study examined behavioral patterns and motivation in three different co-creation environments (paper-based, 2D digital, and 3D VR co-creation) through sequential behavioral analysis and ANCOVA. The study utilized a quasi-experimental research design with a total of 66 tenth-grade students from two English classes at a public senior high school in northern Taiwan. Based on the visualized behavior transition diagrams, the task-switching behaviors between dissonance identification and knowledge negotiation as well as the isolated behaviors of applying newly-constructed knowledge are the core of knowledge co-construction. Particularly, 3D VR co-creation was characterized by the highest number of higher level isolated acts and lower level circular continuity, both of which reflect VR co-creators' efforts to gain familiarity with advanced technology as well as the intention to exchange information and reach community consensus to overcome task complexity, form community consensus, and lower anxiety. Such behavioral patterns echoed the results of ANCOVA on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation; that is, on either intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, the influence of 3D VR co-creation was the greatest, followed by that of 2D digital co-creation and paper-based cocreation. For future co-creation instruction and research, it is suggested that the instruction of VR co-creation be invested with abundant time to allow mature higher level knowledge co-construction dialogues to occur. Moreover, to gain an even deeper understanding of the social structure embedded in knowledge co-creation, it is suggested that social network analysis (SNA) be employed in future research.

In this paper, we discuss the teaching effects of augmented reality (AR) technology in German instruction. We conducted one prestudy and three formal studies on German learners in China's mainland and Taiwan region. In the formal studies, a total of 120 students participated in the survey, allowing us to compare the differences in interest in learning between AR picture books and traditional picture books. A total of 114 students took part in the survey, which enabled us to compare the contribution of AR picture books to teaching when students' satisfaction and German proficiency were different. To improve satisfaction, 514 students participated in the survey regarding the influence of the interactive narrative design effect and peer learning on satisfaction with using AR picture books. The results suggest that when learning German with AR picture books, satisfaction is the key construct that determines students' learning states.

In recent years, the innovative applications of integrated augmented reality (AR) into educational settings had increased rapidly in Taiwan. AR provides the scene of the real world while interacting with the virtual and physical objects and increases students' learning motivation. This paper presents an empirical study that investigated the middle-school students learning health education courses related to human body structure knowledge integrating AR technology with different learning style preferences. A two-way t-test was applied to examine the experimental (AR-based) or control (traditional lecture) group in health education courses for four consecutive weeks, comparing with pre-test and post-test scores. The findings revealed that students in the AR experimental group apparently had a higher learning achievement than the students in the control group. Moreover, students with different learning styles had the significant differences in learning achievement. The research outcomes provided the practical implications for educators in incorporating AR applications for enhancing learning motivation and to study the differences in students' learning style.

The advancement of game-based learning has encouraged many related studies, such that students could better learn curriculum by 3-dimension virtual reality. To enhance software engineering learning, this paper develops a 3D game-based learning system to assist teaching and assess the students' motivation, satisfaction and learning achievement. A quasi-experimental design is based on the ARCS Theory (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) to investigate the effectiveness of game-based learning strategy in 3-dimension virtual reality scenario. The students are randomly assigned into two groups for quasi-experimental design. In game-based learning, the curriculum content is mapped into the game to provide a scenario learning environment. After implementation of quasi-experimental design, the pre-test and post-test results shown that 3D game-based learning system with software engineering curriculum could achieve a better learning achievement and motivation than using traditional instruction. The statistical test displayed that learning motivations of students have significant impact on learning achievement, and learning achievements of students with game-based learning are better than those who use traditional face-to-face teaching. After re-checked the questionnaire, this paper finds that game-based learning challenging and attractiveness can lead to learners' curiosity and immersion in learning activity. And the results show that 80% students are satisfaction, and 83% students are confidence for the course learning after use the game-based learning system. Lastly, the research results could provide to related educators as references. (Contains 8 figures and 3 tables.)

In this paper, the development of the MAR (mobile augmented reality) remedial teaching program is described. It allowed students to manipulate augmented objects through AURASMA app via internet and find leads to solve geometry problems regarding compound-cube-surface area. In order to foster students' spatial abilities, the program provided specific functions included partition, complementation, recombination, and multi-perspective to promote their "mental image" as well as "visualization." The proposed program was evaluated with the quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design to probe into students' learning performance. Moreover, students' error types of problem-solving were analyzed using their solving track recorded in the sheets. The results showed that the MAR remedial teaching program truly benefit students on solving geometry problems regarding compound-cube-surface area, and there are still some questions needed to investigate in the future, such as how students were affected by visual-obscuration to inexactly carry out their counts.

In this paper, the authors reviewed the empirical augmented reality (AR) and online education studies, and those focused on designing or development of AR to help students learn, published in SSCI, SCI-EXPANDED, and A&HCI journals from 2003 to 2012. The authors in this study found that the number of AR and online education studies has significantly increased since 2009. Based on this review, it is found that contributors from Spain, Romania, Taiwan, and Germany had the most publications on AR and online education during 2003 to 2012. Moreover, the analysis of these selected papers reveals that most empirical AR and online education studies were conducted at universities, as well as in computer science courses. Furthermore, the quantitative research method was used more in the reviewed papers. The findings and analysis from this review may provide potential directions and insights for future AR and online education research.

Switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) are becoming an essential part of many electronic systems as the industry drives toward miniaturization and energy efficiency. However, practical SMPS design courses are seldom offered. In this paper, a generalized MATLAB/SIMULINK modeling technique is first presented. A proposed practical SMPS design course at Lunghua University, Taiwan, which incorporates this technique, is then described. In order to validate the correctness of the proposed modeling technique, four prototype SMPS are provided in this paper. These prototype circuits also serve as the laboratory section of the proposed course. The main objective of the course is to teach final-year undergraduate students and first-year Master's students how to design an SMPS in real life. The positive response from students indicates that the proposed technique is useful for SMPS design courses. (Contains 3 tables and 28 figures.)

The difficulty of Virtual Reality application in industrial design education and learning is VR engineers cannot comprehend what the important functions or elements are for students. In addition, a general-purpose VR usually confuses the students and provides neither good manipulation means nor useful toolkits. To solve these problems, the ZMET-QFD model presented in this paper, can translate the in-depth demands of VR into actual functions from the students' thoughts. With a ZMET-QFD model, twenty-one items are determined to be the functions for VR from the students' perspective. According to importance ranking, top ten items are: real-world parameters, physical database, multiple viewpoints, multiple-windows operation, ruler and unit display, environmental database, material database, multiple presentation models, graphical interface, and customized parameters. The findings of this study should lead to the creation of a concept of a designer-oriented virtual reality system that can truly help industrial design education and students' learning.

With the advancements of the human computer interaction field, nowadays it is possible for the users to use their body motions, such as swiping, pushing and moving, to interact with the content of computers or smart phones without traditional input devices like mouse and keyboard. With the introduction of gesture-based interface Kinect from Microsoft it creates promising opportunities for educators to offer students easier and intuitive ways to interact with the learning systems. The integration of Kinect based applications into classroom make students' learning experience very active and joyful. In this context, this paper proposes a system for assessment in a smart classroom environment. An interactive framework is designed using Microsoft Kinect sensor for virtual learning environment with new gesture-based questions supporting QTI-based assessment, and further a rich set of gesture commands are also introduced for practical usage in the classroom. Proposed system was experimented with teachers and students then collected feedback of the users using a usability questionnaire. The results show that the participants are satisfied with the system and it demonstrates that the proposed system is simple to use, provides better functionality and motivates student learning by assessment.

In recent years, software operating skills, the ability in computer literacy to solve problems using specific software, has become much more important. A great deal of research has also proven that students' software operating skills can be efficiently improved by practicing customized virtual and simulated examinations. However, constructing these simulation-based examinations is cost intensive and time-consuming. Thus, a reconfigurable simulation-based test system designed on a proposed Software Operation-Finite State Machine has been developed. Using this system, teachers can use a graphic authoring tool to construct and reconfigure simulation-based tests for designated software operation tasks. For the students, these simulation-based tests can be performed via the Web browser without any extra computer environment setting costs. After students finish the test, the proposed system can automatically assess their online operating paths to generate the assessment report for self-reflection. Moreover, in order to share and reuse the designed simulation-based tests, this paper suggests some extensions of IMS Question & Test Interoperability to support the proposed simulation-based operation test format. Finally, an experiment was conducted to evaluate 38 sixth grade elementary school students. The experimental results show that this system can meet both teachers' and students' educational requirements while significantly improving students' learning performance of the software operating skills.

Computer simulation users can freely control operational factors and simulation results, repeat processes, make changes, and learn from simulation environment feedback. The focus of this paper is on simulation-based design tools and their effects on student learning processes in a group of 101 Taiwanese senior high school students. Participants identified as having executive, legislative, judicial, global or local thinking style tendencies were asked to design bridges using WPBD2007 computer simulation freeware. Design strategies and design tool usage were video recorded and analyzed. Results indicate a positive correlation between judicial thinking style and frequency of substantial change in structure and goal strategy; a negative correlation between local thinking style and frequency of component tool list usage; a negative correlation between use of top-down strategies and frequency of using two types of assistance tools; a positive correlation between the use of bottom-up strategies and frequency of using both tool types; a positive correlation between the use of a substantial change strategy and frequency of using the graphical interface only; and positive correlations between total construction costs and the frequencies of using the substantial change strategy and component list tool.

In response to the growing industrial demand for light-emitting diode (LED) design professionals, based on industry-university collaboration in Taiwan, this paper develops a novel instructional approach: a simulation-based learning course with peer assessment to develop students' professional skills in LED design as required by industry as well as to enhance cognition and metacognition in students in higher education. The simulation-based learning course enables students to understand the influences on LED performance of the variation of different parameters and to seek the best design through comparing the effectiveness of different combinations of parameters. The evaluation results of pre- and post-test knowledge maps and a photonics scoreboard indicate that this project-based instruction may help students understand the operating principles of LEDs and enhance their skill in LED design. The Constructivist Project-based Learning Environment Survey is adopted to demonstrate that the proposed project-based learning environment is beneficial in cultivating student inquiry learning, reflective thinking, teamwork, and skills in creative problem solving. (Contains 4 tables and 8 figures.)

The need for professional programmers in embedded applications has become critical for industry growth. This need has increased the popularity of embedded software design courses, which are resource-intensive and space-limited in traditional real lab-based instruction. To overcome geographic and time barriers in enhancing practical skills that students require for embedded software design, this paper presents a remote multiuser platform designed to allow students to experiment with embedded systems "anytime" and "anywhere" through the "always open" lab (3A). The open 3A Multiuser Lab (3AML) integrates open source and network address translation (NAT) service techniques to offer a low-cost and efficient experimental environment for students. The current study achieves the educational goals of training students to apply and integrate embedded software programming by combining teaching methodology and the proposed open 3AML aids. In addition to describing the various experimental stations of the open platform and the students' project achievements, this work also discusses the campus-wide teaching assessment results and the satisfaction survey of the learning platform with students. (Contains 2 tables and 6 figures.)

Game-based assignments typically form an integral component of computer programming courses. The effectiveness of the assignments in motivating students to carry out repetitive programming tasks is somewhat limited since their outcomes are invariably limited to a simple win or loss scenario. Accordingly, this paper develops a simulation environment in which students can create a game strategy via programming for a challenging strategy-type game. After completion of the game, the environment provides the student with a set of metrics that provides helpful clues as to how the student might reprogram the strategy to improve the result. The provided metrics help to avoid a tedious trial-and-error refinement process and, therefore, greatly motivate the student to complete the assignment and achieve a better result. The simulation environment can be used in either a standalone mode or in an interactive mode in which the students compete against one another online. The competition element increases the motivation of the students to complete the task to the best of their ability. (Contains 3 tables, 6 figures, and 4 footnotes.)

Distance learning in advanced military education can assist officers around the world to become more skilled and qualified for future challenges. Through well-chosen technology, the efficiency of distance-learning can be improved significantly. In this paper we present the architecture of Advanced Military Education-Distance Learning (AME-DL) prototype for advanced military distance-learning, it combines advanced e-learning tool, simulation technology, and Web technology to provide a set of military learning and training subjects that can be accessed easily anywhere, anytime through a Web browser. The major goal of AME-DL is to provide a common standard framework for military training program, and the major contribution for such a prototype is to reduce training cost while providing high quality learning experience.

This paper discusses the behavior and contributing factors of land subsidence in the intersection area of Expressway (Expwy) 78 and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), located on Choshui River alluvial fan-delta (CRAFD) to the midwest of Taiwan. Since the CRAFD has been suffering a long-time problem of land subsidence, the transportation safety of THSR and Expwy 78 thus has become a major concern. The subsidence of CRAFD can be attributed to several factors, including overexploitation of groundwaters for area development. However, additional loadings of Expwy 78 and THSR structures would appear to deteriorate the problem. It would be of interest to know the influence of various factors on subsidence of the study area where the subsidence has now become most serious along the entire THSR route. It would also be advisable to provide information on the potential effects of subsidence on the integrity of THSR structure. With these aims, we perform analyses on the subsidence of the area based on 8-year on-site monitoring and numerical simulations. Results indicate, in a period started approximately from Expwy 78 construction, the average subsiding rate would be 10.53 cm/year, with relative contributions of 14.1%, 55.2%, 11.8%, 11.6%, and 7.3%, respectively, by the factors of soil creeping, previous overpumping, groundwater fluctuations, and loadings of Expwy 78 and THSR. We also estimate 23% and 77% of total subsidence occurred as the compressions of soils within and beyond the installation depth of THSR piles, which might impair pile bearing capacity and vertical alignment, respectively, of THSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an expert system is designed to derive the rephasing strategy of laterals and distribution transformers to enhance three-phase balancing of distribution systems. The heuristic rules adopted by distribution engineers are incorporated in the knowledge base of the expert system in the problem-solving process. The neutral current reduction algorithm is developed to support the inference engine to derive the rephasing strategy to reduce the neutral current of distribution feeder so that the tripping of over-current relay can be prevented and the customer service interruption cost and labor cost to execute the rephasing strategy can be justified by the power loss reduction obtained. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed expert system to enhance three-phase balance, a practical distribution feeder in Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) is selected for computer simulation. By minimizing the objective function subjected to the rephasing rules, the rephasing strategy has been derived to identify the laterals and distribution transformers for phasing adjustment. After executing the proposed rephasing strategy by Taipower engineers, the phase currents and neutral current of test feeder has been collected by the SCADA system to verify the reduction of neutral current. The power loss reduction obtained by three-phase balancing has been solved by three-phase load flow analysis, which is then used to justify the customer service interruption cost and labor cost for rephasing of test feeder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the application of proposed under-frequency load shedding scheme with dynamic D-factors, i.e., load frequency and voltage dependent coefficients, of various dynamic load models to Taiwan power system. The load models adopted are 1) a single-motor dynamic model, 2) a two motor (one small and one large) dynamic model, and 3) a composite (static and dynamic) model. First, the dynamic D -factor values of these load models are determined by the actual analytical approach employed in Taiwan power system. Then, a single-machine model representing a multi-machine power system is utilized for validating the proposed load shedding scheme with derived dynamic D-factor values. Finally, time simulation results of load shedding applied to various load models are compared with field measurement data, which are obtained from Taiwan power system in the case of three-phase short circuit fault, to evaluate the effects of different load models on the proposed load shedding scheme, based on the restoration of system frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness and efficacy of saving time and reducing burden for patients, nurses, and even occupational therapists through computer adaptive testing (CAT)., Methods: Based on an item bank of the Barthel Index (BI) and the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) for assessing comprehensive activities of daily living (ADL) function in stroke patients, we developed a visual basic application (VBA)-Excel CAT module, and (1) investigated whether the averaged test length via CAT is shorter than that of the traditional all-item-answered non-adaptive testing (NAT) approach through simulation, (2) illustrated the CAT multimedia on a tablet PC showing data collection and response errors of ADL clinical functional measures in stroke patients, and (3) demonstrated the quality control of endorsing scale with fit statistics to detect responding errors, which will be further immediately reconfirmed by technicians once patient ends the CAT assessment., Results: The results show that endorsed items could be shorter on CAT (M = 13.42) than on NAT (M = 23) at 41.64% efficiency in test length. However, averaged ability estimations reveal insignificant differences between CAT and NAT., Conclusion: This study found that mobile nursing services, placed at the bedsides of patients could, through the programmed VBA-Excel CAT module, reduce the burden to patients and save time, more so than the traditional NAT paper-and-pencil testing appraisals.

In recent years, the Taiwan government has established a number of flood control facilities such as dikes, pumping stations and drainage systems to effectively reduce downstream flooding. However, with continued development and urbanization of catchment areas, the original designs of most flood control facilities have become outdated. Hillside lands in the upper and middle reaches of river basins have undergone urban development through unsound engineering practices, paving the way for heavy downstream flooding. Therefore, proper river basin management should include both upstream and downstream sides. The main purpose of the paper is to simulate non-urban inundation areas with various degrees of development (0%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 60%), over two different return periods of 25 years and 200 years, for intensive rainfall events in the Shi-Chi District, Taiwan. Through hydrological analysis and numerical simulations of inundation, quantitative data on inundation potential have been established based on the land development conditions along the hillsides on the upper and middle reaches of the Keelung River Basin. The simulated results show that the increase in the extent of land development in the upper reaches causes an increase in the area and depth of inundation, resulting in an increased risk of flooding in downstream areas. If the land-use policy makers in the upper reaches of the river basin's hillsides do not properly manage the land development, the risk of flooding in downstream areas will increase. In such an event, the policy makers should first review the situation to understand the problem with the consideration of this study. Thus, proper development and flood mitigation in hillsides can be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer simulation users can freely control operational factors and simulation results, repeat processes, make changes, and learn from simulation environment feedback. The focus of this paper is on simulation-based design tools and their effects on student learning processes in a group of 101 Taiwanese senior high school students. Participants identified as having executive, legislative, judicial, global or local thinking style tendencies were asked to design bridges using WPBD2007 computer simulation freeware. Design strategies and design tool usage were video recorded and analyzed. Results indicate a positive correlation between judicial thinking style and frequency of substantial change in structure and goal strategy; a negative correlation between local thinking style and frequency of component tool list usage; a negative correlation between use of top-down strategies and frequency of using two types of assistance tools; a positive correlation between the use of bottom-up strategies and frequency of using both tool types; a positive correlation between the use of a substantial change strategy and frequency of using the graphical interface only; and positive correlations between total construction costs and the frequencies of using the substantial change strategy and component list tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an earlier diagnostic study, the present paper performs numerical simulations of the rare wintertime supercell storms during 19–20 December 2002 in a subtropical environment near Taiwan. Using Japan Meteorology Agency (JMA) 20-km analyses and horizontal grid spacing of 1.5 and 0.5 km, the Cloud-Resolving Storm Simulator (CReSS) of Nagoya University successfully reproduced the three major storms at the correct time and location, but the southern storm decayed too early over the Taiwan Strait. The two experiments produce similar overall results, suggesting that the 1.5-km grid spacing is sufficient even for storm dynamics. Model results are further used to examine the storm structure, kinematics, splitting process, and the variation in the mesoscale environment. Over the Taiwan Strait, the strong surface northeasterly flow enhanced low-level vertical shear and helped the storms evolve into isolated supercells. Consistent with previous studies, the vorticity budget analysis indicates that midlevel updraft rotation arose mainly from the tilting effect, and was reinforced by vertical stretching at the supercell stage. As the ultimate source of vorticity generation, the horizontal vorticity (vertical shear) was altered by the baroclinic (solenoidal) effect around the warm-core updraft, as well as the tilting of vertical vorticity onto, and rotation of vortex tubes in the x–y plane, forming a counterclockwise pattern that pointed generally northward (westward) at the right (left) flanks of the updraft. In both runs, model storms travel about 15°–20° to the left of the actual storms, and they are found to be quite sensitive to the detailed low-level thermodynamic structure of the postfrontal atmosphere and the intensity of the storms themselves, in particular whether or not the existing instability can be released by forced uplift at the gust front. In this regard, the finer 0.5-km grid did produce stronger storms that maintained longer across the strait. The disagreement in propagation direction between the model and real storms is partially attributed to the differences in environment, while the remaining part is most likely due to differences not reflected in gridded analyses. Since the conditions (in both the model and real atmosphere) over the Taiwan Strait are not uniform and depend on many detailed factors, it is anticipated that a successful simulation that agrees with the observation in all aspects over data-sparse regions like this one will remain a challenging task in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is aimed at creating an empirical model for assessing failure potential of highway slopes, with a special attention to the failure characteristics of the highway slopes in the Alishan, Taiwan area prior to, and post, the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake. The basis of the study is a large database of 955 slope records from four highways in the Alishan area. Artificial neural network (ANN) is utilized to “learn” from this database. The developed ANN model is then used to study the effect of the Chi-Chi earthquake on the slope failure characteristics in the Alishan area. Significant changes in the degrees of influence of several factors (variables) are found and possible reasons for such changes are discussed. The novelty of this paper lies in the fact that the developed ANN models are used as a tool to investigate the slope failure characteristics before and after the Chi-Chi earthquake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes our studies on non-parametric maximum-likelihood estimators in a semiparametric mixture model for competing-risks data, in which proportional hazards models are specified for failure time models conditional on cause and a multinomial model is specified for the marginal distribution of cause conditional on covariates. We provide a verifiable identifiability condition and, based on it, establish an asymptotic profile likelihood theory for this model. We also provide efficient algorithms for the computation of the non-parametric maximum-likelihood estimate and its asymptotic variance. The success of this method is demonstrated in simulation studies and in the analysis of Taiwan severe acute respiratory syndrome data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to apply deep excavation behavior prediction models in the geotechnical field to establish localized soil parameters for gravel layers. Common software tools, including PLAXIS and SoilWorks, were used extensively. Monitoring data from deep excavation cases related to gravel layers in the Xindian area of Taiwan were collected. In the background analysis, the deformation of the retaining walls was used instead of parameters typically used in deep excavation analysis. This was performed to provide the ideal range recommendations for the input parameters when conducting a numerical simulation analysis of the Xindian District stratum or similar strata. The assessment results show that when setting the fifth layer of gravel to SPT-N = 100, PLAXIS suggested a soil elastic modulus range of 7840 N to 9800 N per square meter (kN/m2), while SoilWorks recommended a range of 2450 N to 3430 N per square meter (kN/m2). These ranges allow for a reasonable estimation of the maximum wall deformation during the final excavation stage. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that when conducting an excavation analysis in gravel layers in the Xindian area of Taiwan or in similar strata, engineers should refer to the abovementioned recommended ranges when selecting the soil elastic modulus for different software programs. This will enhance the accuracy of the deformation predictions during the final excavation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway obstruction refers to suffocation caused by blockage of the airway due to a foreign body and is a common cause of accidental death in infants below one year of age. However, the current infant CPR manikins used for training in first aid for foreign body airway obstruction can only be applied to one single scenario. Furthermore, trainees' first aid skills cannot be recorded and quantified with a digital system and, consequently, assessment of their skills is difficult to conduct. This study aims to overcome the technical limitations by developing an AR-based assessment system for training in first aid for infant airway obstruction. With this assessment system, trainees can learn first aid more efficiently and correctly and conduct a quantitative assessment of their skills digitally. For instructors, the time required for assessment, potential human error, and the cost of training can also be reduced. The system can be a practical learning tool that helps trainees assess emergencies and integrate their knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first find out some good trading strategies from the historical series and apply them in the future. The profitable strategies are trained out by the gene expression programming (GEP), which involves some well-known stock technical indicators as features. Our data set collects the 100 stocks with the top capital from the listed companies in the Taiwan stock market. Accordingly, we build a new series called portfolio index as the investment target. For each trading day, we search for some similar template intervals from the historical data and pick out the pertained trading strategies from the strategy pool. These strategies are validated by the return during a few days before the trading day to check whether each of them is suitable or not. Then these suitable strategies decide the buying or selling consensus signal with the majority vote on the trading day. The training period is from 1996/1/6 to 2012/12/28, and the testing period is from 2000/1/4 to 2012/12/28. Two simulation experiments are performed. In experiment 1, the best average accumulated return is 548.97% (average annualized return is 15.47%). In experiment 2, we increase the diversity of trading strategies with more training. The best average accumulated return is increased to 685.31% (average annualized return is 17.18%). These two results are much better than that of the buy-and-hold strategy, whose return is 287.00%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a numerical model to simulate the floating trajectory of garbage falling into the sea from the landfill near the coast of Wanghaixiang Bay in northeast Taiwan to understand its impact on the local environment. The Regional Ocean Model System was used to simulate the probability densities of the distribution of garbage drifting trajectories under scenarios of no-wind, northeast monsoon, and typhoons. The results show that, in the no-wind scenario, garbage was mainly affected by tidal currents. It moved in the northwest–southeast direction outside the bay. In the northeast monsoon scenario, garbage was forced toward the shore due to the windage effect. In typhoon scenarios, strong winds forced the garbage to the shore, as typhoons continued to advance and the wind direction kept changing, the garbage trajectory was also changed. After typhoons moved away, the drifting trajectory of the garbage was again affected by tidal currents. When the garbage falling into the sea was located in the bay or the mouth of the bay, the garbage had a higher probability of being forced into the bay by typhoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses submarine morphology as a means of understanding the avulsion of the Fangliao canyon. Multichannel seismic profiles and bathymetric data were used to perform a morphological analysis. In response to tectonic uplifting, the Fangliao canyon was divided into two separate segments and two distinct trends. Initially, in the shelf edge–upper slope region the canyon extends downslope in a N–S direction. Then the canyon course bends to the SW at a depth of about 630m because of a mud diapir uplift and then returns to and maintains a N–S course with the canyon mouth at a depth of 900m, which is its present-day course. The Fangliao ridge, a mud diapiric ridge, lies east of the lower Fangliao canyon and extends upslope into the upper Fangliao canyon with a generally straight course and a nearly N–S trend. Because of the uplift of the Fangliao ridge a major step of the convex-upward profile, ~150m above the canyon floor, resulted in the east Fangliao ridge canyon. The gravity flows are unable to rise up against the high gradient and, thus, have had to abandon the segment of paleocanyon once flowing along the trend of the Fangliao ridge. The internal seismic characteristics of the terraces located along the eastern wall of the Fangliao canyon suggest deposition of terrace mainly occurs in the inner bend of the Fangliao canyon. The sedimentary sequences of the terrace are divided into two units: (1) the lower sedimentary unit is characterized by oblique, high-amplitude reflections and is considered as coarse-grained canyon fills resulting from aggradation related to the canyon avulsion events; and (2) the upper sedimentary unit consists mainly of low-amplitude reflections that are interpreted as inner levee resulting from spillover deposition. Numerical simulations were performed to discuss avulsion of the Fangliao canyon. Initially, the course of the Fangliao canyon had a N–S trend and followed the regional slope (i.e., the direction gravity currents would flow). Subsequently, the mud diapir uplifted the segment of the paleocanyon of the Fangliao canyon once flowing along the present-day Fangliao ridge and diverted its course to the present-day Fangliao canyon. The model suggests that the uplift rate exceeds the erosion rate in the east Fangliao ridge canyon, and hence the sediment flows in the canyon may be unable to pass through the 150-m major step. This new model suggests that the avulsion of the Fangliao canyon is marked by a significant bend at the boundary between the upper and lower canyons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an approach which combines the orthogonal array experiment technique and an ant direction hybrid differential evolution algorithm (ADHDEOA) in determining the tilt angle for photovoltaic (PV) modules. In this study, an orthogonal array (OA) is first conducted to obtain the initial solution. Next, an ant direction hybrid differential evolution (ADHDE) is applied to search for a near optimum solution. The purpose of this research is to maximize the output power of the module. The sun’s position at any time and location was predicted by the mathematical procedure of Julian dating; then, the solar irradiation was obtained at each site under a clear sky. The searching for global optimal solution is applied to a practical experimental system. The results show that the annual optimal angle for the Taipei area is 23.18°; for Taichung, 22.32°; for Tainan, 21.62°; for Kaosiung, 20.83°; for Hengchung, 20.27°; for Hualian, 22.18°; and for Taitung, 20.89° in seven Taiwanese areas, and the actual best annual tilt angles are close to the computer simulation results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Feeder automation is one of the major functions of the distribution automation system (DAS) of Taiwan Power Company (Taipower). Feeder automation reduces the customer outage duration when a fault contingency occurs in a distribution feeder. In feeder automation operation, the feeder terminal unit (FTU) measures and monitors the voltage and current sensors of distribution line switchgear in real time. To propose the service restoration strategy for more efficient feeder automation, an inference mechanism using a colored Petri net (CPN) is employed to derive appropriate switching operations by considering the operational constraints of a distribution system. A CPN model for feeder automation that includes automatic line switches and circuit breakers is proposed for fault detection, isolation, and restoration (FDIR). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, the computer simulation of a Taipower distribution system with 18 feeders is carried out. The results show that the proposed CPN model can be applied efficiently for the FDIR of the distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on cultural heritage conservation has shifted from emphasizing the digital information process with the advantages of "precision" and "visualization" in the early stage to focusing on the development of "realistic" and "highly experiential" gamified interactive environments. As game technology provides a highly interactive experience, effective communication, and an integrated environment, it brings new application opportunities for the future development of the reconstruction of historical blocks and cultural spaces. This study takes the old city blocks and historic buildings in Taiwan as examples, applies ArcGIS and SketchUp as the information modeling software, uses the Unity3D game engine as the development platform, and carries out the integration and interactive presentation of the scene information model through the two-stage process of information modeling and programming integration. The historical building information model and 3D-GIS attribute data are integrated, and the visibility and interaction of the information model of the old city blocks are enhanced. Using game technology to optimize the digital integration process of cultural asset not only simplifies the integration of multiple information models and provides two-way updates, but also effectively enhances the interaction and display application capabilities of historic district and building space information. The development tasks that were completed in this research are (1) integrate historical building models and 3D-GIS attribute data; (2) get all the necessary visual information; (3) update historical buildings and historic district models and data at any time; (4) provide virtual reality simulation function and environmental interaction experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Integrate a scale experiment and computer simulation to reduce costs and risks. Verify the applicability of the ammunition depot design. Reduce damage to equipment and life through design and management mechanisms. In Taiwan, many ammunition depots have become outdated after having been in service for a long period of time, and if they are not properly managed, then accidental explosions might erupt inside. Leakage pressure after an explosion is closely related to the opening of the structure and the thickness of the wall. In order to reduce the risk of implosion, it is necessary to design a new structure or strengthen the existing ammunition libraries for the storage of ammunition required for combat. In order to evaluate the applicability of an existing ammunition depot design, making management simpler and safer, this study integrates the scale model experiment of an ammunition depot with computer simulation, the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) algorithm in ANSYS/LS-DYNA software, and it compares the results with the UFC3-340-02 specification in order to verify its applicability. The results show that computer simulation can verify that the data related to an implosion of an ammunition depot is similar to the specification. Therefore, the design results of the ammunition depot optimized by computer simulation can be used as a reference for the construction or strengthening of ammunition depots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and transportation of sediment in mountainous areas caused by extreme rainfall events that are triggered by climate change is a challenging problem, especially in watersheds. To investigate this issue, the present study adopted the scenario approach coupled with simulations using various models. Upon careful model selection, the simulation of projected rainfall, landslide, debris flow, and loss assessment was integrated by connecting the models' input and output. The Xindian watershed upstream from Taipei, Taiwan, was identified and two extreme rainfall scenarios from the late 20th and 21st centuries were selected to compare the effects of climate change. Using sequence simulations, the chain reaction and compounded disaster were analysed. Moreover, the potential effects of slope land hazards were compared for the present and future, and the likely impacts in the selected watershed areas were discussed with respect to extreme climate. The results established that the unstable sediment volume would increase by 28.81 % in terms of the projected extreme event. The total economic losses caused by the chain impacts of slope land disasters under climate change would be increased to USD 358.25 million. Owing to the geographical environment of the Taipei metropolitan area, the indirect losses of a water supply shortage caused by slope land disasters would be more serious than direct losses. In particular, avenues to ensure the availability of the water supply will be the most critical disaster prevention topic in the event of a future slope land disaster. The results obtained from this study are expected to be beneficial because they provide critical information for devising long-term strategies to combat the impacts of slope land disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreaks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003 resulted in unprecedented impacts on people's daily life. One of the most significant impacts to people is the fear of contacting the SARS virus while engaging daily routine activity. Here we use data from daily underground ridership in Taipei City and daily reported new SARS cases in Taiwan to model the dynamics of the public fear of the SARS virus during the wax and wane of the SARS period. We found that for each reported new SARS case there is an immediate loss of about 1200 underground ridership (the fresh fear). These daily loss rates dissipate to the following days with an e-folding time of about 28 days, reflecting the public perception on the risk of contacting SARS virus when traveling with the underground system (the residual fear). About 50% of daily ridership was lost during the peak of the 2003 SARS period, compared with the loss of 80% daily ridership during the closure of the underground system after Typhoon Nari, the loss of 50–70% ridership due to the closure of the governmental offices and schools during typhoon periods, and the loss of 60% daily ridership during Chinese New Year holidays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sequence of large earthquakes happened along the Longitudinal Valley in eastern Taiwan in 1951. The first three (and largest) earthquakes took place near the harbour city of Hualien at the northern tip of the valley during the first day, the second of which (‘Event II’) severely damaged the city. The epicentre of Event II had previously been allocated at some 15 km offshore, which would result in a vertical subsidence of the Hualien city according to model calculations for the supposed seismic source mechanism. However, the Hualien tide gauge record speaks the opposite—the site experienced a co-seismic uplift by 255 mm due to Event II. We conduct a series of numerical grid-search simulations and determine a most likely scenario for the earthquake sequence. We assert that Event II's hypocentre was actually on land (rather than offshore), right along the recognized active Milun Fault below the city of Hualien at a very shallow depth. This result advances our understanding of the spatio-temporal seismotectonic behaviour associated with these historical events, and is important towards the assessment of the potential seismic and tsunami hazards of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution simulations for Typhoon Krosa (2007) and a set of idealized experiments are conducted using a full-physics model to investigate the eminent deflection of typhoon track prior to its landfall over mountainous island topography. The terrain height of Taiwan plays the most important role in Typhoon Krosa''s looping motion at its landfall, while the surface properties, details in the topographic shape of Taiwan, and the cloud microphysics are shown to be secondary to the track deflection. A simulation with 3-km resolution and realistic model settings reproduces the observed Krosa''s track, while that with 9-km resolution fails, suggesting that high resolution to better resolve the typhoon--terrain interactions is important for the prediction and simulation of typhoon track deflection prior to landfall. Results from idealized experiments with model configurations mimicking those of Supertyphoon Krosa show that vortices approaching the northern and central topography are significantly deflected to the south before making sharp turns to the north, forming a kinked track pattern prior to and during landfall. This storm movement is consistent with the observed looping cases in Taiwan. Both real-case and idealized simulations show strong channel winds enhanced between the storm and the terrain when deflection occurs. Backward trajectory analyses support the concept of the channeling effect, which has been previously found to be crucial to the looping motion of Typhoon Haitang (2005) as well. However, the inner-core asymmetric ventilation flow does not match the movement of a deflected typhoon perfectly, partly because the steering flow is not well defined and could not completely capture the terrain-induced deflection in the simulation and in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Danshui River estuarine system is the largest estuarine system in northern Taiwan and is formed by the confluence of Tahan Stream, Hsintien Stream, and Keelung River. A comprehensive one-dimensional (1-D) model was used to model the hydrodynamics and cohesive sediment transport in this branched river estuarine system. The applied unsteady model uses advection/dispersion equation to model the cohesive sediment transport. The erosion and deposition processes are modeled as source/sink terms. The equations are solved numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme. Water surface elevation and longitudinal velocity time series were used to calibrate and verify the hydrodynamics of the system. To calibrate and verify the mixing process, the salinity time series was used and the dispersion coefficient of the advection/dispersion equation was determined. The cohesive sediment module was calibrated by comparing the simulated and field measured sediment concentration data and the erosion coefficient of the system was determined. A minimum mean absolute error of 4.22 mg/L was obtained and the snapshots of model results and field measurements showed a reasonable agreement. Our modeling showed that a 1-D model is capable of simulating the hydrodynamics and sediment processes in this estuary and the sediment concentration has a local maximum at the limit of salinity intrusion. Furthermore, it was indicated that for Q50 (the flow which is equaled or exceeded 50% times), the turbidity maximum location during neap tide is about 1 km closer to the mouth compared to that during spring tide. It was found that deposition is the dominant sediment transport process in the river during spring–neap periods. It was shown that, while sediment concentration at the upstream depends on the river discharge, the concentration in the downstream is not a function of river discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic response of the Liyutan earth dam to the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake (ML=7.3) in Taiwan was numerically analyzed. First, the staged construction of the dam was simulated. Then, seepage analysis, considering a 60-m water level, was performed. After seepage analysis, the initial static stress (prior to dynamic loading) was established in the dam. Both the horizontal and vertical acceleration time histories recorded at the base of the dam were used in the numerical simulations. The dynamic responses of the dam were analyzed for 50 s in the time domain. The simulated results were in agreement with the monitored data. The transfer function analysis and Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) were used to compare the results and to perceive the response characteristics of the dam. In particular, the time-frequency-energy plots of the HHT can reveal the timing and time frame of the dominant frequencies of the dynamic response. The influences of the initial shear modulus and uni-axial earthquake loading were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of numerical simulations are conducted using the advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model with a 4-km fine mesh to examine the physical processes responsible for the significant track deflection and looping motion before the landfall of Supertyphoon Haitang (2005) in Taiwan, which poses a unique scientific and forecasting issue. In the control experiment, a low-level northerly jet induced by the channeling effect forms in the western quadrant of the approaching storm, where the inner-core circulation is constrained by the presence of Taiwan’s terrain. Because of the channeling effect, the strongest winds of the storm are shifted to the western portion of the eyewall. The northerly advection flow (averaged asymmetric winds within 100-km radius) results in a sharp southward turn of the westward-moving storm. The time series of the advection flow shows that the advection wind vectors rotate cyclonically in time and well match the motion of the simulated vortex during the looping process. A sensitivity study of lowering the Taiwan terrain elevations to 70% or 40% of those in the control experiment reduces the southward track deflection and loop amplitude. The experiment with the reduced elevation to 10% of the control experiment does not show a looping track and thus demonstrates the key role of the terrain-induced channeling effect. Experiments applying different values of the structure parameter α illustrate that increasing the strength, size, and translation speed of the initial storm results in a smaller interaction with Taiwan’s terrain and a smaller average steering flow caused by the asymmetric circulation, which leads to a proportionally smaller southward track deflection without making a loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores coastal hazard characteristics along Provincial Highway No. 9 (hereafter the Provincial Highway) in Taiwan. Numerical simulation was conducted to analyze wave attacks and medium-to-long-term coastal morphological change along the Provincial Highway and identify areas of high hazard potential. Hydrodynamic and morphological change numerical models were used to simulate various meteorological scenarios in the research site; specifically, far-field, medium-field, and near-field simulations were performed. Subsequently, the simulated results were employed to analyze hazard characteristics and determine the potential for hazard along the Provincial Highway. According to the analysis of hazard characteristics, the high potential of wave attacks was revealed in the following sections of the highway: 440K+000-441K+000, areas near 424K+500, and 396K+000-396K+500, and the highest potential for erosion was shown in the areas near 418K+000 and 397K+500. Finally, these areas with a high potential for wave attacks and erosion were marked to create a map of hazard potential for the provincial highway, and thus provide insights into future construction works or hazard-prevention operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]