Search

While many studies have explored green buildings, there remain many unsolved questions about how to expand this section of the housing market, such as how the capitalization effect of green buildings varies across time and location. This study investigates the price premiums of green buildings in Taipei City, the largest metropolis in Taiwan, to examine how they have changed over time, and assesses the magnitude of the capitalization effects under varying housing price levels. The empirical results indicate that Taipei residents are willing to pay higher prices for houses with green-label certification. The higher the certification level, the higher the price that residents are willing to pay. This study additionally identifies two characteristics of the capitalization effects in this market. The first is that the price premiums vary with the market condition. For example, during housing market downturns (e.g., 2014–2015), building green premiums may be unremarkable or non-existent. The second effect identified is that green buildings tend to exhibit an 'aristocratic trend.' This means that high-priced houses (i.e., houses priced above the 80% quantile) in the high-end label category attract the highest premiums, implying that the willingness to pay for green features tends to only exist among wealthy buyers. The result of this paper provides evidence to explain the heterogeneity of green build premiums. Regarding the specificity of these premiums, this paper provides recommendations for builders and managers. [Display omitted] • This study investigates the price premiums of green buildings in Taipei City. • This paper examines how the price premiums have changed over time. • It assesses the magnitude of the capitalization effects under varying housing price levels. • The price premiums vary with the market condition. • Green buildings tend to exhibit an aristocratic trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Given the difficulty of earthquake forecast, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) has been a method to best estimate site-specific ground motion or response spectra in earthquake engineering and engineering seismology. In this paper, the first in-depth PSHA study for Taipei, the economic center of Taiwan with a six-million population, was carried out. Unlike the very recent PSHA study for Taiwan, this study includes the follow-up hazard deaggregation, response spectra, and the earthquake motion recommendations. Hazard deaggregation results show that moderate-size and near-source earthquakes are the most probable scenario for this city. Moreover, similar to the findings in a few recent studies, the earthquake risk for Taipei should be relatively high and considering this city''s importance, the high risk should not be overlooked and a potential revision of the local technical reference would be needed. In addition to the case study, some innovative Excel applications to PSHA are introduced in this paper. Such spreadsheet applications are applicable to geosciences research as those developed for data reduction or quantitative analysis with Excel''s user-friendly nature and wide accessibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The distal relationship between Taipei's resource inflows and nonrenewable resource production in Taiwan was investigated. • Cross-scale emergy synthesis revealed the reliance of Taipei's resource inflows on Taiwan. • The demand of construction materials in Taipei's peri-urbanization is the underlying driving force of the development in Taipei's remote areas. Urbanization not only causes environmental changes in metropolitan regions but also influences the ecological and socioeconomic changes of distant land areas due to increasing demands on resource use and waste emissions. Previous studies on the assessment of urban systems have focused on the city or metropolitan areas under study. There is a need to incorporate urban land teleconnections to investigate the relationship between a city and distant land areas during the process of urbanization. This paper analyzes the teleconnection of the energy and material flows associated with Taipei's peri-urbanization and remote areas in Taiwan. The cross-scale emergy synthesis of Taipei and Taiwan was examined first to investigate the relationships of the material and energy flows between Taipei and Taiwan. The exploitation of non-renewable resources in Taiwan during the 1990s was driven mainly by the construction and development taking place in Taipei. Furthermore, compared with Taiwan, the Taipei area relies heavily on external resources. The results of the emergy evaluation of materials flows in Taipei indicated that 85% of the construction materials used were imported from other remote areas during the past 30 years. The use of construction materials in Taipei had a higher intensity in the city center during 1982–1992 and in the peri-urban area during 2002−2014. The results of the emergy synthesis indicated that urban land teleconnections exist between peri-urban areas of Taipei and other distant areas in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many earthquake empirical models were developed based on the statistics in the past. However, it is commonly seen that a non-local model was applied to a local study without any adjustment. In this paper, a new algorithm using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to adjust a non-local model for local applications was presented, including a case study assessing the probability of major earthquake occurrences in Taipei. Specifically, considering the fault length of 36 km and slip rate of 2 mm/yr, it suggests the Sanchiao (or Shanchiao) fault could induce a major earthquake with magnitude M w 7.14±0.17, based on a non-local model integrated with limited local data using the MLE algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban areas, public transport can improve sustainable transport by reducing vehicles and congestion, and improving accessibility. Mass rapid transit (MRT) is especially important for large cities, such as Taipei City, Taiwan. In particular, MRT aims to improve mobility and reliability, but has limitations in providing first and last mile accessibility to final destinations or origins. Taipei City, Taiwan has introduced a public bike sharing scheme to service this gap. However, few studies have addressed how a public bike sharing scheme assists first and last mile accessibility. This study uses Taipei City as a case study to investigate this issue by comparing the demand and supply of the public bike sharing scheme, YouBike, at a detailed spatial scale. The supply of YouBike is represented by the time saving compared to walking for each identified origin and destination pair in the study area (i.e., Point of Interests (POIs) and MRT stations). The demand for YouBike is total trips from each YouBike station to a MRT station using public transport smart card data. By comparing the demand and supply for over 400 zones or villages, service gaps and areas of unbalanced service can be identified. The results show that YouBike does provide first and last mile service for the MRT network with some evidence of service mismatch in the study area, i.e., high service for low demand and vice versa. The conclusions of the paper can help cities wanting to introduce a bike sharing schemes to improve first and last mile transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Similar to a colonial state, a settler state is governed by an outside regime. In comparison with conventional colonists, however, the settler rulers regard the settled land as their homeland, rather than just a land with exploitable resources. To secure its legitimacy, the settler government has to strongly control the locals. Democratization could undermine settler rule and the settler state’s built environment could be affected by such a political transition and subsequent political transformation. This article explores the implications of settler urban legacies by examining an iconic landmark and public housing policies in Taipei City, Taiwan. The results suggest that the transition of settler rule has given rise to urban changes related to the interests of the locals. The paper outlines the city’s future urban scene, because settler urban legacies were deeply rooted in the political and urban landscapes of the nation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The case history where flooding due to the leakage through the openings in diaphragm wall accompanied by piping in excavation bottom severely affected the construction of a station box of Taipei Rapid Transit System (TRTS) is presented. The emergency grouting adjacent to but outside the diaphragm wall was conducted following the leakage. However, injection pressure due to slow setting time of grout not only aggravated the piping but also caused the side effect deflecting the diaphragm wall toward excavation area. The severe piping quickly washed the soil into station box and the differential settling of buildings above along with propagating surface cracks forced the use of water emplacing in station to ease the piping and further ground loss; meanwhile, seal grouting and void filling grouting were undertaken to facilitate the rehabilitation of foundation construction through which the station box was opened subsequently. Based on analyzed interactive behaviour between water emplacing or injection pressure and wall deflection or brace load, the diaphragm wall and bracing system would not have functioned normally during grouting if water had not been introduced in the station. The cause of opening in the diaphragm wall is triggered by the abnormal concrete placement which can be avoided through the suggested procedure of examination. The paper discusses the insights into a review of instrument records and provides the lessons learned. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Deterioration of the quality of groundwater under urban areas has become a major environmental concern worldwide. This paper presents a pilot case study (in the Taipei urban area) using multiple stable isotopes ( and , and , and , and 87Sr/86Sr) with the aim of understanding the subsurface nature and environmental status of such areas. A previous study has already characterized Taipei shallow groundwaters as sulfate-rich in comparison to other Southeast Asian metropolitan cities. Our chemical measurements clarified that the arsenic is the important environmental concerns in the aquifers. Dual isotope approaches for nitrate and sulfate suggested these ions were sourced mainly from municipal sewage leaking from sewer pipes in urbanized area, while chemical fertilizers applied in the local agricultural fields partly contribute in the suburb area. Significant decreases in nitrate and sulfate concentrations due to denitrification and sulfate reduction were observed in some groundwaters, which induced increases in isotope ratios up to 24.9‰ for and 27.2‰ for . Nitrate groundwater pollution in the Taipei Basin is not a subject of serious concern (<44mg/L limit for for all analyzed samples) at the present time due to attenuation by denitrification. However, arsenic is preferentially released in groundwater (>100μg/L) in anoxic environment under which sulfate reduction occurs. The Sr isotope data suggested that the arsenic is derived from alluvial deposits of Oligocene–Miocene sedimentary rock origin. This study disclosed the complex causes of environmental changes in Taipei urban shallow groundwater. It is also important as an excellent case study demonstrating the efficient use of multiple isotope diagnosis in the urban groundwater environmental field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the practicability and validity of the Multi-Objective Goal Programming (MOGP) model in designing a point-to-point airline network. The MOGP mathematical model is used in this study to identify and select a best central airport and its connecting airports providing the best overall optimal performance. By using the proposed model in the selection process, one can expect to achieve the following objectives: (1) an airline network designed at less cost, (2) an airline network that generates more revenues, and (3) an airline network that serves more passengers. Route data from Taipei to the Southeast Asian region were selected for this experiment to validate the model’s practicability. [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]

Abstract: In this paper, the performance of a south facing single-axis tracked panel was analyzed according to global radiation predicted by empirical model. Mathematic expressions appropriate for single-axis tracking system were derived to calculate the radiation on it. Instantaneous increments of solar energy collected by the tracked panel relative to fixed panel are illustrated. The validity of the empirical model to Taiwan area will also be examined with the actual irradiation data observed in Taipei. The results are summarized as follows: the gains made by the tracked panel relative to a fixed panel are between 20.0% and 33.9% for four specified days of year, between 20.9% and 33.2% for the four seasons and 27.6% over the entire year. For latitudes below 65°, the yearly optimal tilt angle of a fixed panel is close to 0.8 times latitude, the irradiation ratio of the tracked panel to the fixed panel is about 1.3, which are smaller than the corresponding values calculated from extraterrestrial radiation, suggesting us that the installation angle should be adjusted toward a flatter angle and that the gain of the tracked panel will reduce while it works in cloudy climate or in air pollution environment. Although the captured radiation increases with the maximal rotation angle of panel, but the benefit on the global radiation case is still not so good as that on extraterrestrial radiation case. The irradiation data observed is much less than the data predicted by the empirical model, however the trend of fitting curve to the observed data is somewhat in agreement with that to the predicted one; the yearly gain is 14.3% when a tracked panel is employed throughout the year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have explored vehicle dependence, taking account of subjective considerations of individual travelers. Vehicle dependence, arising from economic considerations, psychological preference, and habitual behavior, is formulated here as a subjective latent construct that acts in a person’s mode choice. The Rasch model is reviewed, and suggested as an instrument to measure such a latent construct. An empirical analysis of motorcycle dependence was performed using self-rated information about eight items from 321 motorcyclists in Taipei. The empirical results showed that motorcyclists in Taipei depend on their motorcycles to achieve unaccompanied, short-distance, multistop trips; motorcyclists under the age of 25 who were inferior in economic terms and did not use an automobile showed relatively higher measures of motorcycle dependence. This paper conceptualizes vehicle dependence in terms of both its socioeconomic and its psychological nature. The results of exploring vehicle dependence should benefit researchers in modifying their formulations of mode choice, and policy makers in enacting more effective policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An aerosol light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system was used to measure the depth of the atmospheric mixing layer over Taipei, Taiwan in the spring of 2005. This paper presents the variations of the mixing height and the mixing ratios of air pollutants during an episode of air quality deterioration (March 7–10, 2005), when Taipei was under an anti-cyclonic outflow of a traveling high-pressure system. It was found that, during those days, the urban mixing height reached its daily maximum of 1. 0–1. 5 km around noon and declined to 0. 3–0. 5 km around 18:00 (LST). In terms of hourly averages, the mixing height increased with the ambient temperature linearly by a slope of 166 m/°C in daytime. The consistency between the changes in the mixing height and in the ambient temperature implied that the mixing layer dynamics were dominated by solar thermal forcing. As the cap of the mixing layer descended substantially in the afternoon, reduced dispersion in the shallow mixing layer caused the concentrations of primary air pollutants to increase sharply. Consequently, the pollutant concentration exhibited an anti-correlation with the mixing height. While attentions are usually focused on the pollution problems occurring in a morning inversion layer, the results of this study indicate that the air pollution and its health impacts could be even more severe as the mixing layer is getting shallow in the afternoon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper offers an empirical approach for estimating monthly solar radiation on south-facing tilted planes with inclinations from 0° to 90° for building solar energy application. By measurement and the modification of previous estimated irradiation data, which have not yet been verified, the regression equations of monthly slope irradiation ratio with no ground reflection were established. The equations were validated by measurement in Taipei with correlation factor , and were compared with previous measurement using the Lin-estimate method. The estimated ratios of Taipei were compared with those of other cities in Taiwan. Results obtained from validation of simplified regression equations are good and practicable for building design application. Inputting the monthly the horizontal irradiation to the equations in the simplified estimative model, the monthly ratio and irradiation on the south-facing slopes can be calculated. Using the proposed calculation mechanism with local irradiation on horizontal and south-facing vertical planes to build the equations, this estimative method can also be used to conduct the local monthly irradiation on south-tilted planes for solar energy applications in other areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Cloud-based learning exerted a moderate influence on the steps of problem identification, preparation, and response validation and communication in the creative process. • Creative self-efficacy positively influenced the steps of response generation, validation, and communication. • Cloud-based learning had positive effects on sophistication in the assessment of participants with low creative self-efficacy. This paper discusses the effects of cloud-based learning and creative self-efficacy on creativity in engineering design. A nonequivalent pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was used to recruit 97 students from a university in Taipei City in northern Taiwan. This study revealed two main conclusions. First, cloud-based learning exerted a moderate influence on the steps of problem identification, preparation, and response validation and communication in the creative process; creative self-efficacy positively influenced the steps of response generation, validation, and communication. Second, cloud-based learning had positive effects on novelty and functionality in the assessment of product creativity and significant positive effects on sophistication in the assessment of participants with low creative self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the first evidence of the causal effect of COVID-19 on metro use using real-time data from the Taipei Metro System in Taiwan. In contrast to other cities or countries, Taiwan did not enforce strict social lockdowns or mandatory stay-at-home orders to combat COVID-19. The major prevention strategies to the pandemic in Taiwan include promoting social distancing, mandating the wearing of face masks in public areas, and requiring all international arrivals to quarantine for 14 days. Using administrative data on confirmed cases of COVID-19 and ridership from metro stations with the difference-in-differences model, we find that an additional new confirmed case of COVID-19 reduces metro use by 1.43% after controlling for local socio-demographic variables associated with ridership and the number of international arrivals to Taiwan. This result implies that the reduction in metro trips is attributable to decreases in residents' use of public transportation due to perceived health risks. Furthermore, the effect of COVID-19 on metro use disproportionally impacts stations with different characteristics. The effect is more pronounced for metro stations connected to night markets, shopping centers, or colleges. Although decreases in metro ridership lower the revenue of the Taipei Metro System, our results indicate a tradeoff between increased financial burdens of public transportation systems and reducing medical expenses associated with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• S-wave HVSR is dependent on the variation of earthquake hypocenters. • Deep events have larger S-wave HVSR than shallow events at low frequencies (0.2–3.0 Hz). • Different S-wave incidence angles into the Taipei Basin caused variable S-wave HVSR. • A depth-dependent empirical site-correction amplification function is established to improve ground motion prediction. Techniques using horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) have frequently been adopted in many studies, particularly of seismic site amplification. However, the influence of source location on the HVSR is not previously well-studied. This paper studies the variation of the S-wave HVSR in the Taipei Basin based on a variety of hypocenter locations. The earthquake records are classified into three categories, include depth, azimuth, and distance. We report the S-wave HVSR to have strong focal-depth-dependence, for which the HVSR of the deep events are larger than shallow events. Besides, the S-wave HVSR in the northern and northeastern parts of the basin also displays source azimuthal-dependence. However, there is no apparent difference in source distance-dependence. In contrast to the S-wave HVSR, the coda-wave HVSR all showed no apparent difference for various earthquake hypocenter locations. The synthetic modeling results support our idea that the cause of the variation of HVSR results for different earthquake focal depths is the different S-wave angles of incidence into the basin. Based on the dependency of the site amplification on the focal depth, a focal-depth-dependent empirical transfer function (ETF) was established. The focal-depth-dependent ETF was verified to improve the accuracy of the ground motion prediction by using the stochastic method in this study. We demonstrate that the source location effect, especially the focal depth, can significantly influence the S-wave HVSR and therefore needs to be taken into account in site response investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavement performance is a critical factor toward riding comfort experience and drastically affect traffic management and the safety of road users. Since road quality declines over time and current periodic inspection on a vast road network is laborious and costly to the authority. This paper proposes a participatory system to conduct pavement performance monitoring of a country-wide road network based on crowdsourcing spatiotemporal data. By conducting cloud computing of a statistical grading mechanism with respect to the vertical and lateral acceleration behavior, the perception of riding comfort, which has a high correlation with pavement quality, can be reflected faithfully based on the spatiotemporal data acquired from a smartphone-driven progressive web application. Moreover, a deep learning technique is leveraged to identify road anomalies from the on-site images for a cross-check mechanism, which ensures the reliability of the monitoring pavement conditions and facilitates the automation level of road anomaly labeling and documenting. The proposed pavement performance monitoring was validated by the road network of Taipei city, Taiwan, which rendered promising results with an accuracy up to 98% and a false positive rate smaller than 1.3% showing the practicality and adaptability in a complex road network. • Cost-efficient participatory system for pavement performance monitoring of a country-wide road network. • Uncertainties of vehicle types and driving speeds are considered in crowdsourcing spatiotemporal data processing. • A statistical grading mechanism with a self-contained knowledge to faithfully reflect the perception of riding comfort. • A cross-check mechanism between pavement monitoring and anomaly recognition to promote reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]