Technology is the driving force behind national development and social progress. While the 21^st century will see the further growth of a knowledge-based economy, it will also be a time in which sustainable development and quality of life emerge as important issues worldwide. To improve the quality of life in Taiwan, the government is undertaking a variety of research projects connected with the public welfare, including projects on health, agriculture, hazard mitigation, flood and mountainside hazards mitigation, energy, resources and environmental protection, construction, transportation, and marine technology. This section will explain how the research and policies of government and research organizations are contributing to maintaining and improving public welfare.

Chapter 1 Health Technology

Health technology includes the two domains of health care and industrial health and safety technology. For its part, industrial health and safety technology seeks to resolve the problems of rising labor and land costs, while protecting the environment and maintaining workplace safety.

1. Health Care Technology

Health care technology research includes the topics of disease and health problems, health care services and systems, new medical technology, genetic technology, pharmaceutical technology, and food safety and nutrition. See Fig. IV-1 for an overview of health care technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1.1 Establishment of epidemiological databases concerning major diseases: Compilation of epidemiological databases for viral hepatitis, Japanese encephalitis, human immunodeficiency virus（HIV）, and parasitic diseases carried by foreign workers.

1.2 Prevention of disease: Development of rapid viral antigen testing methods, including tests for filoviruses and cold viruses（A & B）.

1.3 Vaccines and immunology: Development of a mixed diphtheria and tetanus（DT）vaccine and technology transfer to a biotech firm.

1.4 Cancer research: Research on biological markers of liver cancer, investigation of natural anti-cancer mechanisms, and clinical tests of new drugs and new treatment methods.

1.5 Preventive health care and accident prevention: Research included a cost-effectiveness analysis of cervical cancer smear tests, and a survey and analysis of smoking and betel nut chewing and behavioral factors.

1.6 Medical system research: Research was performed on the emergency medical response system and assistive gear used in rehabilitation.

1.7 Drug management and pharmaceutical technology: Review guidelines were announced for human plasma preparations and diagnostic test kits. Quality assessment of "non-monitored" oral hypoglycemic drugs.

1.8 Food technology: Research was performed on the health-preserving functions of the hibiscus, dehulled adlay, and Acanthopanax. Identification and testing methods were developed for genetically-modified soybeans, corn, and papayas.

1.9 The National Health Research Institutes （NHRI）completed six phase I／II clinical trials for new drugs and new treatment methods; completed the genetic sequencing of Vibrio vulnificus; performed that resistance tests; identified more than 6,000 bacterial strains on behalf of 47 hospitals nationwide; screened anti-cancer and anti-infection drugs; and investigated the effect of dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls（PCBs）, and heavy metals on human health.

Future medical and health research will focus on the drafting of laws fostering the sound development of a medical biotech industry; developing novel drugs therapeutic techniques against Taiwan's most prevalent diseases in conjunction with the "National Research Program for Genomic Medicine"; improving the quality of Chinese herbal medicines; developing a superior clinical testing environment; and promoting the development of health-related biotech industries.

2. Industrial Health and Safety Technology

The industrialized nations in 1990s, as well as International Labor Organizations, uniformly advocate systematic health and safety management as a means of improving and protecting labor, and alleviating workplace hazards. It is now realized that health and safety must be taken into consideration when designing industrial processes. See Fig. IV-2 for an overview of industrial health and safety technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

2.1 Fundamentally safe technology: Establishment of an overall framework for process life cycle assessment.

2.2 Risk assessment and control technology: Establishment of process hazards distribution schemes for TFT-LCD and petrochemical industries.

2.3 Integrated industrial health and safety guidance: Survey and analysis of health and safety status and problems at 93 firms in the chemicals, plastics, and rubber industries.

2.4 Labor safety research: A research project on methods of preventing power frequency electromagnetic interference hazard in the workplace was completed.

2.5 Research on inspection and assessment of workplace exposure: A research project on fugitive crystalline silicon dioxide from casting sand was completed.

As the biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer, opto-electronics／semiconductor, and special chemicals industries development in Taiwan, industrial health and safety will become increasingly important. Because of this reality, it is imperative that health and safety tools be developed for both high-tech and traditional industries. In addition, to alleviate workplace hazards, systematic health and safety management standards and guidelines must be formulated.

Chapter 2 Agricultural Science and Technology

Agriculture encompasses the four main areas of crop production, forestry, fisheries, and animal husbandry, as well as food processing and animal／plant disease prevention. Taiwan's agricultural imports and exports were worth US$6.9 billion and US$ 3 billion respectively in 2001, and these figures indicate that Taiwan's agricultural products are losing their competitiveness in export markets. See Fig. IV-3 for an over-view of agricultural science technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001.

1. Crop Technology

Responding to Taiwan's membership in the World Trade Organization（WTO）, COA "Mid-Term Administrative Plan" calls for the localization, diversification, upgrading, mechanization, and automation of crop production. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1.1 Agricultural crop research: The Kaohsiung District Agricultural Improvement Station bred the Kaohsiung No.143 new rice variety.

1.2 Horticultural crop research: Agricultural Research Institute bred the Tainung No.1 nectarine variety.

1.3 Soil and fertilizer research: A model of the relationship between acidic soil type and lime demand was developed.

1.4 Agricultural machinery research: A sugar and acid content testing model for individual and mixed fruit flesh was developed.

1.5 Agrometeorological research: Research was performed on the effect of climate change and weather on crops.

1.6 Agricultural biotechnology research: Transgenic papayas resistant to the ringspot virus were developed.

1.7 Agricultural automation research: Automated machinery for plug tray seedling production and fruit tree grafting was developed.

As Taiwan responds to WTO membership, the country must step up promotion of biotechnology R&D and applications; effectively utilize agricultural and animal waste; acquire or develop appropriate agricultural machinery; develop new post-harvest processing, packaging, storage, and transport techniques; and strengthen agricultural management research.

2. Forestry Technology

The scope of forestry technology includes forest management, wildlife conservation, wild creek management, slopeland conservation and utilization, river and watershed management, farmland irrigation／drainage technology. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

2.1 A Study on Management, Conservation and Utilization of Forest Resources: Comparative research on plantation density and fiber length.

2.2 The Establishment of the Technical Control System in Watershed Management and Disaster Prevention: Analysis of the runoff／absorption characteristics of natural broadleaf forests and betel nuts plantations.

2.3 Studies on the Techniques of Agriculture Water Engineering: Completion of a state space model and its application to river basin rainfall-runoff process modeling.

2.4 Establishment, Prevention and Utilization of Tree Gerplasm Bank: Germplasm was collected for the rare and endangered tree species of red cedar, red cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana Taiwan hionki falsecypress.

2.5 Ecological Investigation and Database Construction of Wildlife and Plants: Distribution, habitat survey, and collection of genetic material for the Formosan false snail-eating ground beetle.

2.6 The Study of Genetic Diversity and Conservation Genetics of Taiwan Wildlife: A molecular genetic laboratory was established; 5,500 sequencing reaction tests and 3,600 genotype analysis were performed.

2.7 Research and Development on Remote Sensing Technology: Geometric correction methods were developed for high-resolution satellite images.

2.8 Applying Remote Sensing Natural Resources and Land Management: A geographic information system was used to automatically extract ecological units at different scales.

Future efforts will include research on the forests' 24 prevention functions natural disaster for（such as water retention and land protection）, water／soil conservation, forest tree germplasm preservation, biodiversity, farmland irrigation／drainage technology, and remote sensing.

3. Fisheries Technology

Taiwan's fisheries production was 1.3 million metric tons of fish products in 2001, a drop of 3.1% over the previous year. The following is a summary of research and results for aquaculture technology in FY2001:

3.1 Study on Improving Techniques of Propagation, Aquaculture and Fish Disease Prevention: A complete indoor sand shrimp aquaculture system was developed; research was performed on intestinal inflammation of abalone caused by vibrio infection.

3.2 Automation of Aquacultural Production: Researches were performed on an partitioned aquaculture system and automatic circulation system for the nursery of shrimp larvae culture system.

Apart from continuing efforts with aquaculture technology development to help Taiwan's fish farmers make the jump from traditional aquaculture to advanced one, the government will seek foreign partners to join collaborative research on aquacultural biology, fish fry breeding, and automatic aquaculture systems.

4. Animal Husbandry Technology

Improvements in production technology have helped Taiwan's livestock raisers to expand rapidly. Once a sideline industry for rural farmers, the raising of hogs and poultry is now capital- and technology-intensive area of agribusiness. The value of Taiwan's animal products was NT$101.1 billion in FY2001, or approximately one-third of all agricultural auto part. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

4.1 Biotechnology development research: Transgenic hogs containing the gene for the growth factor -βwere developed.

4.2 Germplasm utilization and establishment of a livestock germplasm library: Breeding of native chicken varieties and production of small-ear pig and Lee-Sung strain.

4.3 Livestock and poultry production efficiency research: Research was performed on hog, poultry, and herbivorous animal production technology and variety improvement; increased attention was paid to hog-raising technology.

4.4 Feed and forage grass research: Transgenic microbial preparations added to feed and feed raw materials were developed.

4.5 Study on Improved the Quality of Livestock Meat Products and Developing the Utilization of Byproducts: Hog serum protein hydrolysis was studied.

4.6 Animal waste treatment and utilization: A upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactor employing activated sludge was design.

4.7 Automation of Livestock Production : An automatic corn silage packing system was developed.

4.8 Relationship between climate change and animal production: Research was performed on strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emission from hog farm wastewater.

Looking ahead to the future, animal husbandry research work will focus on applied breeding, nutrition, animal raising management, and biotechnology in an effort to develop localized, fresh, healthy, and safe animal products. Techniques for detecting residual drugs in animal products will be developed and transgenic microbial preparations in feed used to replace antibiotics.

5. Food Technology

Taiwan's food industry is mostly oriented towards the domestic market. The output of the six areas of meat slaughtering, miscellaneous food, non-alcoholic beverages, rice shedder, animal feed, and frozen foods are relatively high, and the six areas together account for 60% of food product value. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

5.1 New-generation food processing and seasoning technology project: Research and development of food processing and packaging technology; development of seasonings and functional foods.

5.2 Improvement of food processing technology and development of diversified foods program: Development of traditional Chinese foods, high-quality agricultural products and processed foods, and home meal replacements（HMR）.

The future will see the development of health food technology and functional testing technology, application of food manufacturing technology in the food service industry, and the use of genetic technology in food production. It is hoped that these efforts will raise the level of the domestic food industry's.

6. Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Technology

Taiwan's WTO membership is expected to increase the numbers and quantities of imported agricultural products sharply, making the risk of pest entrance via incoming products increases. It is therefore necessary for Taiwan to strengthen research on animal／plant disease detection and risk assessment technology, animal／plant disease prevention and diagnosis technology, and animal／plant and product quarantine and handling new technology. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

6.1 Animal disease prevention: Research was performed on methods of preventing major diseases of hogs and poultry.

6.2 New animal disease monitoring and prevention technology: Disease monitoring has proven that Taiwan is free from rinderpest, highly pathogenic fowl influenza, and other exotic animal diseases.

6.3 Development of animal drug quality and drug residue detection technology: It was shown that a 3:5 mixture of ormethoprim and sulfadiazine has the greatest antibiotic multiplier effect against Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda in eel.

6.4 Development and utilization of animal disease diagnostic technology: Development of a polymerase chain reaction（PCR）diagnostic technique for feline chlamydia.

6.5 Strengthening of animal vaccine industry: Research was performed on the genetic expression system of eukaryote cells, and an improved vaccine was developed against hog pleurisy caused by actinomyces.

6.6 Animal and animal product quarantine and handling technology: A total of 553 blood or serum samples from hogs, horses, cattle, and ostriches were tested.

6.7 Plant disease and pest testing and risk assessment technology: Risk assessment data for such important plant pests as Paraleprodera itzingeri and Verticillium was collected and analyzed.

6.8 Development and improvement of plant disease and pest prevention technology: Integrated pest management technology was developed and applied.

6.9 Plant disease prevention biotechnology: Virus-resistant strains of the orchid On-cidium flexuosum were bred.

6.10 Improvement of plant quarantine and handling technology: Methyl bromide was replaced by formic acetate as a fumigant.

In the future, animal and plant health inspection and quarantine research will focus on technologies on disease monitoring, improvement of healthy seedling, disease and pest risk assessment procedures, improvement of animal／plant disease prevention methods, strengthening of animal／plant quarantine and handling techniques, and establishment of rapid microbial contamination detection methods for slaughterhouses.

Chapter 3 Hazards Mitigation Technology

1. Drought, Flooding, and Landslides

Both the general public and the nation's government are extremely concerned about hazards prevention and mitigation, and research in this area has increased steadily in recent years. Since the implementation of the "National Science and Technology Program for Hazards Mitigation" in November 1997, natural hazards mitigation research has become increasingly integrated, and results are being applied more often to practical disaster prevention and relief work. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1.1 Meteorology observation and forecasting: Research was performed on meteorological observation, weather forecasting, weather information service, and typhoon damage mitigation.

1.2 Drought and flood prevention: Establishment of flood and drought warning systems; development of alternative water sources; water resource allocation and flood prevention research.

1.3 Landslide prevention: Research work included a survey of landslides and sensitive areas in Taiwan, mountainside land class C site safety and development monitoring, and development of a debris flow and landslide analysis model.

Major future research efforts will focus on the monitoring and forecasting of climatic change and extreme weather, the strengthening of international cooperation, the accelerated implementation of the "Disaster Prevention Regulation", and the enhancement of landslide and debris flow hazards analysis.

2. Earthquakes

Located in the seismic belt encircling the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan suffers frequent earthquakes. In the wake of the devastating Chi-Chi earthquake of September 21, 1999, the government has hoped to restore the basic functions of the stricken area to the average level of central Taiwan, while also using the experience gained from the disaster to reduce loss of life and property damage in future earthquakes. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

2.1 Earthquake monitoring and warning: Establishment of a high-density seismic monitoring network, an urban strong early movement monitoring network, and a strong earthquake warning system.

2.2 Active fault survey and monitoring: Active fault survey and assessment of fault activity and seismic potential.

2.3 Earthquake engineering: Establishment of a seismic engineering knowledge bank, research on earthquake damage assessment and simulation, and development of seismic resistance design standards.

2.4 Post-earth reconstruction: Geotechnical reconstruction project and public structure design project.

Future efforts will seek to improve public safety and reduce earthquake damage by strengthening earthquake monitoring and warning systems, completing an earthquake early warning system, performing long-term monitoring of active faults, and developing seismic resistance assessment and reinforcement technologies.

3. Nuclear and Industrial Accidents

Having renounced nuclear weapons, Taiwan uses nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. Increasing attention is being paid to accident prevention and response measures in recent years, and factories must establish comprehensive and effective accident response systems. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

3.1 Nuclear accident prevention: Implementation of safety control and nuclear accident response plans at operating and planned nuclear power plants.

3.2 Industrial accident prevention: Collection of information, comparison of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Management Program and Europe's SEVESO II standards, and continuation of the "Chemical Accident Rescue Training Program".

In order to strengthen the nuclear accident response system, the government has drafted the "Nuclear Reactor Facility Control Act" and the "Nuclear Accident Emergency Response Act". Responding to the possibility of industrial accidents, and to reduce potential impact on industrial firms, the government has established unified toxic response and consulting centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan to better perform accident confirmation and assessment functions.

4. Hazards management System and Information

To strengthen hazards mitigation work, the government has established a comprehensive disaster prevention and management system and information system. The disaster relief information system includes supporting systems containing information on hazards mitigation plans, preparation／training, and response／reconstruction. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

4.1 Hazards mitigation and management system: Assessment and improvement of hazards mitigation and management system.

4.2 Hazards mitigation and management information: Implementation of a typhoon and flooding decision support system.

4.3 Emergency rescue and medical system: Seismic resistance assessment of rescue equipment and the hospital responsible for emergency rescue duties in the Tainan area.

4.4 Post-hazards cleanup and detoxification: Establishment of a domestic post-hazards cleanup and detoxification system.

4.5 Hazards safeguards: Earthquake risk assessment research.

4.6 Hazards mitigation education: Establishment of a disaster mitigation teaching laboratory.

Apart from applying the results of the "National Science and Technology Program for Hazards Mitigation", function research connected with the hazards mitigation and management system will seek to evaluate and improve the hazards mitigation and management systems implemented by various levels of government in conjunction with the"Disaster Prevention Regulation". Various governmental hazards mitigation mechanisms will be integrated, and implementation of disaster response center facilities and training measures will strengthen hazards mitigation and relief information functions.

Chapter 4 Energy, Resources, and Environmental Protection Technology

1. Atomic Energy Technology

To put the nation's atomic energy laws on a sound footing, the AEC has drafted the "Nuclear Reactor Facility Control Act", the "Ionizing Radiation Protection Act", the "Radioactive Substance Management Act", and the "Nuclear Accident Emergency Response Act". See Fig. IV-4 for an overview of atomic energy technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1.1 Public welfare applied technology: A Co-60 radiation plant was established and provided radiation services; safety assessment technology was applied and promoted; nuclear energy facility containment integrity assessment technology was developed and experience accumulated; atomic energy parts and components testing／certification techniques and systems were established and received Chinese National Laboratory Accreditation（CNLA）and ISO-9002 certification and registration.

1.2 Environmental protection technology: A semiconductor waste gas plasma treatment system and liquid organic waste processing procedures were developed. Applications were developed for plasma welding technology, and an electronic accelerator was used to produce polymer foam materials in a new process. A newly developed chromium waste treatment technique can be used to recycle highly-toxic hexavalent chromium.

1.3 Improvement of Taiwan's research nuclear reactors: Detailed design and safety analysis were performed for the moving of old reactor furnaces; removal of disused systems entered the third phase.

1.4 Radiation safety technology: The AEC Pursued National Metrology Laboratory Mutual Recognition Arrangement（MRA）; established air exhaust systems meeting American National Standards Institute（ANSI）N510 standards; com-pleted an electronic pen dosimeter and automatic personnel dose management system; and formulated medical radiation dose conversion coefficients for patients of different ages and different radiation directions.

1.5 Nuclear energy safety technology: Preliminary operational testing period rationalization review guidelines were developed. A real-time overall assessment tool was developed, and nuclear power plant severe accident response guidelines completed.

1.6 Radwaste safety technology: A modern plasma incinerator capable of processing 250 kg of radioactive solid waste per hour was designed and built. Wet oxidation waste processing technology employing ion exchange resins was developed.

Future atomic energy research will include work on nuclear medicine technology, nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, radiation monitoring and safety protection, radioactive waste processing and bulk reduction, and other civilian nuclear applications. Taiwan will continue to develop peaceful uses of atomic energy in accordance with the government's "Green Silicon Island" vision and sustainable development blueprint.

2. Energy Technology

In accordance with the Executive Yuan's "National Energy Conference Conclusions Action Plan" and the "National Science and Technology Development Plan". See Fig. IV-5 for an overview of energy technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of the content and results of research in FY2001:

2.1 New energy and clean energy: A commercially-feasible 0.5-ton solar absorption type air conditioning system with an operating temperature below 90℃was developed.

2.2 Energy conservation technology: A direct-flow variable-frequency air conditioner employing a new refrigerant（R-410A）was developed; this air conditioner has an EER ≧3.0kcal／hr-W and offers efficiency of 23%.

2.3 Energy technology implementation strategies and international cooperation: Energy centers were established at five schools.

2.4 Energy efficiency management and technical services: 2,600 large energy users were helped to establish energy audit systems.

Future government energy conservation research will include the development and promotion of energy regeneration technology, new energy utilization technology, and energy conservation and better energy efficiency.

3. Water Resource Technology

Apart from water infrastructure investments, the government is also implementing various water conservancy projects in hopes of strengthening water management and water resource planning, development, utilization, conservation, and flood prevention. See Fig. IV-6 for an overview of water resource technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~ 2001. The following is a summary of the content and results of research in FY2001:

3.1 Water resource management: Institution of a water resource data center.

3.2 Sound water rights management: Integration of diverse technologies; establishment of a water right management support system.

3.3 Water resource planning: Completion of a Taiwan-wide water resource decision support system.

3.4 Taiwan groundwater observation network: Implementation of a Taiwan-wide groundwater monitoring network and water quality monitoring; implementation of ground subsidence prevention projects.

3.5 Ground subsidence prevention: Survey and analysis of ground subsidence throughout Taiwan.

3.6 Water resource development and conservation: Completion of a river basin sand and soil management model and polluted water source survey.

3.7 Coastal water resource development and management: Establishment of inshore marine hydrology observation stations.

3.8 Seawater resources utilization technology: Development of a high-absorption, high-selectivity ion extraction technique for obtaining lithium from seawater.

3.9 Industrial soil and groundwater restoration technology: Development of geophysical monitoring technology for viscous non-liquid soluble liquid pollutants.

3.10 Industrial micro-pollution water regeneration technology: Design parameters were formulated for the use of Ultraviolet（UV）radiation and ozone to regenerate industrial scrubbing wastewater.

Future resource technology research efforts will focus on the collection of water resource data, the development of water resource decision systems, the development of alternative water source technology, water catchment area conservation technology, and coastal water and soil resources conservation technology.

4. Environmental Protection Technology

The NSC Commission on Sustainable Development Research has been put in charge of research addressing disaster prevention, environmental protection, global environmental changes, and human and socioeconomic implications. The government hopes to gradually alleviate and resolve the country's increasingly severe environmental and developmental problems via an inter-agency, interdisciplinary approach that integrates the up-, mid-, and downstream resources of industry, government, universities, and the research community. See Fig. IV-7 for an overview of environmental protection technology re-search project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of the content and results of research in FY2001:

4.1 Sustainable Taiwan vision and strategy research. Environmental protection, global changes, and human／socioeconomic research. Kaohsiung-Pingtung coastline research and completion of Kaohsiung sewer system. Research on El Nino.

4.2 Environmental protection technology market research. Public welfare-related projects and forward-looking environmental protection S&T research.

The government's sustainable development policy will set the tone for future environmental protection technology R&D efforts, and the government plans to accelerate the establishment of coordination and integration mechanisms. International cooperation efforts will focus on the development of a sustainability indicator system. Collaborative research will be performed with Southeast Asian nations under auspices of the "Southeast Asia Regional Committee for START"（SARCS）.

Chapter 5 Construction Technology

The government has implemented the "Mid-term Construction Automation and Computerization Project", building fire prevention safety development and application work, and in response to the September 21, Chi-Chi 1999 earthquake, conducted seismic surveys of urban buildings and investigated level of damage.

1. Construction Automation and Computerization

The goal of construction automating and computerizing project is to improve construction productivity, upgrade construction technology, and enhance competitiveness. To this end, the government is promoting new applications and providing assistance and consulting services. See Fig. IV-8 for an overview of construction automation and computerization technology project funding and manpower, FY1997~ 2001. The following is a summary of the content and results of research in FY2001:

1.1 Construction automation and computerization: Promotion of reclamation of land from the sea and standardized construction planning procedures.

1.2 Building construction automation and computerization: Completion of research on building element graphic information system maintenance and mechanisms.

The directions of future research will include improvement of domestic construction quality and automated construction technology, and establishment of management information systems, enterprise resource planning, supply chain systems, and e-markets via process re-engineering construction.

2. Building and Urban Development Planning

The goal of building and urban development planning is transform the interacting systems formed by individual buildings, communities, and entire urban space into balanced living environments consistent with the object of sustainable development. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

2.1 Building use and management research: Completion of research on building license approval, construction inspection, and three-dimensional passageways in buildings.

2.2 Real estate research: Research was performed on rental house market mechanisms and the influence of demographic characteristics on house requirement.

2.3 Building information services and applications: Research was performed on the spatial distribution of building attributes and a construction information website was given an automatic updating system.

Future building and urban research and development will conform to the vision of Taiwan as a "Green Silicon Island" and this vision's implementation strategies. Environmental assessment of communities as holistic entities will be performed, along with urban／rural style research, and promote "Green Communities" and "Safe Communities".

3. Urban and Building Hazards Mitigation

The goals of this field include urban earthquake hazards mitigation, landslide prevention and mitigation, and urban flood control. Through disaster prevention planning, improvement of public facilities, and subsequent disaster prevention control can significantly reduce damage from natural disasters. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

3.1 Hazards mitigation research and development: Old building renovation plans were formulated, and research performed on criteria for the establishment of disaster shelters.

3.2 Demonstration project: The project "Urban Hazards Mitigation Planning Standards and Crisis Control System" was implemented taking Chiayi as a demonstration area. A "Safe Community" demonstration program was conducted on mountainside land.

In the future the country must step up urban and building hazards mitigation and safety research and development work, research laws and regulations governing the behavior of persons responsible for mountainside land, and strengthen front-line hazards mitigation capabilities.

4. Building Earthquake Damage Prevention

The focal areas of earthquake damage prevention research include review of seismic reinforcement regulations, promotion of new seismic resistance technology and ideas, and increased earthquake resistance assessment and reinforcement technology development efforts. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

4.1 Comparisons of Collapsed Buildings' Seismic Resistance and Improvement Suggestions for Chi-Chi Earthquake Disaster: This project analyzed the reason seriously damaged of apartment residential buildings suffering severe to moderate damage in September 21 Chi-Chi earthquake.

4.2 Revision of Brick Design Provisions in Taiwan Building Regulations and the Effect of Brick Walls for Earthquake Resistance: Seismic resistance analysis was applied to explore whether brick structures and reinforced brick structures built in accordance with newly-revised guidelines and standards will be able to withstand earthquakes.

4.3 Study on the Capacity Design and Applicant to the Seismic Design of Building Structures: The performance design method was acquired from overseas, and seismic resistance assessment methods developed. The displacement design method was used in demonstration designs.

4.4 Analysis and revision of Seismic Microzonation and the Associated Design Response Spectrum in Taipei Basin.

4.5 Ambient vibration measurement was employed to determine the fundamental vibration periods of steel-frame buildings. The fundamental vibration periods of 30 buildings were measured, and standard measurement procedures established.

Future areas of work will include seismic resistance reinforcement of structures, application of vibration control technology, and development of relevant design standards and construction handbooks.

5. Green Building and Environmental Control

Adopting "Green Building" concept in R&D of landscape ecology, building energy conservation, pollution control, building resource utilization, and indoor environmental control. The following is a summary of Green Building and environmental technology research and results in FY2001:

5.1 Green Building technology R&D: Completion of 16 research projects focusing on integrated Green Building applications.

5.2 Building shell insulation performance test laboratory: Establish a glass solar radiation thermal absorption measurement laboratory.

5.3 Planning of building performance experiment facility: Perform planning of a building weathering, wind tunnel, and acoustics laboratory.

5.4 Green Building demonstration project: Assisting Pinchiang Junior High School in Taipei City to perform Green Building planning and design work.

5.5 Green Building Tag selection: Three buildings had received the Green Building Tag as of in 2001, and another 12 buildings had received candidate certificates.

To achieve the goals of the nation's Green Building sustainable development policy, the future will see the expansion of Green Building and environmental technology projects, the development of localized Green Building technology suitable for Taiwan's hot and humid ocean type climate, and apply Green Building methods to build public buildings and jump-start market demand.

6. Building Fire Prevention

The second phase of building fire prevention technology projects will take the country into a new era of performance-oriented fire prevention laws and design methods. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

6.1 R&D: Research on fire prevention assessment systems for indoor furnishing materials, replacement escape design for change use of buildings, fire growth and spread control technology, and escape safety and smoke control technology.

6.2 Improvement of laboratory capability: Research on fire prevention designs for residential kitchens.

6.3 Establishment of a national fire prevention laboratory and a building fire prevention experiment group located in Tainan.

Taiwan's fire prevention technology has entered the fire safety engineering stage. In addition, as the domestic construction market opens even more for foreign building materials, technologies, and methods, it will be necessary to use new performance assessment or testing methods of an equivalent grade to our national standards and guidelines to verify the fire safety of new materials and techniques. In light of these circumstances, Taiwan's fire testing and assessment methods should be reviewed at an early date to bring them in line with international standards.

Chapter 6 Transportation Technology

The scope of transportation research encompasses highways, railways, aviation, and marine transport. See Fig. IV-9 for an overview of transportation technology research project funding and manpower, FY1997~2001. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1. Land Transportation Technology

1.1 Drafting of technical standards for rapid transit system construction: Completion 11 technical standards for rapid transit system surveying, geotechnical engineering, soil drainage engineering, soil support engineering, structural engineering and so on.

1.2 The Training Promotion & Certification Plan to the Standardized Software of City Traffic Communication for Traffic Control: A certification mechanism was developed for signal controller communications protocols.

1.3 Advanced Vehicle Control and Safety System: Completion of a practical auto safety guidance system and prototype collision avoidance equipment.

1.4 The Planning and Demonstration of the Parking Guidance Information System in Yangmingshan: This project included the planning of parking facility guide, traffic control and road information display, real-time mass transportation display, and tourist information and guide systems.

1.5 Research of Integrated Development Architecture and Promotion Strategy for Advanced Public Transportation System（APTS）: Research on an APTS system platform and implementation strategy.

1.6 Planning of Integrated Development Architecture and Promotion Strategy for Intelligent Commercial Transportation System: This project developed an "Intelligent Commercial Transportation System Development Platform" suitable for Taiwan on the basis of experience gained developing these kinds of systems in Europe and the US.

1.7 The Research of Developing ITS's System Architecture in Taiwan: This project completed a user service needs review and added disadvantaged user protection service and information management service items.

In an effort to upgrade the capabilities of domestic industry, MOTC is currently implementing an intelligent transportation system integrated with "Development and Demonstration Project of Advanced Bus Information System and In-Vehicle Safety Equipment", an "Intelligent Commercial Transportation System Demonstration and Promotion Project", "Communications Protocols for Intelligent Transportation Systems in Taiwan, a Transportation Control System Demonstration Project", and other large multi-year R&D and demonstration projects.

2. Marine Transportation Technology

2.1 A Study on Remote Sensing of Coastal Waves by Marine Radar at Taipei Harbor in 2001: This project collected twelve months' of radar observation data, performed energy spectrum calculations and wave parameter conversion, and produced wave animation and radar observation average images.

2.2 Mathematical Hydraulic Models and their Application to Taiwan Harbors: This project elucidated the mechanism of harbor resonance for ports in eastern Taiwan.

2.3 A wave forecasting system for ports in Taiwan: This project used a neural network as its computational core and developed a typhoon modeling knowledge bank.

2.4 Digital image database for Taiwan's ports and adjacent coasts: This project made high-resolution multi-spectral remote sensing images available for use in determining inshore water depths and performing coastal resource and pollution surveys.

Since automation and computerization of management of the waters around Taiwan is one of the MOTC's marine transportation technology development goals, over the last few years the MOTC has been performing water depth surveys and compiling databases. The MOTC has also produced electronic navigational chart in marine area of Taiwan to serve as the basis for its marine automation and computerization efforts.

3. Aviation Technology

3.1 Development of an intelligent Taipei flight control zone model-development of simulation programs and applications: Development of an intelligent flight control zone model（ANS 2.0）.

3.2 The Integration for Travellers' Information Systems and CKS Airport Information System: Analysis of CKS Airport terminal information system and state of guidance signals.

The MOTC will continue to improve flight control safety, develop auxiliary navigation aids, and begin planning and installation of a new-generation CNS／ATM. At the same time, it will also oversee the implementation of cabin safety inspection systems and navigation and maintenance procedures by all airlines, and strengthen hazardous article transport safety oversight work.

4. Transportation Safety Technology

4.1 Research on the relationship between destruction of soft road surfaces and characteristics of asphalt in Taiwan: The analysis performed in this project showed that when AC-20 is used as a base asphalt layer, SBS content must be less than 6% to achieve excellent thermal storage stability.

4.2 A Study on the Observation and Warning of the Debris Flow Potential Areas around the Bridges and Roadway Systems in Taiwan: A debris flow detection and forecasting system was installed and tested.

4.3 Draft of the Specification of Tack Coat, Prime Coat and Seal Coat for Pavement: A water permeability test can be used to determine the thickness and performance of the viscous and permeable layers.

4.4 The safety examination and evaluation for the underwater structures in the harbor: The first stage of testing included preliminary testing, general safety testing, and major disaster emergency testing.

4.5 Effects of Subgrade Soil on Pavement Performance: This project established significance indicators for the assessment of roadbed soil strength.

4.6 Pavement Survey Study and Condition Evaluation: This project discovered that the roughness subsystem had excellent stability, and was not affected by pavement damage grade, recording interval, or testing speed.

4.7 The evaluation of stone mastic asphalt be applied to expressway: This project discovered via laboratory assessment that stone mastic asphalt（SMA）performs better than ordinary asphalt.

Apart from maintaining good work quality, transportation engineering must also employ advanced testing and reinforcement technology to enhance safety. The future will see more efforts along the three directions of new construction planning, maintenance management, and disaster life support. The MOTC hopes to insure that the implementation of transportation safety technology conforms to clear overall goals and policies.

Chapter 7 Marine Science and Technology

The broad field of marine science and technology includes the areas of basic oceanography, sea state measurement and forecast technologies, bathymetric surveys, marine transportation safety, fisheries science and technology, coastal development, and the museum and aquarium industry.

1. Oceanographic and Meteorological Measurement Technology

Sea state data includes waves, tide position, surface temperature, surface wind, air pressure, and air temperature. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

1.1 Prototype of Maritime Hazard Warning System: This project integrated real-time data collected by long-term sea state and meteorological observation systems.

1.2 Know-how Transfer of the Next Generation Water Level Measurement System of the NOAA: A localized new-generation automatic water level observation system was developed and used to make water level observations.

1.3 Bathymetric Survey in Coastal Sea Area and Set-up of Undersea State of Database: This project completed two 50,000: 1 nautical charts.

The observation of sea states in Taiwan currently relies on measurement methods and procedures adopted from America's National Data Buoy Center. The future will see further efforts on the existing foundation, the localization of other marine observation instruments and technologies, and the deployment of marine tourism and recreation safety information systems.

2. Marine Fisheries Technology

With emergence of international environmental consciousness and an awareness that marine fisheries are being exploited to or beyond their capacity, Taiwan must address the question of how to insure the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

2.1 Development of marine fisheries production technology: Following an inshore fisheries resource survey, research was performed on resource management and development.

2.2 The Electric Commerce for the Delivery and Sale of Fish Product: An internet videoconference auction system was developed for fish markets.

2.3 Automation on the Production of Fisheries: Research was performed on energy-conserving automation of fishing boat freezer equipment.

2.4 The Impact of Global Climate Change on Fisheries: Survey of exhaust emissions from inshore fishing boats and rafts in northern Taiwan and suggestion of improvement measures.

2.5 Research on the Development of Technology of Fishery Harbor Engineering: Research was performed on a method of preventing silting of fishing harbors.

Looking towards the future, apart from the Executive Yuan's promotion of the automation, computerization, and technological upgrading of the industry, an effort will be made to integrate marine fisheries production and marketing resources so as to maintain the industry's global reach and roots in Taiwan.

3. Coastal Development and Management

For the most part, Taiwan's coastal land is currently utilized in 19 ways. The Construction & Planning Administration, MOI, is currently establishing a coastal development and management framework taking the draft "Coasts Act" as a blueprint. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

3.1 Satellite imaging of selected ground areas and land use detection project: A new land utilization classification system was formulated and standard planning procedures implemented in a demonstration area.

3.2 Planning and establishment of a land use change detection and management system: This project performed a survey of nationwide land utilization and planned and developed national land utilization change detection methods.

In the future, the coastal land management system will be put on a sound footing the "Coasts Act" will be enacted, management organizations will be established, and comprehensive planning of coastal areas performed. The government will draft coastal protection and shelter plans, develop a coastal land use license system, and establish a coastal land management information environment.

4. Sustainable Use of Marine Resources

Apart from expediting the revision of sea-related laws and strengthening management of the nation's marine territory, the government must vigorously engage in marine resource utilization R&D if it wishes to appropriately develop and sustainably manage the nation's rich marine resources. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

4.1 Legislation of the "Coasts Act", completion of the "Coasts Act Enforcement Rules", and drafting of the "Taiwan Coastal Land Management Plan".

4.2 Conservation and management of fisheries resources: Construction of artificial reefs using discarded power line poles and obsolete naval vessels.

4.3 Enactment of the "Marine Pollution Control Act Enforcement Rules" and  "Marine Environment Classification and Marine Environment Quality Standards".

4.4 Implementation of a Seawater Desalinization Technologies Development and Promotion Plan.

4.5 Development of a system for concentrating lithium in seawater at least 1,000-fold. The technology used by this system has high lithium／sodium selectivity.

The Executive Yuan plans to complete the drafting of the Agenda for the 21^st Century-Strategic Principles for Sustainable Development in the ROC, White Paper on the Sea, and National Environmental Protection Plan. These documents will inspire and guide Taiwan's sustainable utilization of marine resources.

5. Marine Information Technology

The purpose of marine information technology is to effectively preserve and manage data, while providing fast data query and retrieval services. The following is a summary of research and results in FY2001:

5.1 Marine data: Continuing efforts have been made to compile and expand hydrological, current, and water depth databases.

5.2 Development of numerical models: A short-term Taiwan Straits sea conditions forecasting model was developed.

In the future, in accordance with the needs of various government agencies, a basic information system for the waters surrounding Taiwan will be established. Geographical information system functions will be used to provide various marine information types in a convenient manner.

6. Marine Technology Education and Promotion

The establishment of marine museums will increase the public's level of scientific knowledge and accelerate progress and modernization. Museum functions include education, academic research, leisure recreation, and international cooperation. The following results have been achieved:

6.1 Government investment in projects and facilities: Establishment of the National Museum of Marine Biology, National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, the Penghu Aquarium, and the Taitung Aquarium.

6.2 Private investment in relevant industries: Establishment of Yehliu Ocean World, Taipei Sea World, the Taoyuan Marine Biology Education Institute, West-Ocean Educational Sea World, the Evergreen Nautical Demonstration Center, Tamkang University Nautical Museum, and the Peikuan Crab Museum.

The establishment of marine museums promotes education and research, provides schools with outdoor classrooms and citizens with lifelong study opportunities, and supports basic oceanographic research.