Search

This paper presents a novel system of data-driven approaches for simulating the dynamics of electricity demand profiles. Demand profiles of individual dwellings are decomposed into deterministic (e.g. 'Trends' and 'Seasonal') and stochastic ('remainder') components using the STL (a Seasonal-Trend decomposition procedure based on Loess) approach. Stochastic components are modelled using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and combined with deterministic components to generate synthetic demand profiles. To simulate extreme (peak) demand, the synthetic profiles were post-processed using a Generalised Pareto (GP) distribution, and a percentile-based bias-correction scheme. All the techniques are systematically coupled into a hybrid system, referred to as 'STL_HMM_GP'. The STL_HMM_GP system is thoroughly accessed and validated by comparing a range of statistical characteristic of observed and simulated profiles for three case study communities. The potentials of the STL_HMM_GP system is demonstrated for simulating aggregated demand profiles, generated using an accessible small sample of observed individual demand profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of policies to improve energy efficiency and the retrofitting of the existing housing stock requires adequate knowledge of the operation in practice and user needs. This becomes crucial when intervening in social housing, where household energy practices are likely to be confounded by energy affordability leading to outcomes that are distinct and sub-optimal when compared to those conventionally assumed. A field survey and analyses applied to more than 700 homes from collective social housing buildings in the south of Spain is reported here. The results show a clear stratification of energy consumption and ownership of household appliances and thermal systems. An austere self-imposed use of energy appears, coupled with normative adoption of certain energy-efficient habits particularly with respect to laundry. An emergence of multimedia and computer equipment seems to be changing the overall balance of use of equipment in homes. A clear income level above which provision of thermal comfort using mechanical means became affordable was found. The work provides useful data of home habits and identifies the main underperformance issues of this representative household-group, what may feed the design of upgrade policies and optimization of energy access for this housing stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide an overview of the drug profile of the orally active, selective endothelin A receptor antagonist ambrisentan, and its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Research Design and Methods: Medical literature on the use of ambrisentan in PAH was identified using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Additional references were identified from the reference lists of published articles and from the authors' own bibliographies.Results: Significant improvements in exercise capacity were observed with approved dosages of ambrisentan (5 or 10 mg once daily) in the AMB-220 dose-ranging study and the pivotal ARIES-1 and ARIES-2 trials, with sustained effects up to 2 years observed in ARIES-E. Improvements in cardiopulmonary hemodynamic variables were reported in AMB-220 and ARIES-E (subset analysis). Ambrisentan had little or no effect on hepatic transporters in in vitro studies and displayed a low risk of potential drug-drug interactions, including those with other PAH therapies. Results from the VOLT post-marketing program confirmed the safety profile of ambrisentan observed in the ARIES studies, including the low incidence of liver function test abnormalities. Peripheral edema and anemia were common side effects of endothelin receptor antagonist therapies, including ambrisentan. In the recently completed AMBITION study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01178073), upfront initial combination therapy with ambrisentan and tadalafil significantly reduced the risk of clinical failure (primary endpoint) by 50% compared with the pooled monotherapy groups.Conclusions: The long-term efficacy and safety profile of ambrisentan in patients with PAH is supported by data from a comprehensive clinical trial program and real-life, post-marketing observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medieval Islamic port of ‘Aydhab played a major role in the hajj and in trade with Yemen, India and the Far East. A recent satellite image reveals the layout of the town in some detail, but there seems to be no trace of a viable harbour. Yet there was a fine secure harbour at Halaib, 20 km to the south. We tentatively suggest that the main port of ‘Aydhab was separate from the town. This hypothesis can only be verified by fieldwork and our objective in this paper is draw attention to the problem rather than to resolve it. © 2007 The Authors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

*Reprinted from Handbook of Polyethylene: Structures, Properties, and Applications; Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York; 2000, 375–414. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factor analysis and component analysis represent two broad classes of methods employed generally with similar types of problems. The purpose of the present study is to determine the extent to which and under what conditions the methods produce different patterns. Principal component analysis, image component analysis, and maximum likelihood factor analysis were performed on simulated data matrices. Comparisons were made between each of the three methods and to ideal patterns. Sample size, saturation, and type of pattern were systematically varied. The general conclusion reached is that the three methods produce results that are equivalent. In addition, several important trends were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]