Terminal load distribution and pipe network structure are the key factors that affect the energy-saving potential of central air-conditioning chilled water systems, nonlinear thermodynamic performance of an air-conditioning system with large inertia will mainly exert influence on the stability...

In many longitudinal studies, we observe two correlated processes: a repeated measures process and a recurrent events process, both subject to a dependent terminal event. For example, in the 'Terry Beirn community programs for clinical research on AIDS' (CPCRA) study, higher CD4 cell counts are...

In this paper we propose a four-part random effects model, with application to correlated medical cost data. Four joint equations are used to model respectively: (1) the probability of seeking medical treatment, (2) the probability of being hospitalized (conditional on seeking medical...

In this paper, we propose a flexible "two-part" random effects model ([Olsen and Schafer, 2001] and [Tooze et al., 2002]) for correlated medical cost data. Typically, medical cost data are right-skewed, involve a substantial proportion of zero values, and may exhibit heteroscedasticity. In many...

This paper presents problems with current methods of coping with climate change and reviews Elinor Ostrom's polycentric approach to theories of collective action on this issue. Past decades have witnessed the shortcomings of global efforts to combat climate change, such as conflicts between...

A novel solar building cooling heating and power (BCHP) system driven by solar energy and natural gas is proposed in this paper. The performance of the presented system is greatly dependent upon the operation strategy. The primary energy consumption (PEC) and pollutant emissions of the solar...

Bioenergy developed from energy plants will play a more and more important role in future energy supply. Much attention has been paid to energy plants in recent years. As China has fairly limited cultivated land resources, the bioenergy development may mainly rely on the exploitation of marginal...