Electricity demand-side management for an energy efficient future in China : technology options and policy priorities

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2005.Includes bibliographical references (p. 278-289).The main objective of this research is to identify robust technology and policy options which achieve substantial reductions in electricity demand in China's Shandong Province. This research utilizes a scenario-based approach to identify sensible and feasible energy efficiency and load reduction strategies. The research consists of technical analyses through the development of an hourly load simulation model to study the time and temperature sensitive impacts on electricity demand growth by different demand-side management (DSM) scenarios and a policy analysis to formulate policy priorities based on the socio-economic and environmental realities in China. This bottom-up comprehensive study helps inform decision-making given the technological, consumption and socio-economic conditions in large-scale electricity grid systems of Shandong and China, thus preferred DSM strategies are identified, and sensible policy recommendations are made with respect to Shandong province and China as a whole. This study developed a computer-based modeling tool for peak-load based electric demand analysis and long-term projections.(cont.) The model simulates disaggregated hourly electric loads by end-user types with temperature-sensitive load simulation capability, which takes into account time use patterns, life-style and behavioral factors, distributed consumption behaviors of electricity users, appliances and equipment utilization patterns, environmental factors, and industrial structural and operational parameters. The simulation and scenario based research methodology provides a comparative basis, and dynamic insights to electricity demand in areas when limited generation and consumption information is available, which is especially appropriate for electricity sector studies in developing countries. The research showed that demand side management strategies could result in significant reduction in the peak loads as well as the total electricity consumption in Shandong.(cont.) The results of the technical analysis concluded that (1) temperature sensitive load makes up the fastest growing demand within the entire consumption profile; (2) implementation of building energy efficiency strategies demonstrates the largest energy saving potential; (3) implementation of appliances standards, has limited effects on energy saving; (4) load management strategies to induce changes in consumption behaviors also shows great potential, however, they are difficult to estimate; and (5) urbanization policies also have a strong impact on electricity consumption. The recommended DSM policy priorities are based on the energy-saving potentials of the DSM strategies, which are listed in priority order: (1) improvement of building technology, (2) management of new installation first (3) management of temperature sensitive loads, (4) implementation of behavioral and load management strategies, (5) better management of urbanization policies (6) promotion of aggressive industrial motor substitution measures & industrial structural changes, and (6) improvement of appliance efficiency.(cont.) This research also formulated integrated DSM policy recommendations to the Chinese government that are centered by the development of coordinated DSM policy framework, and that are based upon the current technological, managerial and institutional capacities of Chinese industry and governmental agencies. The details include moving away from the traditional utility centered IRP/DSM framework, developing a robust energy efficiency services industry, setting correct DSM priorities and implementing them, developing and upgrading the domestic energy efficiency product industry, and engaging end-user participation. The thesis recognized the barriers and difficulties in the policy implementation and stressed the importance of continuous adaptation and institutional learning in the implementation process.by Chia-Chin Cheng.Ph.D

Root Coverage Procedure With Connective Tissue Graft Harvested From a Distal Wedge: A Case Report

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141955/1/cap0134.pd

Abdominal Tuberculosis in Adult: 10-Year Experience in a Teaching Hospital in Central Taiwan

Background/PurposeTuberculosis (TB) is an important communicable disease worldwide. The clinical presentation of abdominal TB often mimics various gastrointestinal disorders and may delay accurate diagnosis. In this study, we conducted a 10-year retrospective study to investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment responses and outcomes of abdominal TB.MethodsThis retrospective study recruited patients presenting between January 1998 and December 2007; all patients ≥ 18 years of age with a diagnosis of abdominal TB were enrolled. Patient charts were thoroughly reviewed and clinical specimens were processed in the laboratory using the BBL MycoPrep System and BACTEC MGIT 960 Mycobacterial Detection System. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was confirmed by acid fast stain and the BD ProbeTec ET System.ResultsDuring the study period, 34 patients were diagnosed with abdominal TB. The mean age was 55+18 years. Fourteen patients (41%) had no risk factors; however, 20 patients (59%) had at least one risk factor. Abdominal pain (94.1%), abdominal fullness (91.2%), anorexia (88.2%) and ascites (76.5%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The peritoneum (88%) was the most commonly involved site. Patients with risk factors such as liver cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus had a higher positive rate of acid-fast stain and mycobacterial culture from abdominal specimens (p = 0.02 and 0.05, respectively). The crude mortality rate was 9% and the attributed mortality rate was 3%.ConclusionIn an endemic area like Taiwan, regardless of whether a patient has risk factors for TB, abdominal TB should be seriously considered as a differential diagnosis when a patient presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and unexplained ascites

The Clinical COPD Questionnaire Correlated with BODE Index-A Cross-Sectional Study

The Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging has widely used in the stratification of the severity of COPD, while BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index was proven superior to FEV1 in predicting mortality, exacerbation and disease severity in patients with COPD. Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), a questionnaire with ten items categorized into three domains (symptoms, functional state and mental state) was developed to measure health status of COPD patients. However, little is known about the relationship between CCQ score and BODE index. We performed a prospective study with the inclusion of 89 patients who were clinically stable after a 6-week-therapy for COPD symptoms comparing their health status assessed by CCQ, BODE index and GOLD staging. We found that the total CCQ score was correlated with BODE score (P < 0.001) and GOLD staging (P < 0.001); of three CCQ domains, the functional status correlated the most with BODE index (rS = 0.670) and GOLD staging (rS = 0.531), followed by symptoms (rS = 0.482; rS = 0.346, respectively), and mental status (rS = 0.340; rS = 0.236, respectively). Our data suggest that CCQ is a reliable and convenient alternative tool to evaluate the severity of COPD

Significant Inhibition of Tumor Growth following Single Dose Nanoparticle-Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment involves the pathology’s uptake of photosensitizers, which produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species by photoirradiation. The use of nanoparticles as carriers of photosensitizers is one promising approach to this endeavor, owing to their small size, unique physicochemical properties, and easy/diverse functionalization. In the current work, we report on the in vivo assessment of PDT efficacy of these nanoconstructs in a murine model of human breast cancer, following a single (one-shot) nanoparticle dose and photoirradiation. Palladium-porphyrin (PdTPP) was administered intratumorally via injection of aqueous suspensions of either free PdTPP or MSN-conjugated PdTPP (MSN-PdTPP) at a dose of 50 μg. Mice were then exposed to a single photoirradiation session with total energy of 80 J. One month after one-shot PDT treatment, significantly greater reductions in tumor growth were observed in MSN-Pd treated animals than in PdTPP cohorts. Electron microscopy of tumor specimens harvested at various timepoints revealed excellent MSN-PdTPP uptake by cancer cells while immunohistologic analysis demonstrated marked increases in apoptotic response of MSN-PdTPP treated animals relative to PdTPP controls. Taken together, these findings suggest that considerable improvements in PDT efficacy can readily be achieved via the use of nanoparticle-based photosensitizers