193 research outputs found

    The impact of local variations in a temperate maritime climate on building energy use

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    This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Taylor & Francis (Routledge) via the DOI in this record.We investigate the impact of local climatic variations on the energy performance of buildings by conducting simulations using weather files generated from high-resolution weather measurements covering 33 stations within a 77km2 area in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Weather files were created by resampling and cleaning the data and applying appropriate models to obtain unmeasured values. The difference in microclimate has been analysed statistically and graphically; average annual temperature varies by around 1°C, and at certain times there is a 6°C variation across the (very small) region. Building energy simulations of a small naturally-ventilated office building and a larger air-conditioned building were performed using EnergyPlus for all weather files. Significant variation is found spatially and temporally which would have substantial implications for building design and energy use. The variation in annual heating energy use is +/- 5% of the mean, equivalent to 18kWh/m2 /a, with even greater relative variation in cooling energy use.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) - The creation of localized current and future weather for the built environment (EP/M022099/1

    Effects of Cannabis Use on Human Behavior, Including Cognition, Motivation, and Psychosis: A Review

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    With a political debate about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use as a backdrop, the wave of legalization and liberalization initiatives continues to spread. Four states (Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska) and the District of Columbia have passed laws that legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults, and 23 others plus the District of Columbia now regulate cannabis use for medical purposes. These policy changes could trigger a broad range of unintended consequences, with profound and lasting implications for the health and social systems in our country. Cannabis use is emerging as one among many interacting factors that can affect brain development and mental function. To inform the political discourse with scientific evidence, the literature was reviewed to identify what is known and not known about the effects of cannabis use on human behavior, including cognition, motivation, and psychosis

    Multi-objective design optimisation:Getting more for less

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    Belgium Herbarium image of Meise Botanic Garden

    Multi-objective design optimisation:Getting more for less

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    Multi-objective optimisation can help civil engineers achieve higher performance for lower costs in their designs. This is true whether ‘performance’ applies to structural strength or energy use, or whether ‘cost’ measures financial outlay or occupant satisfaction: if it can be quantified it can be optimised in some form. By exploring trade-offs between conflicting objectives and constraints, multi-objective optimisation enables informed decision-making. This paper outlines the principles and benefits of multi-objective optimisation and the means of implementation. The complementary aspects of parametric modelling and optimisation are discussed as an aid to the flexible design of buildings and structures. A range of real design problems are considered, including structural and environmental examples. </jats:p

    Visual hallucinations associated with varenicline: a case report

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Varenicline is widely used for smoking cessation. It has shown efficacy over placebo and bupropion in manufacturer-sponsored trials. Those with mental illness were excluded from these trials. There are case reports of exacerbation of mental illness and development of psychiatric symptoms with varenicline use.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 61-year-old male Caucasian being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression not otherwise specified and alcohol dependence, was prescribed varenicline while he was in a post-traumatic stress disorder/alcohol dual diagnosis treatment program. He developed visual hallucinations, which became worse with titration of the medication. These symptoms resolved upon discontinuation of varenicline.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Patients with mental illness have a higher incidence of nicotine dependence, and attempts should be made for smoking cessation. Varenicline has not been widely tested in this population. There are reports of exacerbation of mental illness, and probable causation of psychiatric symptoms in the mentally ill. Providers should be aware of this possibility and advise their patients appropriately.</p
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