Stability and covergence properties of Bergman Kernel methods for numerical conformal mapping

In this paper we study the stability and convergence properties of Bergman kernel methods, for the numerical conform al mapping of simply and doubly- connected domains. In particular, by using certain well-known results of Carleman, we establish a characterization of the level of instability in the methods, in terms of the geometry of the domain under consideration. We also explain how certain known convergence results can provide some theoretical justification of the observed improvement in accuracy which is achieved by the methods, when the basis set used contains functions that reflect the main singular behaviour of the conformal map

Pole type singularities and the numerical conformal mapping of doubly-connected domains

Let f be the function which maps conformally a given doubly-connected domain onto a circular annulus, and let Ω H(z) = f '(z) / f(z) - 1/z . In this paper we consider the problem of determining the main singularities of the function H in compl)(Ω∂∪Ω. Our purpose is to provide information regarding the location and nature of such singularities, and to explain how this information can be used to improve the efficiency of certain expansion methods for numerical conformal mapping

Staged Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for Multivessel STEMI Patients?

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) since it results in greater patency of the infarct-related artery (IRA) and lower rates of re-infarction, stroke and death when compared with fibrinolysis alone. Multivessel disease (MVD) occurs in 40% to 65% of patients with STEMI. Is it possible for an aggressive multivessel percutaneous revascularization strategy to afford advantages in greater myocardial salvage and avoidance of staged procedures, with subsequent savings in compounded procedural risks? ...(excerpt

Decision making through use of interoperable simulation software

Many building simulation computer programs, originally developed on mainframe computers for research purposes, can now run on the powerful workstation and personal computers that are available to most architectural and engineering firms. Major efforts have been underway during the last decade to compile these programs on personal computers and make them available to a wider range of building professionals. However, even with the addition of user-friendly front- and back-ends, their use is still limited to a small number of specialized consultants. Considering the tremendous benefits of informed decisions that these programs can support, it is critical to address and resolve the issues that are associated with their limited acceptance. In this paper, the authors report on their research and development efforts to better understand decision-making and develop computer tools that will facilitate the use of simulation software during the building design process. They present a brief analysis of decision-making and then describe how they try to address it in building design through the development of the Building Design Advisor (BDA). Moreover, the authors elaborate on the major issues that they have encountered, discuss lessons learned, and offer recommendations for short- and long-term developments in this area

ANALYSIS OF PRIESTLEY-TAYLOR METHOD FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION IN GREECE

Στόχος της εργασίας είναι η εύρεση του εποχιακού σφάλματος στην εκτίμηση της εξατμισοδιαπνοής καλλιέργειας αναφοράς ΕΤο με τη μέθοδο Priestley-Taylor (P-T) και ο επαναπροσδιορισμός του συντελεστή μεταγωγής apt χρησιμοποιώντας τη μέθοδο Penman-Monteith κατά ASCE. Η ανάλυση έγινε για όλο τον ελλαδικό χώρο με χρήση GIS και μέσα μηνιαία κλιματικά δεδομένα της περιόδου 1950-2000. Η ανάλυση σφάλματος για το θερινό εξάμηνο Απριλίου-Σεπτεμβρίου έδειξε ότι η μέθοδος P-T παρουσιάζει αποδεκτές τιμές στο 75.3%, ενώ για το χειμερινό εξάμηνο Οκτωβρίου-Μαρτίου στο 20.2% της ελληνικής επικράτειας. Ο επαναπροσδιορισμός της μέσης τιμής του apt για το χειμερινό και θερινό εξάμηνο έδειξε ότι η χωρική μεταβλητότητά του παρουσιάζει συσχέτιση της τάξεως του ~94% με το έλλειμμα πίεσης κορεσμού υδρατμών. Από την ανάλυση της εποχιακής μεταβολής του συντελεστή apt εκτιμήθηκε η μέση τιμή του σε 1.29 και 1.51 για τη θερινή και χειμερινή περίοδο, αντίστοιχα.The aim of the study is to estimate the seasonal error in the assessment of reference crop evapotranspiration ΕΤο using the Priestley-Taylor (P-T) method and to revise the advection coefficient apt using as a base the ASCE standardized Penman-Monteith method. Analysis was performed for the Greek territory using GIS and gridded data which cover the mean monthly values of climatic parameters for the period 1950-2000. The analysis of seasonal error showed that P-T presents acceptable values in the 73.5% and 20.2% coverage of the greek territory for the dry-warm season (April-September) and the cold-wet season (October-March), respectively. Recalculation of apt for both seasons showed that its spatial variation is described at ~94% level by the vapor pressure deficit. The mean values of apt for the dry-warm season and the cold wet season were found to be 1.29 και 1.51, respectively

New tools for the analysis and design of building envelopes

We describe the integrated development of PowerDOE, a new version of the DOE-2 building energy analysis program, and the Building Design Advisor (BDA), a multimedia-based design tool that assists building designers with the concurrent consideration of multiple design solutions with respect to multiple design criteria. PowerDOE has a windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) that makes it easier to use than DOE-2, while retaining DOE-2`s calculation power and accuracy. BDA, with a similar GUI, is designed to link to multiple analytical models and databases. In its first release it is linked to PowerDOE and a Daylighting Analysis Module, as well as to a Case Studies Database and a Schematic Graphic Editor. These allow building designers to set performance goals and address key building envelope parameters from the initial, schematic phases of building design to the detailed specification of building components and systems required by PowerDOE. The consideration of the thermal performance of building envelopes through PowerDOE and BDA is integrated with non-thermal envelope performance aspects, such as daylighting, as well as with the performance of non-envelope building components and systems, such as electric lighting and HVAC. Future versions of BDA will support links to CAD and electronic product catalogs, as well as provide context-dependent design advice to improve performance

A 3-dimensional Bergman Kernel method with applications to rectangular domains

In this paper we revisit the so-called Bergman kernel method - BKM - for solving conformal mapping problems and propose a generalized BKM-approach to extend the theory to 3-dimensional mapping problems. A special software package for quaternions was developed for the numerical experiments.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Lack of effects of pioglitazone on cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes and evidence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: a tissue doppler imaging study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Thiazolidinediones, used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), are associated with an increased incidence of heart failure. We sought to investigate the effects of pioglitazone on novel echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in DM2 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighty-eight asymptomatic DM2 patients on metformin and/or sulfonylureas, aged 64.5 ± 7.7 years, without known cardiovascular disease, with normal LV systolic function and evidence of LVDD were randomly assigned to pioglitazone 30 mg/day (n = 42) or an increase in dose of other oral agents (n = 39) for 6 months. All patients underwent transthoracic conventional and Tissue Doppler Imaging echocardiography at baseline and follow-up. The primary end-point was change in early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E').</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Improvement of glycaemic control was similar in the 2 groups. A significant difference (p < 0.05) between the 2 groups was found in the treatment-induced changes in fasting insulin, the insulin resistance index HOMA, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure (all in favor of pioglitazone) and in body weight (increase with pioglitazone). No significant changes were observed in any echocardiographic parameter in either group and did not differ between groups (p = NS for all). E' increased non-significantly and to a similar extent in both groups (p = NS).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In asymptomatic DM2 patients with LVDD, the addition of pioglitazone to oral conventional treatment for 6 months does not induce any adverse or favorable changes in LV diastolic or systolic function despite improvements in glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and blood pressure.</p