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Towards the analysis and optimization of a coupled building energy sector, various component model libraries for hydraulic, ventilation, electrical, control, and building domains exist. However, no uniform open-source framework to couple these domains in a holistic building energy system simulation exists. Thus, we present BESMod, an open-source Modelica library, providing a modular approach towards domain-coupled building energy system simulations. BESMod relies on existing component specialized model libraries for the underlying physics. For the analysis of complex system simulations, user-friendly parameterization, consistent model interfaces, precalculated KPIs and debugging options are applied. The library is available at www.github.com/RWTH-EBC/BESMod. This paper motivates the library, lays out the interaction with existing model libraries and the general modular approach. An exemplary use case demonstrates the applicability of BESMod. Concluding, we motivate future development options.

A comprehensive picture of polaron and bipolaron physics is essential to understand the optical absorption spectrum in many materials with electron-phonon interactions. In particular, the finite-temperature properties are of interest since they play an important role in many experiments. Here, we combine the parallel two-site time-dependent variational principle algorithm (p2TDVP) with local basis optimization (LBO) and purification to calculate time-dependent current-current correlation functions. From this information, we extract the optical conductivity for the Holstein polaron and bipolaron with dispersive phonons at finite temperatures. For the polaron in the weak and intermediate electron-phonon coupling regimes, we analyze the influence of phonon dispersion relations on the spectra. For strong electron-phonon coupling, the known result of an asymmetric Gaussian is reproduced for a flat phonon band. For a finite phonon bandwidth, the center of the Gaussian is either shifted to larger or smaller frequencies, depending on the sign of the phonon hopping. We illustrate that this can be well understood by considering the Born-Oppenheimer surfaces. A similar behavior is seen for the bipolaron for strong coupling. For the bipolaron with weak and intermediate coupling strengths and a flat phonon band, we obtain two very different spectra. The latter also has a temperature-dependent resonance at a frequency below the phonon frequency., 21 pages, 19 figures

Understanding the influence of vibrational degrees of freedom on transport through a heterostructure poses considerable theoretical and numerical challenges. In this work, we use the density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method together with local basis optimization (LBO) to study the half-filled Holstein model in the presence of a linear potential, either isolated or coupled to tight-binding leads. In both cases, we observe a decay of charge-density-wave (CDW) states at a sufficiently strong potential strength. Local basis optimization selects the most important linear combinations of local oscillator states to span the local phonon space. These states are referred to as optimal modes. We show that many of these local optimal modes are needed to capture the dynamics of the decay, that the most significant optimal mode on the initially occupied sites remains well described by a coherent-state typical for small polarons, and that those on the initially empty sites deviate from the coherent-state form. Additionally, we compute the current through the structure in the metallic regime as a function of voltage. For small voltages, we reproduce results for the Luttinger parameters. As the voltage is increased, the effect of larger electron-phonon coupling strengths becomes prominent. Further, the most significant optimal mode remains almost unchanged when going from the ground state to the current-carrying state in the metallic regime., 15 pages, 13 figures, the data can be found as .csv files in the ancillary files

Matrix elements of observables in eigenstates of generic Hamiltonians are described by the Srednicki ansatz within the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH). We study a quantum chaotic spin-fermion model in a one-dimensional lattice, which consists of a spin-1/2 XX chain coupled to a single itinerant fermion. In our study, we focus on translationally invariant observables including the charge and energy current, thereby also connecting the ETH with transport properties. Considering observables with a Hilbert-Schmidt norm of one, we first perform a comprehensive analysis of ETH in the model taking into account latest developments. A particular emphasis is on the analysis of the structure of the offdiagonal matrix elements $|\langle \alpha | \hat O | \beta \rangle|^2$ in the limit of small eigenstate energy differences $\omega = E_\beta - E_\alpha$. Removing the dominant exponential suppression of $|\langle \alpha | \hat O | \beta \rangle|^2$, we find that: (i) the current matrix elements exhibit a system-size dependence that is different from other observables under investigation, (ii) matrix elements of several other observables exhibit a Drude-like structure with a Lorentzian frequency dependence. We then show how this information can be extracted from the autocorrelation functions as well. Finally, our study is complemented by a numerical analysis of the fluctuation-dissipation relation for eigenstates in the bulk of the spectrum. We identify the regime of $\omega$ in which the well-known fluctuation-dissipation relation is valid with high accuracy for finite systems., Comment: v3: Data shown in figures now available as ancillary files

We investigate the thermodynamics and finite-temperature spectral functions of the Holstein polaron using a density-matrix renormalization group method. Our method combines purification and local basis optimization (LBO) as an efficient treatment of phonon modes. LBO is a scheme which relies on finding the optimal local basis by diagonalizing the local reduced density matrix. By transforming the state into this basis, one can truncate the local Hilbert space with a negligible loss of accuracy for a wide range of parameters. In this work, we focus on the crossover regime between large and small polarons of the Holstein model. Here, no analytical solution exists and we show that the thermal expectation values at low temperatures are independent of the phonon Hilbert space truncation provided the basis is chosen large enough. We then demonstrate that we can extract the electron spectral function and establish consistency with results from a finite-temperature Lanczos method. We additionally calculate the electron emission spectrum and the phonon spectral function and show that all the computations are significantly simplified by the local basis optimization. We observe that the electron emission spectrum shifts spectral weight to both lower frequencies and larger momenta as the temperature is increased. The phonon spectral function experiences a large broadening and the polaron peak at large momenta gets significantly flattened and merges almost completely into the free-phonon peak., Comment: 19 pages, 17 figures, some of the data can be found as .csv files in the ancillary files

Robust evidence is lacking for community initiatives to prevent first presentation acute rheumatic fever (ARF) by group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis treatment.We measured the effect of introducing a sore throat clinic program on first presentation ARF into 61-year 1-8 schools with students 5-13 years of age (population ≈25,000) in Auckland, New Zealand. The study period was 2010-2016. A generalized linear mixed model investigated ARF rate changes before and after the staggered introduction of school clinics. Nurses and lay workers treated culture-proven GAS sore throats (including siblings) with 10 days of amoxicillin. ARF cases were identified from a population-based secondary prophylaxis register. Annual pharyngeal GAS prevalence was assessed in a subset.ARF rates in 5-13 year olds dropped from 88 [95% confidence interval (CI): 79-111] per 100,000 preclinics to 37 (95% CI: 15-83) per 100,000 after 2 years of clinic availability, a 58% reduction. No change in rate was demonstrated before the introduction of clinics [P = 0.88; incidence risk ratio for a 1-year change: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.63-1.52)], but there was a significant decrease of first presentation ARF rates with time after the introduction of the sore throat program [P = 0.008; incidence risk ratio: 0.61 (95% CI: 0.43-0.88)]. Pharyngeal GAS cross-sectional prevalence fell from 22.4% (16.5-30.5) preintervention to 11.9% (8.6-16.5) and 11.4% (8.2-15.7) 1 or 2 years later (P = 0.005).ARF declined significantly after school-based GAS pharyngitis management using oral amoxicillin paralleled by a decline in pharyngeal GAS prevalence.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: the primary purpose is to suggest a real estate paradigm spectrum to act as reference for the contextualisation of observed market phenomenon in system terms; the secondary purpose is for the spectrum to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and techniques; and the tertiary purpose is to propose a confidence score for reporting uncertainty to the end user of a valuation report. Design/methodology/approach Literature was reviewed on the concepts of risk and uncertainty, rationality and several systems thinking domains. Findings The framework can provide context to observed market phenomenon and distinguishes between agency and mechanism in contributing to conditions of certainty and uncertainty. The argument followed in this paper is that it is necessary to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and models under conditions of certainty, normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The characteristics of conditions can be used as basis to develop new theory and practical application or modify existing. Practical implications Real estate economic theory can be organised in terms of the spectrum and the framework can potentially identify where further research is required and the requirements it must meet as measured against the characteristics of the framework. Current valuation methods and models can continue to be used when valuing under conditions of certainty, however, modifications to methods and models are required to account for complexity when valuing under conditions of normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The confidence score included in this paper can also be used to report the conditions of certainty/uncertainty under which the valuation was performed. Originality/value This paper aims to set the basis for new theoretical and practical developments of insights into real estate economic and valuation theory, methods and models while also contributing to the reporting of uncertainty through the proposed confidence score.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to suggest a modified sales comparison model that is scalable and adaptable to value under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. The model can potentially be applied to residential property, non-residential property and large item plant and machinery in determining the value, rental or capitalisation rate. The second purpose is to address practitioner and end user bias, which if unaddressed can lead to potentially inconsistent valuation results. Design/methodology/approach Literature was reviewed on decision theory, specifically cognitive limitations, heuristics and biases. A qualitative approach is followed in the paper although the output of the proposed model itself is quantitative. Findings The paper argues that practitioners and end users alike tend to avoid advanced statistical techniques when valuing under conditions of certainty, while advanced statistical techniques would not be possible under conditions of uncertainty. In addition, practitioners can, due to the representative heuristic, be over-confident in their ability, skill or knowledge when performing valuations under conditions of certainty. When valuing under conditions of uncertainty, practitioners tend to avoid simple rule models as they consider the process too unique to be standardised. The combined effect is inconsistent valuation results unless it can potentially be addressed through an integrated and modified sales comparison model that takes into account varying degrees of certainty and uncertainty. Practical implications The proposed modified sales comparison model is an integrated model that can be adopted by practitioners in valuing residential, non-residential and large plant and machinery. It can potentially be used to value under conditions of certainty and uncertainty and improve valuation consistency. End users such as mortgage lenders and investors can benefit from the adoption of this model. Originality/value The aim of this paper is to propose an integrated and modified sales comparison model for valuing under conditions of certainty, normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The integrated model can value based on direct comparison under conditions of certainty and uncertainty while addressing the in practice avoidance of advanced statistical techniques and the implications of the representative heuristic and halo effect as cognitive biases on valuation consistency.

The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) is a successful theory that provides sufficient criteria for ergodicity in quantum many-body systems. Most studies were carried out for Hamiltonians relevant for ultracold quantum gases and single-component systems of spins, fermions, or bosons. The paradigmatic example for thermalization in solid-state physics are phonons serving as a bath for electrons. This situation is often viewed from an open-quantum system perspective. Here, we ask whether a minimal microscopic model for electron-phonon coupling is quantum chaotic and whether it obeys ETH, if viewed as a closed quantum system. Using exact diagonalization, we address this question in the framework of the Holstein polaron model. Even though the model describes only a single itinerant electron, whose coupling to dispersionless phonons is the only integrability-breaking term, we find that the spectral statistics and the structure of Hamiltonian eigenstates exhibit essential properties of the corresponding random-matrix ensemble. Moreover, we verify the ETH ansatz both for diagonal and offdiagonal matrix elements of typical phonon and electron observables, and show that the ratio of their variances equals the value predicted from random-matrix theory., 13 pages, 11 figures, as published

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the value outcomes of the cost approach to the DCF profits method when valuing specialised property under different scenarios as a test for choice of method or model uncertainty; and to quantify valuation uncertainty under each scenario and to argue for an increasing adoption of the profits method of valuation. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study approach was used to analyse four physical valuations performed in practice under four specific scenarios, namely, a business-as-usual scenario, an underperforming business scenario, an expanding capacity scenario and a combined business-as-usual funding a start-up joint venture scenario. Findings The cost approach relative to the DCF profits approach consistently under-values specialised property under business-as-usual and business expanding scenarios while it over-values in instances of underperforming business scenario. Practical implications Financial institutions that predominantly uses or accepts the cost approach for valuing specialised property should consider adopting the DCF profits approach as the default approach when valuing for mortgage lending purposes. Business owners of specialised properties should contract practitioners knowledgeable and skilled in the application of the DCF profits method. Originality/value This paper quantifies choice of method or model uncertainty of four different scenarios of specialised properties where both the cost approach and DCF profits methods of valuation were employed. It suggests the adoption of the DCF profits method as the default method of valuation for specialised property.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: primary, to argue that the profits method, specifically a discounted cash flow (DCF)-based profits method, should be the preferred method of valuation when valuing specialised property. Secondary, to make technical recommendations in the application of the method. Design/methodology/approach Literature was reviewed on the theory of the profits method as well as physical valuations performed in practice. Improvements for the profits method are suggested from the review of six valuations conducted in South Africa in the specialised property sectors. A qualitative approach is followed in the research as broad principles are extracted from the valuation reports as implications and improvements for the profits method. Findings The profits method is more flexible and sophisticated than the cost approach in taking into account systematic and unsystematic risk. The profits method is more accurate than the cost approach in delivering a true reflection of the value of specialised property for any purpose but specifically for mortgage lending purposes and reduces the credit exposure risk of financial institutions. It also decreases pricing inefficiencies to be exploited by buyers and sellers. Practical implications Three improvements to the profits method are suggested. First, revenue could be forecasted based on a probability-weighted approach. Second, a modified capitalisation rate is suggested to the capitalisation rate formula in the calculation of G. Third, a market rental aggregation anchoring and judgement-based approach is suggested as rationale for determining the hypothetical rental split. Originality/value There seems to be a general lack in literature on the profits method of valuation and its application to specialised properties, specifically a DCF-based approach, with this paper being a technical contribution to the body of knowledge on this topic.

Regulatory T cells (Treg) hamper anti-tumor T-cell responses resulting in reduced survival and failure of cancer immunotherapy. Among lymphoid organs, the bone marrow (BM) is a major site of Treg residence and recirculation. However, the process governing the emigration of Treg from BM into the circulation remains elusive. We here show that breast cancer patients harbour reduced Treg frequencies in the BM as compared to healthy individuals or the blood. This was particularly the case for tumor antigen-specific Treg which were quantified by MHCII tumor peptide loaded tetramers. We further demonstrate that decreased Treg distribution in the BM correlated with increased Treg redistribution to tumor tissue, suggesting that TCR triggering induces a translocation of Treg from the BM into tumor tissue. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1)—which is known to mediate exit of immune cells from lymphoid organs was selectively expressed by tumor antigen-specific BM Treg. S1P1 expression could be induced in Treg by BM-resident antigen-presenting cells (BMAPCs) in conjunction with TCR stimulation, but not by TCR stimulation or BMAPCs alone and triggered the migration of Treg but not conventional T cells (Tcon) to its ligand Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Interestingly, we detected marked S1P gradients between PB and BM in breast cancer patients but not in healthy individuals. Taken together, our data suggest a role for S1P1 in mediating the selective mobilization of tumor specific Treg from the BM of breast cancer patients and their translocation into tumor tissue. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00262-017-1964-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In February 2011, aBundesgerichtshof[BGH—Federal Court of Justice] decision caused a great media echo. The court convicted Germany's largest bank to pay about half a million Euros in damages for the breach of advisory duties. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, banking law evolved fast in German courts. The recent decision raises new questions concerning the advisory duties of a bank, when offering financial products to its clients. The article gives an insight to various factual backgrounds, which, as financial products of today, are somewhat complex. Another interesting aspect to this case is that there are numerous decisions of lower courts that dealt with the same product as the BGH did. The ruling is considered to be far-reaching and groundbreaking. This case note will look into the question how far this is true.

Indonesia is not often considered a state where security management is well conducted. The dominant perception appears to be that law enforcement and security institutions cooperate poorly. In part, this trend is informed by academic works on the past behaviour of security forces in some of Indonesia's troubled areas, like Ambon, Papua and Central Sulawesi, to name a few. (1) Some authors argue that in these cases, unclear boundaries of jurisdiction and poor internal command and control, frustrated efforts to coordinate security forces. However, we can perhaps question whether conflict zones provide a sound basis for our impressions of the relationships among police and military forces. Much of the best evidence that demonstrates poor inter-institutional cooperation occurs in the years after 1998, at a time of acute crisis in Indonesia and in the institutions themselves. This fact prompts us to consider how state security actors interact today when managing security problems. Scholars contributing to the debate about security sector reform in Indonesia have offered potential explanations for why Indonesia's police and military forces do not interact well. Part of the security sector reform literature has discussed the problem of "grey areas" or a supposed lack of clarity in the job descriptions of the police and the Indonesian military. The literature also identifies another potential problem with the high autonomy between security and law enforcement actors. To the contrary however, this article finds that while agencies at the sub-national level are indeed highly autonomous, autonomy does not vitiate inter-institutional cooperation. In the case studies examined government security actors also respect one another's jurisdictional boundaries. Where inter-institutional cooperation does take place, regional government plays an important role as a facilitator. Regional government is able to use mechanisms under its own authority (particularly joint agency committees) to involve national government agencies in resolving local problems. This system in turn depends on broad consensus over the job descriptions of the different actors. Accordingly, the Indonesian police are the lead agency in combating most threats to order and stability. The police possess statutory and normative supremacy, while the military and regional government act to back up the police. This article outlines the relations between the three law enforcement and security actors--the National Police (Polri), regional government and its own law enforcement agents, the Polisi Pamong Praja or civil service police (Pol.PP) and the territorial units of the Indonesian military (TNI)--in three district case studies in Yogyakarta. These districts are Sleman, the city municipality of Yogyakarta and Bantul. This article begins with an examination of the historical development of these institutions, highlighting in particular the integration and separation of the police from the Indonesian military. This history provides a basis for understanding how the police have become the lead agency in managing security today. We then review some of the reasons for the widespread perception that security institutions in Indonesia have problematic relations. Finally we examine the data from the case studies that outlines the existence of inter-institutional, cooperation. It is acknowledged, however, that this article is not the last word on the behaviour of security and law enforcement agencies in Indonesia. Other sources have investigated many negative practices perpetrated by such actors, ranging from corruption to abuses of human rights. This article does not, for example, touch on one of the other probing questions on the topic--competition in the black economy--as this is something rarely seen in the case studies. The purpose of this article therefore is not to deny the existence of serious misdeeds by security actors. Rather this article seeks to focus on one specific part of the picture: how state security actors inter-relate in managing security. …

Throughout the world, particularly in colonized countries, the health status of indigenous people and the unequal representation of indigenous people within the health workforce is of concern. In 2002, as part of a national health workforce development strategy, a qualification was developed to provide Maori (Indigenous New Zealander) health professionals with the skills and confidence to teach and supervise students on clinical placements in Maori health environments. This project required close collaboration between two education providers, one a Maori private education provider and the other a traditional government-funded tertiary institution; and for both organizations to work cooperatively with Maori communities and Maori health providers. The Christchurch College of Education (CCE) and Mauri Ora Associates are jointly involved in the administration, design and delivery of the programme, recruitment of guest lecturers, and ongoing curriculum updates. The content for the programme is mainstream, international and interprofessional but the pedagogy is Maori, with Maori customs, values and traditions upheld and practised. A national Maori health workforce development organization contracts independently with both organizations and provides an oversight and quality monitoring role. Together, the three organizations work with other Maori health professional groups and Maori elders to deliver the qualification. This paper describes how this course was designed, how it is delivered within a Maori paradigm, and how the outcomes are achieved. It also describes the cooperation between Maori and Pakeha (white New Zealanders) across health, community and educational organizations that was required to sustain this programme over five years and identifies some themes that may be applied in a global context. In sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire others to consider ways they can meet the needs of indigenous learners within their mainstream programmes.

Engineers, renowned for poor communications skills, can become effective public speakers by following a rational sequence of problem solving techniques. Engineers have a head start in public speaking because they are already considered among the most credible and trustworthy professionals. They can capitalize on their advantage by learning how to present information in a clear and logical sequence, then learning how to use listening techniques to understand and answer questions from an audience. Audiences vary, and speakers must understand the different presentational styles needed for the media, political officials, professional peers and civic groups. Body language and humor also help convey a speaker’s message; used appropriately, they can diffuse or even prevent difficult situations.

In this chapter we describe the transformation of a mainstream health education program – the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching – to meet the needs of Māori health professionals who, as clinical teachers, contribute to the development of a clinically and culturally competent health workforce. Māori terms are used to highlight important concepts. This wānanga-based program is delivered in three-day residential blocks on marae throughout New Zealand. The content is mainstream and international but the pedagogy is Māori, with Māori customs, values and traditions upheld and practised. The methods used in this course between 2000 and 2006 have formed the basis for other Māori-led health training programs.