This paper addresses the problem of thermal energy control in shopping centers through the application of model predictive control (MPC) strategies. In particular, this paper uses an existing shopping center as pilot case, which is characterized by a large common multifloor space, which, in turn, gives rise to a significant vertical thermal stratification. This paper explores the importance of MPC parameters to energy efficiency and comfort levels. In addition, it addresses some notable extensions, from economic optimization, which paves the way to real-time pricing techniques, to integration with renewables, to robustness enforcement through Kalman filters, to hybrid control with switching signals mixed with continuous signals.

Hypothesis: The goal of this study is to analyze the 3-dimensional anatomy of the cochlear spiral and to investigate the consequences of its course to insertion trauma during cochlear implantation. Background: Insertion trauma in cochlear implant surgery is a feared surgical risk, potentially causing neural degeneration and altered performance of the implant. In literature, insertion trauma is reported to occur at specific locations. This has been ascribed to surgical technique and electrode design in relation to the size of the scala tympani. This study investigates whether there is an underlying anatomic substrate serving as a potential source for insertion trauma at these specific locations. Methods: The 3-dimensional path of the cochlear spiral of 8 human temporal bones was determined by segmentation, skeletonization, distance mapping, and wave propagation technique applied on microcomputer tomography images. Potential pressure points along this path were estimated with linear regression. Results: The cochlear lumen shows a noncontinuous spiraling path leading to potential pressure points during cochlear implantation at the basilar membrane in the region of 180 to 225 (12-14 mm) and 725 degrees (22-26 mm) and at the floor of the scala tympani around 0 to 90, 225 to 270, and 405 to 450 degrees. Conclusion: Our data favor the idea that the intrinsic 3-dimensional cochlear morphology contributes to the risk for insertion trauma during cochlear implantation at specific locations.