Bus Signal Priority (BSP), which has been deployed in many cities around the world, is a traffic signal enhancement strategy that facilitates efficient movement of buses through signalized intersections. Most BSP systems do not work well in transit networks with nearside bus stop because of the uncertainty in dwell time. Unfortunately, most bus stops on arterial roadways are of this type in the U.S. This dissertation showed that dwell time at nearside bus stops could be modeled using weighted least squares regression. More importantly, the prediction intervals associated with the estimate dwell time were calculated. These prediction intervals were subsequently used in the improved BSP algorithm that attempted to reduce the negative effects of nearside bus stops on BSP operations. The improved BSP algorithm was tested on urban arterial section of Bellaire Boulevard in Houston, Texas. VISSIM, a micro simulation model was used to evaluate the performance of the BSP operations. Prior to evaluating the algorithm, the parameters of the micro simulation model were calibrated using an automated Genetic Algorithm based methodology in order to make the model accurately represent the traffic conditions observed in the field. It was shown that the improved BSP algorithm significantly improved the bus operations in terms of bus delay. In addition, it was found that the delay to other vehicles on the network was not statistically different from other BSP algorithms currently being deployed. It is hypothesized that the new approach would be particularly useful in North America where there are many transit systems that utilize nearside bus stops in their networks.

When scientists collect data to be analyzed, regardless of what quantities are being measured, there are inevitably errors in the measurements. In cases where two independent variables are measured with errors, many existing techniques can produce an estimated least-squares linear fit to the data, taking into consideration the size of the errors in both variables. Yet some experiments yield data that do not only contain errors in both variables, but also a non-zero covariance between the errors. In such situations, the experiment results in measurements with error ellipses with tilts specified by the covariance terms. Following an approach suggested by Dr. Edward Robinson, Professor of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, this report describes a methodology that finds the estimates of linear regression parameters, as well as an estimated covariance matrix, for a dataset with tilted error ellipses. Contained in an appendix is the R code for a program that produces these estimates according to the methodology. This report describes the results of the program run on a dataset of measurements of the surface brightness and Sérsic index of galaxies in the Virgo cluster. / text

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Full weighted least squares (full WLS) and robust weighted least squares (robust WLS) are currently the two primary estimation methods designed for structural equation modeling with ordinal observed variables. These methods assume that continuous latent variables were coarsely categorized by the measurement process to yield the observed ordinal variables, and that the model proposed by the researcher pertains to these latent variables rather than to their ordinal manifestations. Previous research has strongly suggested that robust WLS is superior to full WLS when models are correctly specified. Given the realities of applied research, it was critical to examine these methods with misspecified models. This Monte Carlo simulation study examined the performance of full and robust WLS for two-factor, eight-indicator confirmatory factor analytic models that were either correctly specified, overspecified, or misspecified in one of two ways. Seven conditions of five-category indicator distribution shape at four sample sizes were simulated. These design factors were completely crossed for a total of 224 cells. Previously findings of the relative superiority of robust WLS with correctly specified models were replicated, and robust WLS was also found to perform better than full WLS given overspecification or misspecification. Robust WLS parameter estimates were usually more accurate for correct and overspecified models, especially at the smaller sample sizes. In the face of misspecification, full WLS better approximated the correct loading values whereas robust estimates better approximated the correct factor correlation. Robust WLS chi-square values discriminated between correct and misspecified models much better than full WLS values at the two smaller sample sizes. For all four model specifications, robust parameter estimates usually showed lower variability and robust standard errors usually showed lower bias. These findings suggest that robust WLS should likely remain the estimator of choice for applied researchers. Additionally, highly leptokurtic distributions should be avoided when possible. It should also be noted that robust WLS performance was arguably adequate at the sample size of 100 when the indicators were not highly leptokurtic. / text

The increasing penetration of distributed generation, responsive loads and emerging smart metering technologies will continue the transformation of distribution systems from passive to active network conditions. In such active networks, State Estimation (SE) tools will be essential in order to enable extensive monitoring and enhanced control technologies. In future distribution management systems, the novel electrical power distribution system SE requires development in a scalable manner in order to accommodate small to massive size networks, be operable with limited real time measurements and a restricted time frame. Furthermore, a significant phase of new sensor deployment is inevitable to enable distribution system SE, since present-day distribution networks lack the required level of measurement and instrumentation. In the above context, the research presented in this thesis investigates five SE optimization solution methods with various case studies related to expected scenarios of future distribution networks to determine their suitability. Hachtel's Augmented Matrix method is proposed and developed as potential SE optimizer for distribution systems due to its potential performance characteristics with regard to accuracy and convergence. Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) and Overlapping Zone Approach (OZA) are investigated to achieve scalability of SE tools; followed by which the network division based OZA is proposed and developed. An OZA requiring additional measurements is also proposed to provide a feasible solution for voltage estimation at a reduced computation cost. Realising the requirement of additional measurements deployment to enable distribution system SE, the development of a novel meter placement algorithm that provides economical and feasible solutions is demonstrated. The algorithm is strongly focused on reducing the voltage estimation errors and is capable of reducing the error below desired threshold with limited measurements. The scalable SE solution and meter placement algorithm are applied on a multi-processor system in order to examine effective reduction of computation time. Significant improvement in computation time is observed in both cases by dividing the problem into smaller segments. However, it is important to note that enhanced network division reduces computation time further at the cost of accuracy of estimation. Different networks including both idealised (16, 77, 356 and 711 node UKGDS) and real (40 and 43 node EG) distribution network data are used as appropriate to the requirement of the applications throughout this thesis.

This study develops a panel data analysis over 27 transition and post transition economies for the period 2003-2010. Its intent is to investigate empirically the true effect of seven variables into foreign flows and takes later on the advantage of observed findings to conduct a comparative analysis between Kosovo and regional countries such: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. As the breakdown period (2008-2010) was included in the data set used to modelling the behaviour of FDI, both Chow test and the time dummies technique suggest the presence of structural break. Ultimately, empirical results show that FDI is positively related with one year lagged effect of real GDP growth, trade openness, labour force, low level of wages proxied by remittances, real interest rate and the low level of corruption. Besides, the corporate income tax is found to be significant and inversely related with foreign flows. The comparative analysis referring the growth rate of real GDP shows that Kosovo has the most stable macroeconomic environment in the region, but still it is continuously confronted by the high deficit of trade balance and high rate of unemployment. Appart, the key obstacle that has abolished efforts for foreign investment attraction is found to be the trade blockade of...

The continuous growth in power system electric grid by adding new substations lead to construct many new transmission lines, transformers, control devices, and circuit breakers to connect the capacity (generators) to the demand (loads). These components will have a very heavy influence on the performance of the electric grid. The renewable technical solutions for these issues can be found by robust algorithms which can give us a full picture of the current state of the electrical network by monitoring the behavior of phase and voltage magnitude. In this thesis, the major idea is to implement several algorithms including weighted least square, extend kalman filter, and interior point method in three different electrical networks including IEEE 14, 30, and 118 to compare the performance of these algorithms which is represented by the behavior of phases and magnitude voltages as well as minimize the residual of the balance load flow real time measurements to distinguish which one is more robust. Also to have a particular understanding of the comparison between unconstraint and constraint algorithms.

In this reviewwe discuss methodology to ascertain the amount of information in given data sets with respect to determination of model parameters with desired levels of uncertainty.We do this in the context of least squares (ordinary,weighted, iterative reweightedweighted or "generalized", etc.) based inverse problem formulations. The ideas are illustrated with several examples of interest in the biological and environmental sciences.

Distribution load flow and state estimation are two important functions in distribution energy management systems (DEMS) and advanced distribution automation (ADA) systems. Distribution load flow analysis is a tool which helps to analyze the status of a power distribution system under steady-state operating conditions. In this research, an effective and comprehensive load flow algorithm is developed to extensively incorporate the distribution system components. Distribution system state estimation is a mathematical procedure which aims to estimate the operating states of a power distribution system by utilizing the information collected from available measurement devices in real-time. An efficient and computationally effective state estimation algorithm adapting the weighted-least-squares (WLS) method has been developed in this research. Both the developed algorithms are tested on different I testeeders and the results obtained are justified.

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