MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

Open AccessArticle Minding the Cyber-Physical Gap: Model-Based Analysis and Mitigation of Systemic Perception-Induced Failure

by Yaniv Mordecai and Dov Dori

Sensors 2017, 17(7), 1644; doi:10.3390/s17071644

Received: 24 June 2017 / Revised: 12 July 2017 / Accepted: 13 July 2017 / Published: 17 July 2017

Viewed by 257 | PDF Full-text (7118 KB) | Supplementary Files

Abstract

The cyber-physical gap (CPG) is the difference between the ‘real’ state of the world and the way the system perceives it. This discrepancy often stems from the limitations of sensing and data collection technologies and capabilities, and is inevitable at some degree in

[...] Read more.

The cyber-physical gap (CPG) is the difference between the ‘real’ state of the world and the way the system perceives it. This discrepancy often stems from the limitations of sensing and data collection technologies and capabilities, and is inevitable at some degree in any cyber-physical system (CPS). Ignoring or misrepresenting such limitations during system modeling, specification, design, and analysis can potentially result in systemic misconceptions, disrupted functionality and performance, system failure, severe damage, and potential detrimental impacts on the system and its environment. We propose CPG-Aware Modeling & Engineering (CPGAME), a conceptual model-based approach to capturing, explaining, and mitigating the CPG. CPGAME enhances the systems engineer’s ability to cope with CPGs, mitigate them by design, and prevent erroneous decisions and actions. We demonstrate CPGAME by applying it for modeling and analysis of the 1979 Three Miles Island 2 nuclear accident, and show how its meltdown could be mitigated. We use ISO-19450:2015—Object Process Methodology as our conceptual modeling framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Models, Systems and Applications for Sensors in Cyber Physical Systems)

Open AccessArticle Characterization of Non-Nutritive Sweetener Intake in Rural Southwest Virginian Adults Living in a Health-Disparate Region

by Valisa E. Hedrick, Erin M. Passaro, Brenda M. Davy, Wen You and Jamie M. Zoellner

Nutrients 2017, 9(7), 757; doi:10.3390/nu9070757

Received: 12 May 2017 / Revised: 5 July 2017 / Accepted: 12 July 2017 / Published: 14 July 2017

Viewed by 270 | PDF Full-text (628 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Few data assessing non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) intake are available, especially within rural, health-disparate populations, where obesity and related co-morbidities are prevalent. The objective of this study is to characterize NNS intake for this population and examine the variance in demographics, cardio-metabolic outcomes, and

[...] Read more.

Few data assessing non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) intake are available, especially within rural, health-disparate populations, where obesity and related co-morbidities are prevalent. The objective of this study is to characterize NNS intake for this population and examine the variance in demographics, cardio-metabolic outcomes, and dietary intake between NNS consumers and non-consumers. A cross-sectional sample (n = 301) of Virginian adults from a randomized controlled trial (data collected from 2012 to 2014) targeting sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake completed three 24-h dietary recalls, and demographics and cardio-metabolic measures were assessed. The frequency, types, and sources of NNS consumption were identified. Thirty-three percent of participants reported consuming NNS (n = 100). Sucralose was the largest contributor of mean daily NNS intake by weight (mg), followed by aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin. NNS in tabletop sweeteners, diet tea, and diet soda were the top contributors to absolute NNS intake. The most frequently consumed NNS sources were diet sodas, juice drinks, and tabletop sweeteners. Although mean body mass index (BMI) was greater for NNS consumers, they demonstrated significantly lower food, beverage, and SSB caloric intake and energy density, and higher overall dietary quality. It remains unclear whether NNS use plays a role in exacerbating weight gain. NNS consumers in this sample may have switched from drinking predominantly SSB to drinking some NNS beverages in an effort to cope with weight gain. Future studies should explore motivations for NNS use across a variety of weight and health categories. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle A Method for Simplification of Complex Group Causal Loop Diagrams Based on Endogenisation, Encapsulation and Order-Oriented Reduction

by Vladimír Bureš

Systems 2017, 5(3), 46; doi:10.3390/systems5030046

Received: 12 May 2017 / Revised: 10 July 2017 / Accepted: 12 July 2017 / Published: 14 July 2017

Viewed by 161 | PDF Full-text (7306 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Growing complexity represents an issue that can be identified in various disciplines. In system dynamics, causal loop diagrams are used for capturing dynamic nature of modelled systems. Increasing complexity of developed diagrams is associated with the tendency to include more variables into a

[...] Read more.

Growing complexity represents an issue that can be identified in various disciplines. In system dynamics, causal loop diagrams are used for capturing dynamic nature of modelled systems. Increasing complexity of developed diagrams is associated with the tendency to include more variables into a model and thus make it more realistic and improve its value. This is even multiplied during group modelling workshops where several perspectives are articulated, shared and complex diagrams developed. This process easily generates complex diagrams that are difficult or even impossible to be comprehended by individuals. As there is a lack of available methods that would help users to cope with growing complexity, this manuscript suggests an original method. The proposed method systematically helps to simplify the complex causal loop diagrams. It is based on three activities iteratively applied during particular steps: endogenisation, encapsulation and order-oriented reduction. Two case studies are used to explain method details, prove its applicability and highlight added value. Case studies include the simplification of both original group causal loop diagram, and group diagram adapted from a study already published in a prestigious journal. Although the presented method has its own limitations, meaningfulness of its application in practice is verified. The method can help to cope with the complexity in any domain, in which causal loop diagrams are used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches and Tools for Managing Complexity)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Dendritic Architecture of Principal Basolateral Amygdala Neurons Changes Congruently with Endocrine Response to Stress

by Akshaya Hegde, Poh Soh Yee and Rupshi Mitra

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(7), 779; doi:10.3390/ijerph14070779

Received: 12 June 2017 / Revised: 28 June 2017 / Accepted: 4 July 2017 / Published: 14 July 2017

Viewed by 301 | PDF Full-text (1423 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Animals cope with changing environments through changes in behavior. Such plasticity is, however, marked by substantial inter-individual variability. Neuroendocrine reactivity to challenging environments can be an important predictor of resilience. Both basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons and adrenal glucocorticoid signaling are integral parts of

[...] Read more.

Animals cope with changing environments through changes in behavior. Such plasticity is, however, marked by substantial inter-individual variability. Neuroendocrine reactivity to challenging environments can be an important predictor of resilience. Both basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons and adrenal glucocorticoid signaling are integral parts of the stress neuroendocrine response. In this report, we test if individual variation in hormonal response to stress is associated with individual variation in the dendritic complexity of BLA neurons. We report a positive correlation between inter-individual variability in glucocorticoid response and neuronal plasticity in the BLA subsequent to a stressor. This suggests that stressful experiences in the past act as significant sculptors of BLA neuronal plasticity and congruent neuroendocrine response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle Bluetooth 5 Energy Management through a Fuzzy-PSO Solution for Mobile Devices of Internet of Things

by Giovanni Pau, Mario Collotta and Vincenzo Maniscalco

Energies 2017, 10(7), 992; doi:10.3390/en10070992

Received: 28 May 2017 / Revised: 14 June 2017 / Accepted: 10 July 2017 / Published: 13 July 2017

Viewed by 234 | PDF Full-text (594 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Energy efficiency is a fundamental requirement for a wireless protocol to be suitable for use within the Internet of Things. New technologies are emerging aiming at an energy-efficient communication. Among them, Bluetooth Low Energy is an appealing solution. Recently, the specifications of Bluetooth

[...] Read more.

Energy efficiency is a fundamental requirement for a wireless protocol to be suitable for use within the Internet of Things. New technologies are emerging aiming at an energy-efficient communication. Among them, Bluetooth Low Energy is an appealing solution. Recently, the specifications of Bluetooth 5 have been presented with the purpose to offer significant enhancements compared to the earlier versions of the protocol. Bluetooth 5 comes with new communication modes that differ in range, speed, and energy consumption. This paper proposes a fuzzy-based solution to cope with the selection of the communication mode, among those introduced with Bluetooth 5, that allows the best energy efficiency. This communication mode, used by mobile devices, is dynamically regulated by varying the transmission power, returned as the output of a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC). A Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented to achieve the optimal parameters of the proposed FLC, i.e., optimizing the triangular membership functions, by varying their range, to reach the best results concerning the battery life of mobile devices. The proposed FLC is based on triangular membership functions because they represent a good trade-off between computation cost and efficiency. The paper presents a detailed description of the FLC design, a logical analysis of the PSO algorithm for the derivation of best performance conditions values, and experimental assessments, obtained through testbed scenarios. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle System-Level Value of a Gas Engine Power Plant in Electricity and Reserve Production

by Antti Alahäivälä, Juha Kiviluoma, Jyrki Leino and Matti Lehtonen

Energies 2017, 10(7), 983; doi:10.3390/en10070983

Received: 13 May 2017 / Revised: 19 June 2017 / Accepted: 4 July 2017 / Published: 12 July 2017

Viewed by 190 | PDF Full-text (742 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Power systems require a certain amount of flexibility to meet varying demand and to be able to cope with unexpected events, and this requirement is expected to increase with the emergence of variable power generation. In this paper, we focus on gas engine

[...] Read more.

Power systems require a certain amount of flexibility to meet varying demand and to be able to cope with unexpected events, and this requirement is expected to increase with the emergence of variable power generation. In this paper, we focus on gas engine power plant technology and the beneficial influence its flexible operation can have on a power system. The study introduces the concept of a combined-cycle gas engine power plant (CCGE), which comprises a combination of several gas-fired combustion engines and a steam turbine. The operation of CCGE is then comprehensively analyzed in electricity and reserve production in the South African power system and compared with combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology. Even though CCGE is a form of technology that has already been commercialized, it is rarely considered as a source of flexibility in the academic research. That is the notion providing the motivation for this study. Our core contribution is to show that the flexibility of CCGE can be valuable in power systems. The methodology is based on the unit-level model of the studied system and the solving of a day-ahead unit commitment problem for each day of the simulated 11-year period. The simulation studies reveal how a CCGE is able to offer system flexibility to follow hourly load variations and capacity to provide reserve power effectively. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Next Generation Real-Time Smart Meters for ICT Based Assessment of Grid Data Inconsistencies

by Mihai Sanduleac, Gianluca Lipari, Antonello Monti, Artemis Voulkidis, Gianluca Zanetto, Antonello Corsi, Lucian Toma, Giampaolo Fiorentino and Dumitru Federenciuc

Energies 2017, 10(7), 857; doi:10.3390/en10070857

Received: 25 May 2017 / Revised: 19 June 2017 / Accepted: 19 June 2017 / Published: 27 June 2017

Viewed by 384 | PDF Full-text (4826 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

The latest technological developments are challenging for finding new solutions to mitigate the massive integration of renewable-based electricity generation in the electrical networks and to support new and dynamic energy and ancillary services markets. Smart meters have become ubiquitous equipment in the low

[...] Read more.

The latest technological developments are challenging for finding new solutions to mitigate the massive integration of renewable-based electricity generation in the electrical networks and to support new and dynamic energy and ancillary services markets. Smart meters have become ubiquitous equipment in the low voltage grid, enabled by the decision made in many countries to support massive deployments. The smart meter is the only equipment mandatory to be mounted when supplying a grid connected user, as it primarily has the function to measure delivered and/or produced energy on its common coupling point with the network, as technical and legal support for billing. Active distribution networks need new functionalities, to cope with the bidirectional energy flow behaviour of the grid, and many smart grid requirements need to be implemented in the near future. However there is no real coupling between smart metering systems and smart grids, as there is not yet a synergy using the opportunity of the high deployment level in smart metering. The paper presents a new approach for managing the smart metering and smart grid orchestration by presenting a new general design based on an unbundled smart meter (USM) concept, labelled as next generation open real-time smart meters (NORM), for integrating the smart meter, phasor measurement unit (PMU) and cyber-security through an enhanced smart metering gateway (SMG). NORM is intended to be deployed everywhere at the prosumer’s interface to the grid, as it is usually now done with the standard meter. Furthermore, rich data acquired from NORM is used to demonstrate the potential of assessing grid data inconsistencies at a higher level, as function to be deployed in distribution security monitoring centers, to address the higher level cyber-security threats, such as false data injections and to allow secure grid operations and complex market activities at the same time. The measures are considering only non-sensitive data from a privacy perspective, and is therefore able to be applied everywhere in the grid, down to the end-customer level, where a citizen’s personal data protection is an important aspect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICT for Energy)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Incorporating Air Quality Improvement at a Local Level into Climate Policy in the Transport Sector: A Case Study in Bandung City, Indonesia

by Helmi Gunawan, Hans Bressers, Nthabiseng Mohlakoana and Thomas Hoppe

Environments 2017, 4(3), 45; doi:10.3390/environments4030045

Received: 31 March 2017 / Revised: 7 June 2017 / Accepted: 21 June 2017 / Published: 24 June 2017

Viewed by 405 | PDF Full-text (2126 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Climate policy has a strong influence on policy processes at national levels in Indonesia, while other policies with a focus on air quality improvement are being implemented at local levels. Indonesia as a developing country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

[...] Read more.

Climate policy has a strong influence on policy processes at national levels in Indonesia, while other policies with a focus on air quality improvement are being implemented at local levels. Indonesia as a developing country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 29 percent by the year 2030. This calls into question the extent to which cities and local governments can cope with the challenges of climate change mitigation. The purpose of the research is to find out the extent to which local air pollution reduction policies can contribute to the climate change mitigation program. The research design involved an empirical case study on governance and policy relevant to climate change efforts to lower GHG in Bandung City, Indonesia. The study evaluated the air quality improvement and the climate change mitigation programs using the actor-based framework of the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT). The governance and stakeholder characteristic of climate change mitigation were also analysed using the structural context part of the CIT framework. The result shows that air quality improvement policy is implemented separately from climate policy; the latter operates at the national level and the former at the local level. By looking at the actor interaction analysis, the study concludes that a more holistic environmental policy approach would be more efficient at reducing local air pollution and contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Control)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Context Relevant Prediction Model for COPD Domain Using Bayesian Belief Network

by Hamid Mcheick, Lokman Saleh, Hicham Ajami and Hafedh Mili

Sensors 2017, 17(7), 1486; doi:10.3390/s17071486

Received: 1 May 2017 / Revised: 13 June 2017 / Accepted: 14 June 2017 / Published: 23 June 2017

Viewed by 365 | PDF Full-text (2653 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text | Supplementary Files

Abstract

In the last three decades, researchers have examined extensively how context-aware systems can assist people, specifically those suffering from incurable diseases, to help them cope with their medical illness. Over the years, a huge number of studies on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

[...] Read more.

In the last three decades, researchers have examined extensively how context-aware systems can assist people, specifically those suffering from incurable diseases, to help them cope with their medical illness. Over the years, a huge number of studies on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have been published. However, how to derive relevant attributes and early detection of COPD exacerbations remains a challenge. In this research work, we will use an efficient algorithm to select relevant attributes where there is no proper approach in this domain. Such algorithm predicts exacerbations with high accuracy by adding discretization process, and organizes the pertinent attributes in priority order based on their impact to facilitate the emergency medical treatment. In this paper, we propose an extension of our existing Helper Context-Aware Engine System (HCES) for COPD. This project uses Bayesian network algorithm to depict the dependency between the COPD symptoms (attributes) in order to overcome the insufficiency and the independency hypothesis of naïve Bayesian. In addition, the dependency in Bayesian network is realized using TAN algorithm rather than consulting pneumologists. All these combined algorithms (discretization, selection, dependency, and the ordering of the relevant attributes) constitute an effective prediction model, comparing to effective ones. Moreover, an investigation and comparison of different scenarios of these algorithms are also done to verify which sequence of steps of prediction model gives more accurate results. Finally, we designed and validated a computer-aided support application to integrate different steps of this model. The findings of our system HCES has shown promising results using Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC = 81.5%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Context Aware Environments and Applications)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle SNR (Signal-To-Noise Ratio) Impact on Water Constituent Retrieval from Simulated Images of Optically Complex Amazon Lakes

by Daniel S. F. Jorge, Claudio C. F. Barbosa, Lino A. S. De Carvalho, Adriana G. Affonso, Felipe De L. Lobo and Evlyn M. L. De M. Novo

Remote Sens. 2017, 9(7), 644; doi:10.3390/rs9070644

Received: 26 February 2017 / Revised: 24 May 2017 / Accepted: 19 June 2017 / Published: 22 June 2017

Viewed by 372 | PDF Full-text (9749 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Uncertainties in the estimates of water constituents are among the main issues concerning the orbital remote sensing of inland waters. Those uncertainties result from sensor design, atmosphere correction, model equations, and in situ conditions (cloud cover, lake size/shape, and adjacency effects). In the

[...] Read more.

Uncertainties in the estimates of water constituents are among the main issues concerning the orbital remote sensing of inland waters. Those uncertainties result from sensor design, atmosphere correction, model equations, and in situ conditions (cloud cover, lake size/shape, and adjacency effects). In the Amazon floodplain lakes, such uncertainties are amplified due to their seasonal dynamic. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the suitability of a sensor to cope with them and assess their impact on the algorithms for the retrieval of constituents. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of the SNR on the Chl-a and TSS algorithms in four lakes located at Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (Amazonia, Brazil). Two data sets were simulated (noisy and noiseless spectra) based on in situ measurements and on sensor design (MSI/Sentinel-2, OLCI/Sentinel-3, and OLI/Landsat 8). The dataset was tested using three and four algorithms for TSS and Chl-a, respectively. The results showed that the impact of the SNR on each algorithm displayed similar patterns for both constituents. For additive and single band algorithms, the error amplitude is constant for the entire concentration range. However, for multiplicative algorithms, the error changes according to the model equation and the R_rs magnitude. Lastly, for the exponential algorithm, the retrieval amplitude is higher for a low concentration. The OLCI sensor has the best retrieval performance (error of up to 2 μg/L for Chl-a and 3 mg/L for TSS). For MSI, the error of the additive and single band algorithms for TSS and Chl-a are low (up to 5 mg/L and 1 μg/L, respectively); but for the multiplicative algorithm, the errors were above 10 μg/L. The OLI simulation resulted in errors below 3 mg/L for TSS. However, the number and position of OLI bands restrict Chl-a retrieval. Sensor and algorithm selection need a comprehensive analysis of key factors such as sensor design, in situ conditions, water brightness (R_rs), and model equations before being applied for inland water studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Optics and Water Colour Remote Sensing)

► Figures

Open AccessReview Lignin from Micro- to Nanosize: Production Methods

by Stefan Beisl, Angela Miltner and Anton Friedl

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(6), 1244; doi:10.3390/ijms18061244

Received: 28 April 2017 / Revised: 5 June 2017 / Accepted: 6 June 2017 / Published: 10 June 2017

Viewed by 367 | PDF Full-text (9734 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose. It has long been obtained as a by-product of cellulose production in pulp and paper production, but had rather low added-value applications. A changing paper market and the emergence of biorefinery projects should generate

[...] Read more.

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose. It has long been obtained as a by-product of cellulose production in pulp and paper production, but had rather low added-value applications. A changing paper market and the emergence of biorefinery projects should generate vast amounts of lignin with the potential of value addition. Nanomaterials offer unique properties and the preparation of lignin nanoparticles and other nanostructures has therefore gained interest as a promising technique to obtain value-added lignin products. Due to lignin’s high structural and chemical heterogeneity, methods must be adapted to these different types. This review focuses on the ability of different formation methods to cope with the huge variety of lignin types and points out which particle characteristics can be achieved by which method. The current research’s main focus is on pH and solvent-shifting methods where the latter can yield solid and hollow particles. Solvent shifting also showed the capability to cope with different lignin types and solvents and antisolvents, respectively. However, process conditions have to be adapted to every type of lignin and reduction of solvent demand or the integration in a biorefinery process chain must be focused. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Lignin Challenge: Exploring Innovative Applications)

► Figures

Open AccessArticle Joint Characteristic Timescales and Entropy Production Analyses for Model Reduction of Combustion Systems

by Sylvia Porras, Viatcheslav Bykov, Vladimir Gol’dshtein and Ulrich Maas

Entropy 2017, 19(6), 264; doi:10.3390/e19060264

Received: 15 April 2017 / Revised: 4 June 2017 / Accepted: 6 June 2017 / Published: 9 June 2017

Viewed by 443 | PDF Full-text (2722 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

The reduction of chemical kinetics describing combustion processes remains one of the major topics in the combustion theory and its applications. Problems concerning the estimation of reaction mechanisms real dimension remain unsolved, this being a critical point in the development of reduction models.

[...] Read more.

The reduction of chemical kinetics describing combustion processes remains one of the major topics in the combustion theory and its applications. Problems concerning the estimation of reaction mechanisms real dimension remain unsolved, this being a critical point in the development of reduction models. In this study, we suggest a combination of local timescale and entropy production analyses to cope with this problem. In particular, the framework of skeletal mechanism is in the focus of the study as a practical and most straightforward implementation strategy for reduced mechanisms. Hydrogen and methane/dimethyl ether reaction mechanisms are considered for illustration and validation purposes. Two skeletal mechanism versions were obtained for methane/dimethyl ether combustion system by varying the tolerance used to identify important reactions in the characteristic timescale analysis of the system. Comparisons of ignition delay times and species profiles calculated with the detailed and the reduced models are presented. The results of the application show transparently the potential of the suggested approach to be automatically implemented for the reduction of large chemical kinetic models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maximum Entropy and Its Application II)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Evaluation Methodology for Tariff Design under Escalating Penetrations of Distributed Energy Resources

by Ibtihal Abdelmotteleb, Tomás Gómez and Javier Reneses

Energies 2017, 10(6), 778; doi:10.3390/en10060778

Received: 22 March 2017 / Revised: 2 May 2017 / Accepted: 1 June 2017 / Published: 5 June 2017

Viewed by 423 | PDF Full-text (4465 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

As the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) escalates in distribution networks, new network tariffs are needed to cope with this new situation. These tariffs should allocate network costs to users, promoting an efficient use of the distribution network. This paper proposes a

[...] Read more.

As the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) escalates in distribution networks, new network tariffs are needed to cope with this new situation. These tariffs should allocate network costs to users, promoting an efficient use of the distribution network. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate and compare network tariff designs. Four design attributes are proposed for this aim: (i) network cost recovery; (ii) deferral of network reinforcements; (iii) efficient consumer response; (iv) recognition of side-effects on consumers. Through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the evaluation methodology is applied to compare traditional cost allocation methods, on the basis of 100% energy, 100% demand, and 50% energy-50% demand, with more advanced pricing methods based on distribution locational marginal prices in combination with cost-reflective network charges. Numerical results are obtained through a case study based on the IEEE 34-node test feeder with DER integration. The results illustrate the advantage of advanced pricing methods to promote an efficient integration of DER and demand price-response from consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical Power and Energy System)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessTechnical Note The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Marine Mammal Research

by Lorenzo Fiori, Ashray Doshi, Emmanuelle Martinez, Mark B. Orams and Barbara Bollard-Breen

Remote Sens. 2017, 9(6), 543; doi:10.3390/rs9060543

Received: 14 March 2017 / Revised: 18 May 2017 / Accepted: 26 May 2017 / Published: 30 May 2017

Viewed by 778 | PDF Full-text (2396 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are finding applications in several ecological research areas since remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technology has ceased to be a military prerogative. Fixed-wing RPA have been tested for line transect aerial surveys of geographically dispersed

[...] Read more.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are finding applications in several ecological research areas since remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technology has ceased to be a military prerogative. Fixed-wing RPA have been tested for line transect aerial surveys of geographically dispersed marine mammal species. Despite many advantages, their systematic use is far from a reality. Low altitude, long endurance systems are still highly priced. Regulatory bodies also impose limitations while struggling to cope with UAS rapid technological evolution. In contrast, small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS have become increasingly affordable but lack the flight endurance required for long-range aerial surveys. Although this issue and civil aviation regulations prevent the use of VTOL UAS for marine mammal abundance estimation on a large scale, recent studies have highlighted other potential applications. The present note represents a general overview on the use of UAS as a survey tool for marine mammal studies. The literature pertaining to UAS marine mammal research applications is considered with special concern for advantages and limitations of the survey design. The use of lightweight VTOL UAS to collect marine mammal behavioral data is also discussed. Full article

► Figures

Open AccessArticle Generalized Chirp Scaling Combined with Baseband Azimuth Scaling Algorithm for Large Bandwidth Sliding Spotlight SAR Imaging

by Tianzhu Yi, Zhihua He, Feng He, Zhen Dong and Manqing Wu

Sensors 2017, 17(6), 1237; doi:10.3390/s17061237

Received: 13 February 2017 / Revised: 16 May 2017 / Accepted: 26 May 2017 / Published: 29 May 2017

Viewed by 378 | PDF Full-text (4416 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient and precise imaging algorithm for the large bandwidth sliding spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The existing sub-aperture processing method based on the baseband azimuth scaling (BAS) algorithm cannot cope with the high order phase coupling along the range

[...] Read more.

This paper presents an efficient and precise imaging algorithm for the large bandwidth sliding spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The existing sub-aperture processing method based on the baseband azimuth scaling (BAS) algorithm cannot cope with the high order phase coupling along the range and azimuth dimensions. This coupling problem causes defocusing along the range and azimuth dimensions. This paper proposes a generalized chirp scaling (GCS)-BAS processing algorithm, which is based on the GCS algorithm. It successfully mitigates the deep focus along the range dimension of a sub-aperture of the large bandwidth sliding spotlight SAR, as well as high order phase coupling along the range and azimuth dimensions. Additionally, the azimuth focusing can be achieved by this azimuth scaling method. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of the GCS-BAS algorithm to process the large bandwidth sliding spotlight SAR data. It is proven that great improvements of the focus depth and imaging accuracy are obtained via the GCS-BAS algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensors)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle Verification of Calculation Method Using Monte Carlo Method for Water Supply Demands of Office Building

by Guang-Zheng Wu, Kyosuke Sakaue and Saburo Murakawa

Water 2017, 9(6), 376; doi:10.3390/w9060376

Received: 7 February 2017 / Revised: 18 May 2017 / Accepted: 19 May 2017 / Published: 26 May 2017

Viewed by 379 | PDF Full-text (6925 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

In Japan, there are four methods of calculating water supply demands for office buildings based on SHASE-S 206 and two methods based on the design standard of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). However, these methods were found to produce overestimated

[...] Read more.

In Japan, there are four methods of calculating water supply demands for office buildings based on SHASE-S 206 and two methods based on the design standard of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). However, these methods were found to produce overestimated values when applied to recent sanitary fixtures with advanced water saving features. To cope with this problem, Murakawa’s Simulation for Water Consumption (MSWC), which utilizes the Monte Carlo method to calculate water usage dynamically has been developed. In this study, we evaluated the validity of MSWC on water consumption of an office building. Actual water consumption data were collected from a six story office building. Water consumption estimates calculated by the six conventional methods and MSWC were compared with the actual measurement values. Though the calculations based on the conventional methods significantly deviated from the actual measurement values, those made by MSWC closely resembled them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Supply and Drainage for Sustainable Built Environment)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle A Novel Complex-Coefficient In-Band Interference Suppression Algorithm for Cognitive Ultra-Wide Band Wireless Sensors Networks

by Hailiang Xiong, Wensheng Zhang, Hongji Xu, Zhengfeng Du, Huaibin Tang and Jing Li

Sensors 2017, 17(6), 1206; doi:10.3390/s17061206

Received: 11 March 2017 / Revised: 15 May 2017 / Accepted: 19 May 2017 / Published: 25 May 2017

Viewed by 407 | PDF Full-text (1412 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

With the rapid development of wireless communication systems and electronic techniques, the limited frequency spectrum resources are shared with various wireless devices, leading to a crowded and challenging coexistence circumstance. Cognitive radio (CR) and ultra-wide band (UWB), as sophisticated wireless techniques, have been

[...] Read more.

With the rapid development of wireless communication systems and electronic techniques, the limited frequency spectrum resources are shared with various wireless devices, leading to a crowded and challenging coexistence circumstance. Cognitive radio (CR) and ultra-wide band (UWB), as sophisticated wireless techniques, have been considered as significant solutions to solve the harmonious coexistence issues. UWB wireless sensors can share the spectrum with primary user (PU) systems without harmful interference. The in-band interference of UWB systems should be considered because such interference can severely affect the transmissions of UWB wireless systems. In order to solve the in-band interference issues for UWB wireless sensor networks (WSN), a novel in-band narrow band interferences (NBIs) elimination scheme is proposed in this paper. The proposed narrow band interferences suppression scheme is based on a novel complex-coefficient adaptive notch filter unit with a single constrained zero-pole pair. Moreover, in order to reduce the computation complexity of the proposed scheme, an adaptive complex-coefficient iterative method based on two-order Taylor series is designed. To cope with multiple narrow band interferences, a linear cascaded high order adaptive filter and a cyclic cascaded high order matrix adaptive filter (CCHOMAF) interference suppression algorithm based on the basic adaptive notch filter unit are also presented. The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed CCHOMAF algorithm can achieve better performance in terms of average bit error rate for UWB WSNs. The proposed in-band NBIs elimination scheme can significantly improve the reception performance of low-cost and low-power UWB wireless systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Climate Change and Its Impact on the Yield of Major Food Crops: Evidence from Pakistan

by Sajjad Ali, Ying Liu, Muhammad Ishaq, Tariq Shah, Abdullah, Aasir Ilyas and Izhar Ud Din

Foods 2017, 6(6), 39; doi:10.3390/foods6060039

Received: 23 March 2017 / Revised: 11 May 2017 / Accepted: 17 May 2017 / Published: 24 May 2017

Viewed by 699 | PDF Full-text (4292 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Pakistan is vulnerable to climate change, and extreme climatic conditions are threatening food security. This study examines the effects of climate change (e.g., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and the sunshine) on the major crops of Pakistan (e.g., wheat, rice, maize,

[...] Read more.

Pakistan is vulnerable to climate change, and extreme climatic conditions are threatening food security. This study examines the effects of climate change (e.g., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and the sunshine) on the major crops of Pakistan (e.g., wheat, rice, maize, and sugarcane). The methods of feasible generalized least square (FGLS) and heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation (HAC) consistent standard error were employed using time series data for the period 1989 to 2015. The results of the study reveal that maximum temperature adversely affects wheat production, while the effect of minimum temperature is positive and significant for all crops. Rainfall effect towards the yield of a selected crop is negative, except for wheat. To cope with and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, there is a need for the development of heat- and drought-resistant high-yielding varieties to ensure food security in the country. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Annual Assessment of Large-Scale Introduction of Renewable Energy: Modeling of Unit Commitment Schedule for Thermal Power Generators and Pumped Storages

by Takashi Mitani, Muhammad Aziz, Takuya Oda, Atsuki Uetsuji, Yoko Watanabe and Takao Kashiwagi

Energies 2017, 10(6), 738; doi:10.3390/en10060738

Received: 31 March 2017 / Revised: 10 May 2017 / Accepted: 19 May 2017 / Published: 23 May 2017

Viewed by 480 | PDF Full-text (5933 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

The fast-increasing introduction of renewable energy sources (RESes) leads to some problems in electrical power network due to fluctuating generated power. A power system must be operated with provision of various reserve powers like governor free capacity, load frequency control and spinning reserve.

[...] Read more.

The fast-increasing introduction of renewable energy sources (RESes) leads to some problems in electrical power network due to fluctuating generated power. A power system must be operated with provision of various reserve powers like governor free capacity, load frequency control and spinning reserve. Therefore, the generator’s schedule (unit commitment schedule) should include the consideration of the various power reserves. In addition, it is necessary to calculate the annual operational costs of electric power systems by solving the unit commitment per week of thermal power generators and pumped storages in order to compare and examine the variance of the operational costs and the operating ratio of the generators throughout the year. This study proposes a novel annual analysis for the thermal power generator and pumped storages under a massive introduction of RESes. A weekly unit commitment schedule (start/stop planning) for thermal power generator and pumped storages has been modeled and calculated for one year evaluation. To solve the generator start/stop planning problem, Tabu search and interior point methods are adopted to solve the operation planning for thermal power generators and the output decision for pumped storages, respectively. It is demonstrated that the proposed method can analyze a one-year evaluation within practical time. In addition, by assuming load frequency control (LFC) constraints to cope with photovoltaic (PV) output fluctuations, the impact of the intensity of LFC constraints on the operational cost of the thermal power generator has been elucidated. The increment of the operational cost of the power supply with increasing PV introduction amount has been shown in concrete terms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical Power and Energy System)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle After Onto-Theology: What Lies beyond the ‘End of Everything’

by Justin Sands

Religions 2017, 8(5), 98; doi:10.3390/rel8050098

Received: 14 March 2017 / Revised: 11 May 2017 / Accepted: 15 May 2017 / Published: 19 May 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 523 | PDF Full-text (268 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This article takes up the onto-theological critique of metaphysics and questions whether onto-theology is not something to evade or overcome, but is inevitable. Consequently, it furthers the exploration of onto-theology by asking, if it is inevitable, then what comes after onto-theology? For the

[...] Read more.

This article takes up the onto-theological critique of metaphysics and questions whether onto-theology is not something to evade or overcome, but is inevitable. Consequently, it furthers the exploration of onto-theology by asking, if it is inevitable, then what comes after onto-theology? For the past half-century, onto-theology has been a central concern for philosophy, particularly in phenomenology where one sees a theological turn in order to understand and incorporate what might be beyond, or within, consciousness that does not readily appear to the self. In this turn, one often sees philosophers (and theologians) attempt to craft a post-metaphysical understanding. Resultantly, many of these philosophers herald what I call the ‘end of everything,’ often due to their onto-theological character: from the ‘end’ of philosophy of religion, to the ‘end’ of metaphysics, to the ‘end’ of theology. However, when investigating their findings, one often sees these concepts arise from the grave, perhaps showing that some onto-theological construction is inevitable. This paper proceeds by first giving a brief overview of the philosophers Jean-Luc Nancy, Richard Kearney, John Caputo, and Merold Westphal to propose how onto-theology is still an issue for their philosophies by revealing a necessary link between ontology and empirical reality. It then builds off of this proposal through the work of Joeri Schrijvers to show what might lie ahead of philosophy (and philosophy of religion in particular), arguing that if onto-theology is inevitable then philosophy should turn further into theology to explore how theology deals with this inevitability on an empirical basis. Basically, since theology always already accepts being in default (through concepts like original sin), then how does it help believers cope with this inevitability and how does it focus upon the empirical reality of this ontological gesture. Finally, this paper investigates the work of Colby Dickinson in order to solidify this finding into a programmatic, philosophical framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Anticipation: Eschatology and Transcendence in Contemporary Contexts)

Open AccessReview Healthcare in the Smart Home: A Study of Past, Present and Future

by Jamie Bennett, Osvaldas Rokas and Liming Chen

Sustainability 2017, 9(5), 840; doi:10.3390/su9050840

Received: 31 March 2017 / Revised: 3 May 2017 / Accepted: 11 May 2017 / Published: 17 May 2017

Viewed by 443 | PDF Full-text (1897 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Ubiquitous or Pervasive Computing is an increasingly used term throughout the technology industry and is beginning to enter the consumer electronics space in its most recent form under the umbrella term: “Internet of Things”. One area of focus is in augmenting the home

[...] Read more.

Ubiquitous or Pervasive Computing is an increasingly used term throughout the technology industry and is beginning to enter the consumer electronics space in its most recent form under the umbrella term: “Internet of Things”. One area of focus is in augmenting the home with intelligent, networked sensors and computers to create a Smart Home which opens a host of possibilities for the role of tomorrow’s dwelling. As the world’s population continues to live longer and consequently experience more medical-related ailments, at the same time institutional healthcare is struggling to cope, the role of the Smart Home becomes paramount to monitoring a dweller’s health and providing any necessary intervention. This study looks at the history of Smart Home Healthcare, current research areas, and potential areas of future investigation. Unique categorisations are presented in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Personal Sensors, and a thorough look at the application of Smart Home Healthcare is presented. Technology can augment traditional methods of healthcare delivery and in some cases completely replace it. Costs can be reduced and medical adherence can be increased, all of which contribute to a more sustainable and effective model of care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advent of Smart Homes)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview The Importance of NADPH Oxidases and Redox Signaling in Angiogenesis

by Rodrigo Prieto-Bermejo and Angel Hernández-Hernández

Antioxidants 2017, 6(2), 32; doi:10.3390/antiox6020032

Received: 23 March 2017 / Revised: 28 April 2017 / Accepted: 11 May 2017 / Published: 13 May 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 451 | PDF Full-text (853 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Eukaryotic cells have to cope with the constant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the excessive production of ROS might be deleterious for cell biology, there is a plethora of evidence showing that moderate levels of ROS are important for the control

[...] Read more.

Eukaryotic cells have to cope with the constant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the excessive production of ROS might be deleterious for cell biology, there is a plethora of evidence showing that moderate levels of ROS are important for the control of cell signaling and gene expression. The family of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidases or Nox) has evolved to produce ROS in response to different signals; therefore, they fulfil a central role in the control of redox signaling. The role of NADPH oxidases in vascular physiology has been a field of intense study over the last two decades. In this review we will briefly analyze how ROS can regulate signaling and gene expression. We will address the implication of NADPH oxidases and redox signaling in angiogenesis, and finally, the therapeutic possibilities derived from this knowledge will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ROS Derived from NADPH Oxidase (NOX) in Angiogenesis)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Comparative Analysis of Decoupling Control Methodologies and H_∞ Multivariable Robust Control for Variable-Speed, Variable-Pitch Wind Turbines: Application to a Lab-Scale Wind Turbine

by Sergio Fragoso, Juan Garrido, Francisco Vázquez and Fernando Morilla

Sustainability 2017, 9(5), 713; doi:10.3390/su9050713

Received: 21 February 2017 / Revised: 4 April 2017 / Accepted: 27 April 2017 / Published: 29 April 2017

Viewed by 329 | PDF Full-text (5462 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This work is focused on the improvement of variable-speed variable-pitch wind turbine performance by means of its control structure. This kind of systems can be considered as multivariable nonlinear processes subjected to undesired interactions between variables and presenting different dynamics at different operational

[...] Read more.

This work is focused on the improvement of variable-speed variable-pitch wind turbine performance by means of its control structure. This kind of systems can be considered as multivariable nonlinear processes subjected to undesired interactions between variables and presenting different dynamics at different operational zones. This interaction level and the dynamics uncertainties complicate the control system design. The aim of this work is developing multivariable controllers that cope with such problems. The study shows the applicability of different decoupling methodologies and provides a comparison with a H_∞ controller, which is an appropriate strategy to cope with uncertainties. The methodologies have been tested in simulation and verified experimentally in a lab-scale wind turbine. It is demonstrated that the wind turbine presents more interaction at the transition zone. Then, this operational point is used as the nominal one for the controller designs. At this point, decoupling controllers obtain perfect decoupling while the H_∞ control presents important interaction in the generated power loop. On the other hand, they are slightly surpassed by the robust design at other points, where perfect decoupling is not achieved. However, decoupling controllers are easier to design and implement, and specifically dynamic simplified decoupling achieve the best global response. Then, it is concluded that the proposed methodologies can be considered for implantation in industrial wind turbines to improve their performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact and Innovation of Wind Turbine Technologies)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle A Novel, Gradient Boosting Framework for Sentiment Analysis in Languages where NLP Resources Are Not Plentiful: A Case Study for Modern Greek

by Vasileios Athanasiou and Manolis Maragoudakis

Algorithms 2017, 10(1), 34; doi:10.3390/a10010034

Received: 11 December 2016 / Accepted: 24 February 2017 / Published: 6 March 2017

Viewed by 607 | PDF Full-text (1348 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Sentiment analysis has played a primary role in text classification. It is an undoubted fact that some years ago, textual information was spreading in manageable rates; however, nowadays, such information has overcome even the most ambiguous expectations and constantly grows within seconds. It

[...] Read more.

Sentiment analysis has played a primary role in text classification. It is an undoubted fact that some years ago, textual information was spreading in manageable rates; however, nowadays, such information has overcome even the most ambiguous expectations and constantly grows within seconds. It is therefore quite complex to cope with the vast amount of textual data particularly if we also take the incremental production speed into account. Social media, e-commerce, news articles, comments and opinions are broadcasted on a daily basis. A rational solution, in order to handle the abundance of data, would be to build automated information processing systems, for analyzing and extracting meaningful patterns from text. The present paper focuses on sentiment analysis applied in Greek texts. Thus far, there is no wide availability of natural language processing tools for Modern Greek. Hence, a thorough analysis of Greek, from the lexical to the syntactical level, is difficult to perform. This paper attempts a different approach, based on the proven capabilities of gradient boosting, a well-known technique for dealing with high-dimensional data. The main rationale is that since English has dominated the area of preprocessing tools and there are also quite reliable translation services, we could exploit them to transform Greek tokens into English, thus assuring the precision of the translation, since the translation of large texts is not always reliable and meaningful. The new feature set of English tokens is augmented with the original set of Greek, consequently producing a high dimensional dataset that poses certain difficulties for any traditional classifier. Accordingly, we apply gradient boosting machines, an ensemble algorithm that can learn with different loss functions providing the ability to work efficiently with high dimensional data. Moreover, for the task at hand, we deal with a class imbalance issues since the distribution of sentiments in real-world applications often displays issues of inequality. For example, in political forums or electronic discussions about immigration or religion, negative comments overwhelm the positive ones. The class imbalance problem was confronted using a hybrid technique that performs a variation of under-sampling the majority class and over-sampling the minority class, respectively. Experimental results, considering different settings, such as translation of tokens against translation of sentences, consideration of limited Greek text preprocessing and omission of the translation phase, demonstrated that the proposed gradient boosting framework can effectively cope with both high-dimensional and imbalanced datasets and performs significantly better than a plethora of traditional machine learning classification approaches in terms of precision and recall measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humanistic Data Processing)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle The Anti-Oxidant Defense System of the Marine Polar Ciliate Euplotes nobilii: Characterization of the MsrB Gene Family

by Francesca Ricci, Federico M. Lauro, Joseph J. Grzymski, Robert Read, Rigers Bakiu, Gianfranco Santovito, Pierangelo Luporini and Adriana Vallesi

Biology 2017, 6(1), 4; doi:10.3390/biology6010004

Received: 2 November 2016 / Revised: 4 January 2017 / Accepted: 7 January 2017 / Published: 18 January 2017

Viewed by 570 | PDF Full-text (2396 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Organisms living in polar waters must cope with an extremely stressful environment dominated by freezing temperatures, high oxygen concentrations and UV radiation. To shed light on the genetic mechanisms on which the polar marine ciliate, Euplotes nobilii, relies to effectively cope with

[...] Read more.

Organisms living in polar waters must cope with an extremely stressful environment dominated by freezing temperatures, high oxygen concentrations and UV radiation. To shed light on the genetic mechanisms on which the polar marine ciliate, Euplotes nobilii, relies to effectively cope with the oxidative stress, attention was focused on methionine sulfoxide reductases which repair proteins with oxidized methionines. A family of four structurally distinct MsrB genes, encoding enzymes specific for the reduction of the methionine-sulfoxide R-forms, were identified from a draft of the E. nobilii transcriptionally active (macronuclear) genome. The En-MsrB genes are constitutively expressed to synthesize proteins markedly different in amino acid sequence, number of CXXC motifs for zinc-ion binding, and presence/absence of a cysteine residue specific for the mechanism of enzyme regeneration. The En-MsrB proteins take different localizations in the nucleus, mitochondria, cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum, ensuring a pervasive protection of all the major subcellular compartments from the oxidative damage. These observations have suggested to regard the En-MsrB gene activity as playing a central role in the genetic mechanism that enables E. nobilii and ciliates in general to live in the polar environment. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Analysis of the Dynamic Relationship between Fluctuations in the Korean Housing Market and the Occurrence of Unsold New Housing Stocks

by Younghoon Lee, Sanghyo Lee and Jaejun Kim

Sustainability 2017, 9(1), 107; doi:10.3390/su9010107

Received: 13 August 2016 / Revised: 28 December 2016 / Accepted: 6 January 2017 / Published: 13 January 2017

Viewed by 330 | PDF Full-text (3036 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

In this paper, we intend to identify the characteristics of occurrence of unsold new housing stocks and draw the implications for the housing business strategy that can effectively cope with the market risk under the Korean housing market. As a result of the

[...] Read more.

In this paper, we intend to identify the characteristics of occurrence of unsold new housing stocks and draw the implications for the housing business strategy that can effectively cope with the market risk under the Korean housing market. As a result of the analysis, most of the theoretical causality of occurrence of unsold new housing stocks under the three-dimensional Korean housing market was found to correspond to the empirical analysis result. In addition, the chonsei market that produces the characteristic movement of Korean housing market had a significant relation with occurrence of unsold new housing stocks. Because of these results, it is thought that the proposed housing business strategy can effectively cope with the housing market risk. It is thought that we need to additionally examine the financial validity of the proposed housing business model by calculating the cash flow and grope for policy support measures to materialize it on the basis of the analysis result of this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic, Business and Management Aspects of Sustainability)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Flood in a Changing Climate: The Impact on Livelihood and How the Rural Poor Cope in Bangladesh

by Gulsan Ara Parvin, Annya Chanda Shimi, Rajib Shaw and Chaitee Biswas

Climate 2016, 4(4), 60; doi:10.3390/cli4040060

Received: 10 May 2016 / Revised: 21 November 2016 / Accepted: 1 December 2016 / Published: 21 December 2016

Viewed by 594 | PDF Full-text (1584 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

It is already documented that climate change will lead to an intensification of the global water cycle with a consequent increase in flood hazards. Bangladesh is also facing an increasing trend of flood disasters. Among the various risks and disasters in Bangladesh, flood

[...] Read more.

It is already documented that climate change will lead to an intensification of the global water cycle with a consequent increase in flood hazards. Bangladesh is also facing an increasing trend of flood disasters. Among the various risks and disasters in Bangladesh, flood is the most common and frequent. Floods make people vulnerable, as they take away their livelihoods at the first instance and leave them with little resources to overcome from the situation. Because of floods, rural poor communities face job loss, and two-thirds of their income is reduced, which limits their capabilities of preparedness, response, and recovery to subsequent floods. People cope with the situation by bearing substantial debts and a loss of productive assets. With an empirical field study in one of the most flood-prone upazilas (sub-districts) of Bangladesh, namely Goalanda Upazilla of the Rajbari district, this study intends to draw a “flood impact tree” of the study area. It also examines the impacts of flood on the livelihood of the rural poor and explores their coping strategies. This paper aims to facilitate an understanding of the impact of floods on their livelihood, especially on the income and occupations of the rural poor. At the same time, it aims to learn from their coping mechanisms. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview How Do Households Respond to Unreliable Water Supplies? A Systematic Review

by Batsirai Majuru, Marc Suhrcke and Paul R. Hunter

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(12), 1222; doi:10.3390/ijerph13121222

Received: 23 September 2016 / Revised: 22 November 2016 / Accepted: 30 November 2016 / Published: 9 December 2016

Viewed by 723 | PDF Full-text (501 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Although the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for drinking water was met, in many developing countries water supplies are unreliable. This paper reviews how households in developing countries cope with unreliable water supplies, including coping costs, the distribution of coping costs across socio-economic

[...] Read more.

Although the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for drinking water was met, in many developing countries water supplies are unreliable. This paper reviews how households in developing countries cope with unreliable water supplies, including coping costs, the distribution of coping costs across socio-economic groups, and effectiveness of coping strategies in meeting household water needs. Structured searches were conducted in peer-reviewed and grey literature in electronic databases and search engines, and 28 studies were selected for review, out of 1643 potentially relevant references. Studies were included if they reported on strategies to cope with unreliable household water supplies and were based on empirical research in developing countries. Common coping strategies include drilling wells, storing water, and collecting water from alternative sources. The choice of coping strategies is influenced by income, level of education, land tenure and extent of unreliability. The findings of this review highlight that low-income households bear a disproportionate coping burden, as they often engage in coping strategies such as collecting water from alternative sources, which is labour and time-intensive, and yields smaller quantities of water. Such alternative sources may be of lower water quality, and pose health risks. In the absence of dramatic improvements in the reliability of water supplies, a point of critical avenue of enquiry should be what coping strategies are effective and can be readily adopted by low income households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle “Contextualized VGI” Creation and Management to Cope with Uncertainty and Imprecision

by Gloria Bordogna, Luca Frigerio, Tomáš Kliment, Pietro Alessandro Brivio, Laure Hossard, Giacinto Manfron and Simone Sterlacchini

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2016, 5(12), 234; doi:10.3390/ijgi5120234

Received: 24 October 2016 / Revised: 18 November 2016 / Accepted: 5 December 2016 / Published: 8 December 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 499 | PDF Full-text (3168 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This paper investigates the causes of imprecision of the observations and uncertainty of the authors who create Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI), i.e., georeferenced contents generated by volunteers when participating in some citizen science project. Specifically, various aspects of imprecision and uncertainty of VGI

[...] Read more.

This paper investigates the causes of imprecision of the observations and uncertainty of the authors who create Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI), i.e., georeferenced contents generated by volunteers when participating in some citizen science project. Specifically, various aspects of imprecision and uncertainty of VGI are outlined and, to cope with them, a knowledge-based approach is suggested based on the creation and management of “contextualized VGI”. A case study example in agriculture is reported where contextualized VGI can be created about in situ crops observations by the use of a smart app that supports volunteers by means of both an ontology and the representation of the context of the geo-localization. Furthermore, an approach to cope with both ill-defined knowledge and volunteer’s uncertainty or imprecise observations is defined based on a fuzzy ontology with uncertainty level-based approximate reasoning. By representing uncertainty and imprecision of VGI, users, i.e., consumers, can exploit quality checking mechanisms to filter VGI based on their needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volunteered Geographic Information)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Integrated Exposure-Based Therapy for Co-Occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Dependence: Predictors of Change in PTSD Symptom Severity

by Katherine L. Mills, Emma L. Barrett, Sabine Merz, Julia Rosenfeld, Philippa L. Ewer, Claudia Sannibale, Amanda L. Baker, Sally Hopwood, Sudie E. Back, Kathleen T. Brady and Maree Teesson

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(11), 101; doi:10.3390/jcm5110101

Received: 31 August 2016 / Revised: 26 October 2016 / Accepted: 8 November 2016 / Published: 15 November 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 713 | PDF Full-text (410 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This paper examines factors associated with change in PTSD symptom severity among individuals randomised to receive an integrated exposure-based psychotherapy for PTSD and substance dependence–Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE). Outcomes examined include change in PTSD symptom

[...] Read more.

This paper examines factors associated with change in PTSD symptom severity among individuals randomised to receive an integrated exposure-based psychotherapy for PTSD and substance dependence–Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE). Outcomes examined include change in PTSD symptom severity as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and the reliability and clinical significance of change in PTSD symptom severity. Factors examined include patient baseline characteristics, treatment characteristics, and events over follow-up. The mean difference in CAPS score was 38.24 (SE 4.81). Approximately half (49.1%) demonstrated a reliable and clinically significant improvement in PTSD symptom severity. No one was classified as having demonstrated clinically significant worsening of symptoms. Three independent predictors of reductions in PTSD symptom severity were identified: baseline PTSD symptom severity (β 0.77, SE 0.23, p = 0.001), number of traumas experienced prior to baseline (β −0.30, SE 0.15, p = 0.049), and number of sessions attended (β 2.05, SE 0.87, p = 0.024). The present study provides further evidence regarding the safety of the COPE treatment and factors associated with improvement in PTSD symptom severity. The identification of only a small number of predictors of the outcome points to the broad applicability of the COPE treatment to PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 2016)

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Parental Protectiveness Mediates the Association between Parent-Perceived Child Self-Efficacy and Health Outcomes in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorder

by Melissa M. DuPen, Miranda A. L. van Tilburg, Shelby L. Langer, Tasha B. Murphy, Joan M. Romano and Rona L. Levy

Children 2016, 3(3), 15; doi:10.3390/children3030015

Received: 16 August 2016 / Revised: 12 September 2016 / Accepted: 12 September 2016 / Published: 19 September 2016

Viewed by 1234 | PDF Full-text (544 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that parental protectiveness is associated with increased pain and disability in Functional Abdominal Pain Disorder (FAPD) but the role that perceived child self-efficacy may play remains unclear. One reason why parents may react protectively towards their child’s pain is

[...] Read more.

Previous studies have shown that parental protectiveness is associated with increased pain and disability in Functional Abdominal Pain Disorder (FAPD) but the role that perceived child self-efficacy may play remains unclear. One reason why parents may react protectively towards their child’s pain is that they perceive their child to be unable to cope or function normally while in pain (perceived low self-efficacy). This study sought to examine (a) the association between parent-perceived child pain self-efficacy and child health outcomes (symptom severity and disability); and (b) the role of parental protectiveness as a mediator of this association. Participants were 316 parents of children aged 7–12 years with FAPD. Parents completed measures of perceived child self-efficacy when in pain, their own protective responses to their child’s pain, child gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity, and child functional disability. Parent-perceived child self-efficacy was inversely associated with parent-reported child GI symptom severity and disability, and parental protectiveness mediated these associations. These results suggest that parents who perceive their child to have low self-efficacy to cope with pain respond more protectively when they believe he/she is in pain, and this, in turn, is associated with higher levels of GI symptoms and disability in their child. This finding suggests that directly addressing parent beliefs about their child’s ability to manage pain should be included as a component of FAPD, and potentially other child treatment interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic and Recurrent Pain) Printed Edition available

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle Quality of Life and Its Related Factors in Chinese Unemployed People: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

by Xiaoshi Yang, Lutian Yao, Hui Wu, Yang Wang, Li Liu, Jiana Wang and Lie Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(8), 797; doi:10.3390/ijerph13080797

Received: 16 May 2016 / Revised: 25 July 2016 / Accepted: 4 August 2016 / Published: 8 August 2016

Viewed by 622 | PDF Full-text (747 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

With the global economic crisis and industrial restructuring, the unemployed are suffering from job loss-related stress and loss of income, which is believed to impair their mental and physical health, while coping and self-efficacy could combat the adverse effects of unemployment on health.

[...] Read more.

With the global economic crisis and industrial restructuring, the unemployed are suffering from job loss-related stress and loss of income, which is believed to impair their mental and physical health, while coping and self-efficacy could combat the adverse effects of unemployment on health. Thus, this study aims to describe quality of life (QOL) among unemployed Chinese people and explore the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted by convenience sampling, composed of 1825 unemployed people, from January 2011 to September 2011. Questionnaires pertaining to demographic characteristics, the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the abbreviated version of the Cope Inventory (Brief COPE) and self-efficacy scales were used to collect information from unemployed people in the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the related factors of QOL. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the relations among coping, self-efficacy, and QOL. Mental QOL was significantly lower than physical QOL in Chinese unemployed people. Coping had significant effects on both physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), while self-efficacy played the mediating role in the association between Coping and QOL. Unemployed Chinese people’s mental QOL was disrupted more seriously than their physical QOL. An increase in coping could improve QOL by promoting better management of issues brought about by unemployment. In addition, self-efficacy has the ability to reduce the impact of unemployment on QOL, through the mediating path of coping on QOL. This study highlights the need of coping skills training and self-efficacy enhancement for better management of unemployment in order to improve QOL and well-being. Full article

► Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle System Merits or Failures? Policies for Transition to Sustainable P and N Systems in The Netherlands and Finland

by Thomas Hoppe, Anna Kuokkanen, Mirja Mikkilä, Helena Kahiluoto, Miia Kuisma, Maarten Arentsen and Lassi Linnanen

Sustainability 2016, 8(5), 463; doi:10.3390/su8050463

Received: 29 January 2016 / Revised: 25 April 2016 / Accepted: 4 May 2016 / Published: 11 May 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 936 | PDF Full-text (1225 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles are absolutely vital in maintaining sustainable food systems. Human activities disturb the natural balance of these cycles by creating enormous additional nutrient fluxes, causing eutrophication of waterways and pollution in land systems. To tackle this problem, sustainable

[...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles are absolutely vital in maintaining sustainable food systems. Human activities disturb the natural balance of these cycles by creating enormous additional nutrient fluxes, causing eutrophication of waterways and pollution in land systems. To tackle this problem, sustainable nutrient management is required. This paper addresses sustainable nutrient management in two countries: The Netherlands and Finland. We adopt a critical perspective on resource politics, especially towards opportunistic policy strategies for the pollutant management of N and P. Two research questions are considered. First, what are the key systemic and policy failures that occurred in the N and P systems in the Netherlands and Finland between 1970 and 2015? And second, which lessons can be drawn when addressing the policy responses in the two countries to cope with these failures? The cases are analyzed within Weber and Rohracher’s framework that addresses “failures” preventing sustainable transitions. The results show that a number of failures occurred, besides market failures (over-exploitation of the commons, externalization of costs): lack of directionality, policy coordination, institutions, capabilities, infrastructure, demand articulation, and reflexivity. Policy responses in both countries resulted in ponderous policy frameworks that were adequate to tackle nutrient problems from the industrial sector and municipalities. However, both countries provided only a moderate response in terms of system-wide integrated policy frameworks to cope with sectoral-transcending issues. The agricultural use of N and P, in contrast to detergents, has not been subjected to strong regulatory measures. Full article

Open AccessArticle An Artificial Bee Colony-Based COPE Framework for Wireless Sensor Network

by Amit Singh and Aitha Nagaraju

Computers 2016, 5(2), 8; doi:10.3390/computers5020008

Received: 15 March 2016 / Revised: 23 April 2016 / Accepted: 27 April 2016 / Published: 6 May 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098 | PDF Full-text (1267 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

In wireless communication, network coding is one of the intelligent approaches to process the packets before transmitting for efficient information exchange. The goal of this work is to enhance throughput by using the intelligent technique, which may give comparatively better optimization. This paper

[...] Read more.

In wireless communication, network coding is one of the intelligent approaches to process the packets before transmitting for efficient information exchange. The goal of this work is to enhance throughput by using the intelligent technique, which may give comparatively better optimization. This paper introduces a biologically-inspired coding approach called Artificial Bee Colony Network Coding (ABC-NC), a modification in the COPE framework. The existing COPE and its variant are probabilistic approaches, which may not give good results in all of the real-time scenarios. Therefore, it needs some intelligent technique to find better packet combinations at intermediate nodes before forwarding to optimize the energy and maximize the throughput in wireless networks. This paper proposes ABC-NC over the existing COPE framework for the wireless environment. Full article

Open AccessReview Nitrogen Economy and Nitrogen Environmental Interactions in Conifers

by Rafael A. Cañas, Fernando de la Torre, Maria Belén Pascual, Concepción Avila and Francisco M. Cánovas

Agronomy 2016, 6(2), 26; doi:10.3390/agronomy6020026

Received: 26 October 2015 / Revised: 8 April 2016 / Accepted: 14 April 2016 / Published: 20 April 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 683 | PDF Full-text (1095 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Efficient acquisition, assimilation and economy of nitrogen are of special importance in trees that must cope with seasonal periods of growth and dormancy over many years. The ability to accumulate nitrogen reserves and to recycle N determine to a great extent the growth

[...] Read more.

Efficient acquisition, assimilation and economy of nitrogen are of special importance in trees that must cope with seasonal periods of growth and dormancy over many years. The ability to accumulate nitrogen reserves and to recycle N determine to a great extent the growth and production of forest biomass. The metabolic relevance of two key amino acids, arginine and phenylalanine, as well as other processes potentially involved in the nitrogen economy of conifers are discussed in the current review. During their long life cycles, conifers not only cope with cyclical annual and long-term changes in the environment but also interact with other organisms such as herbivores and symbionts. The interactions of biotic and abiotic factors with conifer nitrogen metabolism will also be outlined in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Transport and Assimilation in Plants)

Open AccessArticle Rearrangements of Cycloalkenyl Aryl Ethers

by Mercedesz Törincsi, Melinda Nagy, Tamás Bihari, András Stirling, Pál Kolonits and Lajos Novak

Molecules 2016, 21(4), 503; doi:10.3390/molecules21040503

Received: 14 January 2016 / Revised: 7 April 2016 / Accepted: 12 April 2016 / Published: 19 April 2016

Viewed by 719 | PDF Full-text (2175 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Rearrangement reactions of cycloalkenyl phenol and naphthyl ethers and the acid-catalyzed cyclization of the resulting product were investigated. Claisen rearrangement afforded 2-substituted phenol and naphthol derivatives. Combined Claisen and Cope rearrangement resulted in the formation of 4-substituted phenol and naphthol derivatives. In the

[...] Read more.

Rearrangement reactions of cycloalkenyl phenol and naphthyl ethers and the acid-catalyzed cyclization of the resulting product were investigated. Claisen rearrangement afforded 2-substituted phenol and naphthol derivatives. Combined Claisen and Cope rearrangement resulted in the formation of 4-substituted phenol and naphthol derivatives. In the case of cycloocthylphenyl ether the consecutive Claisen and Cope rearrangements were followed by an alkyl migration. The mechanism of this novel rearrangement reaction is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pericyclic Reactions)

► Figures

Open AccessArticle An Integrated Plan to Sustainably Enable the City of Riohacha (Colombia) to Cope with Increasing Urban Flooding, while Improving Its Environmental Setting

by Andrea Nardini and Marcelo Gomes Miguez

Sustainability 2016, 8(3), 198; doi:10.3390/su8030198

Received: 12 December 2015 / Revised: 5 February 2016 / Accepted: 13 February 2016 / Published: 24 February 2016

Abstract

This paper describes the emblematic situation of a Colombian coastal town seriously threatened by flooding and presents the whole process undertaken to elaborate an integrated action plan to cope with this problem, while improving the natural and built environment. Such a plan is

[...] Read more.

This paper describes the emblematic situation of a Colombian coastal town seriously threatened by flooding and presents the whole process undertaken to elaborate an integrated action plan to cope with this problem, while improving the natural and built environment. Such a plan is a product of a project, winner of a National Colombian call for climate change initiatives, which included a thorough modeling process based on the MODCEL urban flood model, an articulated participatory process including a specific structured inquiry mainly aiming at providing data suited for model calibration, a creative phase to propose candidate alternative solutions and a quite integrated evaluation exercise which supported the transparent choice of the most sustainable plan alternative. The approach and the experience can be valuable for many other cases in Colombia and around the world, particularly in developing or emerging countries where data are scarce. The added value of this paper lies in showing a whole, integrated process, well articulated, where all pieces are indispensable but simple enough to be replicated in many cases. It merges the fundamental participatory component with an equally fundamental technical-scientific component of characterization, modeling and integrated evaluation. The multiple steps of the process are illustrated with sufficient detail to allow the reader to grasp what was actually done and why, providing a practical guide for other cases. Full article

Open AccessArticle Chronic Stress and Suicidal Thinking Among Medical Students

by Anna Rosiek, Aleksandra Rosiek-Kryszewska, Łukasz Leksowski and Krzysztof Leksowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(2), 212; doi:10.3390/ijerph13020212

Received: 15 November 2015 / Revised: 18 January 2016 / Accepted: 1 February 2016 / Published: 15 February 2016

Abstract

Introduction: The subject of chronic stress and ways of dealing with it are very broad. The aim of this study was to analyze stress and anxiety and their influence on suicidal thinking among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was

[...] Read more.

Introduction: The subject of chronic stress and ways of dealing with it are very broad. The aim of this study was to analyze stress and anxiety and their influence on suicidal thinking among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the years 2014 to 2015 in Poland, at the Medical University—Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum. The objective of this study was to assess chronic stress and suicidal thinking among students and how students cope with this huge problem. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted to detect differences. Results: Analyses showed that students’ life is full of stressors. Students toward the end of their education cope better with stress than students starting their university studies. Chronic stress has a strong impact on mental health and suicidal thinking among students. Conclusions: The results of the study confirmed that chronic stress and anxiety have a negative influence on mental health and also confirm a relation to suicidal thinking in medical students. Students cope with stress by listening to music, talking to relatives or people close to them, resting or engaging in sports, with cycling, running and swimming being the most common methods used to affect suicidal thinking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suicide Prevention among Youth)

Open AccessReview MicroRNA Expression Relating to Dietary-Induced Liver Steatosis and NASH

by Aida Zarfeshani, Sherry Ngo and Allan M. Sheppard

J. Clin. Med. 2015, 4(11), 1938-1950; doi:10.3390/jcm4111938

Received: 20 August 2015 / Revised: 9 November 2015 / Accepted: 10 November 2015 / Published: 16 November 2015

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1118 | PDF Full-text (858 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Health issues associated with excessive caloric intake and sedentary lifestyle are driving a modern “epidemic” of liver disease. Initially presenting in the clinic as an excessive accumulation of fat within hepatocyte cells (steatosis), the progression to more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in which

[...] Read more.

Health issues associated with excessive caloric intake and sedentary lifestyle are driving a modern “epidemic” of liver disease. Initially presenting in the clinic as an excessive accumulation of fat within hepatocyte cells (steatosis), the progression to more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in which liver damage and inflammation are overt features, is becoming increasingly common. Often developing as a sequela of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) arises in almost one-third of people initially carrying excess hepatic fat and is likely the result of the liver’s limited capacity to cope with the modern-day levels of dietary fatty acids circulating in the blood. While routine imaging can readily assess the presence and level of “extra-hepatic fat”, a proper diagnosis of disease progression to NASH is currently only possible by liver biopsy. A general reluctance to undergo such screening means that the prevalence of NASH is likely to be under reported and, thus, risk assessment for future metabolic syndrome (MetS) markedly compromised. The seemingly inevitable progression to overt insulin resistance that characterizes MetS may in part be the consequence of the body’s attempt to cope with NAFLD by driving systemic insulin sensitivity and, thus, fatty acid breakdown. The potential significance of miRNAs in both physiological homeostasis and pathogenesis is increasingly appreciated and in the liver may contribute specifically to the regulation of lipid pathways and NAFLD progression. As such, they may have utility as molecular indicators for the accurate profiling of both initial risk and disease progression from simple steatosis to NASH, and further to fibrosis/cirrhosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs: Novel Biomarkers for Liver Diseases)

Open AccessArticle Adolescent Alcoholism and Drug Addiction: The Experience of Parents

by Peter W. Choate

Behav. Sci. 2015, 5(4), 461-476; doi:10.3390/bs5040461

Received: 10 June 2015 / Revised: 25 October 2015 / Accepted: 26 October 2015 / Published: 29 October 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2347 | PDF Full-text (512 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Alcoholism and drug addiction have marked impacts on the ability of families to function. Much of the literature has been focused on adult members of a family who present with substance dependency. There is limited research into the effects of adolescent substance dependence

[...] Read more.

Alcoholism and drug addiction have marked impacts on the ability of families to function. Much of the literature has been focused on adult members of a family who present with substance dependency. There is limited research into the effects of adolescent substance dependence on parenting and family functioning; little attention has been paid to the parents’ experience. This qualitative study looks at the parental perspective as they attempted to adapt and cope with substance dependency in their teenage children. The research looks into family life and adds to family functioning knowledge when the identified client is a youth as opposed to an adult family member. Thirty-one adult caregivers of 21 teenagers were interviewed, resulting in eight significant themes: (1) finding out about the substance dependence problem; (2) experiences as the problems escalated; (3) looking for explanations other than substance dependence; (4) connecting to the parent’s own history; (5) trying to cope; (6) challenges of getting help; (7) impact on siblings; and (8) choosing long-term rehabilitation. Implications of this research for clinical practice are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addictive Behaviors: Assessment and Treatment)

Open AccessArticle Toxin ζ Reversible Induces Dormancy and Reduces the UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Pool as One of the Protective Responses to Cope with Stress

by Mariangela Tabone, Silvia Ayora and Juan C. Alonso

Toxins 2014, 6(9), 2787-2803; doi:10.3390/toxins6092787

Received: 18 June 2014 / Revised: 14 August 2014 / Accepted: 9 September 2014 / Published: 18 September 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1232 | PDF Full-text (766 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Toxins of the ζ/PezT family, found in the genome of major human pathogens, phosphorylate the peptidoglycan precursor uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UNAG) leading to unreactive UNAG-3P. Transient over-expression of a PezT variant impairs cell wall biosynthesis and triggers autolysis in Escherichia coli.

[...] Read more.

Toxins of the ζ/PezT family, found in the genome of major human pathogens, phosphorylate the peptidoglycan precursor uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UNAG) leading to unreactive UNAG-3P. Transient over-expression of a PezT variant impairs cell wall biosynthesis and triggers autolysis in Escherichia coli. Conversely, physiological levels of ζ reversibly induce dormancy produce a sub-fraction of membrane-compromised cells, and a minor subpopulation of Bacillus subtilis cells become tolerant of toxin action. We report here that purified ζ is a strong UNAG-dependent ATPase, being GTP a lower competitor. In vitro, ζ toxin phosphorylates a fraction of UNAG. In vivo, ζ-mediated inactivation of UNAG by phosphorylation does not deplete the active UNAG pool, because expression of the toxin enhances the efficacy of genuine cell wall inhibitors (fosfomycin, vancomycin or ampicillin). Transient ζ expression together with fosfomycin treatment halt cell proliferation, but ε₂ antitoxin expression facilitates the exit of ζ-induced dormancy, suggesting that there is sufficient UNAG for growth. We propose that ζ induces diverse cellular responses to cope with stress, being the reduction of the UNAG pool one among them. If the action of ζ is not inhibited, e.g., by de novo ε₂ antitoxin synthesis, the toxin markedly enhances the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment without massive autolysis in Firmicutes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxin-Antitoxin System)

► Figures

Open AccessArticle Coping with a Self-Induced Shock: The Heterarchic Organization of the London Olympic Games 2012

by Gernot Grabher and Joachim Thiel

Soc. Sci. 2014, 3(3), 527-548; doi:10.3390/socsci3030527

Received: 4 May 2014 / Revised: 12 August 2014 / Accepted: 26 August 2014 / Published: 11 September 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1443 | PDF Full-text (206 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

This paper starts from the assumption of a structural analogy between mega-events and large-scale disasters. Both imply forceful interruptions of everyday routines, and both involve imperatives for imminent action. Similar to the immovable deadline of an opening ceremony, a looming natural disaster triggers

[...] Read more.

This paper starts from the assumption of a structural analogy between mega-events and large-scale disasters. Both imply forceful interruptions of everyday routines, and both involve imperatives for imminent action. Similar to the immovable deadline of an opening ceremony, a looming natural disaster triggers a complex set of precautions and preparations to cope with the inescapable forthcoming shock. In the case of mega-events, of course, this shock is self-induced. In fact, cities fiercely compete to host mega-events. In the face of the daunting challenges of hosting a mega-event—the immovable timeframe, the rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies, and the exceptional public visibility—the authorities and organizations in charge traditionally have resorted to strategies of a strict adaptation to the conditions imposed on them. Aligning all available resources and capabilities to match the foreseeable demands, however, undermines the adaptability to cope with unpredictable perturbations. This paper seeks to explore the strategies and practices to attain adaptability during the preparation, staging and implementation of legacy plans of a mega-event with an evidentially noteworthy record: the London Olympic Games 2012. The paper seeks to demonstrate that the project ecology in charge managed to enhance adaptability by implementing three key features of heterarchy: ambiguity, redundancy and loose coupling. By leveraging the principles of heterarchy, the project ecology was able to draw lessons from previous mega-events and both to anticipate and respond to unforeseen challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Constructing Resilience, Negotiating Vulnerability)

Open AccessArticle D-MSR: A Distributed Network Management Scheme for Real-Time Monitoring and Process Control Applications in Wireless Industrial Automation

by Pouria Zand, Arta Dilo and Paul Havinga

Sensors 2013, 13(7), 8239-8284; doi:10.3390/s130708239

Received: 8 April 2013 / Revised: 7 May 2013 / Accepted: 12 June 2013 / Published: 27 June 2013

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2563 | PDF Full-text (1717 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Current wireless technologies for industrial applications, such as WirelessHART and ISA100.11a, use a centralized management approach where a central network manager handles the requirements of the static network. However, such a centralized approach has several drawbacks. For example, it cannot cope with dynamicity/disturbance

[...] Read more.

Current wireless technologies for industrial applications, such as WirelessHART and ISA100.11a, use a centralized management approach where a central network manager handles the requirements of the static network. However, such a centralized approach has several drawbacks. For example, it cannot cope with dynamicity/disturbance in large-scale networks in a real-time manner and it incurs a high communication overhead and latency for exchanging management traffic. In this paper, we therefore propose a distributed network management scheme, D-MSR. It enables the network devices to join the network, schedule their communications, establish end-to-end connections by reserving the communication resources for addressing real-time requirements, and cope with network dynamicity (e.g., node/edge failures) in a distributed manner. According to our knowledge, this is the first distributed management scheme based on IEEE 802.15.4e standard, which guides the nodes in different phases from joining until publishing their sensor data in the network. We demonstrate via simulation that D-MSR can address real-time and reliable communication as well as the high throughput requirements of industrial automation wireless networks, while also achieving higher efficiency in network management than WirelessHART, in terms of delay and overhead. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)

► Figures

Open AccessArticle Need for Improved Risk Communication of Fish Consumption Advisories to Protect Maternal and Child Health: Influence of Primary Informants

by Catherine E. LePrevost, Kathleen M. Gray, Mercedes Hernández-Pelletier, Brennan D. Bouma, Consuelo Arellano and W. Gregory Cope

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2013, 10(5), 1720-1734; doi:10.3390/ijerph10051720

Received: 9 March 2013 / Revised: 12 April 2013 / Accepted: 15 April 2013 / Published: 29 April 2013

Viewed by 2197 | PDF Full-text (501 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Fish consumption has established benefits, including the promotion of cardiovascular health and pre- and neonatal brain and eye development, but local freshwater fish may be a source of contaminants that are especially harmful to fetuses and young children, such as the neurotoxic and

[...] Read more.

Fish consumption has established benefits, including the promotion of cardiovascular health and pre- and neonatal brain and eye development, but local freshwater fish may be a source of contaminants that are especially harmful to fetuses and young children, such as the neurotoxic and developmentally toxic methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. Fish consumption advisories may be issued by state health departments to limit human exposure to these and other toxicants. This study examined the efficacy of a sign designed by the North Carolina Division of Public Health that was posted along a reservoir (Badin Lake) in central North Carolina, USA, for increasing anglers’ awareness of a fish consumption advisory, with a special focus on anglers who share their catch with women and children. In this study, 109 anglers were interviewed about their awareness of fish consumption advisories in general and their knowledge of the Badin Lake fish advisory in particular. Shore anglers were significantly less likely to be aware of the term “fish consumption advisory” and of the specific advisory for Badin Lake than boat anglers. Although a significant increase in knowledge of the specific fish consumption advisory was found for the entire sample of study participants after the sign intervention, a commensurate increase in knowledge was not found for a subsample of anglers who reported sharing their catch with women and children. Study findings underscore differences in fish consumption advisory awareness among subpopulations. Specifically, the study revealed the importance of characterizing the communication needs of shore anglers and anglers who share their catch with sensitive subpopulations (e.g., women and children) for the creation of more targeted communications of fish consumption advisories. Full article

Open AccessComment Like a Caterpillar Losing its Cocoon: Rediscovery of Self in Marisa Labozzetta’s Thieves Never Steal in the Rain

by Angelina Oberdan

Religions 2013, 4(2), 283-287; doi:10.3390/rel4020283

Received: 6 February 2013 / Revised: 10 April 2013 / Accepted: 19 April 2013 / Published: 26 April 2013

Viewed by 1585 | PDF Full-text (39 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

We ward off loss as best we can, but rarely are we so lucky. We attach significance to our rituals and collected items. This theme of warding off loss and searching for ways to cope with it is woven through the linked stories

[...] Read more.

We ward off loss as best we can, but rarely are we so lucky. We attach significance to our rituals and collected items. This theme of warding off loss and searching for ways to cope with it is woven through the linked stories of Marisa Labozzetta’s Thieves Never Steal in the Rain, especially in the stories about Joanna and Barbara. Barbara’s ritualistic collecting links her directly to the past. Through these objects, the past and present become fluid for Barbara, and she believes that they can even affect her future. Because of this, she gathers objects in an attempt to preserve her luckiness as she has been since she was a child. This idea of actively working against or shielding oneself and loved ones from loss is also apparent in Labozetta’s stories that feature Joanna. Joanna’s daughter, Jill, died in a terrible accident, and Joanna blames herself because she thinks she should have been able to prevent Jill’s death. Joanna also emphasizes the importance of things in a way that is similar to Barbara’s. When she thinks she has lost her artistic eye, Joanna reclaims the things from her childhood desk. Unfortunately, and despite their best efforts, neither Joanna nor Barbara is able to stave off loss forever: Barbara’s house burns down and Jill cannot be resurrected. However, Barbara feels liberated after her house burns, and Joanna rediscovers her artistic eye. Perhaps what we need to remember, and what the stories in Marisa Labozzetta’s Thieves Never Steal in the Rain remind us, is that we can’t prevent loss and somehow we have to cope with it. In coping with the loss, we can rediscover our best selves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Writers and Critics on Loss, Love, and the Supernatural)

Open AccessArticle The Influence of Fish Length on Tissue Mercury Dynamics: Implications for Natural Resource Management and Human Health Risk

by Dana K. Sackett, W. Gregory Cope, James A. Rice and D. Derek Aday

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2013, 10(2), 638-659; doi:10.3390/ijerph10020638

Received: 21 December 2012 / Revised: 25 January 2013 / Accepted: 28 January 2013 / Published: 6 February 2013

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2123 | PDF Full-text (711 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Consumption of fish has well-known human health benefits, though some fish may contain elevated levels of mercury (Hg) that are especially harmful to developing children. Fish length is most often the basis for establishing fishery harvest regulations that determine which fish will ultimately

[...] Read more.

Consumption of fish has well-known human health benefits, though some fish may contain elevated levels of mercury (Hg) that are especially harmful to developing children. Fish length is most often the basis for establishing fishery harvest regulations that determine which fish will ultimately be consumed by humans. It is, therefore, essential to quantify the relationship between fish length and Hg accumulation in regard to harvest regulations for effective fishery and public health policy. We examined this relationship for three sportfish from six lakes across North Carolina, USA. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) had the lowest Hg levels and only the very largest fish in the most contaminated site exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Hg screening level. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) had an intermediate level of Hg and larger individuals exceeded the USEPA screening level; however, they tended not to exceed this level before reaching the harvest length limit. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) exceeded the USEPA screening level at sizes below the fishery length limit in two lakes, leaving only higher risk fish for anglers to harvest and consume. Removing the effects of fish age and trophic position, we found strong positive correlations between Hg and fish length for largemouth bass and black crappie. We suggest public health officials and wildlife managers collaborate to structure fishery regulations and length-based fish consumption advisories that protect consumers from Hg exposure and communicate the relative risk of fish consumption. Full article

► Figures

Open AccessReview Reviewing the Science and Implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Measures in European Forestry

by Marja Kolström, Marcus Lindner, Terhi Vilén, Michael Maroschek, Rupert Seidl, Manfred J. Lexer, Sigrid Netherer, Antoine Kremer, Sylvain Delzon, Anna Barbati, Marco Marchetti and Piermaria Corona

Forests 2011, 2(4), 961-982; doi:10.3390/f2040961

Received: 5 July 2011 / Revised: 29 August 2011 / Accepted: 3 November 2011 / Published: 11 November 2011

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 6396 | PDF Full-text (196 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Developing adaptation measures in forestry is an urgent task because the forests regenerated today will have to cope with climate conditions that may drastically change during the life of the trees in the stand. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential adaptation

[...] Read more.

Developing adaptation measures in forestry is an urgent task because the forests regenerated today will have to cope with climate conditions that may drastically change during the life of the trees in the stand. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential adaptation options in forestry in Europe based on three pillars: a review of the scientific literature, an analysis of current national response strategies, and an expert assessment based on a database compiled in the COST Action ECHOES (Expected Climate Change and Options for European Silviculture). The adaptation measures include responses to both risks and opportunities created by climate change and address all stages of forestry operations. Measures targeted to reduce vulnerability to climate change may either aim to reduce forest sensitivity to adverse climate change impacts or increase adaptive capacity to cope with the changing environmental conditions. Adaptation measures mitigating drought and fire risk such as selection of more drought resistant species and genotypes are crucial. For adaptation to be successful it is of the utmost importance to disseminate the knowledge of suitable adaptation measures to all decision makers from the practice to the policy level. The analysis of the ECHOES database demonstrates that this challenge is well recognized in many European countries. Uncertainty about the full extent of climate change impacts and the suitability of adaptation measures creates a need for monitoring and further research. A better understanding of how to increase adaptive capacity is also needed, as well as regional vulnerability assessments which are crucial for targeting planned adaptation measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation of Forests and Forest Management to Climate Change)

Open AccessArticle A Systematic Review of Studies Using the Brief COPE: Religious Coping in Factor Analyses

by Christian U. Krägeloh

Religions 2011, 2(3), 216-246; doi:10.3390/rel2030216

Received: 23 May 2011 / Revised: 13 June 2011 / Accepted: 30 June 2011 / Published: 4 July 2011

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3250 | PDF Full-text (216 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Religion is generally recognized as a major resource for dealing with stressful events, but its relationship with secular coping strategies continues to be debated. The present article provides a systematic review of the way in which analyses of the sub-scale turning to religion

[...] Read more.

Religion is generally recognized as a major resource for dealing with stressful events, but its relationship with secular coping strategies continues to be debated. The present article provides a systematic review of the way in which analyses of the sub-scale turning to religion of the widely used Brief COPE [1] instrument are presented in peer-reviewed research articles, in order to investigate how the wealth of data published using this instrument can inform how religious coping relates to other coping strategies. Of the 212 identified articles that included turning to religion in their analyses, 80 combined sub-scale scores to form higher-order coping factors, 38 of which based on exploratory factor analyses of their own datasets. When factor analyses had used individual items as indicators, religious coping was more likely to load together with maladaptive coping strategies, and more likely with adaptive coping strategies when analyses were conducted at sub-scale level. To a large extent, the variation in the results from exploratory factor analyses appears to be due to the diverse and often inappropriate factor analytic techniques used to determine the factor structure of the Brief COPE instrument. Reports from factor analyses of the Brief COPE therefore have very little value when trying to make general conclusions about the role of religious coping in relation to secular coping methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measures of Spirituality/Religiosity)

Open AccessArticle The Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory: A Quantitative Instrument for the Assessment of Beliefs about Pesticide Risks

by Catherine E. LePrevost, Margaret R. Blanchard and W. Gregory Cope

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(6), 1923-1935; doi:10.3390/ijerph8061923

Received: 2 March 2011 / Revised: 24 May 2011 / Accepted: 25 May 2011 / Published: 1 June 2011

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4579 | PDF Full-text (190 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Recent media attention has focused on the risks that agricultural pesticides pose to the environment and human health; thus, these topics provide focal areas for scientists and science educators to enhance public understanding of basic toxicology concepts. This study details the development of

[...] Read more.

Recent media attention has focused on the risks that agricultural pesticides pose to the environment and human health; thus, these topics provide focal areas for scientists and science educators to enhance public understanding of basic toxicology concepts. This study details the development of a quantitative inventory to gauge pesticide risk beliefs. The goal of the inventory was to characterize misconceptions and knowledge gaps, as well as expert-like beliefs, concerning pesticide risk. This study describes the development and field testing of the Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory with an important target audience: pesticide educators in a southeastern U.S. state. The 19-item, Likert-type inventory was found to be psychometrically sound with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.780 and to be a valuable tool in capturing pesticide educators’ beliefs about pesticide risk, assessing beliefs in four key categories. The Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory could be useful in exploring beliefs about pesticide risks and in guiding efforts to address misconceptions held by a variety of formal and informal science learners, educators, practitioners, the agricultural labor force, and the general public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pesticides and Health)

Open AccessReview Claisen, Cope and Related Rearrangements in the Synthesis of Flavour and Fragrance Compounds

by Janusz Nowicki

Molecules 2000, 5(8), 1033-1050; doi:10.3390/50801033

Received: 22 February 2000 / Revised: 21 July 2000 / Accepted: 8 August 2000 / Published: 23 August 2000

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5999 | PDF Full-text (102 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract A review of the use of the Claisen, Cope and related [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements, sequential ("tandem") sigmatropic rearrangements and the "ene" reaction in the syntheses of flavour and fragrance compounds is presented. Full article

► Figures

Scheme 1

MDPI Contact

Advanced Search

Search Results

MDPI Contact

Advanced Search

Search Results

Years

Subjects

Journals

Article Types

Countries