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A generalization of transferable utility cooperative games from the functional forms introduced by von Neumann and Morgenstern (1944, Theory of Games and Economic Behavior) and Lucas and Thrall (1963, Naval Research Logistics Quarterly, 10, 281–298) is proposed to allow for multiple membership. The definition of the core is adapted analogously and the possibilities for the cross-cutting of contractual arrangements are illustrated and discussed. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Spatial Representation of Coastal Risk: A Fuzzy Approach to Deal with Uncertainty

by Amaneh Jadidi, Mir Abolfazl Mostafavi, Yvan Bédard and Kyarash Shahriari

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2014, 3(3), 1077-1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi3031077 - 26 Aug 2014

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8375

Abstract

Spatial information for coastal risk assessment is inherently uncertain. This uncertainty may be due to different spatial and temporal components of geospatial data and to their semantics. The spatial uncertainty can be expressed either quantitatively or qualitatively. Spatial uncertainty in coastal risk assessment itself arises from poor spatial representation of risk zones. Indeed, coastal risk is inherently a dynamic, complex, scale-dependent, and vague, phenomenon in concept. In addition, representing the associated zones with polygons having well-defined boundaries does not provide a realistic method for efficient and accurate representing of the risk. This paper proposes a conceptual framework, based on fuzzy set theory, to deal with the problems of ill-defined risk zone boundaries and the inherent uncertainty issues. To do so, the nature and level of uncertainty, as well as the way to model it are characterized. Then, a fuzzy representation method is developed where the membership functions are derived based on expert-knowledge. The proposed approach is then applied in the Perce region (Eastern Quebec, Canada) and results are presented and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal GIS)

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Open AccessArticle

Practical Barriers and Ethical Challenges in Genetic Data Sharing

by Claire L. Simpson, Aaron J. Goldenberg, Rob Culverhouse, Denise Daley, Robert P. Igo, Gail P. Jarvik, Diptasri M. Mandal, Deborah Mascalzoni, Courtney Gray Montgomery, Brandon L. Pierce, Rosemarie Plaetke, Sanjay Shete, Katrina A. B. Goddard and Catherine M. Stein

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(8), 8383-8398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110808383 - 15 Aug 2014

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 10496

Abstract

The underlying ethos of dbGaP is that access to these data by secondary data analysts facilitates advancement of science. NIH has required that genome-wide association study data be deposited in the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) since 2003. In 2013, a proposed updated policy extended this requirement to next-generation sequencing data. However, recent literature and anecdotal reports suggest lingering logistical and ethical concerns about subject identifiability, informed consent, publication embargo enforcement, and difficulty in accessing dbGaP data. We surveyed the International Genetic Epidemiology Society (IGES) membership about their experiences. One hundred and seventy five (175) individuals completed the survey, a response rate of 27%. Of respondents who received data from dbGaP (43%), only 32% perceived the application process as easy but most (75%) received data within five months. Remaining challenges include difficulty in identifying an institutional signing official and an overlong application process. Only 24% of respondents had contributed data to dbGaP. Of these, 31% reported local IRB restrictions on data release; an additional 15% had to reconsent study participants before depositing data. The majority of respondents (56%) disagreed that the publication embargo period was sufficient. In response, we recommend longer embargo periods and use of varied data-sharing models rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic Fuzzy Controller to Meet Thermal Comfort by Using Neural Network Forecasted Parameters as the Input

by Mario Collotta, Antonio Messineo, Giuseppina Nicolosi and Giovanni Pau

Energies 2014, 7(8), 4727-4756; https://doi.org/10.3390/en7084727 - 24 Jul 2014

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7937

Abstract

Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are typical non-linear time-variable multivariate systems with disturbances and uncertainties. In this paper, an approach based on a combined neuro-fuzzy model for dynamic and automatic regulation of indoor temperature is proposed. The proposed artificial neural network performs indoor temperatures forecasts that are used to feed a fuzzy logic control unit in order to manage the on/off switching of the HVAC system and the regulation of the inlet air speed. Moreover, the used neural network is optimized by the analytical calculation of the embedding parameters, and the goodness of this approach is tested through MATLAB. The fuzzy controller is driven by the indoor temperature forecasted by the neural network module and is able to adjust the membership functions dynamically, since thermal comfort is a very subjective factor and may vary even in the same subject. The paper shows some experimental results, through a real implementation in an embedded prototyping board, of the proposed approach in terms of the evolution of the inlet air speed injected by the fan coils, the indoor air temperature forecasted by the neural network model and the adjusting of the membership functions after receiving user feedback. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing the Choice of Management Strategy among Small-Scale Private Forest Owners in Sweden

by Jeannette Eggers, Tomas Lämås, Torgny Lind and Karin Öhman

Forests 2014, 5(7), 1695-1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/f5071695 - 15 Jul 2014

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 13242

Abstract

Half of the productive forest area in Sweden is owned by small-scale private forest owners. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information that would allow categorizing small-scale private forest owners according to their management strategy. In this study, we surveyed small-scale private forest owners in Sweden to determine the proportions who applied various management strategies. We analyzed the results using chi-square tests to identify the most relevant factors affecting the management strategy choices of individual forest owners. We found that “soft” factors, such as the importance of income from the forest, membership in a forest owners’ association, certification and an interest in and knowledge of forestry issues, had a stronger impact on the choice of management strategy than most “hard” factors related to the owner or the property, such as gender and distance between the owner’s residence and the property. However, property size was the most important factor and was associated with the importance of income derived from the forest and several other soft factors. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

An Intelligent Fuzzy Logic Controller for Maximum Power Capture of Point Absorbers

by Mohammed Jama, Addy Wahyudie, Ali Assi and Hassan Noura

Energies 2014, 7(6), 4033-4053; https://doi.org/10.3390/en7064033 - 24 Jun 2014

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7267

Abstract

This article presents an intelligent fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for controlling single-body heaving wave energy converter (WEC) or what is widely known as “Point Absorber”. The controller aims at maximizing the energy captured from the sea waves. The power take-off (PTO) limitations are addressed implicitly in the fuzzy inference system (FIS) framework. In order to enhance the WEC power capturing bandwidth and make it less susceptible to wave environment irregularities and the system parametric uncertainties, the controller is built to have a self-configurable capability. This also eliminates the need to repeatedly run in-situ tuning procedure of the fuzzy controller or switch between several controllers based on the operating conditions. The fuzzy membership functions (MFs) are optimally tuned using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. To alleviate the computational burden associated with performing on-line optimization, the fuzzy controller is tuned at a rate significantly lower than the system sampling time. The suggested PSO-FLC has shown promising results compared with the fixed structure fuzzy logic controller (FS-FLC) and other passive control strategies. Several computer simulations were carried out to evaluate the controller effectiveness by applying different sea-states and analyzing the resultant WEC dynamics. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Automated Detection of Cloud and Cloud Shadow in Single-Date Landsat Imagery Using Neural Networks and Spatial Post-Processing

by M. Joseph Hughes and Daniel J. Hayes

Remote Sens. 2014, 6(6), 4907-4926; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs6064907 - 28 May 2014

Cited by 196 | Viewed by 12998

Abstract

The use of Landsat data to answer ecological questions is greatly increased by the effective removal of cloud and cloud shadow from satellite images. We develop a novel algorithm to identify and classify clouds and cloud shadow, SPARCS: Spatial Procedures for Automated Removal of Cloud and Shadow. The method uses a neural network approach to determine cloud, cloud shadow, water, snow/ice and clear sky classification memberships of each pixel in a Landsat scene. It then applies a series of spatial procedures to resolve pixels with ambiguous membership by using information, such as the membership values of neighboring pixels and an estimate of cloud shadow locations from cloud and solar geometry. In a comparison with FMask, a high-quality cloud and cloud shadow classification algorithm currently available, SPARCS performs favorably, with substantially lower omission errors for cloud shadow (8.0% and 3.2%), only slightly higher omission errors for clouds (0.9% and 1.3%, respectively) and fewer errors of commission (2.6% and 0.3%). Additionally, SPARCS provides a measure of uncertainty in its classification that can be exploited by other algorithms that require clear sky pixels. To illustrate this, we present an application that constructs obstruction-free composites of images acquired on different dates in support of a method for vegetation change detection. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Urban Eco-Security—A Case Study of Mianyang City, China

by Chun-rong Zhao, Bo Zhou and Xin Su

Sustainability 2014, 6(4), 2281-2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su6042281 - 21 Apr 2014

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6002

Abstract

Currently, a series of ecological environmental problems have been brought about by high-intensity intervention of human beings, and ecological security is regarded as one of the most important national survival strategies. A methodology of urban eco-security evaluation has been introduced, including a conceptual framework of pressure-state-response (PSR) model, setting-up of the indicator system of urban eco-security evaluation (ISUESE) and empirical research. By virtue of the mean-deviation method, the weight coefficient of every indicator is confirmed. It has been found that the top three indicators are: per capita area of paved road, per capita area of cultivated land and green coverage rate of built-up area, which has a relatively prominent status in he urban ecological security. A calculation procedure of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method is applied in empirical research. The Mianyang statistical data during the period of 2005–2012 shows that eco-security keeps a favorable trend, but criticality security and slight insecurity are dominant. It has also been found that insecurity membership degree (MD) of environment pressure accounts for a very large proportion of total pressure. Membership degrees of criticality security and security in environment state are increasing gradually, and as far as environment response is concerned, security is significantly increased. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Transnational Comparison of Sustainability Assessment Programs for Viticulture and a Case-Study on Programs’ Engagement Processes

by Irina Santiago-Brown, Andrew Metcalfe, Cate Jerram and Cassandra Collins

Sustainability 2014, 6(4), 2031-2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su6042031 - 10 Apr 2014

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10062

Abstract

This article documents and compares the most prominent sustainability assessment programs for individual organisations in viticulture worldwide. Certification and engagement processes for membership uptake; benefits; motives; inhibiting factors; and desirable reporting system features of viticultural sustainability programs, are all considered. Case-study results are derived from nine sustainability programs; 14 focus groups with 83 CEOs, Chief Viticulturists or Winemakers from wine grape production organizations from five countries (Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States); 12 semi-structured interviews with managers either currently or formerly in charge of the sustainability programs; researcher observations; and analysis of documents. Programs were categorized by their distinct program assessment methods: process-based, best practice-based, indicator-based and criterion-based. We found that programs have been created to increase growers’ sustainability, mainly through the direct and indirect education they receive and promote, and the economic benefit to their business caused by overall improvement of their operations. The main finding from this study is that the success of each of these programs is largely due to the people driving the programs (program managers, innovative growers and/or early adopters) and the way these people communicate and engage with their stakeholders and peers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patient Perceptions of a Comprehensive Cancer Navigation Service

by W. Hryniuk, R. Simpson, A. McGowan and P. Carter

Curr. Oncol. 2014, 21(2), 69-76; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.21.1930 - 1 Apr 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 592

Abstract

(1) Objective: Our aim was to determine the extent to which comprehensive navigation augments the provincial health system for meeting the needs of newly-diagnosed cancer patients (clients). We also assessed reactions of attending physicians to comprehensive navigation. (2) Methods: Clients who completed navigation as an employee benefit or through membership in an insurance organization were polled to determine whether they needed help beyond that provided by the provincial health system and the extent to which that help was provided by navigation. Exit interviews were analyzed for perceptions of the clients about reactions by their attending physicians to navigation. (3) Results: Of eligible clients, 72% responded. They reported needing help beyond that which the provincial system could provide in 64%–98% of specified areas. Navigation provided help in more than 90% of those cases. Almost all respondents (98%) appreciated having a designated oncology nurse navigator. Family doctors were perceived to be positive or neutral about navigation in 100% of exit interviews. Oncologists were positive or neutral in 92% (p < 0.001 for difference from family doctors). (4) Conclusions: In many areas, cancer patients need additional help beyond that which the provincial health system can provide. Comprehensive cancer navigation provides that help to a considerable extent. Clients perceived the reactions of attending physicians to comprehensive navigation to be generally supportive or neutral. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

An Asymmetrical Fuzzy-Logic-Control-Based MPPT Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems

by Chun-Liang Liu, Jing-Hsiao Chen, Yi-Hua Liu and Zong-Zhen Yang

Energies 2014, 7(4), 2177-2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/en7042177 - 1 Apr 2014

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 12045

Abstract

In this paper, a fuzzy-logic-control (FLC) based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed. The power variation and output voltage variation are chosen as inputs of the proposed FLC, which simplifies the calculation. Compared with the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) method, the proposed FLC-based MPPT can simultaneously improve the dynamic and steady state performance of the PV system. To further improve the performance of the proposed method, an asymmetrical membership function (MF) concept is also proposed. Two design procedures are proposed to determine the universe of discourse (UOD) of the input MF. Comparing with the proposed symmetrical FLC-based MPPT method, the transient time and the MPPT tracking accuracy are further improved by 42.8% and 0.06%, respectively. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Dynamic New World: Refining Our View of Protein Structure, Function and Evolution

by Ranjan V. Mannige

Proteomes 2014, 2(1), 128-153; https://doi.org/10.3390/proteomes2010128 - 7 Mar 2014

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7421

Abstract

Proteins are crucial to the functioning of all lifeforms. Traditional understanding posits that a single protein occupies a single structure (“fold”), which performs a single function. This view is radically challenged with the recognition that high structural dynamism—the capacity to be extra “floppy”—is more prevalent in functional proteins than previously assumed. As reviewed here, this dynamic take on proteins affects our understanding of protein “structure”, function, and evolution, and even gives us a glimpse into protein origination. Specifically, this review will discuss historical developments concerning protein structure, and important new relationships between dynamism and aspects of protein sequence, structure, binding modes, binding promiscuity, evolvability, and origination. Along the way, suggestions will be provided for how key parts of textbook definitions—that so far have excluded membership to intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs)—could be modified to accommodate our more dynamic understanding of proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper 2013)

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Open AccessArticle

A Novel Topology Control Approach to Maintain the Node Degree in Dynamic Wireless Sensor Networks

by Yuanjiang Huang, José-Fernán Martínez, Vicente Hernández Díaz and Juana Sendra

Sensors 2014, 14(3), 4672-4688; https://doi.org/10.3390/s140304672 - 7 Mar 2014

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6645

Abstract

Topology control is an important technique to improve the connectivity and the reliability of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) by means of adjusting the communication range of wireless sensor nodes. In this paper, a novel Fuzzy-logic Topology Control (FTC) is proposed to achieve any desired average node degree by adaptively changing communication range, thus improving the network connectivity, which is the main target of FTC. FTC is a fully localized control algorithm, and does not rely on location information of neighbors. Instead of designing membership functions and if-then rules for fuzzy-logic controller, FTC is constructed from the training data set to facilitate the design process. FTC is proved to be accurate, stable and has short settling time. In order to compare it with other representative localized algorithms (NONE, FLSS, k-Neighbor and LTRT), FTC is evaluated through extensive simulations. The simulation results show that: firstly, similar to k-Neighbor algorithm, FTC is the best to achieve the desired average node degree as node density varies; secondly, FTC is comparable to FLSS and k-Neighbor in terms of energy-efficiency, but is better than LTRT and NONE; thirdly, FTC has the lowest average maximum communication range than other algorithms, which indicates that the most energy-consuming node in the network consumes the lowest power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Spain 2013)

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Open AccessArticle

Finger-Vein Image Enhancement Using a Fuzzy-Based Fusion Method with Gabor and Retinex Filtering

by Kwang Yong Shin, Young Ho Park, Dat Tien Nguyen and Kang Ryoung Park

Sensors 2014, 14(2), 3095-3129; https://doi.org/10.3390/s140203095 - 17 Feb 2014

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 8792

Abstract

Because of the advantages of finger-vein recognition systems such as live detection and usage as bio-cryptography systems, they can be used to authenticate individual people. However, images of finger-vein patterns are typically unclear because of light scattering by the skin, optical blurring, and motion blurring, which can degrade the performance of finger-vein recognition systems. In response to these issues, a new enhancement method for finger-vein images is proposed. Our method is novel compared with previous approaches in four respects. First, the local and global features of the vein lines of an input image are amplified using Gabor filters in four directions and Retinex filtering, respectively. Second, the means and standard deviations in the local windows of the images produced after Gabor and Retinex filtering are used as inputs for the fuzzy rule and fuzzy membership function, respectively. Third, the optimal weights required to combine the two Gabor and Retinex filtered images are determined using a defuzzification method. Fourth, the use of a fuzzy-based method means that image enhancement does not require additional training data to determine the optimal weights. Experimental results using two finger-vein databases showed that the proposed method enhanced the accuracy of finger-vein recognition compared with previous methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)

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996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Multiple Object Tracking Using Virtual Shells

by Taygun Kekec, Mustafa Unel and Hakan Erdogan

Math. Comput. Appl. 2013, 18(3), 373-382; https://doi.org/10.3390/mca18030373 - 1 Dec 2013

Viewed by 1528

Abstract

This paper presents a new multiple object tracking framework where arbitrarily shaped complex objects having severe occlusions are successfully tracked in real-time using stationary cameras. The proposed method utilizes the concept of a virtual shell that encloses each moving object in the scene and simplifies analysis of object interactions. Object’s state transitions are handled by an event resolution analysis. Such a regional analysis boosts the tracking process. Finally, a pixel level evaluation is employed for all objects to establish successful pixel memberships. The proposed tracking algorithm is experimentally tested on some public databases and our own challenging aquarium setup that contains many different fish interactions. Full article

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