DSM for Energy Optimization and Communications Within Smart Grid CPSs

Energy demand has increased significantly in the recent years due to the emerging of new technologies and industries, in particular in the developing countries. This increase requires much more developed power grid system than the existing traditional ones. Smart grid (SG) offers a potential solution to this problem. Being one of the most needed and complex cyber-physical systems (CPS), SG has been addressed exhaustively by researchers, from different views and aspects. However, energy optimization yet needs much more studying and examination. Therefore, this chapter presents a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the state-of-the-art developments in SG as a CPS with emphasis on energy optimization techniques and challenges. It also surveys the main challenges facing the SG considering CPS factors and the remarkable accomplishments and techniques in addressing these challenges. In addition, the document contrasts between different techniques according to their efficiency, usage, and feasibility. Moreover, this work explores the most effective applications of the SG as a CPS.

Māori Business Perceptions of the Potential Use of Biotechnologies in Pest Wasp Management

<p>The government has set a target of Aotearoa becoming predator-free by 2050. Scientists see biotechnologies as a potential solution for pest management at large scale, with wasps identified as an opportune prototype for consideration as a trial. Wasps are identified to be costing $133 million annually to the New Zealand economy. Primary industries are most affected, spaces that Māori occupy as part of the burgeoning Māori economy. Given the complex relationship Māori have historically had with genetic modification and biotechnologies, and their involvement with industries said to benefit from wasp eradication, the views from Māori businesses are important. In this thesis, a kaupapa Māori, mixed-methodology study is conducted with people from eight businesses who intersect on these issues. Interviews helped gauge the ‘pulse’ of where Māori businesses stand on these issues. Five novel biotechnologies being actively researched for potential use, including gene drive and pheromone lures, are presented to participants. Which, if any, biotechnology might be acceptable for pest control? Views ranged from accepting to disapproving. A diverse economy framework is used to deepen understanding of participant priorities and implications for business values. Economic factors take a backseat and Māori values surface in non-market activity, transactions that deviate from capitalism, which are found to play an important role in decision-making on biotechnologies. A diverse economy framework thus sheds far more light on an issue than simple impact calculations. Communication of biotechnologies to lay audiences needs attention. Furthermore, impartial and credible evidence from multiple sources, not just scientists, is needed to best inform people on these issues.</p>

Māori Business Perceptions of the Potential Use of Biotechnologies in Pest Wasp Management

<p>The government has set a target of Aotearoa becoming predator-free by 2050. Scientists see biotechnologies as a potential solution for pest management at large scale, with wasps identified as an opportune prototype for consideration as a trial. Wasps are identified to be costing $133 million annually to the New Zealand economy. Primary industries are most affected, spaces that Māori occupy as part of the burgeoning Māori economy. Given the complex relationship Māori have historically had with genetic modification and biotechnologies, and their involvement with industries said to benefit from wasp eradication, the views from Māori businesses are important. In this thesis, a kaupapa Māori, mixed-methodology study is conducted with people from eight businesses who intersect on these issues. Interviews helped gauge the ‘pulse’ of where Māori businesses stand on these issues. Five novel biotechnologies being actively researched for potential use, including gene drive and pheromone lures, are presented to participants. Which, if any, biotechnology might be acceptable for pest control? Views ranged from accepting to disapproving. A diverse economy framework is used to deepen understanding of participant priorities and implications for business values. Economic factors take a backseat and Māori values surface in non-market activity, transactions that deviate from capitalism, which are found to play an important role in decision-making on biotechnologies. A diverse economy framework thus sheds far more light on an issue than simple impact calculations. Communication of biotechnologies to lay audiences needs attention. Furthermore, impartial and credible evidence from multiple sources, not just scientists, is needed to best inform people on these issues.</p>

E-commerce online review for detecting influencing factors users perception

To date, online shopping using e-commerce services becomes a trend. The emergence of e-commerce truly helps people to shop more effectively and efficiently. However, there are still some problems encountered in e-commerce, especially from the user perspective. This research aims to explore user review data, particularly on factors that influence user perception of e-commerce applications, classify, and identify potential solutions to finding problems in e-commerce applications. Data is grabbed using web scraping techniques and classified using proper machine learning, i.e., support vector machine (SVM). Text associations and fishbone analysis are performed based on the classified user review data. The results of this study show that the user satisfaction problem can be captured. Furthermore, various services that should be provided as a potential solution to experienced customers' problems or application users' perception problems can be generated. A detailed discussion of these findings is available in this article.

Protecting video games against online copyright infringement: a Russian approach to site blocking

Throughout recent years Russia has developed a strong anti-piracy and site blocking laws which claim to become effective tools against an ongoing issue of video game piracy. Thousands of pirate torrent indexing websites, illegal marketplaces with unauthorized digital goods and in-game values are shut down yearly by video game right holders in order to prevent illegal content consumption. Torrent sites loose up to 90% of traffic quickly after blocking measures are implemented. However, if the law is too good to be true, it most probably is. The strict domain-specific site blocking approach has been an ongoing issue and an obstacle for right holders to tackle site blocking circumvention tools from Russia. Most pirate sites hop to a new domain name after the right holder obtains first content-removal order making it impossible to sue the website for repeated copyright infringement. The dynamic site blocking approach developed within European case law and best practices may become a potential solution to this problem.

Rolling Circle RNA Synthesis Catalysed by RNA

RNA-catalysed RNA replication is widely considered a key step in the emergence of life's first genetic system. However, RNA replication can be impeded by the extraordinary stability of duplex RNA products, which must be dissociated for re-initiation of the next replication cycle. Here we have explored rolling circle synthesis (RCS) as a potential solution to this strand separation problem. RCS on small circular RNAs - as indicated by molecular dynamics simulations - induces a progressive build-up of conformational strain with destabilisation of nascent strand 5′ and 3′ ends. At the same time, we observe sustained RCS by a triplet polymerase ribozyme on small circular RNAs over multiple orbits with strand displacement yielding concatemeric RNA products. Furthermore, we show RCS of a circular Hammerhead ribozyme capable of self-cleavage and re-circularisation. Thus, all steps of a viroid-like RNA replication pathway can be catalysed by RNA alone. Our results have implications for the emergence of RNA replication and for understanding the potential of RNA to support complex genetic processes.