Policy ideas through the prism of knowledge regimes and framing

Policymakers are often confronted with problems that involve ambiguity and uncertainty (Zahariadis, 2003). In order to make sense of such problems and to identify possible solutions, they are on the lookout for policy ideas

Robust image analysis with sparse representation on quantized visual features

10.1109/TIP.2012.2219543IEEE Transactions on Image Processing223860-871IIPR

Risks and Challenges of Adopting Electric Vehicles in Smart Cities

Oil prices and increased carbon emissions are two of the key issues affecting mainstream transportation globally. Hence, EVs (Electric VehiclesElectric Vehicles) are becoming popular as they do not depend on oil, and the GHG (Greenhouse Gases) do not contribute to GHG emissions. In fact, their integration with smart grids makes them even more attractive. Although EVEV adoption is becoming widespread, three groups of challenges need to be addressed. These challenges are associated with EV technology adoption, integration of EVs and smart grids, and the supply chain of EV raw materials. Regarding the EV technology adoption, the risks and challenges include EV battery capacity, drivers’ range anxiety, the impact of auxiliary loads, EV drivers’ behavior, EV owners’ unwillingness to participate in the V2GV2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) program, economic barriers to adopting EVs, difficult EV maintenance, EV performance mismatch between the lab and the real world, need for government regulation, lack of charging infrastructure such as not enough charging stations, and expensive batteries. There are additional challenges concerning the integration with the smart grids such as system overload, high-cost investment in V2G technology, load mismatchLoad mismatch, and unmanaged recharging of EV batteries. Finally, there are challenges regarding the consistent supply of the raw materials needed for EVs. This chapter examines these risks and challenges, suggests solutions and provides recommendations for future research

Smart design rules for smart grids: analysing local smart grid development through an empirico-legal institutional lens

Background This article entails an innovative approach to smart grid technology implementation, as it connects governance research with legal analysis. We apply the empirico-legal ‘ILTIAD framework’, which combines Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework with institutional legal theory (ILT), to an empirical case study of a local smart grid project. Methods Empirical data were collected in an exploratory, descriptive example study of a single case, focusing on the Action Situation and interactions towards establishing a local Smart Grid. The case was chosen because of its complexity, following the ‘logic of intensity sampling’. Data triangulation took place combining participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Results Through an exploratory case study, we showed how the ILTIAD framework can help reduce complexity in local decision-making processes on smart grid implementation, as it allows for analytical description and prescriptive design of local smart grid systems. In the analysis we addressed ownership arrangements and contracts and identified barriers and opportunities for realizing a local smart grid system. The design part includes a scenario which revealed the prescribed patterns of behaviour (liberties and abilities) and the consequential aspects that apply to each situation. Conclusions Analysing and designing normative alignment ex ante to the planning and implementation of a smart grid system provides clarity to stakeholders about their current opportunities. For this reason, the ILTIAD framework can be used as a design guideline for establishing new and integrated smart grid projects

Levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) versus endometrial ablation (Novasure) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding:a multicentre randomised controlled trial

<p>Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding is an important health problem. Two frequently used therapies are the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS) and endometrial ablation. The LNG-IUS can be applied easily by the general practitioner, which saves costs, but has considerable failure rates. As an alternative, endometrial ablation is also very effective, but this treatment has to be performed by a gynaecologist. Due to lack of direct comparison of LNG-IUS with endometrial ablation, there is no evidence based preferred advice for the use of one of these treatment possibilities.</p><p>Method/design: A multicenter randomised controlled trial, organised in a network infrastructure in the Netherlands in which general practitioners and gynaecologists collaborate.</p><p>Women >= 34 years with heavy menstrual bleeding, a Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) score exceeding 150 points and no future child wish can participate in the trial. After informed consent, women will be randomised to a strategy starting with a levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system or a strategy starting with endometrial ablation.</p><p>The primary outcome is the PBAC score at 24 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes are patient satisfaction, complications, number of re-interventions, menstrual bleeding pattern, quality of life, sexual function, sick leave and costs. As predictors of effect of intervention we also meaure level of coagulation factors.</p><p>Discusson: This study, considering both effectiveness and cost effectiveness of LNG-IUS versus endometrial ablation may well improve care for women with heavy menstrual bleeding.</p>