Abstract
Distributed energy resources (DERs) can provide a number of functions to be used in grid services with proper establishment of control and communication systems. However, there are neither general standards for vendor independent integration of these assets in management activities, nor common consideration of specific flexibilities that different DERs have. This paper investigates characterization and comparison of individual power and energy management flexibilities of different types of distributed energy resources. Emerging DER capability identification approaches are used to highlight contrasting differences between several energy storage and distributed generation options. Experiments were conducted in a low voltage test facility to compare flexibility limits using the same control and communication infrastructure. © 2018 IEEE.

Abstract
3D path planning with unmanned aerial vehicles in search and rescue scenarios is an important research area, due to the ability to explore damage areas that could be inaccessible for vehicles like ground robots. This paper presents two innovative real-time path planning algorithms based on PRM (Probabilistic Road Map) able to be implemented in UAV’s denoted by Grid Path Planning Roadmap Planning (GPRM) and the Particle Probabilistic Roadmap (PPRM). With the requirement of being implemented in a real search and rescue scenario like the EuRathlon competition, the GPRM method will produce a roadmap building step with obstacles inside a predefined grid while PPRM will follow a different approach by introducing an associated probability to each computed path in order to support the next sampling step path planning iteration. Both methods were evaluated and compared with the well known 3D path planning PRM in a search and rescue earthquake simulation environment developed in MORSE (Modular Open Robots Simulation Engine). © 2018 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract
BackgroundUnderstanding the perceived importance of Patient-Centered Care (PCC) among Palestinian doctors and how the provider and other clinical characteristics may impact their views on PCC is essential to determine the extent to which PCC can be implemented. This study investigates the provision of PCC among hospital doctors in a developing and unstable country, namely, Palestine.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional research employed self-report survey among 369 Palestinian doctors working in hospitals in 2016. Respondents completed the Provider-Patient Relationship Questionnaire (PPRQ) and were asked to rate the importance of 16 PCC subjects in a context-free manner. Then they scored the existence of eight contextual attributes in their workplace.ResultsAlthough 71.4% of the participants got training in communication, only 45% of the participants knew about PCC. 48.8% of doctors considered the exchange of information with patients most important PCC component. Clustering identified three groups of doctors: 32.4% of doctors reported good perceptions of PCC, 47.5% moderate; and 20.1% poor. Older, married, and specialist doctors and those familiar with PCC are more likely classified in the good cluster. Results revealed a significant difference between doctors' views based on their gender, experience, marital status, previous knowledge about PCC, and type of hospital in favor of males, experienced, married, familiar with PCC, and doctors in private hospital respectively. The level of job interest, nurses' cooperation, the tendency of patients to hide information, and doctor's friendly style were positively related with more perceived importance of PCC.ConclusionWe identified benchmark doctors who perceive the high relative importance of PCC. Our results highlighted knowledge gaps and training weaknesses among doctors in public and private hospitals in respect to their views on PCC. Decision makers may invest in the determined contextual predictors to enhance attitudes towards PCC. This work doesn't address patients' views on PCC.

Abstract
This paper describes a project-based learning example used to promote academic success on electrical engineering, BSc and MSc degrees. The project aims to implement an aerial drone devoted to environmental surveillance, through identification and prevention of forest fires, effects of floods, and industrial flammable gases leaks to the atmosphere using an extensive set of gas sensors. The project was carried out using a hexacopter drone platform and combines knowledge of different areas, namely electronics, communications, and instrumentation. The wireless transmission of the acquired data is the main focus of the project. The results obtained from this project-based learning educational experience show that a practical-learning approach usage in conjunction with highly motivating topics promotes academic success and improves the understanding of theoretical concepts. Students increased their knowledge and skills during the problem resolution, and achieved a real solution according to their options. Moreover, this approach provides students an extensive learning experience on current technologies, modules and programming languages. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.

Abstract
Several technological, social and organizational factors influence energy management in school buildings, resulting in a complex situation away from the usual engineering approach. The selection of evaluation criteria to assess the energy performance of school buildings remains one of the most challenging aspects since these should accommodate the perspectives of the potential key stakeholders. This paper presents a comprehensive problem structuring approach combining Soft Systems Methodology and Value Focused Thinking to elicit and organize the multiple aspects that influence energy efficiency of school buildings. The main aim of this work is structuring the fundamental objectives to develop a criteria tree to be considered in a multi-criteria classification model to be used by management entities for rating overall energy performance of school buildings. This methodological framework helped grasping the main issues at stake for a thorough energy performance assessment of school buildings and the need to define adequate policies for improvement.

Abstract