University of Rhode Island

About: University of Rhode Island is a education organization based out in Kingston, Rhode Island, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Bay. The organization has 11464 authors who have published 22770 publications receiving 841066 citations. The organization is also known as: URI & Rhode Island College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.

Model-Free Real-Time EV Charging Scheduling Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

Abstract: Driven by the recent advances in electric vehicle (EV) technologies, EVs have become important for smart grid economy. When EVs participate in demand response program which has real-time pricing signals, the charging cost can be greatly reduced by taking full advantage of these pricing signals. However, it is challenging to determine an optimal charging strategy due to the existence of randomness in traffic conditions, user’s commuting behavior, and the pricing process of the utility. Conventional model-based approaches require a model of forecast on the uncertainty and optimization for the scheduling process. In this paper, we formulate this scheduling problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) with unknown transition probability. A model-free approach based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed to determine the optimal strategy for this problem. The proposed approach can adaptively learn the transition probability and does not require any system model information. The architecture of the proposed approach contains two networks: a representation network to extract discriminative features from the electricity prices and a Q network to approximate the optimal action-value function. Numerous experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

A Hierarchical Distributed Fog Computing Architecture for Big Data Analysis in Smart Cities

Abstract: The ubiquitous deployment of various kinds of sensors in smart cities requires a new computing paradigm to support Internet of Things (IoT) services and applications, and big data analysis Fog Computing, which extends Cloud Computing to the edge of network, fits this need In this paper, we present a hierarchical distributed Fog Computing architecture to support the integration of massive number of infrastructure components and services in future smart cities To secure future communities, it is necessary to build large-scale, geospatial sensing networks, perform big data analysis, identify anomalous and hazardous events, and offer optimal responses in real-time We analyze case studies using a smart pipeline monitoring system based on fiber optic sensors and sequential learning algorithms to detect events threatening pipeline safety A working prototype was constructed to experimentally evaluate event detection performance of the recognition of 12 distinct events These experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the system's city-wide implementation in the future

A Review of the Concept of Intercultural Sensitivity

Abstract: The development of a "global village" strongly demands the ability of intercultural sensitivity between people for survival in the 21st century. Due to current lack of study on the subject, this paper aims to: (1) provide a conceptualization of intercultural sensitivity; (2) specify the role intercultural sensitivity plays in intercultural training programs; (3) delineate the components of intercultural sensitivity; and (4) critique and suggest directions for future study in this line of research. As a result, a working definition of intercultural sensitivity is generated. The components of intercultural sensitivity examined include: self-esteem, self-monitoring, open-mindedness, empathy, interaction involvement, and non-judgment. In addition, the paper discusses confusion among intercultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity, and intercultural competence and suggests future directions for research in intercultural sensitivity. Contains 72 references.

Character Strengths: Research and Practice

Abstract: Character strengths are the foundation of optimal life-long development and thriving. Good character is not a singular thing but rather plural–a family of positive traits shown in one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This paper provides an overview of the Values in Action (VIA) project, which classifies and measures 24 widely-recognized and valued strengths. Research shows that character strengths are linked to important aspects of individual and social well-being, although different strengths predict different outcomes. This paper discusses ways to recognize and cultivate character strengths, within the context of a strengths-based approach to education and personal development. Character matters, and cultivating its components should be an important goal for all.