ANSWERS-2000: Non-Point-Source Nutrient Planning Model

ANSWERS-2000, a non-point-source planning model was modified to simulate long-term nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) transport from rural watersheds. The model simulates infiltration, evapotranspiration, percolation, and runoff and losses of nitrate, adsorbed and dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and adsorbed and dissolved P losses. Eight soil nutrient pools are modeled: stable organic N, active organic N, nitrate, ammonium, and stable mineral P, active mineral P, organic P, and exchangeable P. The model was validated on two small watersheds without calibration and on a large watershed with calibration of only the sediment detachment parameters. Predicted cumulative runoff, sediment, nitrate, dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and orthophosphorus P losses were within a factor of 2 of observed values (?40 to +44% of observed values). Predictions of individual runoff event losses were not as accurate (?98 to +250%). The model seriously underpredicted adsorbed ammonium losses by up to 97%, and additional work is recommended on this submodel. In a practical application, the use of the model in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of alternative management scenarios was demonstrated.     

Multi-objective sustainable process plan generation in a reconfigurable manufacturing environment: exact and adapted evolutionary approaches

Achieving competitiveness in nowadays manufacturing market goes through being cost and time-efficient as well as environmentally harmless. Reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is a paradigm that is able to meet these challenges due to its scalability and integrability. In this paper, we aim to solve the multi-objective sustainable process plan generation problem in a reconfigurable environment. In addition to the total production cost and the completion time, we use the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted during the manufacturing process as a sustainability criterion. We propose an iterative multi-objective integer linear programming (I-MOILP) approach and its comparison with adapted versions of the two well-known evolutionary algorithms, respectively, the Archived Multi-Objective Simulated Annealing (AMOSA) and the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). Moreover, we study the influence of the probabilities of genetic operators on the convergence of the adapted NSGA-II. To illustrate the applicability of the three approaches, an example is presented and obtained numerical results analysed.     

Regional averaged controllability for hyperbolic parameter dependent systems

The purpose of this paper is to extend the notion of regional controllability for hyperbolic parameter dependent systems. The key idea is the characterization of the \textit{averaged regional control} with minimal energy. This control steers the state average (with respect to such a parameter) towards the desired state only on a given part of the system evolution domain. In this paper, we give the precis definition and the properties of this new concept. Then, we use an approach based on an extension of the Hilbert uniqueness method devoted to the calculation of the control in two different cases: zone control and pointwise control.     

Continuous analyticⅠ-Ⅴmodel for GS DG MOSFETs including hot-carrier degradation effects

正We have studied the influence of hot-carrier degradation effects on the drain current of a gate-stack double-gate(GS DG) MOSFET device.Our analysis is carried out by using an accurate continuous current-voltage (Ⅰ-Ⅴ) model,derived based on both Poisson's and continuity equations without the need of charge-sheet approximation. The developed model offers the possibility to describe the entire range of different regions(subthreshold, linear and saturation) through a unique continuous expression.Therefore,the proposed approach can bring considerable enhancement at the level of multi-gate compact modeling including hot-carrier degradation effects.     

Exploiting linked data to create rich human digital memories

Memories are an important aspect of a person’s life and experiences. The area of human digital memories focuses on encapsulating this phenomenon, in a digital format, over a lifetime. Through the proliferation of ubiquitous devices, both people and the surrounding environment are generating a phenomenal amount of data. With all of this disjointed information available, successfully searching it and bringing it together, to form a human digital memory, is a challenge. This is especially true when a lifetime of data is being examined. Linked Data provides an ideal, and novel, solution for overcoming this challenge, where a variety of data sources can be drawn upon to capture detailed information surrounding a given event. Memories, created in this way, contain vivid structures and varied data sources, which emerge through the semantic clustering of content and other memories. This paper presents DigMem, a platform for creating human digital memories, based on device-specific services and the user’s current environment. In this way, information is semantically structured to create temporal “memory boxes” for human experiences. A working prototype has been successfully developed, which demonstrates the approach. In order to evaluate the applicability of the system a number of experiments have been undertaken. These have been successful in creating human digital memories and illustrating how a user can be monitored in both indoor and outdoor environments. Furthermore, the user’s heartbeat information is analysed to determine his or her heart rate. This has been achieved with the development of a QRS Complex detection algorithm and heart rate calculation method. These methods process collected electrocardiography (ECG) information to discern the heart rate of the user. This information is essential in illustrating how certain situations can make the user feel.     

Continuous analytic I–V model for GS DG MOSFETs including hot-carrier degradation effects

We have studied the influence of hot-carrier degradation effects on the drain current of a gate-stack double-gate (GS DG) MOSFET device. Our analysis is carried out by using an accurate continuous current-voltage (I-V) model, derived based on both Poisson's and continuity equations without the need of charge-sheet approximation. The developed model offers the possibility to describe the entire range of different regions (subthreshold, linear and saturation) through a unique continuous expression. Therefore, the proposed approach can bring considerable enhancement at the level of multi-gate compact modeling including hot-carrier degradation effects.     

A multi-actor multi-criteria framework to assess the stakeholder support for different biofuel options: The case of Belgium

The multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is a methodology to evaluate different policy measures, whereby different stakeholders’ opinions are explicitly taken into account. In this paper, the framework is used to assess several biofuel options for Belgium that can contribute to the binding target of 10% renewable fuels in transport by 2020, issued by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Four biofuel options (biodiesel, ethanol, biogas and synthetic biodiesel (also referred to as “biomass-to-liquid” or BTL)) together with a reference fossil fuel option, are evaluated on the aims and objectives of the different stakeholders involved in the biofuel supply chain (feedstock producers, biofuel producers, fuel distributors, end users, vehicle manufacturers, government, NGOs and North–South organizations). Overall, the MAMCA provided insights in the stakeholder’s position and possible implementation problems for every biofuel option. As such, it helps decision makers in establishing a supportive policy framework to facilitate implementation and to ensure market success, once they have decided on which biofuel option (or combination of options) to implement.     

Effects of Voids Growth on the Damage of Polypropylene/Talc Micro-composite

In this study, the effect of the voids growth on the damage of PP/talc micro-composite was analyzed using experimental and numerical approaches. Pure PP was filled with four proportions of treated talc: 5, 10, 40 and 50%. Tensile tests were performed on specimens manufactured from this composite. The Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman model was implemented in FE model to predict the damage of the PP/talc. The predicted results were compared to the experimental ones. There is a good agreement between the numerical and the experimental results for pure PP, PP?+?40% of talc and the PP?+?50% of talc. We noted a significant divergence between the experimental and the numerical results for the PP reinforced with 5 and 10% of talc.