An Alternative Approach for Solving the Environmentally-Oriented Discrete Network Design Problem

This paper addresses the discrete network design problem (DNDP) with emphasis on the environmental benefits. These benefits are traditionally quantified by emission models, which in general account for vehicle speeds, traffic flows and emission coefficients. An alternative approach for approximating the environmental impact of traffic is developed. This approach finds the route that keeps the most balanced speed profile throughout the route, which contributes to fuel consumption reduction. The paper formulates an optimization problem that includes the described approach for the DNDP. The solution of the problem consists of projects that contribute the most to the generation of such “balanced speed routes”. The paper illustrates the problem and the solution for a real-size network with a medium-size set of candidate projects.     

Probabilistische Modellierung und Vorhersage der Standzeit und Zuverlässigkeit eines Fräswerkzeugs mittels der Bayesianischen Statistik

Forschung im Ingenieurwesen - In diesem Artikel wird die probabilistische Modellierung und Vorhersage für die Standzeit und Zuverlässigkeit eines Fräswerkzeugs mittels der...     

National geodatabase of tidal stream power resource in USA

A geodatabase of tidal constituents is developed to present the regional assessment of tidal stream power resource in the USA. Tidal currents are numerically modeled with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and calibrated with the available measurements of tidal current speeds and water level surfaces. The performance of the numerical model in predicting the tidal currents and water levels is assessed by an independent validation. The geodatabase is published on a public domain via a spatial database engine with interactive tools to select, query and download the data. Regions with the maximum average kinetic power density exceeding 500 W/m² (corresponding to a current speed of ～1 m/s), total surface area larger than 0.5 km² and depth greater than 5 m are defined as hotspots and documented. The regional assessment indicates that the state of Alaska (AK) has the largest number of locations with considerably high kinetic power density, followed by, Maine (ME), Washington (WA), Oregon (OR), California (CA), New Hampshire (NH), Massachusetts (MA), New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), North and South Carolina (NC, SC), Georgia (GA), and Florida (FL).     

Implementing a multiskilled workforce

Recent studies show the construction industry in the USA is facing a long term labour shortage. Multiskilling has been suggested as a strategy to address this issue by utilizing existing workers more efficiently. Multiskilling decreases the number of workers hired for a project and can improve productivity. Additional benefits include higher income and increased employability of the workforce. To take full advantage of these benefits, the workforce strategy and the planning and scheduling processes of a construction project must be adapted to use multiskilling effectively and efficiently. The multiskilled workforce should be scheduled and organized to maximize the duration of employment for workers, reduce the overall labour requirements and cover the skills combinations required by the project. This research synthesizes and formalizes the methods that successful construction companies are currently applying to implement a multiskilled workforce. A methodology for implementing multiskilling is outlined as well.     

Multisensor data fusion for on-site materials tracking in construction

Automated materials tracking and locating on construction sites can significantly impact construction productivity. The ability to automatically detect the locations and multi-handling of thousands of items can improve the performance of material distribution, and ultimately improve project performance. Deploying a cost-effective, scalable, and easy to implement materials location sensing system in real world construction sites has very recently become technically and economically feasible. However, much opportunity still exists to improve accuracy, precision and robustness. In this study a data fusion model is used on an integrated solution for automated identification, location estimation, and dislocation detection of construction materials. The developed model is a modified functional data fusion model. Particular attention is focused on dislocation detection because it is closely coupled with location estimation, and because it can be used to detect multi-handling of materials. Multi-handling is a key indicator of inefficiency. This study has successfully addressed the challenges of fusing data from different simple sources of information within a very noisy and dynamic environment. The results indicate a potential for the proposed model to improve location estimation and movement detection as well as to automate multi-handling counts.     

HTGR reactor physics and fuel cycle studies

The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) appears as a good candidate for the next generation of nuclear power plants. In the “HTR-N” project of the European Union Fifth Framework Program, analyses have been performed on a number of conceptual HTGR designs, derived from reference pebble-bed and hexagonal block-type HTGR types. It is shown that several HTGR concepts are quite promising as systems for the incineration of plutonium and possibly minor actinides.These studies were mainly concerned with the investigation and intercomparison of the plutonium and actinide burning capabilities of a number of HTGR concepts and associated fuel cycles, with emphasis on the use of civil plutonium from spent LWR uranium fuel (first generation Pu) and from spent LWR MOX fuel (second generation Pu). Besides, the “HTR-N” project also included activities concerning the validation of computational tools and the qualification of models. Indeed, it is essential that validated analytical tools are available in the European nuclear community to perform conceptual design studies, industrial calculations (reload calculations and the associated core follow), safety analyses for licensing, etc., for new fuel cycles aiming at plutonium and minor actinide (MA) incineration/transmutation without multi-reprocessing of the discharged fuel.These validation and qualification activities have been centred round the two HTGR systems currently in operation, viz. the HTR-10 and the HTTR. The re-calculation of the HTTR first criticality with a Monte Carlo neutron transport code now yields acceptable correspondence with experimental data. Also calculations by 3D diffusion theory codes yield acceptable results. Special attention, however, has to be given to the modelling of neutron streaming effects. For the HTR-10 the analyses focused on first criticality, temperature coefficients and control rod worth. Also in these studies a good correspondence between calculation and experiment is observed for the 3D diffusion theory codes.     

Augmenting elementary school education with VR

At the University of Illinois at Chicago's Electronic Visualization Laboratory, we use virtual reality technology to complement real-world experiences rather than replace them. For more than two years, we've been deploying ImmersaDesk applications in a Chicago-area elementary school. We want to know whether these virtual environments (VEs) help children make sense of mathematics and scientific phenomena. If so, can educators adapt them to the realities of elementary school learning and teaching? Our experience indicates that VR can successfully augment scientific education as well as help to equalize the learning environment by engaging students of all levels