Abstract
The use of optimization techniques is well established in forest short-term planning and decision-making. Yet, existing techniques may pose some limitations for tackling with stochastic factors impacting in the execution of forest operations, such as delays, equipment breakdowns and other unexpected events. This paper explores the potential of using optimization techniques in combination with discrete-event simulation (DES) models for planning harvesting and logistics operations acknowledging uncertainty. DES models may be useful for assessing the performance and identifying bottlenecks associated with the execution of the deterministic plans retrieved with optimization techniques, when such stochastic events occur. This paper further presents an approach for the combination of a heuristic and a DES model developed in SIMIO. This approach was used to solve the raw material reception problem (RMRP) at a Portuguese pulp mill. This paper concludes with the analysis of the performance of deterministic schedules for the wood trucks considering uncertainty in their arrival at the mill.

Abstract
Systematic ways to perform ex-ante analysis of urban freight good practices are still missing, deeming transferability efforts prone to failure. We critically analyze state-of-the-art freight modeling methodologies to optimize the configuration of loading/unloading bays, and the associated enforcement measures, quantifying congestion reductions. Existing models can poorly handle some crucial elements for this analysis. An alternative modeling framework is proposed, integrating simulation models and optimization strategies that take into account double-parking derived vehicle obstruction. The framework should lead to deeper insights, even in a low-data availability perspective, between what is regarded as good practices and a quantification of their potential; thus becoming a useful tool in the design and analysis of policies. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract
This paper analyses distinct methods to represent a polygon through circle covering, which satisfy specific requirements, that impact primarily the feasibility and the quality of the layout of final solution. The trade-off between the quality of the polygonal representation and its derived number of circles is also discussed, showing the impact on the resolution of the problem, in terms of computational efficiency. The approach used to tackle the Nesting problem in strip packing uses a Non-Linear Programming model. Addressing these problems allows to tackle real world problems with continuous rotations. © IFAC.

Abstract
The process of establishing the ontology objectives by the stakeholders is fundamental for the ontology success. This process is unstructured by nature, being a continuum from the initial discussion of the purpose to the first agreed conceptual representation. The inherent (inter) subjectivity of the process and their outcomes together with an excessive informality are perhaps the reasons for being overlooked in the literature. This paper proposes an approach integrating competency questions (CQ) and conceptual graphs to the support of domain experts and knowledge specialists in defining the purpose and fundamental conceptual commitments of the ontology to be developed. The approach was experimented and validated with experts in a project in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract
Project-based organizations (PBO) are nowadays widespread in almost all the activity sectors. This type of organizations poses complex problems for information and knowledge management due to the fragmentation and lack of uniformity of organizational structures, processes, practices, and technologies. The ineffectiveness of knowledge sharing over time, between project teams, is perhaps the most prominent issue that PBO must deal with. This strongly affects organizational learning, which seems to under-deliver value to PBO. Therefore, relevant knowledge is trapped in an "informational limbo" out of reach, not being capitalized for the organization. This is particularly true in research and development (R&D) institutions, where knowledge sharing can be hindered by conceptual misunderstandings resulting from different disciplines, cultures and ways of working of project participants. This paper addresses such issues by analyzing, in a comprehensive way, how information and knowledge management can better suit project team's needs and at the same time improve organizational learning. An ethnographic study, based on immersed participant observation, is performed at a Portuguese R&D Institute, in order to understand the link between the way information is managed in a project and how people interact and learn by sharing knowledge between projects. Results provide a set of enterprise information management (EIM) recommendations. Findings also suggest that a PBO-wide EIM strategy, balancing knowledge codification and personalization mechanisms, is a feasible solution to overcome the problems of knowledge sharing in PBO. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract
The IFIP WG 5.5 Working Conferences on Virtual Enterprises (PRO-VE) has created, in 14 editions, a remarkable scientific and professional community intersecting several disciplines and resulting in a new one: collaborative networks. In this paper we present the results of a retrospective study of the conceptual system evolution of PRO-VE providing an instrument to reflect about the field's past and future. Our approach was socio-semantic trying to devise the influence between the researchers social network and the evolution of the conceptual system. Firstly, we made a terminological analysis of every PRO-VE proceeding resulting in a picture of the main concepts used in each edition and their relative importance. Then, we used social network analysis techniques to conclude about the influence of the researchers on the conceptual system evolution. The results suggest a relatively stable set of concepts influenced by a network of core researchers. However, some marked evolution in the relative importance of the concepts can be identified.