Abstract

Abstract
This paper presents the design of low cost, small autonomous surface vehicle for missions in the coastal waters and specifically for the challenging surf zone. The main objective of the vehicle design described in this paper is to address both the capability of operation at sea in relative challenging conditions and maintain a very low set of operational requirements (ease of deployment). This vehicle provides a first step towards being able to perform general purpose missions (such as data gathering or patrolling) and to at least in a relatively short distances to be able to be used in rescue operations (with very low handling requirements) such as carrying support to humans on the water. The USV is based on a commercially available fiber glass hull, it uses a directional waterjet powered by an electrical brushless motor for propulsion, thus without any protruding propeller reducing danger in rescue operations. Its small dimensions (1.5 m length) and weight allow versatility and ease of deployment. The vehicle design is described in this paper both from a hardware and software point of view. A characterization of the vehicle in terms of energy consumption and performance is provided both from test tank and operational scenario tests. An example application in search and rescue is also presented and discussed with the integration of this vehicle in the European ICARUS (7th framework) research project addressing the development and integration of robotic tools for large scale search and rescue operations.

Abstract
This paper proposes a framework to support the full virtual manufacturing enterprise lifecycle from the creation to the operation and dissolution. The paper will show how the framework supports the activities involved in the setup of virtual manufacturing enterprise, how to run it and which tools are needed. Three main perspectives are considered: knowledge and information, methodology and Technology. A business case analysis is then presented in order to understand the framework applicability to the development of collaborative business opportunities in an engineer-to-order and one-of-a-kind production environments, which is common to a large number of SMEs.

Abstract
Disturbance Management is a major issue in process industries like the pulp and paper (P&P) case and is mostly performed in the execution/control level. That approach is confined to the amendment of plans sent by upper levels and can thus be problematic. This paper moves towards the integration of planning and control, starting from the planning's point of view. The application of Simulation-Optimization (S-O) allows considering uncertainty, but keeping a deterministic tractable optimization model. Indeed, it is the simulation model that incorporates more complex elements such as stochastic variables, as well as integrates (with more or less detail) the execution/control behaviour. In this work, we present a case study of a P&P mill, focusing on the two most critical production resources (the digester and the paper machine). The feedback obtained by simulating their interaction is used to adjust the slacks introduced in the intermediate tank. In this way, we are able to generate plans that are not only optimized concerning company's indicators, but also robust against disturbances.

Abstract
This work addresses an integrated framework for deciding about the supplier selection in processed food supply chains that accounts for tactical production and distribution planning. We are especially concerned with the option of producing with local or mainstream raw materials. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, it proposes a new multi-objective two-stage stochastic mixed-integer programming model for the supplier selection that maximizes the profit and minimizes the risk of a low customer service. Secondly, the main complexities of processed food supply chains management are considered: perishability of raw materials and final products, uncertainty at downstream and upstream parameters, and customer willingness to pay. Results indicate that dual sourcing is a strategy to be pursued across several scenarios. The multi-objective approach shows that a small decrease in the expected value of profit results in a significant increase in the customer service. Acknowledging the increase in customers willing to pay for local products is also fundamental.

Abstract
This paper intends to analyze the performance of an electric bus for three different routes in the city of Oporto. The objective is to study the correlation between the type of route a bus travels and the amount of energy it spends in performing it. Besides energy, the potential of the recovering part of it through regenerative braking will also be discussed. It is expected that long and demanding routes, e.g. those encompassing meandering paths, will make the bus use more energy. To accomplish these objectives, a simulation platform was built upon both a nanoscopic representation of the electrical bus and its microscopic interaction with the road traffic network while performing different journeys through specific routes. Simulation results are compared and discussed, as well as are directions for future work identified. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Scientific Committee