A framework for capturing and representing the process to classify nuclear waste and informing where processes can be automated

Decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities are complex processes, where an accurate triage of visual and radiological characterisation is an important driver of how this process is executed. In-situ measurements before dismantling are essential for effective, optimized waste management solutions to ensure the safe and secure decommissioning of nuclear installations. Characterising nuclear structures includes a large amount of human involvement in decision making, physical inspections and even lifting and relocating radioactive waste items. The current process accounts for risks like close human contact with radioactive material for extended periods, and errors based on operator knowledge rather than automated detection systems. In this paper, we present a framework to explicitly outline the steps required to classify nuclear waste remotely, in-situ and non-destructively, and the subsequent evaluation of these steps to determine where they can be automated. This framework uses the CommonKADS methodology, a well-established approach for knowledge modelling systems, to identify the main decisions in the process of characterising a nuclear reprocessing cell in a nuclear facility. We capture the sources of knowledge required to support and justify decisions made, and the resulting models are reviewed to assess where decisions can be automated, or supported using AI tools, to ensure robust, reliable, and rapid decisions. This framework aims to provide the first step and help to support innovation, toward a system able to produce tangible benefits for enhancing the safety, economy and reliability of nuclear cell waste classification and decommissioning management. We illustrate the use of the framework with a case study application which demonstrates how a semi-automated decision support system could be built based on the framework

Knowledge and Management Models for Sustainable Growth

In the last years sustainability has become a topic of global concern and a key issue in the strategic agenda of both business organizations and public authorities and organisations. Significant changes in business landscape, the emergence of new technology, including social media, the pressure of new social concerns, have called into question established conceptualizations of competitiveness, wealth creation and growth. New and unaddressed set of issues regarding how private and public organisations manage and invest their resources to create sustainable value have brought to light. In particular the increasing focus on environmental and social themes has suggested new dimensions to be taken into account in the value creation dynamics, both at organisations and communities level. For companies the need of integrating corporate social and environmental responsibility issues into strategy and daily business operations, pose profound challenges, which, in turn, involve numerous processes and complex decisions influenced by many stakeholders. Facing these challenges calls for the creation, use and exploitation of new knowledge as well as the development of proper management models, approaches and tools aimed to contribute to the development and realization of environmentally and socially sustainable business strategies and practices