105,725 research outputs found
Advances in crop insect modelling methodsâTowards a whole system approach
A wide range of insects affect crop production and cause considerable yield losses. Difficulties reside on the development and adaptation of adequate strategies to predict insect pests for their timely management to ensure enhanced agricultural production. Several conceptual modelling frameworks have been proposed, and the choice of an approach depends largely on the objective of the model and the availability of data. This paper presents a summary of decades of advances in insect population dynamics, phenology models, distribution and risk mapping. Existing challenges on the modelling of insects are listed; followed by innovations in the field. New approaches include artificial neural networks, cellular automata (CA) coupled with fuzzy logic (FL), fractal, multi-fractal, percolation, synchronization and individual/agent based approaches. A concept for assessing climate change impacts and providing adaptation options for agricultural pest management independently of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenarios is suggested. A framework for estimating losses and optimizing yields within crop production system is proposed and a summary on modelling the economic impact of pests control is presented. The assessment shows that the majority of known insect modelling approaches are not holistic; they only concentrate on a single component of the system, i.e. the pest, rather than the whole crop production system. We suggest system thinking as a possible approach for linking crop, pest, and environmental conditions to provide a more comprehensive assessment of agricultural crop production.Peer reviewe
The PACTUM model: product analysis of cost and time using mathematics
Establishing a mathematical supply-chain model is a proposition that has received attention due to its inherent benefits of evolving global supply-chain efficiencies. This paper discusses the prevailing relationships found within apparel supply-chain environments, and contemplates the complex issues indicated for constituting a mathematical model. Principal results identified within the data suggest, that the multifarious nature of global supply-chain activities require a degree of simplification in order to fully dilate the necessary factors which affect, each sub-section of the chain. Subsequently, the research findings allowed the division of supply-chain components into sub-sections, which amassed a coherent method of product development activity. Concurrently, the supply-chain model was found to allow systematic mathematical formulae analysis, of cost and time, within the multiple contexts of each sub-section encountered. The paper indicates the supply-chain model structure, the mathematics, and considers how product analysis of cost and time can improve the comprehension of product lifecycle management
A holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach applied to the development of ultraprecision micro-milling machines
Ultraprecision machines with small footprints or micro-machines are highly desirable for micro-manufacturing high-precision micro-mechanical components. However, the development of the machines is still at the nascent stage by working on an individual machine basis and hence lacks generic scientific approach and design guidelines. Using computer models to predict the dynamic performance of ultraprecision machine tools can help manufacturers substantially reduce the lead time and cost of developing new machines. Furthermore, the machine dynamic performance depends not only upon the mechanical structure and components but also the control system and electronic drives. This paper proposed a holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach, which supports analysis and optimization of the overall machine dynamic performance at the early design stage. Based on the proposed approach the modelling and simulation process on a novel 5-axis bench-top ultraprecision micro-milling machine tool â UltraMill â is presented. The modelling and simulation cover the dynamics of the machine structure, moving components, control system and the machining process, and are used to predict the overall machine performance of two typical configurations. Preliminary machining trials have been carried out and provided the evidence of the approach being helpful to assure the machine performing right at the first setup
Green BPM as a business-oriented discipline : a systematic mapping study and research agenda
Green Business Process Management (BPM) focuses on the ecological impact of business processes. This article provides a systematic mapping study of Green BPM literature to evaluate five attributes of the Green BPM research area: (1) scope, (2) disciplines, (3) accountability, (4) researchers and (5) quality control. The results allow developing a research agenda to enhance Green BPM as an approach for environmentally sustainable organizations. We rely on a dichotomy of knowledge production to present research directives relevant for both academics and practitioners in order to help close a rigor-relevance gap. The involvement of both communities is crucial for Green BPM to advance as an applied, business-oriented discipline
Design of sustainable energy systems : a new challenge for Engineering Education
This paper presents the main features of the master-level programme in âEcoEnergyâ offered as a full-time one year course at âInstitut National Polytechnique of Toulouseâ in order to provide engineers with a state-of-the-art education in the area of advanced energy technologies and systems. It is based on an original and equilibrated combination of process systems engineering and electrical engineering disciplines, with an interdisciplinary problem-solving approach necessary for identifying sustainable solutions in the energy sector. More precisely, the students learn how to design, develop and implement energy systems and technologies in various industrial sectors for which efficient management of energy issues is vital to remain competitive
Overview of holistic application of biogas for small scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Peer reviewedPostprin
Foreword: mycotoxins in a changing world
This special issue arose because of the changes in the global landscape in relation to the impact and implications of
our changing climate on food security and quality, consumer habits, trade and economics, regulations and scientific
thinking. The EU green paper (EC, 2007) on climate change (CC) has suggested significant hot spots in different
regions where food production will be considerably affected both in quality and quantity. Indeed, a recent UNEP
report on âEmerging Issues of Environmental Concernâ (UNEP, 2016) has included a section entitled âPoisoned chalice:
Toxin accumulation in crops in an era of climate changeâ which refers to the impact that aflatoxin contamination
is having in low and middle income countries (LMICs)
Overview of building information modelling in healthcare projects
In this paper, we explore how BIM functionalities together with novel
management concepts and methods have been utilized in thirteen hospital
projects in the United States and the United Kingdom. Secondary data collection
and analysis were used as the method. Initial findings indicate that the utilization
of BIM enables a holistic view of project delivery and helps to integrate project
parties into a collaborative process. The initiative to implement BIM must come
from the top down to enable early involvement of all key stakeholders. It seems
that it is rather resistance from people to adapt to the new way of working and
thinking than immaturity of technology that hinders the utilization of BIM
Analysis framework for the interaction between lean construction and building information modelling
Building with Building Information Modelling (BIM) changes design and production processes. But can BIM be used to support process changes designed according to lean production and lean construction principles? To begin to answer this question we provide a conceptual analysis of the interaction of lean construction and BIM for improving construction. This was investigated by compiling a detailed listing of lean construction principles and BIM functionalities which are relevant from this perspective. These were drawn from a detailed literature survey. A research framework for analysis of the interaction between lean and BIM was then compiled. The goal of the framework is to both guide and stimulate research; as such, the
approach adopted up to this point is constructive. Ongoing research has identified 55 such interactions, the majority of which show positive synergy between the two
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