bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2.1.1 Automated Requirements Quality Analysis through Requirements Comparisons
Authors: Scott William , Cook Stephen
Published: November 2014

Given the importance of key requirements documents such as the function and performance specification to the outcome of a systems engineering project, it is important to ensure that a system's requirements are captured and managed well. While contemporary requirements engineering tools are effective at the latter, they offer little assistance in preparing and assessing a set of requirements. This issue has been the subject of an ongoing research project within the Defence and Systems Institute at the University of South Australia that has led to the definition of a context‐free grammar that underpins both a requirements entry wizard and a requirements assessment engine. This engine performs what we call Level 1 assessment in that it ensures that all the necessary components of the imperative statement are present and that the requirement passes elementary tests for reasonableness. This paper describes how through automated comparison of requirements statements much more powerful requirement assessments can be performed. The paper opens by describing a methodology to assess sets of requirements that can be applied at what we call the second and third levels of our three‐tiered requirement assessment approach: namely, consistency checking across the requirements set and context‐based reasoning that seeks to apply a degree of real‐world reasoning based on a comparison of the requirements for the system of interest against industry norms. To facilitate the comparison processes, this paper introduces and describes a finite set of comparison outcomes that can be used to characterise each comparison and become the input for further reasoning. The paper proceeds by showing how the second‐tier assessment can be achieved by comparing each requirement within a requirements set against all of the other requirements thus identifying inconsistent and contradictory requirements. Similarly, the paper shows how the third‐tier assessment can be achieved by comparing the overall meaning of the requirements set against that of benchmark sets. While the paper describes requirements matching concepts that are useful, it also identifies that there are numerous issues that need to be addressed to allow the concept to reach its full potential.
2.1.2 Cyclone Process: Dealing with Vague Requirements
Authors: Bone Mary Alice
Published: November 2014

The main goal of current requirement processes is to define requirements that are complete and unambiguous. Though this is a commendable goal, in the everyday workplace this task is usually unfeasible due to other restraints such as budget, schedule, and/or difficult customers. To handle the balance of creating requirements with integrity and dealing with the aforementioned restraints this paper puts forth a new requirement process, the cyclone process, which allows some requirements to remain vague throughout the requirement process.

The cyclone process handles vague requirements by adding a new dimension to the requirements process, which is risk assessment. By associating risk with requirements the user is able to proceed through the requirements process with a known risk level that is acceptable between the stakeholders. An example of the cyclone process is included to demonstrate how the risk assessment dimension is integrated into the requirement process.
3.1.2 Two Empirical Tests of Design Principles for Survivable System Architecture
Authors: Richards Matthew G. , Hastings Daniel E. , Ross Adam M. , Rhodes Donna H.
Published: November 2014

Survivability, the ability of a system to minimize the impact of a finite‐duration disturbance on value delivery, is increasingly recognized beyond military contexts as an enabler for maintaining system performance in the presence of dynamic disturbance environments. This paper attempts to validate a preliminary set of twelve general design principles for survivability through two empirical tests. Survivability features of the A‐10A “Warthog” combat aircraft and UH‐60A Blackhawk helicopter, two systems designed for reduced vulnerability, are inductively traced to an existing set of principles. Seven unique insights are derived from the analysis, and the design principles are revised to reflect the lessons learned. A new set of seventeen design principles are formalized: six aimed at reducing susceptibility and eleven aimed at reducing vulnerability. The paper concludes with propositions for future work for developing a theory of survivable system architecture and a discussion of the importance of empiricism in systems engineering.
5.2.2 On the Use of Concepts and Principles for Improving Systems Engineering Practice
Authors: Lawson Harold , Martin James N
Published: November 2014

Many complex system projects fail due to the fact that the conceivers and developers of the system have not clearly established and communicated the central concepts and principles related to the system product or system service being provided. Establishment and communication is not a guarantee. It is vital that the concepts and principles are followed consistently in all life cycle related decision‐making in order to achieve a unifying effect. System architects have a primary responsibility for concepts and principles of the system solution. In this paper, the nature of concepts and principles are explored and related. Some concrete examples of system successes that resulted from the proper treatment of concepts and principles are described.
6.1.1 When and What to Standardize; An Architecture Perspective
Authors: Muller Gerrit
Published: November 2014

Many products today are developed for highly dynamic markets while the products and functions get more and more integrated. The product and service realization is based on fast changing technologies that come together in complex value chains. The challenge for modern companies in innovative domains is to survive in this dynamic world. In this paper we explore what the appropriate timing of product standardization is.
6.3.2 Emergence: Still a Challenge for the Systematic
Authors: McConnell George R.
Published: November 2014

At the International Symposium of 2000 in Minneapolis I presented a paper that suggested that in order to deal with emergent properties of increasingly complex systems, the typical systems engineer needed to go beyond the systematic and become more systemic in approach. This paper revisits the issues and suggests that, for many, progress along this road is rather slow. At the same time it highlights that for some within INCOSE there have been very significant advances and this provides promise for the future. The fundamental purpose of the paper is not to describe a systems approach, but to try to highlight some of the reasons why a systems approach is needed and the ways in which such an approach can be beneficial to the systems engineering community.
7.3.1 Going Beyond Traditional Systems Engineering to Address 21st Century Challenges
Authors: Harwell Richard (Rich) M. , Martin James N.
Published: November 2014

In spite of several decades of increasingly sophisticated systems engineering processes, methods, and tools, industry continues to be plagued with systems engineering failures. Enterprise leaders are focused on delivering solutions that meet customer needs and have become weary of systems engineering that does not consistently deliver results. In view of the increased complexity and complicatedness of systems development in today's marketplace, systems engineering is at a crossroads necessitating a transition to a more expansive and integrated mindset. A mindset comfortable with changing variables, eternally evolving requirements and capability needs, lack of single‐oversight control, and simultaneous interoperability among many networked and interdependent systems.
8.2.1 Engineering a Telework Solution
Authors: Mosier Stephen P.
Published: November 2014

Telework is the application of information technology to enable workers to perform their jobs from home or other locations to avoid commuting through congested rush hour traffic. Successful telework solutions will provide the organization as well as the teleworker with the means to perform their job, potentially more efficiently than before, while achieving increased employee satisfaction, reducing facility costs for the employer, and reducing traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and green‐house gasses. This paper describes the concept of telework and outlines a systems engineering approach to implementation of telework solutions that extend beyond casual ad‐hoc instances.
8.3.1 The Macro Risk Model: An Early Warning Tool for Software‐Intensive Systems Projects
Authors: Boehm Barry , Ingold Dan , Madachy Raymond
Published: November 2014

The Macro Risk Model is a tool for early detection and quantification of project risks associated with Software‐Intensive Systems (SIS). It has been calibrated and validated against detailed case studies. Structured questions guide a user in rating evidence and risk impacts with respect to critical project success factors. It provides color‐coded risk exposures, and allows for rationale and supporting artifacts. This paper describes the model and the basis of its risk evaluation methods, it reviews case studies of NASA exploration mission failures with respect to the model, it discusses a Delphi consensus‐seeking process that was used to analyze factors affecting model accuracy and to calibrate the model, and compares the model to other risk approaches.
9.1.2 Coupling component systems towards systems of systems
Authors: Autran Frédéric , Auzelle Jean‐Philippe , Cattan Denise , Garnier Jean‐Luc , Luzeaux Dominique , Mayer Frédérique , Peyrichon Marc , Ruault Jean‐René
Published: November 2014

Systems of systems (SoS) are a hot topic in our “fully connected global world”. Our aim is not to provide another definition of what SoS are, but rather to focus on the adequacy of reusing standard system architecting techniques within this approach in order to improve performance, fault detection and safety issues in large‐scale coupled systems that definitely qualify as SoS, whatever the definition is. A key issue will be to secure the availability of the services provided by the SoS despite the evolution of the various systems composing the SoS. We will also tackle contracting issues and responsibility transfers, as they should be addressed to ensure the expected behavior of the SoS whilst the various independently contracted systems evolve asynchronously.
11.4.1 Luz: From Light to Darkness: Lessons learned from the solar system
Authors: Kasser Joseph E.
Published: November 2014

Abstract1

In teaching systems engineering the relationship between functions, physical decomposition and requirements during the process of defining, designing and developing the system, has been difficult to get across to the students. While trying to improve the learning process, an explanation of the relationship between functions, physical decomposition and requirements during the process of defining, designing and developing the system based on a modification of the Functions Requirements Answers and Test (FRAT) views of a system (Mar, 1994) was tried on undergraduate students at the University of South Australia in 2006–2007 with positive results (Kasser, et al., 2007). This paper documents the LuZ SEGS‐1 system design process in the form of the FRAT views demonstrating the intertwined relationships between requirements, functions and their allocation to components at a lower level of system decomposition. The paper provides examples of alternative choices, discusses them and documents the choice with the reasons for selection. Several lessons learned from the project are also provided.
11.5.1 Eliminating Barriers to Understanding: A Systems Engineering Approach to Cross‐Discipline Communications
Authors: Newbern David W. , Nolte Jerome T.
Published: November 2014

As systems engineers asked to apply systems engineering methods to aid in solving the major social, economic, and political problems of our times, we must effectively communicate more frequently with non‐engineer stakeholders. In this paper we identify five primary areas of potential barriers to communication. These five areas are: 1) Language, including differences in dialects and fluency; 2) Culture, including ethnicity and religion; 3) Organizational context, including nature of the organization and the stakeholder's position within the structure; and 4) Domain expertise, including education and work experience; and 5) Age and Gender. We take a look at these problems and offer some practical ways to improve communications with non‐engineers. The high level process emphasizes feedback and iteration to verify understanding.
KR01 Product Life‐Cycle Modeling Utilizing SysML Modeling
Authors: Artery Georgia , De Spain Mark , Griego Regina
Published: November 2014

Functional modeling and SysML/UML are defined communication languages that engineers and related disciplines use to communicate the nature of engineering products. We often see functional modeling and SysML/UML used to describe large, physical entities, such as airplanes or space craft. Systems engineers use functional modeling to decompose these large systems into subsystems. Each subsystem has defined requirements, defined roles and responsibilities (functions), and definable interfaces. Each subsystem consists of electrical hardware, mechanical hardware, and computer software. Functional modeling and SysML/UML can also be used for modeling program/project management processes, systems engineering processes, and manufacturing processes. Many organizations use an array of flow charts, organization charts, network diagrams, and spreadsheets to define engineering processes. This paper presents how Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) used functional modeling and SysML/UML to define the design and development processes and procedures for a product realization process (PRP) called the Integrated Phase Gate (IPG) Process. The use of functional modeling helped the organization more readily accept the use of systematic modeling for developing PRP. Additionally, this paper will explore the value of using SysML/UML over functional modeling in order to completely specify process and process artifacts.
KR04 System of Systems Engineering and Family of Systems Engineering From a Standards Perspective
Authors: Clark John O.
Published: November 2014

System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) and Family of Systems Engineering (FoSE) continue to be two of the least well‐understood SE disciplines. Knowledge of the SE standards significantly aids this understanding, including the relationship between SE, SoSE, and FoSE. This knowledge enhances any engineer's career.

The goals of this paper are to: 1) describe the SE standards heritage, processes, and products; 2) show the relationships between SE, SoSE, and FoSE based on these standards; 3) encourage and challenge the participants to read, understand, select, tailor, and apply these standards to SE, SoSE, and FoSE, i.e., “stand on the standards,” as opposed to relying solely on other sources such as instructions, procedures, guides, textbooks, education, training, and experience; and 4) describe how to apply these standards. Individuals may have an understanding of portions of SE, SoSE, and FoSE based on these other sources. Standards, developed by subject matter experts and approved by nationally recognized standards organizations, provide a more complete and common understanding.
KR11 Virtual Team Communication
Authors: Gilb Tom
Published: November 2014

Virtual team communication within a project is often problematic. Planguage methods and principles can be used to help. They ensure the project has a set of result‐focused, quantified objectives and that the workload is broken down into evolutionary steps allowing for early and frequent deliverables. This helps ensure the project team gets early feedback.
2.1.2 Engineering in the Network Dimension to Enhance the Human Dimension – A Framework for Analysis and Design
Authors: Hew Patrick Chisan
Published: November 2014

The way that warfighters share awareness and fight as a team is substantially influenced by choices in networking technologies and interface standards. There is a need for techniques and tools for analysing these choices, to improve Network‐Centric Warfare (NCW) systems‐of‐systems from human‐centred design principles. This paper proposes a framework with three features: first, it identifies opportunities for enhanced sharing of situation awareness across warfighters; second, it clarifies the nature of the requisite technologies and systems; and third, it starts to quantify the relative warfighting advantages that should arise. The framework is illustrated by case studies in maritime air defence and naval surface fire support.
2.2.3 Applying Machine Learning Methods to the Airframe Structural Design Cost Estimation – A Case Study of Wing‐Box Project
Authors: Deng S. , Yeh Tsung‐Han
Published: November 2014

This research used two machine leaning methods, the Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Back‐Propagation Neural Network (BPN), to create the cost prediction models for airplane wing‐box structural design, and verified the feasibility and efficiency for both methods. In the case study, four different main structural part groups of the wing‐box, Spars/Ribs/Skins/Stringers, were chosen. In the parts data base, the part dimensions were included and used for classifying the part groups. Each part group has 150 bill of parts, 100 bill of parts used for training samples, 50 bill of parts used for predicting samples, to test there accuracy. After verified through wing‐box case study, the results showed either SVR or BPN can precisely predicting the design costs. But compare to the BPN, SVR can get the global optimal solution while using less decision parameters. This can save lots of time for searching the best parameters combination when creating the prediction model.
2.3.1 Using the Swing Weight Matrix to Weight Multiple Objectives
Authors: Parnell Gregory S. , Trainor Timothy E.
Published: November 2014

Multiobjective decision analysis is used for trade studies and the evaluation of alternative system and architecture designs. Attributes are identified to measure the achievement of each objective. Value (or utility) models are mathematical equations that assess the value (or utility) of a score on an attribute and relative weight of each attribute. One of the challenging concepts is that weights depend on both importance and variation of the range of the attribute. Many analysts, not familiar with the mathematical theory, assess weights using only importance. Several years ago, we developed the swing weight matrix to properly assess weights by explicitly defining importance and variation. A second motivation was to provide a tool for communication with stakeholders and decision makers. This paper presents the swing weight matrix theory, the approaches used to define importance and variation, and some illustrative applications. We conclude with the challenges, improvements, and benefits of the swing weight matrix.
2.3.3 Near‐Neighbor Based Systems Engineering of Swarming Networks: A Case Study
Authors: Krill Jerry A. , O'Driscoll Michael J. , O'Haver Kenneth W. , Farmer Eric R.
Published: November 2014

Traditional systems engineering is tailored to systems with complex subsystems having well‐described physical and functional attributes and interfaces. Moreover, a network system generally features precisely defined communication signal and data protocols. We submit that development of swarming networks that do not exhibit such discrete linear attributes represents a new class of systems that can benefit from a new approach to systems engineering methodology. We will describe the new systems engineering concept of “near‐neighbor interaction zones” for systems engineering processes and apply this approach to a case study of one such system, an automated swarming intrusion detection network to alleviate the monitoring burden on security operators. The result is a large‐scale complex system that is potentially more tractable and efficient to develop and operate from a human cognition perspective.
3.1.4 A SoS Perspective of Critical Infrastructure Systems Development
Authors: Yeo K T
Published: November 2014

Critical infrastructural systems are complex systems of systems (SoS). Taking a SoS perspective of large‐scale infrastructural development can be beneficial in better understanding the inherent problems of emergent complexity. SoS is a relatively new term that is being applied primarily to addressing large scale inter‐disciplinary developmental challenges with multiple, heterogeneous, and distributed network‐centric systems. A large‐scale infrastructural system can be hierarchically structured from its building blocks to higher multi‐levels of network. An infrastructural SoS is usually developed in evolutionary stages integrating existing systems with upgraded or extended systems. Complex infrastructural systems are non‐monolithic and they share certain common characteristics which can be developed into a set of discriminators to develop a framework for SoS engineering management addressing issues in an evolutionary planning and staged development, stakeholder management and leadership for complex systems integration. The framework is then used to compare with and appreciate the observed characteristics of real‐world major infrastructural development using Singapore‐based case examples.
3.4.2 Research on a Framework for Selecting and Applying Systems Engineering Tools for Australian Small and Medium Enterprises – II
Authors: Tran Xuan‐Linh , Ferris Timothy , Huynh Thomas V. , Shoval Shraga
Published: November 2014

Many of the subsystems developed by the Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are integrated into military systems developed by larger companies. If the SMEs cannot win and sustain defence contracts to develop the subsystems because of their lack of systems capability, then the ability of the Australian Defence to develop and deploy needed systems will be adversely affected. By systems capability it is meant effectual use of sound systems engineering (SE) processes and effective use of SE tools. Unlike most large organisations, many of the Australian SMEs engaging in defence work have not widely employed SE processes and tools in their endeavour. In addition, the SE software tools currently used by the Australian SMEs do not appear to have effectively aided the SMEs in their work. This paper describes a methodology employed in the development of a framework for aiding Australian SMEs in defence work in effectively acquiring and applying SE processes and tools and thereby helping to improve their systems capability. Specifically, the methodology involves a collection and analysis of information, using qualitative grounded theory as the fundamental analysis technique, and NVivo software as the analysis tool. The paper also discusses some preliminary results of the research and future work.
5.2.2 The Culture of Innovation Styles: Are our Corporate Cultures Tuned for Innovation?
Authors: Czaika Ellen , Valerdi Ricardo
Published: November 2014

Systems engineering work is requiring increasing collaboration among various enterperprises, nations, and individuals to innovate to meet the comlex needs of large numbers of stakeholders. This indicates a need to better understand the cultural differences in innovation styles that can enable or hinder collaboration. This paper argues that applying the Hofstede Cross‐Cultural Dimensions to enterprises will provide useful insights for systems engineering enterprises in working with cross‐cultural teams. Furthermore, this paper seeks to apply the Hofstede dimensions to identifying enterprise cultures conducive to innovation, radical and incremental. By exploring the relationship between the Hofstede Dimensions and Miller and Friesen's Conservative and Entreprenurial Innovation Models, and between the Hofstede Dimensions and Brown's System Model of Technological Innovation, this paper seeks to help enterprises match their culture to the type of innovation their enterprise culture supports. Furthermore, it suggests future research to investigate and compare the Hofstede dimensions of defense organizations and of the companies listed on the BusinessWeek Most Innovative Companies List.
6.3.1 The Human Element of Decision Making in Systems Engineers: A Focus on Optimism
Authors: Valerdi Ricardo , Blackburn Craig
Published: November 2014

Biases continue to be an important aspect of human judgment and decision making because they can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Optimism bias is one type of bias that is often overlooked because of its association with good health and positive outcomes. However, the existence of optimism bias in human judgment can be very damaging especially when it distorts a person's view of future events.

In order to better understand optimism bias we explore the benefits and downsides of optimism as well as some empirically‐based origins of both optimism and pessimism. This provides a backdrop for a methodology for quantifying optimism and pessimism using the Brier score developed for calibrating weather reporters and a discussion about how sports bookies make well‐calibrated decisions. Results are explored from an optimism survey given to a cohort of eighty systems engineers, which ultimately portray the degree to which optimism bias influences decision making in large projects. Further exploration of the key differences in optimism across professions helps distinguish motivational factors and characteristics of well‐calibrated professions. We also present results from a calibration exercise, designed to infer if such activities can be adopted to assist systems engineering estimation. Finally, we provide prescriptive advice on how individual decision makers can better manage their optimism and become more realistic.
6.3.3 Emergent Behavior in an Unregulated Financial System of Systems: Economic Meltdown
Authors: Osmundson John S. , Langford Gary O. , Huynh Thomas V.
Published: November 2014

The need to consider the human dimension to systems engineering is no more evident than in the current global economy. The current global financial crisis can be interpreted by applying a system of systems analysis methodology that elucidates the behavior that has emerged from the unregulated US market in collateralized debt obligations (CDOs). The market for US financial obligations of collateralized debt obligation market is modeled dynamically as a system of systems covering the time period from 2000 to 2008. Behavior of home mortgage borrowers, lenders, CDO buyers and sellers, as well as specific market inputs and outputs are included in the model. Results show that an increasing rate of home loan defaults and loss of financial market liquidity is a predictable and natural consequence of the market conditions. Of particular interest are the leading indicators that result in financial instabilities.
7.2.1 The Evaluation of the Alliance Systems Designed by “Enterprise Currencies” in Japan
Authors: YASUOKA Hiromichi , OHKAMI Yoshiaki
Published: November 2014

Mileage points and electronic money are called “Enterprise currencies”. The total market of mileage points issued in Japan in 2006 was 665 billion yen As represented by the mileage programs offered by the airlines and the point programs of home electronics retailers, etc., they have been launched to provide a means of directly returning a company's advertising and sales costs to customers. In Japan, they have thrived with alliances centered on the airline, and many alliances have composed of the open point issuers.

We have successfully evaluated some open types of representative “Enterprise currencies” compared to a closed type by systems engineering (SE) approach like Pugh's Method. And we proposed to design new types of future alliances based on product value chains, services and areas according to the customer behavioral processes or product life cycles. These future ones will have better performance in the evaluation of SE than closed type.
7.2.2 Agile Development of Tractable Analyses and Simulations of Complex Systems
Authors: Cloutier Robert J. , De Spain Mark J. , Linebarger John M. , Spencer Floyd W.
Published: November 2014

Agile development differs from other engineering processes in the manner in which each task is performed, and the ability to respond to changes in scope or requirements. The agile model permits continual feedback after a complete pass through each of the disciplines. Agile development enables the system to be built in a series of cycles from a set of rudimentary capabilities to the full system capability. When agile development is applied to the analysis of complex systems and “wicked problems,” the inherent conflicts and inconsistencies of those systems can be resolved. The result of applying “agile” to analysis of a wicked problem is the Design for Tractable Analysis (DTA) framework. DTA analyzes the system (or enterprise) of interest as a whole, in conjunction with decomposing the system into constituent elements for domain specific analyses that are informed by the whole. The use of DTA is demonstrated through a case study of a complex security system.
10.1.3 Screening Candidate Systems Engineers: A Research Design
Authors: Gonçalves Duarte , Britz Janine
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we focus on the human dimension of Systems Engineering by addressing the need for the development of systems engineering potential in candidate engineers. Specifically, we propose a research design for a systems engineering screening methodology that could be used to screen potential systems engineers. According to our design, this can be achieved by defining a system engineering profile with specific psychological attributes, and using this profile to predict competence in systems engineering. This is done with the aim of increasing the identification and successful development of systems engineering potential, in order to address the shortage of systems engineering skills in South‐Africa over a long‐term period.
10.2.4 Persons in the Processes: Human Systems Integration in Early System Development
Authors: Hardman Nicholas , Colombi John , Jacques David , Hill Raymond R. , Miller Janet
Published: November 2014

The systems engineering technical processes often lack the support of methods and tools that quantitatively integrate human considerations into early system design decisions. Because of this, engineers generally rely on qualitative judgments or delay critical decisions until late in the system lifecycle. Studies have revealed that this frequently results in cost, schedule, and effectiveness consequences. We begin this paper with a study of current issues in the application of systems engineering as a whole. We then examine how the challenges of human systems integration are a pervasive factor in those issues. Finally, we propose how to improve system engineering by better addressing the identified challenges.
Systems Engineering and a New Puppy
Authors: Bullard Randy
Published: November 2014

During a break at the 2008 INCOSE International Symposium, a discussion ensued regarding the need for introducing the younger population to the systems engineering processes. My first thought was how to best present SE in a context that my 10‐year‐old daughter would grasp. The last time she was in my office, we used a dry‐erase board to write out “requirements” for her “need” of a new pet. She desperately wanted a new puppy, and together we used the SE process to acquire her new pet. While she may not completely grasp the SE Engine or Vee diagram, she fully appreciated the process that delivered a new puppy to our home.
Networked Embedded System Architecture for Controlling
Authors: Ito Teruaki , Inoue Masahiro
Published: November 2014

Embedded systems are used in broad variety of areas. As increasing processing power, being networked and having more multiple and complicated functionality, the embedded systems used in control systems have more issues to be resolved. In many cases, design constraints are applied to the entire life‐cycle of the embedded systems. There are stakeholders involved in the systems through the life‐cycle and they play their roles in each stage of the life‐cycle. However, concerns of all of the stakeholders are less taken care of. Challenges to develop networked embedded systems for control systems are to maximize all of the stakeholders' satisfactions through the entire life‐cycle in addition to satisfy several constraints. This paper discusses architectures of networked embedded systems from a perspective of stakeholders' satisfactions. We present the stakeholders and their standpoints, composition of networked embedded systems and architectures, then pros and cons of the architectures from each stakeholder's view.
The Mission Dependency Index: Fallacies and Misuses
Authors: Kujawski Edouard , Miller Gregory
Published: November 2014

The U.S. infrastructure is extensive and faces performance, physical deterioration, natural disaster, terrorism, and social challenges. The problem is further compounded by the fact that funds are limited. Decision‐makers need to prioritize their assets on the basis of risk and allocate budgets accordingly. The response to this situation has been the quest for a simple equation that quantifies risk in terms of ordinal numbers. Unfortunately, most proposed risk indices are seriously flawed and likely to lead to bad decisions. This paper first focuses on the Mission Dependency Index (MDI) as an example of an over‐simplified model that has gained wide acceptance for ranking facility risk. It then proposes the Operational Risk Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (ORFMEA) as a rational method for analyzing potential threats to facilities and link to missions. The ORFMEA enhances the standard Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessment by incorporating vulnerability and facility/mission time criticality.
Improved Corporate Search Engine for the National (Australian) Spatial Information Management System: Case Study
Authors: Crawford Richard , Nesterov Sergey
Published: November 2014

Paper presents case study of the evolution of the National Spatial Information Management System (NSIMS). It also describes trade‐off analysis approach used to compare different Search Engines for NSIMS. Paper addresses design considerations of the Improved Corporate Search Engine (ICSE) recently developed in Australia. The architecture of the NSIMS has been described, as well as existing search engine capabilities and limitations. Two key areas for search engine improvements have been identified: (1) search context information usage for data relevance criteria application in a search algorithm; (2) user interfaces for entering search requests and query results presentations. Paper presents technical details of ICSE implementation and discussion of characteristics of the proposed improvements in the identified areas. Practical evaluation technique of the search engine efficiency has been proposed and results of trade‐off analysis discussed.

Paper sections:

National Spatial Information System Overview

Existing Search Engine Capabilities and NSIMS Limitations

The Research Problem and Solution Approach

System and Data Analysis

Trade‐off Study between Existing and Proposed Search Engine

Conclusion
Cooperative Education of Systems Engineering and Embedded System
Authors: Inoue Masahiro
Published: November 2014

College of Systems Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology has been conducting systems engineering educations to all undergraduate students in the college for seventeen years. Engineers with system architecture design and project management abilities are required in the field of embedded system development. In universities, however, educations are mainly focused on computer science and programming; systems engineering and project management education have been disregarded. We implemented educational curriculum of Systems Engineering and Project Management in Embedded System for graduate program. In this paper the course design, execution and evaluation are described.
6.6.2 Determining the right solution using SysML and model based systems engineering (MBSE) for trade studies
Authors: Bleakley Graham , Lapping Andrew , Whitfield Adrian
Published: November 2014

With the recent widespread adoption of the Object Management Group (OMG) Systems Modeling Language (SysML) by the systems engineering community to properly capture system requirements, functional and architectural design, and detailed interfaces and design characteristics, it is a natural next step to apply SysML with proven trade study techniques to leverage a robust approach through which to explore the design space and ensure coverage of nonfunctional and performance requirements. This paper not only shows this robust technique with Model Driven Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML, but it also provides a methodology that enables users to properly explore the design space with execution analysis—all from within the design model, something that was often missing from previous techniques around trade study analysis. Having access to the proposed design solutions and being able to perform trade‐off analysis from within an engineering model has numerous benefits, which this paper discusses.
9.2.2 Challenges in supporting the creation of data minable regulatory codes: a literature review
Authors: Wnuk Krzysztof , Berenbach Brian
Published: November 2014

As standards and regulatory codes are issued by third party organizations and committees, the project organization can neither control the content of all standards that the projects should adhere to, nor negotiate or make changes to them that can make the project development easier. Moreover, large infrastructure projects require compliance with hundreds of standards of regulations coming from different agencies, with different styles and structures. A new approach is needed, one that results in well written, easily mined standard and codes. In this paper, we report on findings from an exhaustive literature survey that reveals that the area of supporting drafting of regulatory codes for the purpose of making them more data minable has not yet been explored.
3.5.2 Tesperanto – A Model‐Based System Specification Methodology and Language
Authors: Blekhman Alex , Dori Dov
Published: November 2014

Technical requirements, specifications, and standards are fundamental documents that serve all the stages of the systems engineering management process. This paper presents Tesperanto – “Technical Esperanto” – a model‐based methodology and language for authoring, analysis, design, and testing of system specifications, and its integrated development environment. Tesperanto is an English text that is generated automatically from the evolving graphical model of the system being specified, creating corresponding textmodel representation of technical information. Tesperanto was evaluated in a case study over a period of more than two years by a multi‐national group of systems engineering and enterprise management experts as a means to enhance text in ISO international standards. The evaluation showed that Tesperanto improves the consistency and quality of standards and can potentially be of similar value for other kinds of technical documents.
4.5.3 V‐Model Views
Authors: Scheithauer Dieter , Forsberg Kevin
Published: November 2014

The V‐model is the most popular iconic illustration within systems engineering. Originally derived from the waterfall model to give a notion of a system's architecture, the V‐model today is used widely in systems engineering training, and for communicating systems engineering ideas and concepts in the systems engineering community and beyond. The contemporary understanding of the V‐model is still based on definitions established more than two decades ago. Since then, systems engineering has advanced in directions beyond the systems engineering scenarios of the past. Systems‐of‐systems, value stream thinking in systems engineering, and systems engineering outreach into commercial sectors challenge the current common interpretation of the V‐model. It is the intention of this paper to establish a set of consistent V‐model views integrating central systems engineering concepts and maintaining the central role of the V‐model for communication within the systems engineering community and beyond.
4.3.2 Systems of Innovation II: The Emergence of Purpose
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: November 2014

Engineers design mindful of thepurposeof a system. So, engineering conceptual definitions of the concept of “system” frequently include the idea of purpose.

However, we also use “system” to describe things not human‐designed. We might refer to purpose in living systems, as in the immune system, but biologists use “function” to avoid this. What about inanimate natural systems? Do Saturn's rings have a purpose, or function? And what about pathologies, when systems don't work as they “should”? Do all these “systems” terms and concepts serve us well across these different domains, or are some force‐fit?

Using the language of Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Pattern‐Based Systems Engineering (PBSE), this paper describes a framework in which “system” and “purpose” emerge at different levels, apply uniformly, naturally, or not at all, and inform. The framework is the Systems of Innovation (SOI) Pattern.Practical benefitsinclude insights into the nature of innovation across these domains, improving ability to performinnovativesystems engineering.
Aqueous two‐phase/reverse micelle continuous process for recycling and simultaneous purification of polar ionic liquid from enzymatic hydrolysate
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Li Qiang , Kang Guoping , Ji Gengsheng , Tang Yubin , Tu Jie
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Recently, ionic liquid (IL) involved pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of cellulose toward biofuel have attracted extensive attention. However, separation and recycling of ionic liquid from enzymatic hydrolysate pose challenges to their large‐scale application. Almost all present work has focused on the recovery rate of IL, but little work has been done to analyze the purity and functioning of recovered IL. In this work, IL was recycled and purified from hydrolysis mixtures using an aqueous two‐phase/reverse micelle process (APTs/RM).

RESULTS

An ionic liquid recovery yield of 92.3% and purity of 99.1% was obtained from the aqueous two‐phase and reverse micelles extraction process with optimized parameters. Impurities (e.g. lignin, HCO3−, (NH4)2SO4 and enzyme protein) were removed from the ionic liquid. When recycling over 10 runs, the APTs/RM process has distinct advantage over other reported recovery methods.

CONCLUSION

It is demonstrated that the APTs/RM process is efficient for recycling and simultaneous purification of polar ionic liquid from an enzymatic hydrolysate mxiture. This method is potentially sustainable, efficient, and attractive for large‐scale application. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic behavior of an island power system with variable‐pitch wind turbines under high renewable energy penetration and high wind speed
Authors: Chen Meng‐Jen , Wu Yu‐Chi , Liu Guo‐Tsair , Lin Sen‐Fong
Published: November 2014

High penetration of renewable energy in a power system may cause the problem of power dispatching and stability. The detailed dynamic behavior analysis for such a system is therefore important to the planning and operation of the power system. This study discussed the dynamic characteristics of an island power system with variable‐pitch wind turbines under high wind speed and high small hydraulic output power. The system primarily consisted of three diesel engine power generation systems, three constant‐speed variable‐pitch wind turbines, a small hydraulic induction generation system, and lumped static loads. The maximum penetration of renewable energy in this system could reach almost 60%. Detailed models based on MATLAB/Simulink were developed to cater for the dynamic behavior of the system. The results suggested that this island power system can operate stably in this operational mode with the help of variable‐pitch wind turbines. This study can serve as an important reference for planning, operation, and further expansion of island power systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intranasal steroid injections and blindness: Our personal experience and a review of the past 60 years
Authors: Moss William J. , Kjos Kari B. , Karnezis Tom T. , Lebovits Marc J.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess for the safety of intranasal steroid injections.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review and review of the medical literature.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with chronic rhinitis or sinusitis underwent 237 intraturbinate or intrapolyp triamcinolone acetonide injections between April 2008 and June 2013 at a single, private, outpatient otolaryngology clinic. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate for treatment complications, symptom improvement, and demographic data.

A PubMed literature search was performed for all case series extracting the incidence of visual complications following intranasal steroid injections. All published reports of visual complications from these series and independent case reports were compiled and analyzed.

Results

Of the 237 injections performed, 152 were intraturbinate and 85 were intrapolyp. One of the intrapolyp injections resulted in a transient visual change that resolved spontaneously.

Nine other case series meeting the search criteria were found. Of the reported 117,669 injections performed, three resulted in visual complications yielding an estimated visual complication rate of 0.003%. All three of these events resolved spontaneously and resulted in no permanent visual deficits. A total of 19 reports of visual complications following intranasal steroid injections were discovered. Of these, the majority have insufficient detail regarding the injection technique or cite gross deviation from the correct injection protocol.

Conclusion

Intranasal steroid injections are a safe treatment for chronic rhinitis and sinusitis patients. When performed correctly, there is evidence to justify the use of methylprednisolone acetate or triamcinolone acetonide injections into the inferior turbinates and nasal polyps.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 125:796–800, 2015
Unveiling the correlation between non‐diffracting tractor beam and its singularity in Poynting vector
Authors: Gao Dongliang , Novitsky Andrey , Zhang Tianhang , Cheong Fook Chiong , Gao Lei , Lim Chwee Teck , Luk'yanchuk Boris , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the singular optics of nonparaxial light beams in the near field when the light behaves as a tractor beam. New insights into the optical pulling force, which is usually represented by integrating the stress tensor at a black box enclosing the object, are interpreted by the optical singularity of the Poynting vector. The negative nonconservative pulling force originates from the transfer of the azimuthal Poynting vector to the longitudinal component partly owing to the presence of a scatterer. The separatrice pattern and singularity shifts of the Poynting vector unanimously exhibit a differentiable near‐field distribution in the presence of optical pulling force. A new method is established to calculate the near‐field optical force using the differential Poynting vector in the far field. The results obtained provide a clear physical interpretation of the light–matter interaction and manifest the significance of singular optics in manipulating objects.

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