bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive rehabilitation program to improve cognition of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy: A 3‐arm randomized trial
Authors: Dos Santos Mélanie , Hardy‐Léger Isabelle , Rigal Olivier , Licaj Idlir , Dauchy Sarah , Levy Christelle , Noal Sabine , Segura Carine , Delcambre Corinne , Allouache Djelila , Parzy Aurélie , Barriere Jérôme , Petit Thierry , Lange Marie , Capel Aurélie , Clarisse Bénédicte , Grellard Jean Michel , Lefel Johan , Joly Florence
Published: September 2020

Background

There is no treatment for cancer‐related cognitive impairment, an important adverse effect that negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). We conducted a 3‐arm randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of computer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CR) on cognition, QOL, anxiety, and depression among cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients who reported cognitive complaints during or after completing chemotherapy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 12‐week CR programs: computer‐assisted CR with a neuropsychologist (experimental group A), home cognitive self‐exercises (active control group B), or phone follow‐up (active control group C). Subjective cognition was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function (FACT‐Cog), objective cognition was assessed by neuropsychological tests, QOL was assessed by the FACT‐General, and depression and anxiety were assessed by psychological tests. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a 7‐point improvement in the FACT‐Cog perceived cognitive impairment (PCI) score.

Results

Among the 167 enrolled patients (median age, 51 years), group A had the highest proportion of patients with a 7‐point PCI improvement (75%), followed by groups B (59%) and C (57%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .13). Compared with groups B and C, the mean difference in PCI score was significantly higher in group A (P = .02), with better perceived cognitive abilities (P < .01) and a significant improvement in working memory (P = .03). Group A reported higher QOL related to cognition (FACT‐Cog QOL) (P = .01) and improvement in depression symptoms (P = .03).

Conclusions

These results suggest a benefit of a computer‐based CR program in the management of cancer‐related cognitive impairment and complaints.
Understanding the response of mammography facilities to breast density notification
Authors: Henderson Louise M. , Marsh Mary W. , Earnhardt Kathryn , Pritchard Michael , Benefield Thad S. , Agans Robert P. , Lee Sheila S.
Published: September 2020

Background

State‐specific breast density notification legislation requires that women undergoing mammography be informed about breast density, with variation among states. Because mammography facilities are among the main points of contact for women undergoing mammography, research is needed to understand how facilities communicate information on breast density, cancer risk, and supplemental screening to women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, 50‐item, mailed survey of 156 American College of Radiology–certified mammography facilities in North Carolina was conducted in 2017 via the Tailored Design Method. Breast density notification practices, supplemental screening services, and patient educational materials were compared by supplemental screening availability viattests and chi‐square tests.

Results

All responding facilities (n = 94; 60.3% response rate) notified women of their breast density in the mammography results letter. Breast cancer risk assessments were performed by 36.2% of the facilities, with risk information communicated in the final radiology report for the referring provider to discuss with the woman (79.4%) or in the results letter (58.8%). Supplemental breast cancer screening was offered by 63.8% of the facilities, with use based on multiple factors, including recommendations from the referring physician (63.3%) or reading radiologist (63.3%), breast density (48.3%), other risk factors (48.3%), and patient request (40.0%). Although 75.0% of the facilities offered breast density educational materials, only 36.6% offered educational materials on supplemental screening.

Conclusions

In a state with a breast density notification law, mammography facilities communicate breast density, cancer risk, and supplemental screening information to women through various approaches. When supplemental screening is offered, facilities use multiple decision‐making criteria rather than breast density alone.
Building a smart FNA cart: When Google meets cytology
Authors: Haghighi Mehrvash , Nair Varsha , Mashiana Simran S. , Oza Twisha , Zakowski Maureen F.
Published: September 2020

Background

The appropriate management of a fine needle aspiration (FNA) supply cart and equipment set up is essential to ensure the smooth and optimal operation of a busy FNA clinic. We applied Lean strategies such as value stream mapping (VSM), the 5S method (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain), and Kanban to remove waste and improve patient flow in an FNA clinic.

Methods

The workflow analysis suggested that existent problems such as suboptimal inventory management and unavailability of standard operating procedures (SOPs) caused a 10% to 85% increase in total procedure time. To improve inventory management, we created a 2‐bin Kanban system. We used the “Scan to Web” app and a Google Drive form to create a cost‐effective electronic inventory management system. We distributed the essential SOPs in the format of video clips using our YouTube channel and leveraged barcode technology to access the links.

Results

Upon completion of our process improvement project, we succeeded to eliminate the stock‐out events and maintain a process cycle efficiency of 87%. The 5S audit checklist result increased from 6% to 100% implementation, which is consistent with focused improvement. The developed inventory system enabled us to track the supply usage, forecast demands, and improve the accuracy of orders.

Conclusions

Lean methods such as VSM, 5S, and Kanban combined with open source technologies can be implemented to ensure material availability, track inventory, and provide immediate access to SOPs on demand. The developed system also led to increased efficiency and improved flow, as well as responsiveness to changes in demand.
A radix sorting parallel algorithm suitable for graphic processing unit computing
Authors: Xiao Shi‐yang , Li Cai‐lin , Guo Bao‐yun , Xiao Han
Published: September 2020

Radix sorting is an essential basic data processing operation in many computer fields. It has important practical significance to accelerate its performance through Graphic Processing Unit (GPU). The heterogeneous parallel computing technology attracts much attention and is widely applied for its effective computation efficiency and parallel real‐time data processing capability. Taking advantage of the parallelism of GPU in numerical computation processing, a parallelization design method of the Binary_Least Significant Digit (LSD) first Radix Sorting (B_LSD_RS) algorithm based on Open Computing Language (OpenCL) is proposed. The radix sorting algorithm is divided into multiple kernel tasks, and the kernels are sequentially controlled by the event information transfer. The parallel algorithm is implemented and verified on the GPU + CPU heterogeneous platform. The experimental results show that compared with the performance of the B_LSD_RS sequential algorithm based on AMD Ryzen5 1600X CPU, B_LSD_RS parallel algorithm based on Open Multi‐Processing (OpenMP) and B_LSD_RS parallel algorithm based on Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), the B_LSD_RS parallel algorithm based on OpenCL obtained 28.86 times, 11.01 times and 2.14 times speedup in the NVIDIA GTX 1070 computing platform respectively, not only achieves high performance but also achieves performance portability among different GPU computing platforms.
Development of KASP markers for wheat greenbug resistance gene Gb5
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Li Genqiao , Bai Guihua , Bernardo Amy , Carver Brett F. , St. Amand Paul , Armstrong J. Scott
Published: September 2020

Greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)] is a destructive pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Incorporation of wheat greenbug resistance genes in wheat‐breeding pipelines is critical to improve wheat production. The greenbug resistance gene Gb5, originally identified in Triticum speltoides chromosome 7S and transferred to wheat chromosome 7A, confers resistance to several economically important greenbug biotypes. The T. speltoides chromosome segment carrying Gb5 was previously shortened by means of homoeologous recombination induced by the ph1b gene, which minimized linkage drag and made Gb5 a useful gene for improvement of greenbug resistance in wheat. This study characterized the shortened T. speltoides chromosome segment in PI 603919 and developed kompetitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers to facilitate its introgression in wheat breeding. A set of 21 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers specific to wheat 7AL chromosome were developed to determine the length and location of the T. speltoides chromosome segment. The T. speltoides segment in PI 603919 was estimated to be about 79.5–87.8 Mb in the Chinese Spring reference sequence IWGSC RefSeq v.1.0. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between CI 17884, which carries the original wheat‐T. speltoides 7A‐7S translocation chromosome segment, and Bainong 418 was genotyped using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach and evaluated for responses to greenbug biotype E. Three GBS‐derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the shortened translocation segment were converted to KASP markers. These KASP markers were evaluated for efficacy to select Gb5 in wheat breeding.
What environmental social responsibility practices do large companies manage for sustainable development?
Authors: Murillo‐Avalos Cinthia Leonora , Cubilla‐Montilla Mitzi , Celestino Sánchez Miguel Ángel , Vicente‐Galindo Purificación
Published: September 2020

Currently, the debate on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the strategies implemented by organizations to disseminate their business actions, fuels the discussion on aspects that point to sustainable development. To show their CSR strategies, one of the mechanisms used by companies is the presentation of sustainability reports. In this work, we have modified the analysis approach traditionally used to demonstrate the characteristic factors of transparency in the field of CSR. Specifically, we focus on analyzing which indicators are the least disclosed by companies. Within this framework, the objective of this work is to analyse the practices of dissemination of environmental information based on the sustainability reports of the global reporting initiative produced by large companies, in order to establish differences and similarities in corporate social responsibility. The results obtained for a sample of 80 large companies and 67 multinational enterprises (MNEs) indicate a slight difference in the disclosure of environmental indicators. Concretely, the results reveal that 56.12% of environmental indicators are not disclosed by large companies; while, in MNEs, 51.23% of these indicators are not reported. In large companies, the greatest deficiencies in the disclosure of environmental information correspond to the categories of biodiversity, environmental grievance mechanisms, and effluents and waste. In the case of MNEs, the least disclosed categories are biodiversity, environmental grievance mechanisms, and environmental protection expenditures and investments (overall).
A real‐time PCR assay to detect predation by spiny dogfish on Atlantic cod in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Pitchford Steven C. , Smith Brian E. , McBride Richard S.
Published: September 2020

Conventional observations show spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius Linnaeus) rarely eat Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus; 0.02% of stomachs) in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Critics express concern that digestion may limit species‐level prey identification, and with recovery from overfishing, dogfish populations may be suppressing cod by competition or predation. This study applied a real‐time PCR TaqMan assay to identify cod in dogfish stomachs collected by cooperating fishing boats during normal trawling operations (May 2014–May 2015; Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank). Conventional methods observed 51 different prey taxa and nearly 1,600 individual prey items, but no cod were observed. Cod DNA was detected in 31 (10.5%) of the dogfish stomachs, with a higher percentage of these from the homogenate of amorphous, well‐digested prey and stomach fluids (20 stomachs or 65%) than from discrete animal tissues (11 stomachs or 35%). Re‐examination of photographs of these 11 tissue samples revealed one whole, partially digested fish that could be recognized in hindsight as cod. Cod DNA was observed in dogfish stomachs year round: in January (1 of 1 trip), February (1 of 1), May (1 of 3), June (0 of 1), July (3 of 4), August (1 of 2), and October (3 of 3). Although these data suggest higher interaction rates between dogfish and cod than previously observed, addressing the population consequences of this predator–prey relationship requires a robust sampling design, estimates of digestion rates by dogfish to account for complete degradation of DNA sequences, and consideration for dogfish scavenging during fishing operations.
Promoting resilience of large international collaborative research programs in times of global crisis
Authors: Trogisch Stefan , Albert Georg , Du Jianqing , Wang Yanfen , Xue Kai , Bruelheide Helge
Published: September 2020

The recent coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is impacting the research community worldwide with unforeseen long‐term consequences for research, doctoral training, and international collaboration. It is already clear that the immediate effects of the crisis resulting from disrupted research stays and reduced career development opportunities are being most detrimental to early‐career researchers. Based on a Sino‐German international research training group dedicated to doctoral training and biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning research, we show how resilience of large collaborative research programs can be promoted in times of global crisis. We outline possible adaptations in the areas of funding, research, teaching and learning, supervision and mentoring, and international collaboration helping to reduce detrimental impact for early‐career researchers and to permanently strengthen the performance of large collaborative research groups in the postpandemic era.
Fine‐tuned responses to chemical landscapes: crayfish use predator odors to assess threats based on relative size ratios
Authors: Wood Tyler C. , Moore Paul A.
Published: September 2020

The threat‐sensitive predator avoidance hypothesis suggests that prey animals should minimize the costs of antipredator behaviors by only responding to predators that pose a potentially lethal threat. Thus, prey must use risk assessment strategies to determine which predators present a great enough threat to merit a response. A rich literature demonstrates that chemical signals can communicate information about predator identity, diet, and size. However, the relationship between predator size and prey size has been largely overlooked. What remains unknown is how prey respond to odors from predators along a continuum of relative size. Here, we tested the responses of crayfish (prey) to odor cues from two species of predatory fish along a gradient of relative size relationships. Crayfish and fish were paired according to crayfish carapace width and the fish’s gape width to represent different relative size pairings. Foraging and shelter use video assays were used to evaluate changes in crayfish behavior under the different levels of threat presented. The analysis revealed significant increases in macrophyte consumption, foraging effort, and overall activity among crayfish that were small relative to their predators, independent of the absolute size of fish or crayfish size. Crayfish that were small relative to predator size showed significantly less shelter use than crayfish that were large relative to predator gape size. The results demonstrate that the crayfish are assessing threat based on their size relative to the predator gape size solely using chemical signals. As a result of this assessment, crayfish are changing their resource use to potentially grow larger to limit future predatory threats. Overall, this research supports the threat‐sensitive predator avoidance hypothesis and provides an opportunity to refine the landscape of fear concept to accommodate more detailed risk assessments by prey.
Temperature but not nutrient addition affects abundance and assemblage structure of colonizing aquatic insects
Authors: McNamara Sarah C. , Pintar Matthew R. , Resetarits William J.
Published: September 2020

Abiotic conditions are important considerations in the species sorting process, which ultimately determines the distribution and abundance of species. Freshwater ecosystems will be impacted by ongoing temperature rise and other anthropogenically induced changes, such as nutrient enrichment and eutrophication. Changing characteristics of freshwater habitats will likely impact organisms in numerous ways, including through effects on colonization dynamics. Species are expected to colonize habitat patches where fitness will be the highest for themselves and their offspring, and how habitat selection interacts with changing environments remains an important question. We conducted a warming experiment to test the habitat selection preferences of aquatic beetles and hemipterans between habitat patches (mesocosms) of varying temperatures (via heaters), nutrient addition, and their interaction. Overall, insect abundance and richness were higher in unheated patches, with taxon‐specific variation in response to heating. Although nutrients had limited effects on environmental conditions in mesocosms, their addition had no significant effects on insects. Insect assemblages had unique structures across heating treatments, with lower beta diversity and higher effective numbers of species in the warmest mesocosms. Our data support the importance of spatial variation in abiotic factors during the habitat selection process, and in determining species distributions and abundances as shallow lentic ecosystems are impacted by rising global temperatures.
Three‐dimensional array of strong magnetic field by using cubic permanent magnets
Authors: Nishimura Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

The strong magnetic field arrays by using cubic permanent magnets are proposed as a magnetic field source. The magnets used two types of the magnetized directions: 6 and 18 directions. The array is three‐dimensional structure: cube consisting of three, five, seven, and nine cubic magnets on the side. There are two types of the structures: through‐hole and dead end in the center. For each cube magnet, the magnetic flux density of the center was calculated by the derived formulae, which are solved the area integral by the integral formulae. It is a feature that the calculations are fast. The directions in which the magnetic flux density of the z‐axis is maximized were selected, and the sum of their magnetic flux density was obtained. At the same time, each sum of the magnetic flux density of the x‐axis and y‐axis was selected to be zero. It was found that the obtained results are independent of the length of one side. Therefore, the structures can also be combined to cover the structures. Although the operating point of the magnet is not taken into account, it was able to find the arrangements of more than 2 T. It was confirmed that the array of 24 cubes was consistent with the experiment.
Calculation of ternary liquid‐liquid equilibrium data using arc‐length continuation
Authors: Binous Housam , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Liquid‐liquid extraction is an important separation technique used in several chemical engineering processes. When experimental data are unavailable, reliable prediction of liquid‐liquid equilibrium (LLE) data is essential for the optimal design of these processes. This paper describes a new methodology based on the application of the arc‐length continuation numerical technique in order to compute LLE data using non‐random two liquid or universal quasi‐chemical activity coefficient models. This technique is straightforward to implement in Mathematica©. In addition, the arc‐length method avoids the main disadvantage of root finding methods, such as Newton's method, for which the convergence often depends on the proper choice of an initial guess. Another advantage of the proposed approach, based on arc‐length continuation, is that all LLE data are generated in one single calculation. Several case studies, involving the three main types of ternary systems (ie, Type I, II and 0), illustrate the proposed method. For type I, we study the following three ternary systems: (1) water‐ethanol‐benzene, (2) 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural‐1‐butanol‐water, and (3) methanol‐benzene‐water. We have selected, for type II systems, the following mixtures: (1) isobutyl alcohol‐cyclohexane‐water, (2) methanol‐cyclohexane‐water, and (3) 4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone‐2‐butanol‐water. For type 0 systems, we have chosen a mixture composed of DMSO‐THF‐water. Finally, for each case, our predicted results are benchmarked against the corresponding experimental data.
Accurate characterization of full pore size distribution of tight sandstones by low‐temperature nitrogen gas adsorption and high‐pressure mercury intrusion combination method
Authors: Fu Shuaishi , Fang Qi , Li Aifen , Li Zhiping , Han Jinliang , Dang Xu , Han Wencheng
Published: September 2020

The full pore size distribution represents the integrated characteristics of micro‐nano pore‐throat systems in tight reservoirs. And it involves experiments of different scales to fully analyze the microscope properties. In this paper, we established a new approach for full pore size characterization through conducting the high‐pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) experiments and low‐temperature nitrogen gas adsorption (LTN2GA) experiments. Meanwhile, we studied the petrology feature of the tight sandstones through X‐ray diffraction (X‐rD) and TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA). Then, we investigated the HPMI capillary pressure curves and pore size distribution characteristics, as well as the adsorption‐desorption isotherms features and BET‐specific surface area. Finally, the BJH, non‐local density functional theory (NLDFT) and the quenched solid density functional theory (QSDFT) are contrasted for analyzing the adsorption and pore size distribution characteristics. The HPMI method characterizes the macropores distribution accurately, and the micro/mesopores take up of 14.47% of the total pore spaces. The physisorption isotherms take on the combining shape of type II and IV(a), and the hysteresis loops are like type H3 combined with H4. The BET‐specific surface area is inversely proportional to permeability, and the constant of adsorption heat shows consistence with the analysis results of mineral content. QSDFT can characterize the pore size distribution of micro/mesopores more accurately than the BJH, HPMI, and NLDFT method. By combining the pores narrower than 34 nm calculated from QSDFT method and pores larger than 34 nm calculated from HPMI data with mercury intrusion pressure lower than 42.65 MPa, the full pore size distribution features of tight sandstones are accurately characterized. The micro/mesopores from the new combination method are 3.72% more than that calculated from the HPMI data, and it is of great significance for the accurate pore distribution evaluation and development of tight reservoirs.
Solar photovoltaic and batteries have unaffordable environmental and economic costs
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: September 2020

The current renewable energy technologies do not permit a better economy and do not permit a better environment. Solar PV and wind energy production suffer from intermittency and unpredictability, and in countries such as Saudi Arabia, where water is scarce, the huge energy storage needed to make a grid wind and solar only may only be covered by batteries. These batteries have an unacceptably high economic and environmental cost to add to the already everything but negligible economic and environmental costs of solar PV and wind. Here we demonstrate as to produce in Saudi Arabia the same energy of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant by using solar PV power plants and battery energy storage facilities translates into much larger environmental and economic costs, with also unfavorable energy security and depletion of natural resources. It is therefore important to invest more in research for novel renewable energy technologies including internal storage, such as higher temperature concentrated solar power plants with enhanced thermal energy storage by liquid metals and high efficiency advanced ultra‐supercritical steam cycles and supercritical CO2cycles, that may deliver capacity factor of 100% permitting independence from the resource variability.
High-Frequency Sampling of Small Streams in the Agroecosystems of Southwestern Ontario, Canada, to Characterize Pesticide Exposure and Associated Risk to Aquatic Life
Authors: Sanford M. , Prosser R.S.
Published: September 2020

The temporal dynamics of pesticide concentrations in streams remains poorly characterized in southwestern Ontario, a region of the province where land use is dominated by agriculture. Understanding the magnitude and duration of pulsed exposures to pesticides in these small streams is critical when estimating the risk of pesticides to these aquatic ecosystems. The present study investigated the application of a high-frequency water sampling approach paired with the collection of flow data to characterize the pulsed exposure of pesticides to small streams in southwestern Ontario. Six sites along 2 different streams with different magnitudes of agricultural land use in their upstream catchments were sampled using half-day composite samples from July to October 2018 and from May to September 2019. A total of 1043 samples were collected over the 2 yr, of which 210 were analyzed. Samples for analysis were chosen based on flow, water level, and precipitation data. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure >500 pesticides in each water sample. A total of 35 different compounds were detected over the 6 sampling sites. For pesticides that were detected in >10% of water samples above the method quantification limit, a deterministic risk assessment using water quality guidelines and a probabilistic risk assessment using species sensitivity distributions were performed. The calculated hazard quotients showed that 2,4-D, atrazine, metolachlor, and metribuzin exceeded a level of concern of 1 at the highest concentrations detected. In all cases, hazard concentrations that would be protective of 95% of species from the species sensitivity distributions were greater than the 95th centile of the environmental exposure distributions, meaning that the risk from the pesticides was low. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2570–2587. © 2020 SETAC
Improved survival for individuals with common chronic conditions in the Medicare population
Authors: Goldman Dana P. , Cohen Benjamin G. , Ho Jessica Y. , McFadden Daniel L. , Ryan Martha S. , Tysinger Bryan
Published: September 2020

It is well established that the United States lags behind peer nations in life expectancy, but it is less established that there is heterogeneity in life expectancy trends. We compared mortality trends from 2004 to 2014 for the United States with 17 high‐income countries for persons under and over 65. The United States ranked last in survival gains for the young but ranked near the middle for persons over 65, the group with universal access to public insurance. To explore the over‐65 mortality trend, we estimated Cox proportional hazards models for individuals soon after entering Medicare. These were estimated separately by race and sex, controlling for 26 chronic conditions and condition‐specific time trends. The separate regressions enabled survival comparisons for the 2004 and 2014 cohorts by race and sex, conditional on baseline health. We predicted 5‐year survival for all combinations of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease (IHD). All 16 combinations of these conditions showed survival gains, with diabetes as a key driver. Notably, survival improved and racial disparities narrowed for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and IHD. White females, black females, white males, and black males gained 3.61, 3.90, 3.57, and 5.89 percentage points in 5‐year survival, respectively.
Impact of age and comorbidity on survival among patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Patel Krupal B. , Martin Daniel , Zhao Songzhu , Kumar Bhavna , Carrau Ricardo , Ozer Enver , Agrawal Amit , Kang Stephen , Rocco James W. , Schuller David , Teknos Theodoros , Brock Guy , Old Matthew
Published: September 2020

Objective

To identify predictors of overall survival (OS) and to stratify patients according to significant prognostic variables.

Methods

A retrospective study of 274 consecutive patients with primary Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Kaplan‐Meier, Cox proportional hazard models, and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) were used for analysis of OS. These results were further validated using National Cancer Database cohort of 21 895 patients.

Results

Median OS was 3.65 years. T‐classification and N‐classification, alcoholic beverages/week, age, and adjuvant treatment were significant predictors of OS. RPA identified high‐risk subpopulations: N0‐1 patients with CCI ≥ 4.5 and N2‐3 patients ordered by those not receiving adjuvant treatment, those with T3‐4 disease despite adjuvant therapy, and those having T1‐2 disease with adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

This study utilized significant prognostic indicators and RPA to highlight the importance of age, N‐classification, T‐classification, comorbidity, and adjuvant therapy in conjunction with American Joint Committee on Cancer staging to improve preoperative counseling.
Is it possible to halve the incidence of liver cancer in China by 2050?
Authors: Shi Ju‐Fang , Cao Maomao , Wang Yuting , Bai Fang‐Zhou , Lei Lin , Peng Ji , Feletto Eleonora , Canfell Karen , Qu Chunfeng , Chen Wanqing
Published: September 2020

A substantial proportion of liver cancers is attributable to chronic infection with hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV). Liver cancer could become the second cancer, after cervical, to be effectively controlled globally, if proven interventions such as vaccination can be implemented on a large scale. In 2018, the global mortality rate for liver cancer was estimated to be 8.5 per 100 000 individuals. Given patterns of HBV infection and immigration across countries, liver cancer control requires combined, global action. Liver cancer trends vary between countries, in some Western countries, the incidence rates were relatively low but have increased in recent decades; conversely, in several Asian countries, the incidence rates have decreased over time. China has in the past contributed more than half of the global burden of liver cancer but more recently a national decline in liver cancer incidence has been observed. Here, we review the liver cancer burden and exposure to risk factors in China, compared to other countries. We also review the implementation status for primary and secondary prevention interventions and major outcomes achieved over the past three decades. Using Bayesian age‐period‐cohort analysis, we examine recent trends and based on these, predict that by 2050, the incidence of liver cancer in China could fall by half. We additionally survey the literature to identify current research needs, and review relevant national policies on liver cancer control in China. A comprehensive set of interventions is proposed to progress toward the long‐term goal of liver cancer elimination based on the natural history and evidence‐based interventions.
Employing Model Based Conceptual Design to Identify Test Range Resources Required to Validate the Delivered Solution
Authors: Flanigan David , Robinson Kevin
Published: September 2020

During an initial system concept development, systems engineers will look at different areas of the problem space in order to develop a solution that will satisfy the overall capabilities defined by the stakeholders. During this phase, the problem space is intentionally left large in order to consider a larger scope of the solution space and operational environment. Thus, the SE would like to consider as much of the space as possible to determine what is feasible and infeasible when progressing on to the next phase of system development. This paper reports on an extension of Model Based Conceptual Design (MBCD) that visualizes the potential feasible solution space in order to inform decision makers of feasible solutions and test range resources required to validate the delivered solution. An approach is offered, utilizing Design of Experiments methods, to extend previous research on test and evaluation with MBCD as applied to an illustrative use case.
A sustainable software testing process for the Square Kilometre Array project
Authors: Brajnik Giorgio , Bartolini Marco , Rees Nicholas
Published: September 2020

In this paper we show how to achieve a sustainable software testing process in a very complex scientific project, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio observatory. The project currently involves 13 countries, 16 agile development teams of about 150 individuals, governed through the Scalable Agile Framework (SAFe) framework; the software that is being built ranges from user interfaces to control systems, from transactional applications to high performance parallel scientific processing code.

The paper illustrates the testing challenges we have to tackle; it also defines what a “sustainable testing process” is and how that constitutes the foundation of an incremental adoption plan rooted on systems thinking. The plan is then described, highlighting the principles we adhered to for synthesising a sequence of 9 basic testing goals that are currently being rolled out.

We are confident that similar decisions can be made on many large scientific projects that are developed with agile methods.
Toward Architecting the Future of System Security
Authors: Willett Keith D.
Published: September 2020

Cybersecurity is not just a technical decision regarding cost, benefit, and performance. Cybersecurity interweaves with civil liberties (opting out of the digital world), privacy (the right to be unobserved and the right to be forgotten), automated resolution of moral dilemmas (autonomous vehicle choosing who to hit), financial security (wealth representation being bits on a hard drive), socio‐political deception (detecting fake news on which we base life decisions), and physical safety (loss of life and property from adverse cyber‐physical events). As we look to the future of system security and system security engineering, we have hard choices to make that effect the way we live. This paper examines many of those choices and establishes architectural premises toward architecting the future of system security.
The Greatest Young System Engineers of the Year Challenge
Authors: Sparrius Ad
Published: September 2020

In 2015 the Greatest Young Systems Engineers of the Year Challenge was launched as part of the INCOSE SA annual conference. This annual challenge has now occurred five times from 2015 through 2019/20 with a total of 84 contestants from nine employer companies. This paper summarizes the challenge's objectives, its results, and explains the lessons learnt.
Engaging Mechanical Engineers in System Modeling
Authors: Gullhav Katrine , Haskins Cecilia
Published: September 2020

In Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) the system model is used to capture and share Systems Engineering (SE) data and artifacts. Using the model to communicate with the project engineers is found to be more successful with software (SW) engineers than with other domains. As a result, the system model is developed unevenly.

This article reports on how a company, whose system model is decisively more detailed in its description of SW sub‐systems, might better involve mechanical (and other) engineers in system modeling. Case‐based research is applied to understand the company's challenges. The conclusion is that the challenges originate from failing to consider the differences in how these domains view and relate to a system under development. The research determined that the models developed in the company‐specific tool implementation were incapable of producing useful deliverables for non‐software engineers. In the absence of a plan for how a mechanical engineer could access information from the model, the authors recommend defining a modeling environment to ensure the necessary contributions from both systems engineers and mechanical engineers.
Complexity, Systems Thinking and an Integrated Systems Engineering and Project Management Model
Authors: Jonkers Raymond Klaas , Shahroudi Kamran Eftekhari
Published: September 2020

Although theory and guiding principles exist for the integration of systems engineering and project management, there does not appear to be a practical approach offered. With unproductive tension, discipline‐specific disparate processes and models, and persistent project failures, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to this integration. This shift may be achieved through systems thinking and the use of an integrated management model that includes key linkages, a decision support system and system dynamics. The model presented in the current study provides a structured approach for multiple disciplines to address and manage product and project complexity through cross‐functional processes within an interactive dynamic model environment consisting of system, process and policy levers. The model is validated through application of a case study, literature review, surveys and interviews with industry experts. Use of the model provides for critical thinking and a multi‐disciplinary agile approach to help navigate complexity.
Implementing Model‐Based Systems Engineering for the Development and Support of an Additive‐Layer Manufacturing Plant in the Aerospace Context
Authors: Hussein Elmouiz , Kossmann Mario
Published: September 2020

One of the revolutionary changes of the 21st century in the aerospace industry is the emergence of Additive Layer Manufacturing or 3D printing technology. This is so for a number of reasons. There is virtually no material waste in the production process. Existing aircraft parts of current designs can be produced in less time and for a fraction of the cost, whilst still meeting the ‘form, fit and function’ requirements of those existing parts. Modified parts that are stronger and lighter, but which could not previously be produced with traditional manufacturing methods and tools, can be designed and produced. Going even beyond parts, new designs will increasingly be enabled with larger ALM machines that are capable of printing much larger components, which have most of the traditional parts already integrated. This dramatically reduces manufacturing and assembly times and costs, as well as weight, while increasing the level of functional integration by such components.

This paper reports on the application of MBSE for the development and support of a new ALM Plant in the UK. The establishment of this ‘ALM System’ followed years of cutting‐edge research activities on laser and electron beam powder bed technologies. The requirements for and the solution architecture of the ALM System were developed using various methods and supporting tools, until the requirements cascade and part of the corresponding system design, down to the level of certain detailed production processes, was modeled in SysML using MagicDraw.
Preparing the Acquisition Workforce: A Digital Engineering Competency Framework
Authors: Pepe Kara , Hutchison Nicole , Blackburn Mark , Verma Dinesh , Wade Jon , Peak Russell , Baker Adam , Whitcomb Cliff , Khan Rabia
Published: September 2020

This paper describes the goals, methods, approaches, and preliminary results of research to develop a Digital Engineering Competency Framework (DECF) for the acquisition workforce. Evidence across the Services and industry has affirmed digital engineering is a critical practice necessary to support acquisition in an environment of increasing global challenges, dynamic threats, rapidly evolving technologies, and increasing life expectancy of our systems currently in operation. The purpose of the DECF is to provide clear guidance for the DoD acquisition workforce, in particular the engineering (ENG) acquisition workforce, through clearly defined competencies that illuminate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required for digital engineering professionals.
SKA Maintenance and Support Modeling
Authors: Taljaard Cornelius , Chrysostomou Antonio , van Zyl Andreas N
Published: September 2020

The availability requirement for the SKA telescopes will have a major impact on the design, capital and operating costs. The design‐for‐reliability, maintainability, maintenance planning and performance expectations should be well balanced.

Engineering analysis indicates that the SKA telescopes should have an inherent availability of 99% and both telescopes are required to have an operational availability of at least 95%.

This paper discusse the availability and support challenges of building and operating two telescopes in Australia and South Africa. It describes the approach to the critical design review of the system, with a special focus on simulation modeling and sensitivity analysis.

It also discusses the use of failure data from the precursor telescopes and gives technical insight into the development of a digital twin for decision making.
Investigating Organization Attributes that Support Systems Engineering Workforce Effectiveness
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , Burke Pamela , Tao Hoong Yan See , Makwana Deep , Giffin Ralph , Verma Dinesh
Published: September 2020

This paper describes a multi‐year effort to understand the attributes of organizations that support systems engineering effectiveness. Using a combination of surveys, interviews, and commercially available culture assessment tools, the research identifies key components of organization culture, structure, governance, process, and tools that enable systems engineers to deliver value in industry and government contexts in the United States and Europe. The results can be used by people to improve effectiveness in their own organizations and to stimulate discussion and action to support effectiveness across the profession.
A Study of System Development in a Research and Development Environment with a focus on Radar Systems
Authors: John Rini S. , Erasmus Louwrence D.
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to analyse the development of radar systems in a government research and development environment from a systems engineering perspective and identify which, if any, systems engineering tools and methods are used. The practical portion of the research took a mixed methods approach where both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used. The quantitative portion of the research assessed aspects of systems engineering in the context of the research environment the participant is working in using categories of the Systems Engineering Capability (SECM) EIA/IS 731 model. Analysis of the data indicated that, in principle, systems engineering methods and tools are supposed to be applied in this research area, however this was not done consistently across projects. Some of the challenges in this research area included eliciting clear customer requirements, resource constraints and budget and schedule overruns. Recommendations were made based on the findings from a systems engineering perspective.
The Capability to Engineer Systems is a System Itself!
Authors: Beasley Richard , Pickard Andrew C.
Published: September 2020

Systems Thinking can be applied to anything. This paper explores an important application of Systems Thinking ‐ to identify the capability needed by an organization to engineer products and services and so produce value for its customers and for the enterprise. The work draws upon work in the authors’ company to develop and deliver the engineering capability necessary for the business context. It draws upon the ideas of capability, but adapts them to the idea of the effect of the capability being used to produce systems. The issue is the understanding of the capability needed to engineer capability as a system, and how that understanding can be used to both ensure capability is complete and can be prioritized. Recent experience in identification and prioritization of capability needs to engineer a product (which includes but is not limited to Systems Engineering) in the authors’ organization is explored in this paper.
A Framework of International Competencies for Systems Engineers
Authors: Marnewick Annlizé L. , Handley Holly A.H.
Published: September 2020

In the course of their career, many systems engineers are likely to interact with engineers of other nationalities as they collaborate on large, complex projects and system of system problems. These partnerships are necessary to support international goals, such as those for sustainable development. System engineers may even work onsite in other countries where they must adapt to different styles of doing business. This requires a set of global skill sets for cooperating and decision making, as well as basic social skills for interacting with the local community. These global skills can be included in a graduate level system engineering curriculum by integrating a set of “international competencies” that includes cognitive style differences, culture awareness, communication, ethics, and teamwork. The competencies were identified through a literature review of suggested global engineering skill sets; these five themes consistently appeared throughout the literature. The Graduate Reference Curriculum for Systems Engineering (GRCSE) was then reviewed to link these competencies to established systems engineering learning outcomes and System Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBOK) topics. Finally, teaching elements are suggested that can be included even in established curriculums to introduce systems engineers to the skills they need to be successful in a global world.
The SE Handbook: What Does It Mean to Me? A Proposal to Improve the Practical Application of the SE Handbook
Authors: Hoehne Oliver , Russell Jennifer , van de Ven Marcel
Published: September 2020

The INCOSE systems engineering (SE) handbook (Haskins, 2015) has served our discipline well for the years of its application. The authors foresee the future applicability of the contents in section 1.1 Purpose where it defines the discipline and practice of systems engineering (SE) for students and practicing professionals alike. The SE Handbook provides an authoritative reference to understand the SE discipline in terms of content and practice. Additionally, section 1.2 Application describes, while being consistent with the ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288, the handbook further elaborates on the practices and activities necessary to execute the processes, and that it is recommended that the tailoring guidelines in chapter 8 be used.

With the strong baseline of defined systems engineering, Chapter 8 of the handbook addresses the Tailoring Process and Application of Systems Engineering. As of now, only 18 of the 290 handbook pages (6.2%) are dedicated to the tailoring process and applied tailoring. Section 8.2, Tailoring for Specific Product Sector or Domain Application is only afforded 5 pages (1.7% of the handbook total). The planned update of the INCOSE SE handbook offers an opportunity to enhance the practical application of the SE handbook. This paper reviews the current SE handbook structure, proposes an envisioned solution, provides a proof of concept, and discusses the recommended adjustments using a holistic systems engineering approach.