bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional imaging of palatal muscles in the human embryo and fetus: Development of levator veli palatini and clinical importance of the lesser palatine nerve
Authors: Kishimoto Hideaki , Yamada Shigehito , Kanahashi Toru , Yoneyama Akio , Imai Hirohiko , Matsuda Tetsuya , Takeda Tohoru , Kawai Katsuya , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: October 2015

Background: After palatoplasty, incomplete velopharyngeal closure in speech articulation sometimes persists, despite restoration of deglutition function. The levator veli palatini (LVP) is believed to be significantly involved with velopharyngeal function in articulation; however, the development and innervation of LVP remain obscure. The development of LVP in human embryos and fetuses has not been systematically analyzed using the Carnegie stage (CS) to standardize documentation of development. Results: The anlage of LVP starts to develop at CS 21 beneath the aperture of the auditory tube (AT) to the pharynx. At CS 23, LVP runs along AT over its full length, as evidenced by three‐dimensional image reconstruction. In the fetal stage, the lesser palatine nerve (LPN) is in contact with LVP. Conclusions: The positional relationship between LVP and AT three‐dimensionally, suggesting that LVP might be derived from the second branchial arch. Based on histological evidence, we hypothesize that motor components from the facial nerve may run along LPN, believed to be purely sensory. The multiple innervation of LVP by LPN and pharyngeal plexus may explain the postpalatoplasty discrepancy between the partial impairment in articulation vs. the functional restoration of deglutition. That is, the contribution of LPN is greater in articulation than in deglutition. Developmental Dynamics 245:123–131, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant–plant interactions as a mechanism structuring plant diversity in a Mediterranean semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Arroyo Antonio I. , Pueyo Yolanda , Saiz Hugo , Alados Concepción L.
Published: October 2015

Plant–plant interactions are among the fundamental processes that shape structure and functioning of arid and semi‐arid plant communities. Despite the large amount of studies that have assessed the relationship between plant–plant interactions (i.e., facilitation and competition) and diversity, often researchers forget a third kind of interaction, known as allelopathy. We examined the effect of plant–plant interactions of three dominant species: the perennial grass Lygeum spartum, the allelopathic dwarf shrub Artemisia herba‐alba, and the nurse shrub Salsola vermiculata, on plant diversity and species composition in a semi‐arid ecosystem in NE Spain. Specifically, we quantified the interaction outcome (IO) based on species co‐occurrence, we analyzed diversity by calculation of the individual species–area relationship (ISAR), and compositional changes by calculation of the Chao‐Jaccard similarity index. We found that S. vermiculata had more positive IO values than L. spartum, and A. herba‐alba had values between them. Lygeum spartum and A. herba‐alba acted as diversity repellers, whereas S. vermiculata acted as a diversity accumulator. As aridity increased, A. herba‐alba transitioned from diversity repeller to neutral and S. vermiculata transitioned from neutral to diversity accumulator, while L. spartum remained as diversity repeller. Artemisia herba‐alba had more perennial grass species in its local neighborhood than expected by the null model, suggesting some tolerance of this group to its “chemical neighbor”. Consequently, species that coexist with A. herba‐alba were very similar among different A. herba‐alba individuals. Our findings highlight the role of the nurse shrub S. vermiculata as ecosystem engineer, creating and maintaining patches of diversity, as well as the complex mechanism that an allelopathic plant may have on diversity and species assemblage. Further research is needed to determine the relative importance of allelopathy and competition in the overall interference of allelopathic plants.
Viscosity–temperature relationship of lipid‐based excipients amenable for spray congealing: Derivation of a rheological parameter with good correlation to particle size
Authors: Wong Priscilla Chui Hong , Heng Paul Wan Sia , Chan Lai Wah
Published: October 2015

The objective of this paper was to investigate the viscosity‐temperature relationship of lipid‐based materials (fatty alcohol, fatty acid, fatty ester and glycerides) amenable for spray congealing. The flow properties and viscosity–temperature relationship of cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, myristyl myristate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl dibehenate, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil and hydrogenated cottonseed oil were investigated using continuous ramping and temperature ramping tests. The viscosity–temperature data obtained was fitted into two existing viscosity–temperature models as well as a series of mathematical functions. The peak melting points of the materials were established by differential scanning calorimetry. Morphology and size of the spray‐congealed microparticles were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and laser diffractometry. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between viscosity and microparticle median size. When molten, all eight lipid‐based materials used were Newtonian liquids. Viscosity of these materials decreased in a biphasic manner with increasing temperature which fitted a simple biexponential equation. The viscosity–temperature curves showed distinct transition points, from which mathematical manipulations generated a new rheological parameter termed Tp. Compared to the conventionally used viscosity values at spraying temperature, the Tp values of materials showed a stronger correlation with the median size of spray‐congealed microparticles produced.

Practical applications: From this work, a new temperature‐independent constant (Tp) unique to each lipid‐based material was derived and found to have good correlation with the resultant spray‐congealed microparticle median size. This work aims to introduce Tp as a viable parameter of the rheology of lipid‐based materials for optimisation of formulation in spray congealation. Besides spray congealing, the application of Tp may be extended to other melt processes, such as melt granulation, melt extrusion and hot melt coating.

(A) A typical biexponential temperature ramping curve showing the location of the characteristic transition point (Tp). (B) Graph of median size (μm) of spray‐congealed microparticles against Tp values.
A Deep Eutectic Solvent‐based Amperometric Sensor for the Detection of Low Oxygen Contents in Gaseous Atmospheres
Authors: Toniolo Rosanna , Dossi Nicolò , Svigelj Rossella , Pigani Laura , Terzi Fabio , Abollino Ornella , Bontempelli Gino
Published: October 2015

The possibility of adopting deep eutectic solvents (DESs) instead of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in membrane‐free electrochemical gas probes was estimated by first evaluating the performance of ethaline as electrochemical medium. This very easily prepared DES was chosen as prototype since it displays high conductivity and fairly modest viscosity, comparable with those of RTILs usually adopted in electrochemical measurements. Its electrostability window at Au, Pt and GC electrodes was first detected, together with diffusion coefficients displayed in this medium by ferrocene in the range 2.0–26.5 °C, it being adopted as prototype analyte in view of its well known electrochemical behavior and high enough solubility in ethaline. These diffusion coefficients were then used to infer viscosity values of ethaline at all temperatures considered, by exploiting the Stokes‐Einstein equation. Even though ferrocene diffusion coefficients turned out to be remarkably lower than those displayed in usual aprotic solvents, they were fairly higher than those usually found in electrochemical measurements conducted in RTILs, thus pointing out that the use of DESs as solvents adhering to electrode surfaces for assembling electroanalytical gas sensors could be advantageous. On these bases, a conveniently assembled DES‐based probe was tested for the electrochemical detection of low oxygen contents in cooled atmospheres. The quite satisfactory results found indicated that the drawback affecting DESs, consisting in the low values of diffusion coefficients displayed by dissolved analytes, can be overcome by using thin enough DES layers and resorting to a high sensitive detection approach such as amperometry under flow conditions. In fact, good sensitivities were found at all temperatures considered (2.0–26.5 °C), accompanied by a low detection limit (ca. 0.1 % v/v).
Inverted Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells using Polyethylenimine‐Ethoxylated Processed from a Fully Aqueous Dispersion as Electron‐Transport Layer
Authors: Polino Giuseppina , Casaluci Simone , Dianetti Martina , Dell'Elce Simone , Liscio Andrea , Mirruzzo Valentina , Cardone Giorgio , Susanna Gianpaolo , Salamandra Luigi , Brown Thomas M. , Reale Andrea , Di Carlo Aldo , Brunetti Francesca
Published: October 2015

In this work, we present the realization and characterization of bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells in which we use a spin‐coated polyethylenimine‐ethoxylated (PEIE) layer as electron‐transporting layer deposited from a fully water‐based solution. We investigated several concentrations of PEIE in aqueous solution and characterized the chemical and electrical behavior of PEIE‐coated fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) substrates. We realized BHJ solar cells using P3HT:PC60BM as active layer achieving a maximum efficiency of 4 % that outperform the device fabricated using a 2‐methoxyethanol‐based PEIE solution considered as reference. Moreover, devices fabricated with the water‐based PEIE solution showed a higher shelf‐life stability compared to those made with the 2‐methoxyethanol‐based PEIE solution. The performances of the devices realized with the water‐based solution were characterized over a period of more than 6 months showing a decrease of 30 % in efficiency.
Reconstruction of late Holocene climate based on tree growth and mechanistic hierarchical models
Authors: Tipton John , Hooten Mevin , Pederson Neil , Tingley Martin , Bishop Daniel
Published: October 2015

Reconstruction of pre‐instrumental, late Holocene climate is important for understanding how climate has changed in the past and how climate might change in the future. Statistical prediction of paleoclimate from tree ring widths is challenging because tree ring widths are a one‐dimensional summary of annual growth that represents a multi‐dimensional set of climatic and biotic influences. We develop a Bayesian hierarchical framework using a nonlinear, biologically motivated tree ring growth model to jointly reconstruct temperature and precipitation in the Hudson Valley, New York. Using a common growth function to describe the response of a tree to climate, we allow for species‐specific parameterizations of the growth response. To enable predictive backcasts, we model the climate variables with a vector autoregressive process on an annual timescale coupled with a multivariate conditional autoregressive process that accounts for temporal correlation and cross‐correlation between temperature and precipitation on a monthly scale. Our multi‐scale temporal model allows for flexibility in the climate response through time at different temporal scales and predicts reasonable climate scenarios given tree ring width data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase induction in the common kingfisher from an electronic waste recycling site
Authors: Wu Jiang-Ping , Mo Ling , Zhi Hui , Peng Ying , Tao Lin , Ren Zi-He , Luo Xiao-Jun , Mai Bi-Xian
Published: October 2015

The health effects of exposure to electronic waste (e-waste)-derived pollutants are an important issue. The authors explored the association between the hepatic levels of e-waste–derived halogenated contaminants (including polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], polybrominated diphenyl ethers [PBDEs], and polybrominated biphenyls [PBBs]) and hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity of the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) from an e-waste site and 2 reference sites in South China. The summed concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and PBBs ranged from 620 ng/g to 15 000 ng/g, 25 ng/g to 900 ng/g, and 14 ng/g to 49 ng/g wet weight, respectively, in the kingfishers from the e-waste site, and these values were significantly greater (2–3 orders of magnitude) than those obtained at the 2 reference sites. Correspondingly, significant hepatic EROD induction was observed in the kingfishers from the e-waste site compared with the reference sites. The EROD activity was significantly correlated to the levels of most of the PCB and PBDE congeners examined as well as PBB 153, suggesting that EROD induction may be evoked by these e-waste–derived pollutants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1594–1599. © 2015 SETAC
Associations between polygenic risk for schizophrenia and brain function during probabilistic learning in healthy individuals
Authors: Lancaster Thomas M. , Ihssen Niklas , Brindley Lisa M. , Tansey Katherine E. , Mantripragada Kiran , O'Donovan Michael C. , Owen Michael J. , Linden David E.J.
Published: October 2015

A substantial proportion of schizophrenia liability can be explained by additive genetic factors. Risk profile scores (RPS) directly index risk using a summated total of common risk variants weighted by their effect. Previous studies suggest that schizophrenia RPS predict alterations to neural networks that support working memory and verbal fluency. In this study, we apply schizophrenia RPS to fMRI data to elucidate the effects of polygenic risk on functional brain networks during a probabilistic‐learning neuroimaging paradigm. The neural networks recruited during this paradigm have previously been shown to be altered to unmedicated schizophrenia patients and relatives of schizophrenia patients, which may reflect genetic susceptibility. We created schizophrenia RPS using summary data from the Psychiatric Genetic Consortium (Schizophrenia Working Group) for 83 healthy individuals and explore associations between schizophrenia RPS and blood oxygen level dependency (BOLD) during periods of choice behavior (switch–stay) and reflection upon choice outcome (reward–punishment). We show that schizophrenia RPS is associated with alterations in the frontal pole (PWHOLE‐BRAIN‐CORRECTED = 0.048) and the ventral striatum (PROI‐CORRECTED = 0.036), during choice behavior, but not choice outcome. We suggest that the common risk variants that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia can be associated with alterations in the neural circuitry that support the processing of changing reward contingencies. Hum Brain Mapp 37:491–500, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical identification of orographic effects in the regional analysis of extreme rainfall
Authors: Furcolo Pierluigi , Pelosi Anna , Rossi Fabio
Published: October 2015

Regional models of extreme rainfall must address the spatial variability induced by orographic obstacles. However, the proper detection of orographic effects often depends on the availability of a well‐designed rain gauge network. The aim of this study is to investigate a new method for identifying and characterizing the effects of orography on the spatial structure of extreme rainfall at the regional scale, including where rainfall data are lacking or fail to describe rainfall features thoroughly.

We analyse the annual maxima of daily rainfall data in the Campania region, an orographically complex region in Southern Italy, and introduce a statistical procedure to identify spatial outliers in a low order statistic (namely the mean). The locations of these outliers are then compared with a pattern of orographic objects that has beena prioriidentified through the application of an automatic geomorphological procedure. The results show a direct and clear link between a particular set of orographic objects and a local increase in the spatial variability of extreme rainfall. This analysis allowed us to objectively identify areas where orography produces enhanced variability in extreme rainfall. It has direct implications for rain gauge network design criteria and has led to promising developments in the regional analysis of extreme rainfall. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the effects of catchment‐scale urban green infrastructure retrofits on hydrograph characteristics
Authors: Jarden Kimberly M. , Jefferson Anne J. , Grieser Jennifer M.
Published: October 2015

Run‐off from impervious surfaces has pervasive and serious consequences for urban streams, but the detrimental effects of urban stormwater can be lessened by disconnecting impervious surfaces and redirecting run‐off to decentralized green infrastructure. This study used a before–after‐control‐impact design, in which streets served as subcatchments, to quantify hydrologic effectiveness of street‐scale investments in green infrastructure, such as street‐connected bioretention cells, rain gardens and rain barrels. On the two residential treatment streets, voluntary participation resulted in 32.2% and 13.5% of parcels having green infrastructure installed over a 2‐year period. Storm sewer discharge was measured before and after green infrastructure implementation, and peak discharge, total run‐off volume and hydrograph lags were analysed. On the street with smaller lots and lower participation, green infrastructure installation succeeded in reducing peak discharge by up to 33% and total storm run‐off by up to 40%. On the street with larger lots and higher participation, there was no significant reduction in peak or total stormflows, but on this street, contemporaneous street repairs may have offset improvements. On the street with smaller lots, lag times increased following the first phase of green infrastructure construction, in which streetside bioretention cells were built with underdrains. In the second phase, lag times did not change further, because bioretention cells were built without underdrains and water was removed from the system, rather than just delayed. We conclude that voluntary green infrastructure retrofits that include treatment of street run‐off can be effective for substantially reducing stormwater but that small differences in design and construction can be important for determining the level of the benefit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the effect of different time resolutions to calculate the rainfall erosivity factor R in Calabria, southern Italy
Authors: Porto Paolo
Published: October 2015

The rainfall erosivity factor R of the Universal Soil Loss Equation is a good indicator of the potential of a storm to erode soil, as it quantifies the raindrop impact effect on the soil based on storm intensity. The R‐factor is defined as the average annual value of rainfall erosion index, EI, calculated by cumulating the EI values obtained for individual storms for at least 22 years. By definition, calculation of EI is based on rainfall measurements at short time intervals over which the intensity is essentially constant, i.e. using so‐called breakpoint data. Because of the scarcity of breakpoint rainfall data, many authors have used different time resolutions (Δt = 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) to deduce EI in different areas of the world. This procedure affects the real value of EI because it is strongly dependent on Δt. In this contribution, after a general overview of similar studies carried out in different countries, the relationship between EI and Δt is explored in Calabria, southern Italy. The use of 17 139 storm events collected from 65 rainfall stations allowed the calculation of EI for different time intervals ranging from 5 to 60 min. The overall results confirm that calculation of EI is dependent on time resolution and a conversion factor able to provide its value for the required Δt is necessary. Based on these results, a parametric equation that gives EI as a function of Δt is proposed, and a regional map of the scale parameter a that represents the conversion factor for converting fixed‐interval values of (EI30)Δt to values of (EI30)15 is provided in order to calculate R anywhere in the region using rainfall data of 60 min. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case–control study of occupational sunlight exposure and renal cancer risk
Authors: Karami Sara , Colt Joanne S. , Stewart Patricia A. , Schwartz Kendra , Davis Faith G. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Chow Wong‐Ho , Wacholder Sholom , Graubard Barry I. , Purdue Mark P. , Moore Lee E.
Published: October 2015

Epidemiological evidence of a relationship between vitamin D and kidney cancer risk has been inconsistent despite experimental data indicating that vitamin D and its metabolites may inhibit carcinogenesis. Previously we reported an inverse association between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk and occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure among European men. In this study, we examined the association between occupational UV exposure and RCC risk among US residents and investigated whether this association varied by race and sex. Lifetime occupational data for 1,217 RCC cases and 1,235 controls in a population‐based case–control study, conducted from 2002 to 2007, were assessed for occupational UV exposure. We evaluated exposure metrics in quartiles based on control exposure levels and calculated associations between RCC risk and occupational UV exposure using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for sex, race, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, center, education, family history of cancer and dietary vitamin D intake. A general pattern of decreasing RCC risk with increasing UV exposure was observed. Cases had significantly lower cumulative occupational UV exposure than controls (fourth quartile vs. first: odds ratio = 0.74 [95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.99], p‐trend = 0.03). Similar results were observed for other UV exposure metrics. The association with occupational UV exposure was stronger for women than for men, but did not differ by race. Our findings suggest an inverse association between occupational UV exposure and RCC, particularly among women. Given the sex finding discrepancies in this study versus our previous study, additional research is need to clarify whether the protective effects of occupational UV exposure and RCC risk are real.
Microvessel density and endothelial cell proliferation levels in colorectal liver metastases from patients given neo‐adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy and bevacizumab
Authors: Eefsen Rikke Løvendahl , Engelholm Lars , Willemoe Gro L. , Van den Eynden Gert G. , Laerum Ole Didrik , Christensen Ib Jarle , Rolff Hans Christian , Høyer‐Hansen Gunilla , Osterlind Kell , Vainer Ben , Illemann Martin
Published: October 2015

The treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastasis has improved significantly and first line therapy is often combined chemotherapy and bevacizumab, although it is unknown who responds to this regimen. Colorectal liver metastases grow in different histological growth patterns showing differences in angiogenesis. To identify possible response markers, histological markers of angiogenesis were assessed. Patients who underwent resection of colorectal liver metastasis at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark from 2007 to 2011 were included (n = 254) including untreated and patients treated with chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. The resected liver metastases were characterised with respect to growth pattern, endothelial and tumour cell proliferation as well as microvessel density and tumour regression. Tumour regression grade of liver metastases differed significantly between untreated/chemotherapy treated patients in comparison to chemotherapy plus bevacizumab treated patients (both p < 0.0001). Microvessel density was decreased in liver metastases from patients treated with bevacizumab in comparison to those from untreated/chemotherapy‐treated patients (p = 0.006/p = 0.002). Tumour cell proliferation assessed by Ki67 expression correlated to a shorter recurrence free survival in the total patient cohort. In conclusion, liver metastases from patients treated with neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and bevacizumab had significantly lower microvessel densities and tumour regression grades when compared to liver metastases from untreated or chemotherapy treated patients. This may indicate that bevacizumab treatment results in altered vascular biology and tumour viability, with possible tumour reducing effect.
Open Standards Simulation Flow for Heterogeneous System Models1
Authors: Broodney Henry , Greenberg Lev , Hirose Shinichi , Palachi Eldad
Published: October 2015

The main responsibility of the Systems Engineer is to understand the system as a whole. In modern Model‐Based approaches, powerful analytic tools are employed to assist the professionals. Yet the need to address the disparate aspects of the system in a single analytic process creates a new challenge stemming from the incompatibility of heterogeneous domain models. A further complication is the ubiquitous software that monitors and controls almost every aspect of a physical system behavior, adding yet another aspect that requires attention. This manuscript offers details of the construction of a Model‐Based tool chain automating the simulation flow between disparate domain models, with a special place for discrete models used for description of software functionality. The proposed flow is based on the open Functional Mockup Interface standard with partial functionality already available in the commercial offerings. The paper further identifies several missing components in existing standards and tools.
Implementing Structured Requirements to Improve Requirements Quality
Authors: Carson Ronald S.
Published: October 2015

The Boeing Company has implemented a standard approach to the engineering of high‐quality requirements using the concept of “structured, natural language”, a specific grammar for how to write requirements. This approach helps our requirements engineers write more unambiguous and verifiable requirements as required by ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2011 and related commercial and military standards.

Boeing has identified four types of specification requirements, plus a verification requirement type. Each type of requirement has a standard grammar, a set of mandatory and optional elements that ensure verifiability related to the type. This approach is implied by recent guidance from the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), and by recommendations of other industry practitioners.

In combination with these standards for writing requirements we have also integrated a scoring method for evaluating how well any requirement satisfies the standard criteria. This approach provides immediate feedback to the requirement writer regarding the absence of critical information or deficiencies in the information provided, e.g., unobservable functions, or ambiguous performance criteria or conditions. In contrast with other industry methods we score elements of the requirement individually on a graded (rather than binary) scale. We are thus able to not only score for the presence or absence of a required element, but are able to identify degrees of compliance with the Boeing standard. This enables us to quantify the risk of less‐than‐perfect requirements.
Version 0.5 of the Proposed INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Framework
Authors: Gelosh Don S. , Snoderly John R. , Heisey Mimi , Nidiffer Ken
Published: October 2015

This paper presents Version 0.5 of the proposed INCOSE Systems Engineering (SE) Competency Framework. This paper also presents the newly developed competency framework tables along with notional examples and provides a working example of a framework derived competency model for Systems Security Engineering. The competency framework is being developed as an evolution of the current INCOSE United Kingdom (UK) SE Competencies Framework (INCOSE, 2010). The INCOSE Competency Working Group (CWG) is conducting this project in collaboration with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), SE Division, Education and Training Committee in order to develop a common approach to the definition of an SE Competency Framework.
Methodology and Tools for Next Generation Cyber‐Physical Systems: The iCyPhy Approach
Authors: Nuzzo Pierluigi , Sangiovanni‐Vincentelli Alberto L. , Murray Richard M.
Published: October 2015

The realization of complex, cyber‐physical “systems of systems” can substantially benefit from model‐based hierarchical and compositional methodologies to make their design possible let alone optimal. In this paper, we introduce the methodology being developed within the industrial Cyber‐Physical (iCyPhy) research consortium, which addresses the complexity and heterogeneity of cyber‐physical systems by formalizing the design process in a hierarchical and compositional way, and provides a unifying framework where different modeling, analysis and synthesis tools can seamlessly interconnect. We use assume‐guarantee contracts and their algebra (e.g. composition, conjunction, refinement) to provide formal support to the entire design flow. The design is carried out as a sequence of refinement steps from a high‐level specification (top‐down phase) to an implementation built out of a library of components at the lower level (bottom‐up phase). At each step, the design is refined by combining synthesis from requirements, optimization and simulation‐based design space exploration methods. We illustrate our approach on design examples of embedded controllers for aircraft power distribution and air management systems.
Ontology for Systems Engineering as a base for MBSE
Authors: van Ruijven L.C.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a method for creating a Systems Engineering ontology to enable Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). This method is based on creating a set of information models as defined in ISO 15926‐11. ISO 15926 is a well‐known life cycle data integration standard from the process industry. During the engineering phase of several capital facility projects, the method has also shown to be helpful in Systems Engineering communication between involved parties. Based on the information models and the set of relationships defined herein and in combination with a Reference Data Library (RDL), one can build or configure an information management system or data exchange mechanism to support Systems Engineering processes. The presented ontology has been validated in real projects based respectively on the software tool Relatics and on a RDF Named Graph application using a triple store. Experiences with the described ontology have shown that the topic of ontology is important for systems engineering and that there is merit in further examining the suitability of ISO 15288 as an ontological foundation, enabling formalized MBSE.
Measuring the Uncertainty Impacts During the Systems Engineering Lifecycle
Authors: Flanigan David , Dixon Jeffery
Published: October 2015

Uncertainty is a large part of the Systems Engineering (SE) development process. Particularly absent is the quantification of uncertainty of the threat, operating environment, and friendly force factors at each step of this lifecycle. This paper will explore a methodology to quantify the amount of uncertainty and the interdependencies of the uncertainty factors during the development. Included for consideration are internal and external factors and their contribution to the overall system uncertainty. An illustrative example is provided to exercise this methodology.
The Use of MBSE in Infrastructure Projects ‐‐ An MBSE Challenge Team Paper
Authors: Hause Matthew , Buitelaar Jaco , van de Ven Marcel , Burgers Eric
Published: October 2015

Large infrastructure projects are complex, difficult and expensive. They are found in the transportation, energy, and communications sectors. These include projects for aerospace, and construction of public works and utilities, airports, sea ports, rail, highways and bridges, among others. They are subject to the requirements of a multitude of stakeholders, take many years to build, are often influenced by politics, and can lack focus or involve scope creep. They are also subject to laws and regulations, operational concepts, site conditions, external interfaces and utilities, industrial codes and standards, operator needs, the public interest and other influences. Projects often suffer several types of problems caused by inadequately determining, engineering and managing requirements. For example, contractual and regulatory commitments can be overlooked. Requirements do not flow down to subcontractors or suppliers. Requirements are incomplete, unclear and subject to widely varying interpretations. Projects have difficulty demonstrating requirements were met. Examples of projects where virtually all of these problems occurred include the Millennium Dome in the UK which was bankrupt shortly after opening (Projects, 2012), and the Freedom Tower (New World Trade Center) in New York City (Time, 2005). Solving these and other issues drive the need for more formal approach to managing these projects. There is a significant advantage to be gained by the adoption of systems engineering methods within the remainder of the infrastructure sectors. The INCOSE Infrastructure Working Group was formed to demonstrate how systems engineering can assist with infrastructure projects. As a part of that effort, we have created a drawbridge model to demonstrate how Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) can assist engineers in defining clear requirements, defining scope, demonstrating regulatory compliance, identifying stakeholders, etc. It uses the Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM) and the Systems Modeling Language (SysML). This paper will describe the model and demonstrate how the different aspects of MBSE help infrastructure projects. The model contains close to 100 diagrams and reports, so size constraints of the paper mean that only selected parts of the model can be described. For the complete model, visit the IWG area of the INCOSE website. http://www.incose.org/practice/techactivities/wg/infrastructure/
Architecture Definition ‐‐ A New Process in the ISO International Systems Engineering Standard
Authors: Martin James N
Published: October 2015

The ISO international standard on systems engineering practices has lacked a process for architecture definition that was separate from the process for system design definition. It had a process called architectural design, which was not deemed to properly cover the full purpose and scope of architecture definition. There were a number of reasons why architecture and design needed to be separated into different processes in the standard. This paper provides the reasons for this approach and describes the new Architecture Definition process in the updated standard that was published in 2015. It is expected that this process will be incorporated into the next version of INCOSE's Systems Engineering Handbook and in the Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge.
Use of Systemigrams to Identify Emergence in Complex Adaptive Systems
Authors: McDermott Tom , Nadolski Molly , Sheppard Lindsey
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the application of a sociotechnical modeling framework to capture emergent patterns and regional dependencies in the international natural gas market in context with the larger global energy marketplace. Soft systems methods were used to produce conceptual models of flow and interaction in order to inform the design of analytical models. First, this research project captured and analyzed the flows of natural gas in international markets by developing a conceptual model of the global natural gas infrastructure and future growth options at the regional level. Policies, players, infrastructure, and markets all exist at the global, regional, and national level to make up the present‐day natural gas landscape. Second, the research team worked to model the overall global natural gas sociotechnical enterprise and its future growth options to understand the regional versus global interdependencies and their likely effect on the changing natural gas landscape. The results capture emerging trends in the system that may not be obvious without a systemic analysis.
INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Version 4: Updating the Reference for Practitioners
Authors: Walden David D. , Roedler Garry J. , Forsberg Kevin
Published: October 2015

The objective of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Systems Engineering Handbook (SEH) is to describe key process activities performed by systems engineers and other engineering professionals throughout the life cycle of a system. It also describes a wide range of fundamental system concepts that broaden the thinking of the systems engineering practitioner, such as system thinking, system science, life cycle management, specialty engineering, system‐of‐systems, and complex systems. This handbook defines the discipline and practice of systems engineering for students and practicing professionals alike, providing an authoritative reference that is acknowledged world‐wide.

This paper provides an overview of the SEH Version 4 that was released in 2015. It describes the overall impetus for change, highlights changes from the previous versions, and describes the new content added for this version. The primary purpose of this paper is to inform the systems engineering community of the changes incorporated into SEH Version 4.
A Novel Methodology for the Application of Middle‐Out, Model‐Based Systems Engineering Techniques for City Waste Management Systems Development
Authors: Bouch Christopher J. , Kenny Richard , Hunt Dexter , Wallace Tommy , Rogers Christopher D. F. , Lee Susan
Published: October 2015

A holistic approach to urban development is required to meet global sustainability goals. Part of the challenge involves finding an effective response to the increasing volumes of solid waste being generated in cities. The European Commission has developed a thematic strategy, and issued directives, on the prevention and recycling of waste. The United Kingdom has introduced legislation in line with these, and is working to develop its own waste management strategies against a very complex background. This paper describes a novel methodology for the application of middle‐out, model‐based systems engineering techniques to help with this, using the city of Birmingham in the United Kingdom as an example. The methodology creates repeatable and objective models of existing waste management systems and links them to city management accounts to provide a foundation for the design of new and improved systems and business models.
An MBSE Approach to Support Organisational Reform of the Royal Australian Navy
Authors: Do Quoc , Gahan Malcolm , Davidson Colin
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a unique MBSE approach to enterprise modelling using a combination of IDEF0 functional modelling method. This approach has been applied to the modelling of the engineering and administrative processes of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The developed model is named Materiel Seaworthiness Functional Master Set (MS FMS). Importantly, the MS FMS initiative is being driven from the top‐down by the Head of Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral Mick Uzzell AM, so that he can be assured that all organisational entities in the large and complex environment of Navy, Defence Groups and Industry are performing the right functions in a coordinated way to continuously deliver seaworthy materiel (i.e. ships, submarines and support items). To further the quest to balance effective delivery with efficient resource allocation, an analytical capability using the well established Multi‐attribute Value Analysis (MVA) method is being piloted, and is named the FMS Traffic Light System which aims to facilitate “what if” analysis, ascertain functional health status, and inform high‐level organisational resource allocation and strategic planning.
A Business Process view of Software: An effective measurement model to assess the operations readiness of software under construction
Authors: Ramakrishnan Ramesh Kumar
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces the concept of a business process based measurement framework to assess completeness and correctness of an IT platform (software) for business operations readiness. Conventional software development methods do not provide the development status in a manner that reflects the business operations readiness perspective, especially when the development is outsourced. Conventional methods report in terms of the requirements developed and the number of test cases passed. In a typical operations production setup, the operations team executes the business process and hence is able to better appreciate the state of the software under construction in terms of business process. Business users validate the business process during the acceptance testing phase, but this is a post development completion activity. Consider the common scenario where a large software development project is close to its planned development end date (that is, pre user acceptance testing phase), and there is a delay as per schedule. Now, the business needs to take a call: Go Live / Not to Go Live with the business change, as planned. This decision is critical when the business change is “time‐to‐market” sensitive. To take such a call, the business needs to have a clear understanding of the level of readiness of the software from a business operations perspective; whereas the standard measures applied to report the completion status of a software development project is the number of requirements developed and the number of test cases passed. Such a report does not provide the business with a view of the operations readiness of the software. In this paper, the author has made an attempt to provide a mechanism by which the level of completion of the software can be represented using a business process view and that in turn can measure the relative business operations readiness of the software, at any given point in time. This view can further be used as a feedback mechanism to prepare and execute the revised production rollout strategy for the software.
Structural Modeling Framework
Authors: Simpson Joseph J. , Simpson Mary J
Published: October 2015

The ability to effectively and efficiently identify, model and communicate information about systems is becoming more valuable. Given an unstructured context populated with unknown and/or poorly understood systems, the application of structural modeling techniques will assist in the identification of unknown systems as well as the proper structuring of these systems. The authors expand John N Warfield's structural modeling techniques to include a well‐defined, structural integration modeling process. The primary contribution of structural integration modeling is to align basic structural modeling with interpretive structural modeling. This paper provides an overview of the previous work of the authors in this area, establishes connections between cognitive complexity reduction and structural modeling, and presents an example application. The example application demonstrates the system concepts, methods and processes identified in this paper. References to online, open‐source computer code are included that can be used to verify and validate the presented work and are located at https://github.com/jjs0sbw/bsmp. All interested researchers are encouraged to use this code to facilitate independent verification and validation of the research presented herein.
Model‐Based Optimization of Learning Curves: Implications for Business and Government
Authors: Madni Azad M. , Paulson Courtney , Spraragen Marc , Richey Michael C. , Nance Marcus L. , Vander Wel Michael
Published: October 2015

Major corporations such as Boeing spend substantial amounts annually on workforce training and development. They typically have a fixed budget to allocate to different learning options (e.g. online learning, in‐person instruction) available at different geographic locations. Currently, these organizations do not have the means to quantify and optimize the impact of their investments on employee time‐to‐proficiency and organizational learning curves. This paper presents an integrated model‐based framework that combines parametric curve‐fitting, portfolio optimization, system dynamics, and agent‐based modeling for learning curve sensitivity analysis and optimization. The framework enables assessment of the sensitivity of learning curves to changes in budget and learner allocations to the available learning options. Learning curves optimization takes into account the “forgetting” behavior that results from disruptions such as interruptions in learning arising from temporary re‐assignment of learners to take care of other organizational needs. Limited pre‐test and post‐test data from a lecture‐based course on composites pilot offered by Boeing overseas was used for model calibration and learning curves optimization. The ability to optimize learning curves for a specified budget and learning options has wide applicability in production engineering, operations, and customer‐facing functions. Future data collection is expected to include data from intermediate tests or responses to questionnaires in addition to pre‐test and post‐test data to achieve a more accurate curve‐fit.
Applicability of Industrial Test and Evaluation Practices to Future Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Young Sharissa
Published: October 2015

This report presents trade study methodology for alternative test and evaluation (T&E) strategies that provides some early indicators of efficacy by application of the method to future nuclear weapons (NWs). Identification of strategies for trade studies can be hampered by subjectivity or incompleteness, effectively limiting the scope of such studies by unconscious bias. This methodology seeks to formalize the identification process by which alternatives, evaluation criteria and weighting factors are derived. The method identifies characteristics specific to the example system, identifies products or engineered systems that share some of those characteristics and a description of the T&E strategies used by these industrial analogues. Application of industry paradigms to NW T&E results in some obvious challenges, given the distinct business environments and product requirements involved in the nuclear weapons enterprise. However, a framework for performing trade studies can be generalized for use by others using the methodology developed for this study.
Whole Systems Trade Analysis
Authors: Edwards Shatiel , Cilli Matthew , Peterson Troy , Zabat Michael , Lawton Craig , Shelton Liliana
Published: October 2015

Ground vehicles are complex systems with many interrelated subsystems – finding the sweet‐spot among competing objectives such as performance, unit cost, operations and sustainment (O&S) costs, development risk, and growth potential is a non‐trivial task. Whole Systems Trade Analysis (WSTA) is a systems analysis and decision support methodology and tool that integrates otherwise separate subsystem models into a holistic system view mapping critical design choices to consequences relevant to stakeholders. WSTA projects are highly integrated and collaborative efforts which generate holistic systems and Multiple Objective Decision Analysis (MODA) models. The related tool captures and synthesizes subsystem and system level analyses into trade‐space visualizations designed to facilitate rapid and complete understanding of the trade‐space to stakeholders and provide drill down capability to supporting rationale. The approach has opened up trade space exploration significantly evaluating up to 1020+ potential system configurations to then return a handful of configurations which best meet design and programmatic criteria.