bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of dysregulated lncRNAs profiling and metastasis‐associated lncRNAs in colorectal cancer by genome‐wide analysis
Authors: Chen Yan , Yu Xiang , Xu Yongcan , Shen Hua
Published: August 2017

The colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide, but the pathogenesis of CRC remains not well‐known. Increasing studies have highlighted the critical roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and cancer cells metastasis, however, the expression pattern, biological roles of lncRNAs, and the mechanisms responsible for their function in CRC remain elusive. In this study, we performed a genome‐wide comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs profiling and clinical relevance to identify novel lncRNAs for the further study in CRC. RNA sequencing and microarray data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were annotated and analyzed to find differentially expressed lncRNAs in CRC. Analysis of these datasets revealed that hundreds of lncRNAs expression are dysregulated in CRC tissues when compared with normal tissues. By genomic variation analyses, we identified that some of these lncRNAs dysregulation is associated with the copy number amplification or deletion. Moreover, many lncRNAs expression levels are significantly associated with CRC patients overall and recurrence‐free survivals, such as H19, LEF1‐AS1, and RP11‐296E3.2. Furthermore, we identified one liver metastasis‐associated lncRNA termed LUCAT1 in CRC by analyzing lncRNAs expression profiles in the CRC tissues from patients with liver metastasis compared with the CRC tissues without metastasis. Finally, loss‐of‐function assays determined that knockdown of LUCAT1 could impair CRC cells invasion. Taken together, aberrantly expressed lncRNAs may play critical roles in the development and liver metastasis of CRC, and our findings may provide useful resource for identification of novel biomarkers of CRC.
Molecular Engineering of UV/Vis Light‐Emitting Diode (LED)‐Sensitive Donor–π–Acceptor‐Type Sulfonium Salt Photoacid Generators: Design, Synthesis, and Study of Photochemical and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Jin Ming , Xie Jianchao , Malval Jean‐Pierre , Wan Decheng
Published: August 2017

A series of donor–π–acceptor‐type sulfonium salt photoacid generators (PAGs) were designed and synthesized by systematically changing electron‐donating groups, π‐conjugated systems, electron‐withdrawing groups, and the number of branches through molecular engineering. These PAGs can effectively decompose under UV/Vis irradiation from a light‐emitting diode (LED) light source because of the matching absorption and emitting spectra of the LEDs. The absorption and acid‐generation properties of these sulfonium salts were elucidated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and so forth. Results indicated that the PAG performance benefited from the introduction of strong electron‐donating groups, specific π‐conjugated structures, certain electron‐withdrawing groups, or two‐branched structures. Most sulfonium salts showed potential as photoinitiators under irradiation by a wide variety of UV and visible LEDs.
3D Modeling of a Catalyst Layer with Transport Pores for Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Bufe Alexander , Klee Matthias , Wehinger Gregor , Turek Thomas , Brenner Gunther
Published: August 2017

Liquid‐filled pores of Fischer‐Tropsch catalyst lead to slow diffusion of the reactants and can cause internal transport limitations leading to a significant decrease of selectivity and productivity. As an approach to overcome these limitations, transport pores can be added to provide an additional pathway for mass transport. In this work, a 3D isothermal model was developed, which takes the effect of concentration gradients within the transport pores into account. A comparison with a 1D model showed, that a description by a 3D model is necessary for transport pores with diameters larger than 10 µm.
Probing the Nature of Surface Barriers on ZSM‐5 by Surface Modification
Authors: Ye Guanghua , Guo Zhongyuan , Sun Yuanyuan , Zhu Kake , Liu Honglai , Zhou Xinggui , Coppens Marc‐Olivier
Published: August 2017

The nature of external surface barriers in the zeolite ZSM‐5 was explored by comparing mass transfer of n‐heptane in samples with different crystal sizes, surface structure, and composition. These different surface properties were achieved by HF acid etching and SiO2 deposition on an as‐synthesized ZSM‐5 crystal sample. HF etching does not reduce surface barriers. SiO2 deposition on the same sample reduces surface barriers significantly. These insights into the nature of surface barriers could be used to guide the rational design of zeolitic materials with better mass transport properties.
Progress on Li3VO4 as a Promising Anode Material for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Mo Jun , Zhang Xiumei , Liu Junjie , Yu Jingang , Wang Zhian , Liu Zaichun , Yuan Xinhai , Zhou Chunjiao , Li Ruilian , Wu Xiongwei , Wu Yuping
Published: August 2017

Vanadium oxide Li3VO4 has attracted much attention as anode material for Li‐ion batteries in recent years since it has a low and safe redox potential (vs. Li metal), high specific capacity and its cost is low. However, the poor electronic conductivity and initial low coulombic efficiency limit its practical application. In this mini‐review, the state‐of‐the‐art results associated with Li3VO4 are summarized including structure, lithium insertion mechanism, preparation, modification, and electrochemical properties. Finally, the challenges and prospects are also discussed.
Frustrated Lewis Trios and Long‐Range Hole Interactions: A Combined Structural and Theoretical Study of LB−AX3⋅⋅⋅LB and LB⋅⋅⋅AX3⋅⋅⋅LB (A=B, Al, Ga, In) Systems
Authors: Echeverría Jorge
Published: August 2017

Herein, we present a theoretical study of systems with long‐range Lewis acid–base interactions that involve a triel center and two electron donor species. These intermediate situations, between LB−AX3 and LB−AX3−LB (LB=Lewis base, A=group 13 element), exist experimentally and their interaction topologies obey precise geometrical rules, such that they show a marked directionality and a clear dependence between the two A–LB distances. Despite the relatively long acid⋅⋅⋅base distances of up to 4 Å, the interaction energies calculated at the M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level are considerably large (5–25 kcal mol−1). A significant contribution to the interaction is related to the lone‐pair‐containing species that interacts with the π hole of the acid center, as revealed by the natural bond order, atoms in molecules, and molecular electrostatic potential analyses. Remarkably, this n(N)→σAl−N* interaction persists even at distances greater than the sum of the van der Waals radii.
Photochemical [2+2] Cyclization of Helical Phosphinamides in Solution and in the Solid State
Authors: Demmer Charles S. , Aillard Paul , Febvay Julie , Retailleau Pascal , Voituriez Arnaud , Marinetti Angela
Published: August 2017

Phosphole‐based phosphahelicenes which entail unprecedented phosphinamide functions have been prepared. One of these diastereomeric phosphinamides displays an unusual propensity to intermolecular photochemical [2+2] cyclization leading to a bis‐phosphahelicene. The reaction affords the head‐to‐tail heterochiral diastereomer with total regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. The reaction has been observed not only in solution but also in the solid state, as a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal process, under either X‐ray or sunlight irradiation. The solid‐state arrangement of the starting compound strongly prefigures the geometry of the final dimeric species and accounts for the particular ease by which this reaction takes place. The second diastereomer of the phosphinamide does not undergo dimerization under analogous photochemical conditions which can be attributed to an unfavourable arrangement in the solid state.
Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Spanish Agribusiness and Its Influence on Innovation and Performance
Authors: Briones Peñalver Antonio Juan , Bernal Conesa Juan Andrés , de Nieves Nieto Carmen
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a model of structural equations is proposed to analyze the relationship between the actions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its influence on innovation and cooperation in agribusiness sector located in Murcia, Spain. These companies have always been characterized by an innovative and cooperative spirit to meet the demands of their customers. The proposed model shows the relationship between cooperation and innovation and their influence on economic performance. Moreover, the model suggests, first that innovation partially mediates the relationship between cooperation and performance and second that cooperation partially mediates the relationship between CSR and innovation. Insiders (employees, partners, and managers) and external agents (suppliers and society) and its association with the strategy of innovation and cooperation and the various measures and economic outcomes associated with CSR are also studied. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Cobalt Doping To Boost the Electrochemical Properties of Ni@Ni3S2 Nanowire Films for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Shusheng , Wang Tao , Ma Yujie , Jiang Wenkai , Wang Shuai , Hong Min , Hu Nantao , Su Yanjie , Zhang Yafei , Yang Zhi
Published: August 2017

Metal sulfides have aroused great interest for energy storage. However, their low specific capacities and inferior rate capabilities hinder their practical applications. In this work, a facile cobalt‐doping process is used to boost the electrochemical performance of Ni@Ni3S2 core–sheath nanowire film electrodes for high‐performance electrochemical energy storage. Co ions are doped successfully and uniformly into Ni3S2 nanosheets through a facile ion‐exchange process. The electrochemical properties of film electrodes are improved greatly, and an ultrahigh volumetric capacity (increased from 105 to 730 C cm−3 at 0.25 A cm−3) and excellent rate capability are obtained after Co is doped into Ni@Ni3S2 core–sheath nanowires. A hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor with Co‐doped Ni@Ni3S2 as the positive electrode and graphene‐carbon nanotubes as the negative electrode is assembled and exhibits an ultrahigh volumetric capacitance of 142 F cm−3 (based on the total volume of both electrodes) at 0.5 A cm−3 and excellent cycling stability (only 3 % capacitance decrease after 5000 cycles). Moreover, the volumetric energy density can reach 44.5 mWh cm−3, which is much larger than those of thin‐film lithium batteries (1–10 mWh cm−3). These results may provide useful insights for the fabrication of high‐performance film electrodes for energy‐storage applications.
Do temperate tree species diversity and identity influence soil microbial community function and composition?
Authors: Khlifa Rim , Paquette Alain , Messier Christian , Reich Peter B. , Munson Alison D.
Published: August 2017

Studies of biodiversity–ecosystem function in treed ecosystems have generally focused on aboveground functions. This study investigates intertrophic links between tree diversity and soil microbial community function and composition. We examined how microbial communities in surface mineral soil responded to experimental gradients of tree species richness (SR), functional diversity (FD), community‐weighted mean trait value (CWM), and tree identity. The site was a 4‐year‐old common garden experiment near Montreal, Canada, consisting of deciduous and evergreen tree species mixtures. Microbial community composition, community‐level physiological profiles, and respiration were evaluated using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and the MicroResp™system, respectively. The relationship between tree species richness and glucose‐induced respiration (GIR), basal respiration (BR), metabolic quotient (qCO2) followed a positive but saturating shape. Microbial communities associated with species mixtures were more active (basal respiration [BR]), with higher biomass (glucose‐induced respiration [GIR]), and used a greater number of carbon sources than monocultures. Communities associated with deciduous tree species used a greater number of carbon sources than those associated with evergreen species, suggesting a greater soil carbon storage capacity. There were no differences in microbial composition (PLFA) between monocultures andSRmixtures. TheFDand theCWMof several functional traits affected bothBRandGIR. In general, theCWMof traits had stronger effects than didFD, suggesting that certain traits of dominant species have more effect on ecosystem processes than doesFD. Both the functions ofGIRandBRwere positively related to aboveground tree community productivity. Both tree diversity (SR) and identity (species and functional identity—leaf habit) affected soil microbial community respiration, biomass, and composition. For the first time, we identified functional traits related to life‐history strategy, as well as root traits that influence another trophic level, soil microbial community function, via effects onBRandGIR.
A Facile Route to Cesium Lead Bromoiodide Perovskite Microcrystals and Their Potential Application as Sensors for Nitrophenol Explosives
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Khan Malik Dilshad , Sher Muhammad , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Malik Mohammad Azad , Akhtar Javeed , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: August 2017

To achieve a material with pure phase and crystallinity, the use of antisolvents is found to be crucial. Herein, we report the synthesis of phase‐pure CsPbBr2I microcrystals with defined morphologies by using trioctylphosphine (TOP) as an antisolvent and capping agent. The as‐prepared inorganic perovskite has enhanced thermal stability and promising optical properties, displaying a band gap of 2.2 eV. The photoluminescence (PL) studies suggest high sensitivity of the as‐prepared inorganic perovskites against nitrophenols, which makes them a potential candidate for the detection of nitrophenol.
Hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1β drives mitochondrial and anabolic signatures that contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression in mice
Authors: Piccinin Elena , Peres Claudia , Bellafante Elena , Ducheix Simon , Pinto Claudio , Villani Gaetano , Moschetta Antonio
Published: August 2017

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator‐1β (PGC‐1 β) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism as well as of antioxidant defense. Specifically, in the liver, PGC‐1β also promotes de novo lipogenesis, thus sustaining cellular anabolic processes. Given the relevant pathogenic role of mitochondrial and fatty acid metabolism in hepatocarcinoma (HCC), here we pointed to PGC‐1β as a putative novel transcriptional player in the development and progression of HCC. For this purpose, we generated both hepatic‐specific PGC‐1β‐overexpressing (LivPGC‐1β) and PGC‐1β knockout (LivPGC‐1βKO) mice, and we challenged them with both chemical and genetic models of hepatic carcinogenesis. Our results demonstrate a pivotal role of PGC‐1β in driving liver tumor development. Indeed, whereas mice overexpressing PGC‐1β show greater tumor susceptibility, PGC‐1β knockout mice are protected from carcinogenesis. High levels of PGC‐1β are able to boost reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger expression, therefore limiting the detrimental ROS accumulation and, consequently, apoptosis. Moreover, it supports tumor anabolism, enhancing the expression of genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis. Accordingly, the specific hepatic ablation of PGC‐1β promotes the accumulation of ROS‐driven macromolecule damage, finally limiting tumor growth. Conclusion: The present data elect hepatic PGC‐1β as a transcriptional gatekeeper of mitochondrial function and redox status in HCC, orchestrating different metabolic programs that allow tumor progression. (Hepatology 2018;67:884–898)
Projections of primary liver cancer to 2030 in 30 countries worldwide
Authors: Valery Patricia C. , Laversanne Mathieu , Clark Paul J. , Petrick Jessica L. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Bray Freddie
Published: August 2017

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death. Future predictions can inform health planners and raise awareness of the need for cancer control action. We predicted the future burden of PLC in 30 countries around 2030. Incident cases of PLC (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, C22) were obtained from 30 countries for 1993‐2007. We projected new PLC cases to 2030 using age‐period‐cohort models (NORDPRED software). Age‐standardized incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years were calculated by country and sex. Increases in new cases and rates of PLC are projected in both sexes. The largest increases in rates are, among men, in Norway (2.9% per annum), US whites (2.6%), and Canada (2.4%) and, among women, in the United States (blacks 4.0%), Switzerland (3.4%), and Germany (3.0%). The projected declines are in China, Japan, Singapore, and parts of Europe (e.g., Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia). A 35% increase in the number of new cases annually is expected compared to 2005. This increasing burden reflects both increasing rates (and the underlying prevalence of risk factors) and demographic changes. Japan is the only country with a predicted decline in the net number of cases and annual rates by 2030. Conclusion: Our reporting of a projected increase in PLC incidence to 2030 in 30 countries serves as a baseline for anticipated declines in the longer term through the control of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections by vaccination and treatment; however, the prospect that rising levels of obesity and its metabolic complications may lead to an increased risk of PLC that potentially offsets these gains is a concern. (Hepatology 2018;67:600‐611).
The association between inadequate prenatal care and future healthcare use among offspring in the Bedouin population
Authors: Estis‐Deaton Asia , Sheiner Eyal , Wainstock Tamar , Landau Daniella , Walfisch Asnat
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the impact of inadequate prenatal care on long‐term morbidity among the offspring of an ethnic minority population.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based cohort analysis was performed among all Bedouin women with singleton pregnancies who delivered in a tertiary medical center in Israel between January 1, 1991, and January 1, 2014. Morbidity was defined as pediatric hospitalization across six distinct disease categories before 18 years of age. The cumulative morbidity rates were compared for offspring born following pregnancies with either inadequate (<3 visits to prenatal care facility) or adequate prenatal care.

RESULTS

Overall, 127 396 neonates were included; 19 173 (15.0%) were born following inadequate prenatal care. Pediatric hospitalizations for all morbidities other than cardiovascular ones were less frequent among the inadequate prenatal care group than the adequate prenatal care group (P<0.05). Survival curves demonstrated a lowered cumulative incidence for all morbidities in the inadequate prenatal care group, with the exception of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Inadequate prenatal care correlated with reduced pediatric hospitalization rates among offspring, possibly owing to a lack of child healthcare service utilization within the Bedouin population.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic inflection points among long‐term survivors of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Son Joo‐Hyuk , Kong Tae‐Wook , Paek Jiheum , Song Kwan‐Heup , Chang Suk‐Joon , Ryu Hee‐Sug
Published: August 2017

Objective

To assess clinical characteristics of long‐term survivors of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) to define a prognostic inflection point for long‐term survival.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients with FIGO stage III or IV EOC treated at one center in South Korea from 2000 to 2012. Patients who survived 5 years or more were identified, and the periods of disease‐free survival and overall survival were evaluated for prognostic inflection points to indicate long‐term survival. Clinicopathologic data and treatment‐associated factors were assessed.

Results

In total, 60 patients survived more than 5 years. Thirty‐three (55%) patients experienced disease recurrence and 11 (18%) died due to advanced EOC during a median follow‐up period of 92 months (range 61–205). Most recurrence events (32/33, 97%) and deaths (10/11, 91%) occurred within 6 years and 8 years, respectively. Although half the long‐term (>8 year) survivors with stage IIIC–IV disease experienced disease recurrence, they had a significantly longer platinum‐free interval (P=0.007) and tended to have received aggressive surgical treatments after disease recurrence (P=0.054), as compared with survivors for 5–8 years.

Conclusion

Survival for 8 years might represent a prognostic inflection point for long‐term survival in advanced EOC.
Knowledge Based Decision Model for Architecting and Evolving Complex System‐of‐Systems
Authors: Raman Ramakrishnan , D'Souza Meenakshi
Published: August 2017

Architecting complex System‐of‐System (SoS) has evinced keen interest recently, specifically towards factoring in the operational and managerial independence of the constituent systems, and the evolutionary and adaptive nature of SoS development. Architectural decisions have a significant bearing on the operational measures of success, referred to as Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), of the SoS. There is inherent uncertainty while making an architectural decision for complex SoS due to the incomplete knowledge on the implications of the decision. The impact on the MOEs of the SoS may be realized only later in the development lifecycle, influencing the performance and the emergent behavior of the SoS. Further, when learning cycles on the architectural decisions are experienced, once the implication of decision is realized, there needs to be means for incorporating the feedback on the decisions taken, and to reflect back on the uncertainty associated with the decisions. This paper proposes a knowledge based decision model for architecting and evolving complex SoS, that takes into account the uncertainty associated with architectural decisions and the learning cycles and feedback loops experienced. It also enables augmenting the architectural knowledge base, both at a constituent system level as well as at the System‐of‐System level. The proposed model adopts a decision oriented view that enables factoring in uncertainty, learning cycles and feedback loops in architectural decisions. It facilitates exploring the implications of various SoS evolution scenarios on architectural decisions, while analyzing MOEs of the SoS in relation to the MOEs of the constituent systems.
Framework for Problem Definition – A Joint Method of Design Thinking and Systems Thinking
Authors: Watanabe Kyoko , Tomita Yoshikazu , Ishibashi Kane , Ioki Makoto , Shirasaka Seiko
Published: August 2017

Innovative system development is crucial to survive the global competition for many organizations. Engineers are turning their focus on the early phase of system development where the customers' needs and wants are defined and problems are defined. Combination of design thinking and systems thinking is considered as a beneficial prescription. And today, some kind of recipes are in great demand. This paper focuses on problem definition process in the early concept stage and introduces a framework for generating creative and innovative problem statements that would bring out more chances for innovative solutions. The framework had been developed for a project based learning program in Keio University. The framework consists of five approaches. Most of them require users to exert design thinking and systems thinking at the same time. The paper introduces step‐by‐step process for each approach and examples.
Viable Systems Analysis of the Wardley IT Evolution Framework
Authors: Bradley Joseph M. , Kristoff Eric
Published: August 2017

In enterprise technology a perennial challenge is reconciliation of “Slow” IT with “Fast” IT. Slow IT is focused on an organization's reliability, stability, and control. Fast IT is driven by innovation, exploration, and adaptation. Tension between Slow IT and Fast IT is inherent to technology, but accelerating business disruptions increase that tension and its consequences. This paper leverages the Viable Systems Model (VSM) to evaluate an IT delivery approach for integrating Slow IT with Fast IT: the Wardley Pioneer Settler Town Planner (PST) trimodal structure. This paper first reviews challenges in enterprise technology management, and the effects of current and emerging disruptions. It then reviews the Viable Systems Model as a tool for analysis of enterprise IT models. Potential obstacles to VSM use are considered, specifically regarding the practical application to enterprise IT management. Then Wardley PST is decomposed using VSM and analyzed to assess its impact on enterprise IT system viability. The VSM proves effective for analyzing future organizational health, and enables us to conclude that the Wardley PST trimodal framework is a viable system that can integrate Slow IT with Fast IT.
MBSE Grid: A Simplified SysML‐Based Approach for Modeling Complex Systems
Authors: Morkevicius Aurelijus , Aleksandraviciene Aiste , Mazeika Donatas , Bisikirskiene Lina , Strolia Zilvinas
Published: August 2017

After an organization makes the decision to adopt model‐based systems engineering (MBSE), it must go a long way before this decision proves right. There are many obstacles in this way, like stories about unsuccessful MBSE applications, insufficient information on how to proceed, and employee resistance to the cultural change to name a few. Neither of them is a true issue, if suitable enablers for MBSE adoption are chosen. Nowadays, MBSE is enabled by Systems Modeling Language (SysML). However, SysML is neither a framework nor a method: it provides no information about the modeling process and thus must be combined with some methodology to become truly applicable. This paper summarizes the experience of various MBSE adoption projects in the form of a new approach for MBSE. The approach is based on the framework organized in a matrix view and is designated to guide system engineers through the modeling process and help them answer the questions, like how to start, how to structure the model, what views to build, which artefacts to deliver, and in what sequence.
Defining “System”: a Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Sillitto Hillary , Dori Dov , Griego Regina M. , Jackson Scott , Krob Daniel , Godfrey Patrick , Arnold Eileen , Martin James , McKinney Dorothy
Published: August 2017

Over the past decades, a common definition of the term system has eluded researchers and practitioners alike. We reviewed over 100 current and historical definitions of system in an effort to understand perspectives and to propose the most comprehensive definition of this term. There is much common ground in different families of definition of system, but there are also important and significant differences. Some stem from different belief systems and worldviews, while others are due to a pragmatic desire to establish a clear definition for system within a particular community, disregarding wider considerations. In either case, it limits the effectiveness of various system communities' efforts to communicate, collaborate, and learn from the experience of other communities. We discovered that by considering a wide typology of systems, Bertalanffy's General Systems Theory provides a basis for a general, self‐consistent sensible framework, capable of accommodating and showing the relationships amongst the variety of different definitions of and belief systems pertaining to system. Emergence, the appearance of a new phenomenon or capability as a result of relation or interaction between objects, is key in differentiating between objects that are systems and those that are not. Hence we propose a family of definitions, related by the common theme of emergence, which is in line with both the realist and constructivist worldviews, and covers real and conceptual systems. We believe this better reflects the current scope of systems engineering and is required to support the aspirations expressed in INCOSE SE Vision 2025.
A Context‐Enabled Systems Development Method: The Case of Semi‐Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicles in an Arctic Environment
Authors: Nykaas Anders Roe , Zhao Yang‐Yang
Published: August 2017

The Arctic areas are the new point of focus for the oil and gas industry, due to its large reserves of hydrocarbons. However, the extreme climate makes direct operation of existing systems hazardous. Aiding the need to redesign the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for the Arctic scene, this study aims to create a systemic method to enable system requirements development for an extreme and unfamiliar situation. This study jointly employs the system of systems thinking, contextual architecting, ConOps and hazard identification method to derive the systemic method to address the system of interest, and applies it in the case of battery requirements of a semi‐autonomous ROV for Arctic applications. In this way, based on expert interviews and second‐hand data, the field‐layout for a potential oilfield in the artic is firstly crafted; the working scenarios are created; finally, the power range of the ROV can be calculated. It is found that this method can enable an analytical way of determining the contexts impact on the system and thus may allow for the successful determination of system requirements in unknown contexts.
An Exploration of MBSE Through the Modelling of the S2TEP Space System
Authors: Kretzenbacher Michael , Lange Caroline , Harvey David
Published: August 2017

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has great potential for the development of spacecraft as it promises to provide a more effective way to handle complexity. As part of a student project, the application of MBSE in conceptual design was explored through the modelling with the GENESYS tool of a micro‐satellite currently being developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The project sought to find the value of utilising model‐based techniques and explore useful modelling techniques and applications to inform future MBSE efforts at the DLR. A model of the spacecraft was created in parallel to the system development. This allowed for some key benefits of MBSE to be found. MBSE was explored through both descriptive and analytic modelling of the spacecraft.
An Enterprise Feature Ontology for Feature‐Based Product Line Engineering
Authors: Krueger Charles , Clements Paul
Published: August 2017

Feature‐Based Software and Systems Product Line Engineering (“Feature‐Based PLE”) has emerged as a modern, repeatable, codified, and proven‐in‐practice specialization of generic PLE practice. Feature‐Based PLE involves automation‐supported configuration of engineering and operations artifacts from across an enterprise, to reflect the feature choices embodied by a product. Configuration of artifacts based on feature choices is a powerful narrative, but what actually constitutes a feature? A feature is a distinguishing characteristic that sets products apart (Kang et al. 1990) but in practice this concept encompasses a broad spectrum of granularity. Stakeholders who are concerned with the finest‐grained differences are very different from those who care about the coarsest‐grained differences. This paper presents an ontology for features that is capable of supporting an entire enterprise of product line engineering and business operations, and shows how various stakeholders throughout the enterprise can interact with these different kinds of features.
Crafting A Collaboration Space For The Conceptual‐Ization Of A Collaborative Engineering Service For The Management Of Modeled Engineering Artifacts Throughout Their Enterprise Lifecycle
Authors: VanZandt Lonnie
Published: August 2017

Enterprise architecture, the specification of problems and their solutions for accomplishing the goals of a business, as a consequence of the involvement of numerous organizations and stakeholders and as a consequence of the applicability to numerous individuals, must be a collaborative engineering and a collaborative management activity. Therefore, resources, tools, repositories, and workflows that are either historically or optimally focused on supporting the engineering of a single engineer are inadequate and ultimately unsuitable for today's practical, complex enterprise architecture. A crisis exists in enterprise architecture and in systems engineering where contributors and decision makers can neither efficiently contribute to nor rationally decide on their enterprises because traditional and extant tools and systems are individual‐centric. Individuals and organizations struggle to accomplish goals nevertheless using a hodgepodge of practices and tools that can incontrovertibly be aspersed as “email and spreadsheet” engineering.
Using MBSE to Evaluate and Protect the Electrical Grid as a System of Systems
Authors: Hause Matthew
Published: August 2017

A System of Systems (SoS) is a large complex system, with varying degrees of operational independence, managerial independence, evolutionary development, geographical distribution and lifecycle independence. Critical Infrastructure such as the electrical grid contains all the aspects of a SoS. Due to the ever‐increasing complexity of the grid, a single model encompassing all aspects of the grid would be impossible. Hence, we need to abstract the problem into a SoS set of aspects and examine the system both at the SoS level, as well as the detailed level. This will require the use of standardized systems modeling tools such as the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), and the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) to define the overall goals, strategies, capabilities, interactions, standards, operational and system architecture, system patterns and so forth. This paper will examine the electrical grid as a SoS, define common characteristics, identify issues and vulnerabilities and MBSE strategies for addressing them.
A Requirements' eye view of product development
Authors: Beasley Richard , Pickard Andrew C , Nolan Andy J
Published: August 2017

Systems Engineering is about making “wholes that work”. The Systems Engineering approach and processes should avoid silos and ensure work is integrated, both between disciplines and between levels, as the solution is developed. The integrating thread is requirements. Requirements understanding will vary, and the status of the requirements will change, throughout the lifecycle. Therefore the product development cycle is looked at “from a requirements eye view”.
V&V – All the Way Through
Authors: Brown Dale A. , Johnson Chamara
Published: August 2017

This paper is primarily aimed at industry sectors that are late to adopt Systems Engineering; such as Infrastructure and Ground Transportation. These sectors are in distinct contrast to mature, early Systems Engineering sector adopters, such as Aerospace and Defense. Verification and Validation must be executed as a cradle to grave process, as described in IEC15288, yet the authors have noted that this is not typically accomplished in the Infrastructure and Ground Transportation sectors. What is actually observed is the degradation of Verification and Validation into “site inspection and acceptance” at the very end of the project – which is the equivalent of attempting to “inspect quality into a product” that is already built. The issues with a final inspection approach was a key focal point for Joseph M. Juran and W. Edwards Deming when teaching Japanese manufacturers about Quality Assurance (QA) in the 1970s. Juran and Deming demonstrated the value of improving organizational processes throughout the process with stakeholders, rather than simply performing inspection (Quality Control or QC) at the process end.

This paper provides some root cause analysis for this industry‐specific degradation of Verification and Validation. This paper further provides practical recommendations, including key features of a Verification and Validation Plan template, for correcting this situation. The recommendations are focused on the importance of using Quality Assurance over the project or systems lifecycle to enforce accountability and process discipline.
Aditi: A Systems view of Knowledge Processes
Authors: Nori Kesav V , Kumar Anand , Natarajan Swaminathan
Published: August 2017

Knowledge is central to systems engineering. Systems engineering activities generate, evolve and utilize knowledge. The typical processes adopted as part of this endeavor are: a) Transforming observations into models, b) Formulating multiple‐models to capture different aspects, c) Developing a holistic understanding using these models, d) Enhancing the understanding by fostering social agreement between different observers, e) Identifying the engineering goals based on this understanding, f) Designing the intervention by achieving specific engineering goals, and g) Refining and evolving the engineered outcomes. Understanding these processes and their outcomes would aid in developing better foundations for the systems engineering practice. In this paper, the “Aditi” framework is proposed as a tool that practitioners can utilize to ascertain the theories and laws applicable to the various knowledge processes in systems engineering. The framework provides a simple approach to integrate the different knowledge processes by means of a collection of reinforcing loops.
Applying Design Thinking in Systems Engineering Process as an Extended Version of DIKW Model
Authors: Tomita Yoshikazu , Watanabe Kyoko , Shirasaka Seiko , Maeno Takashi
Published: August 2017

Systems engineering methodology has expanded its application fields into creating innovations and designing societal systems. In the present age, where everything has increased in complexity, systems engineers are challenged to solve ill‐defined problems to create innovations and to design societal systems. Design thinking has attracted attention as a methodology for solving ill‐defined problems. However, design thinking cannot create innovations or design societal systems by itself. It is effective when it is applied to the systems engineering process, and embedded in its processes. This paper proposes using the advantages of both design thinking and systems engineering to build the Structured Design Thinking Framework as an extension to the DIKW model. The framework has integrated the non‐structured design thinking process and the structured systems engineering process. We used this framework to redesign a local community in Japan and to design a new concept of aquarium, and confirmed that this framework works.
Multicast Routing Protocol for Energy Efficiency in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Anitha J , Kumar B Anil , Rakesh M.S
Published: August 2017

One of the critical issue in Wireless Sensor Network is energy consumption during sensing and communication. To reduce this issue, researchers have proved that energy efficiency can be minimized using bio inspired algorithms. It assumes that nodes have characteristic such as self organization, dynamic topology. Here we propose a multicast routing protocol called Bats Energy Efficient Multicast Routing Protocol (B‐EMP), wherein power consumption is reduced by delivering the packet using multicast trees. It has high computational efficiency, low variance and high capability to handle noise in the data set compared to other wrapper methods. After the deployment, specific source and destination nodes are grouped in region for multicast routing. B‐EMP introduces the strategy of grouping the nodes to select the intermediate nodes for constructing the multicast trees. Simulation results which show that B‐EMP can achieve high performance in terms of network lifetime 18% compared to Energy Group Multicast Protocol (EGMP) 15% zonal routing protocol.
Storytelling as a Key Enabler for Systems Engineering
Authors: Devaney Kevin , Johnson James
Published: August 2017

Storytelling is an important skill that can be a key enabler for systems engineering, providing value throughout the systems engineering process. In areas such as requirements, design and testing, storytelling can improve the ability to communicate across boundaries, providing improved context, understanding and empathy between project stakeholders. At the project level, storytelling is useful in enhancing communication and engagement, thereby helping to improve team performance. Finally, storytelling can help promote the profession of systems engineering, at the organizational level and beyond, helping to instill pride in our profession, as well as sharing culture and values.
Improving Integration: Thinking Beyond the Physical Architecture
Authors: Armstrong James R.
Published: August 2017

The emphasis in most descriptions of systems integration is the assembly of the physical architectural elements. While this is certainly the end objective, there are several traps and pitfalls to this focus. One mitigation is increased consideration of other architectural views, particularly the functional architecture. This paper discusses the origins, issues, and possible solutions to this situation.
Architecture‐Based SCMILE Service Framework for Systems' Integration
Authors: Lui Frank , Lowe Donald , Flahive Andrew , Zadeh Hossein Seif
Published: August 2017

The SCMILE Service framework (SSF) is a method to model and analyse the relationships and dependencies between military capability systems. In line with service interactions in the assembly and operation of any military unit, the SSF categorises services into six generic types: Sensing, Command and control, physical Mobility, Information mobility, Logistics and support, and Engagement. Previous research has shown SSF is versatile enough to adapt to military and non‐military domains. In this paper, we will be discussing how SSF can adapt into a system architecture framework, in particular the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) version 2.0. We will discuss in detail how a service‐oriented thinking based approach using SSF can be used to conduct system dependency analysis. To do this, a test case based on a Humanitarian Assistance scenario where the Australian Amphibious Capability is employed to provide support to a disaster affected area, will be used to explore the application of SSF.
Integrating the End User Perspective in Technical Product Development: Lessons from the Packaging Industry
Authors: Hultgren Emmy , Johansson Lena
Published: August 2017

Tetra Pak is a packaging solutions company that develops equipment for processing and packaging of food and beverages. Considering the users of our equipment, for example operators and technicians, is important for several reasons: to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment, to ensure an effective and efficient way of working, and to increase the performance of the system. To gain success, we need to regard the human as an important and integrated part of the system and fully incorporate the end user perspective into our way of working. Therefore, Human System Integration (HSI) was established through a global improvement project, focusing on developing HSI related processes, methods and tools. This paper presents the improvement project approach, its results and our reflections from the journey. We also discuss some of the challenges we have experienced, and what remains to be done in the future.
Realizing the Value of Systems Engineering
Authors: Beasley Richard
Published: August 2017

Lessons learnt / observations from the implementation of Systems Engineering into organizations and development of product are presented, which show Systems Engineering to be a valuable and insightful approach to the practice of Engineering. The value comes from the Systems Engineering focus on seeing the whole, complete requirements, top down architecture, and enabling understanding / recognition of issues. The Systems Engineering approach improves the probability of success in complicated and complex situations. The approach is generic, and is able to provide ubiquitous value across a range of domains. Examples of its application are given from range of aerospace; land (products and infrastructure) and sea demonstrate how this value can be achieved.

However application of Systems Engineering is not universally common, and there are a great many difficulties implementing it into an organization. Some of the problems experienced in trying to implement Systems Engineering are shared, and advice offered to Systems Advocates in a range of domains trying to implement Systems Engineering. Further, there are issues that INCOSE must address to help it achieve its vision to be “the world's authority on Systems Engineering”, and for the successful spread of Systems Engineering practice.
The ValXplore method: exploring desirability, feasibility and viability of business and system design under uncertainty
Authors: Hamida Sonia Ben , Jankovic Marija , Huet Alain , Bocquet Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2017

In early design stages, business developers and systems engineers deal with uncertainties on the business problem, in line with the company's strategy. Before designing the system, the business developers need to set the boundaries of the business problem: What are the values to deliver to which stakeholders? What are their preferences? What are the future trends or the evolution of the markets and the external context? These questions regarding the uncertainties on the definition of the problem may not have answers and need to be investigated to assess the value robustness of the possible design alternatives. The aim of this work is to support decision‐making in business and system design thanks to a broad and rapid analysis of a large amount of business design alternatives under uncertainty. We introduce a decision‐making support method, called ValXplore, based on visual analysis and data analytics to explore the uncertainties on and in the business problem. The method was tested and validated on an industrial case study to assess the benefits and limits of the semi‐reusability of a launch vehicle. Both business developers and systems engineers can rapidly explore a broad space of alternatives to increase the value to the stakeholders, by performing sensitivity and uncertainty analyses.
The Transport for NSW Transport Network Architecture Model
Authors: Arabian Gary , Chan Edward
Published: August 2017

The vision of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is documented in publicly available strategies and plans. To achieve this vision, the Asset Standards Authority (ASA), within TfNSW, has led the development of a Transport Network Architecture (TNA) model, a model that integrates the multiple strategic documents into a structured, visual, relational format that can be used consistently across the cluster. This model captures information from the strategies to form the enterprise perspective and traces this information to a concept operational perspective.

The TNA is therefore a conceptual model that represents the structure and behaviour of the transport system. The aim of the TNA is to provide a basis for consistent asset planning and procurement for complex transport project. The different perspectives and views in the TNA allow a particular user to define and bridge the link between the business needs and requirements (i.e. problem domain) and the system needs (i.e. solution domain). Through effective stakeholder management, the framework has therefore captured the interest of transport planners and project delivery teams to assist them in various engineering related activities in delivering highly complex transport projects.