bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights from Large Scale Model Based Systems Engineering at Boeing
Authors: Malone Robert , Friedland Brittany , Herrold John , Fogarty Daniel
Published: September 2016

Development and design of increasingly integrated aerospace systems, by globally distributed engineering teams, presents challenges in bounding the effort required to produce, integrate, manage and validate the large and detailed accompanying specification datasets. Model Based Systems Engineering has become essential in allowing Boeing to meet these challenges. Through verification and validation of sufficiently detailed large scale system architecture models, Boeing has been successful in accelerating data release schedules, while at the same time eliminating specification errors that result in costly rework. In the process of developing these large scale system architecture models, Boeing has acquired some insights into what is required to effectively develop, deploy and manage an MBSE environment, and these insights are detailed in this paper. Additionally, recommendations are made as to how standards organization, the MBSE tool industry, and academia could better support the MBSE community.
A Case for Product Lines
Authors: Nolan Andy J. , Pickard Andrew C. , Fisher Steve , Beasley Richard
Published: September 2016

It would seem obvious that a business could benefit from a Product Line, but what is the business case, when can we expect benefits and how much do we need to invest? Under what conditions will it not be cost beneficial to adopt a Product Line?

A Product Line is complicated, strategic in nature and it is probably beyond the capability of most people to simply “judge” if it is the right strategy. It was evident that in order for Rolls‐Royce to understand Product Lines, and to make the right trade decisions, we would need to develop a Product Line cost/benefit estimation tool. The tool estimated both the costs to develop assets as well as the costs to deploy the assets onto a project.

This paper summarizes the estimation tool we developed and some of the conclusions it revealed. Although the concept was used on a Software Product Line, the principles have been duplicated in hardware and Systems Engineering but are not discussed in this paper.
It Takes a Village: Why PLE Technology Solutions Require Ecosystems of PLE Technology Providers
Authors: Bolander William J. , Clements Paul C. , Krueger Charles
Published: September 2016

In product lines with many products and demanding production tempos, manual product derivation is simply not feasible, which leaves us with the option of automated product derivation. That is easily enough said, but what precisely is the role of that automation? While commercially available PLE product production tools are available (usually called configurators), they cannot by themselves provide a complete engineering solution to a product line organization. Instead, an ecosystem of tooling is required. This paper explores what capabilities a PLE tool needs to have, why other tools are necessary as part of a holistic PLE technology solution, and what roles that other tooling must play.
Systems Engineering and Critical Reflection: The Application of Brookfield and Goffman to the Common Experiences of Systems Engineers
Authors: Madhav Chucks
Published: September 2016

Critical reflection is the process of evaluating our assumptions to come to a better and clearer understanding of ourselves, our systems engineering work, and our environment. With critical reflection, not only are we better able to navigate a path towards success but it allows us to recognize our contribution and effort towards our professional development. A critically reflective systems engineer is also better able to navigate the risks, challenges, and setbacks of systems engineering. Critical reflection allows us to learn from our experiences and to realize these experiences are not unique but part of the common and expected set of experiences. The language of critical reflection provides a foundation to better know ourselves and become more effective systems engineers.

This paper explores the concept of critical reflection, how it applies to systems engineers, the advantages to conducting critical reflection, and the benefits to our businesses.
Building a Technical Leadership Model
Authors: Godfrey Patrick
Published: September 2016

INCOSE's Vision 2025 identifies the development of Systems Thinking and Technical Leadership as one of seven key areas of Systems Engineering ‘Competency’ required for delivery. Vision 2025 states: “Education and training of systems engineers and the infusion of systems thinking across a broad range of the engineering and management workforce will meet the demands for a growing number of systems engineers with the necessary technical and leadership competencies.” “The roles and competencies of the systems engineer will broaden to address the increasing complexity and diversity of future systems.” “The technical leadership role of the systems engineer on a project will be well established as critical to the success of a project.” These requirements imply the need to rapidly expand the art and science of Systems Technical Leadership. In response to this need, INCOSE established the INCOSE Institute for Technical Leadership. This paper describes the Institute and the work that the first Cohort (“Cohort of 2017”) has accomplished on developing a Technical Leadership Model for Systems Engineers. It is envisaged that this first Technical Leadership Model for Systems Engineers will be further developed and matured by the following cohorts of the INCOSE's Technical Leadership Institute.
A Practical Guide to Statistical Verification
Authors: Kolozs James , Black Carissa
Published: September 2016

Statistical techniques are required for medical devices and can be used to make verification more meaningful in any industry. Sometimes, a company needs to predict how their total population of devices will perform. Other times, teams simply need stronger justifications than ‘that's how many we had’ or ‘we always test 5’ for test plans and sample sizes. However, there are an overwhelming number of statistical methods and references available. We have identified three tests that can be used to verify many types of device requirements: pass/fail (binomial), tests on the population (tolerance interval), and tests on the mean (t‐tests). This paper provides the information needed to choose a test, pick the right statistical claim and related parameters, determine the sample size needed to pass, and write acceptance criteria that makes it easy to determine a pass or fail.
The Best of Both Worlds: Agile Development Meets Product Line Engineering at Lockheed Martin
Authors: Gregg Susan P. , Scharadin Rick , Clements Paul C.
Published: September 2016

Agile development has long been touted as way to optimize software development team efficiency and improve project success. Product line engineering (PLE) brings large‐scale improvements in cost, time to market, product quality, and more. Can these two paradigms work in concert with each other? This paper details the experience of Lockheed Martin as it introduced large‐scale agile development practices on one of its largest and most successful product line engineering efforts.
Agile Systems Engineering Process Features Collective Culture, Consciousness, and Conscience at SSC Pacific Unmanned Systems Group
Authors: Dove Rick , Schindel Bill , Scrapper Chris
Published: September 2016

SPAWAR System Center Pacific (SSC‐Pac) in San Diego has established an Unmanned System Integration, Test, and Experimentation (UxSITE) capability to facilitate agile development of unmanned systems. This capability utilizes a unique agile systems engineering process with 6‐month overlapping “waves” consisting of four phases: development by multiple‐subcontractors, and operational management of systems architecture evolution, capability integration, and validation testing. The UxSITE capability supports a portfolio of projects, and has three years of respected and effective results. Most notably, the process puts a prime emphasis on enabling and facilitating team effectiveness: creating an embraced culture of engagement, a collective consciousness emerging from comprehensive real‐time information support, and a team conscience on a mission for the end users.
Architectural Technical Debt in Embedded Systems
Authors: Martini Antonio , Bosch Jan
Published: September 2016

The introduction of Agile Software Development in large companies developing embedded systems aims at shortening the time‐to‐market for new business value for the customers. However, evidences show how system engineering needs to be integrated in the process in order to avoid the degradation of architectural system qualities. Such phenomenon has recently been identified with a financial metaphor, Architectural Technical Debt, which maps sub‐optimal architectural solutions to taking a debt, and its costly impact into an interest to be paid in the long term. Through a multiple case study in 5 companies, we show what are the current practical challenges related to the long‐term accumulation of Architectural Technical Debt, and how system engineers need to track and manage such phenomenon in order to avoid costly impact such as development crises and costly re‐design.
Emergent Failure Modes and What to Do about Them
Authors: Harris Steven D. , Narkevicius Jennifer M.
Published: September 2016

This paper sets out to identify a means to mitigate the effects of unpredictable failures in complex systems. It outlines a formal analysis of complex systems that focuses on emergent system dynamics, some of which may be failure modes that are impossible to predict. The mathematical basis for the analysis, and some real‐world implications of the mathematics are introduced. From that same formal analysis, the paper identifies specific characteristics of system architecture to mitigate the risk of emergent failure modes. The paper concludes with an approach to mitigating the effects of EFM predicated on a principle‐based process architecture called intelligent control theory.
Graphical Modelling of a Meta‐Model of CAD Models for Deep Drawing Tools
Authors: Scheffler Robert , Murugan Vishnu Prashanth , Wrobel Gregor , Pleßow Matthias , Koch Sergej , Buse Christian , Behrens Bernd‐Arno
Published: September 2016

Fully parametric 3D CAD models of deep drawing tools require an enormous amount of temporal and financial effort which makes design engineers shy away from it. The Institute of Forming Technology and Machines (IFUM) and the Society for the Advancement of Applied Computer Science (GFaI) are currently developing a new method for the model driven design of deep drawing tools. The core of this method is a graphical modelling language for this domain that is based on and compatible with SysML but improves several diagram types. The new language aims to make the modelling of parametric relations and dependencies easier and less error‐prone.
Experience from integrating Domain Driven Software System Design into a Systems Engineering Organization
Authors: Hammarström Pär , Herzog Erik
Published: September 2016

Developing software intensive safety critical systems is a challenge, even when Model Based Systems and Software engineering methods and tools are applied. This paper recounts the challenges encountered when combining the traditional Systems Engineering approach with that of software Domain Driven Design in the development of the Gripen E fighter aircraft. Systems Engineering and Domain Driven Design are compared to identify similarities and differences. Areas where special attention is required are identified. The main issue identified is that the System structure identified, will not conform to the domain structure identified using the Domain Driven Design approach. Moreover, to accommodate for proper domain analysis the Systems Engineering Architecture design process must be augmented with an Analyze and Generalize step in order to capitalize on the benefits of Domain Driven Design.
A Systematic Process for Functional Decomposition in the Absence of Formal Requirements
Authors: Brimhall Erika , Wise Richard , Simko Ryan , Huggins John , Matteson Whit
Published: September 2016

A systematic approach is needed for developing implementation‐agnostic functional decompositions in the absence of formal requirements. This paper introduces a process for producing robust functional decompositions that provide full coverage of system functionality, enable consistency throughout the system architecture, and promote reusability of functions. The process uses activity diagrams to provide precise semantics, and defines concepts that support the development of robust implementation‐agnostic functional decompositions. The process has been successfully demonstrated through the functional decomposition of avionics software.
MBSE for Engineering Students
Authors: Fernández José L. , Moreno Guillermo
Published: September 2016

The demand of new complex products shifts development from largely mechanical engineering to the interdisciplinary systems engineering. So, a systems‐driven approach is critical to success in engineering complex products that consist of interdependent mechanical, electrical/electronic parts, and software modules. The paper presents a Model Based Systems Engineering learning approach where the main emphasis is on applying a modeling process rather than using complex notations or expensive tools. The results are illustrated with the final degree work of a student dealing with the preliminary design using SysML notation of a robotic system for the reconnaissance of victim bodies in natural or man‐made disaster areas. The combination of a MBSE process with the knowledge of some engineering technical specialities related to the solution is a key factor of the students’ projects success.
A New Resilience Taxonomy
Authors: Thompson Marcus A. , Ryan Michael J. , Slay Jill , McLucas Alan C.
Published: September 2016

Since security is an enduring high‐priority consideration for both individuals and communities, many security methodologies have been proposed. Yet none of these methodologies has achieved a lasting impact on the current security and resilience issues faced in modern society. Methodologies use terminology that is inconsistent, overlapping, contradictory, or contains language that is specific to the domains of physical, electronic, and personnel security. Further, the majority of modern terms focus almost exclusively on electronic or cyber security. Consequently, the current set of security terms and definitions provide little assistance to stakeholders when articulating requirements, nor to systems designers when defining system architectures. Current security‐related resilience terminology is similarly confused, with a lack of commonality, domain‐specific language, and terms used synonymously to blur the distinction between security and security‐related resilience. This paper builds on previous work to present a cohesive taxonomy of security‐related resilience that is applicable across the physical, electronic, and personnel domains.
Independently Developed Systems Engineering of China's Aerospace Industry
Authors: Xue Huifeng , Zheng Xinhua
Published: September 2016

China's aerospace industry has gained great achievements in past years, systems engineering (SE) is an important contribution for the success. China's aerospace industry developed independently and continually refined SE according to the circumstances and situations, the China aerospace SE has distinct characteristics and suitable for Chinese society, economy and technology. China Academy of Aerospace Systems Science and Engineering (CASE) has done a lot of work to explore the origin, development process and content of China aerospace SE, and to spread the approach to society and economy areas. This work offers beneficial references for other countries to develop their native SE for the aerospace industry.
Systems Engineering Process for the OSIRIS‐REx Camera Suite (OCAMS)
Authors: Merrill Catherine , Williams Bradley
Published: September 2016

The OSIRIS‐REx Camera Suite (OCAMS), built at the University of Arizona, is a mission‐critical suite of cameras for the OSIRIS‐REx asteroid sample‐return mission. It is comprised of three cameras used together to support the threshold mission objectives. The OCAMS systems engineering team developed a process to prepare verifiable requirements and create the associated test program. This process ensures the instrument performs all required functions for the mission operation and science requirements. The process was dynamic and sufficiently flexible to conform to the development process and mission schedule. The structure of the requirements, as well as the integration and test program, allowed the OCAMS team to adapt to changing circumstances and recover schedule to support an on‐time delivery following hardware delays. The OCAMS process has been incorporated into other OSIRIS‐REx payload elements. This paper discusses the process used by the systems engineering team. Italicized texts denotes case study.
The future of systems integration within civil infrastructure: A review and directions for research
Authors: Whyte Jennifer
Published: September 2016

What is the future of systems integration within civil infrastructure? This paper provides a background to systems integration; articulates the challenges of civil infrastructure in the mid‐21st century; and reviews the state‐of‐the‐art in research on systems integration in the delivery and operation of civil infrastructure. Building on the literature review it highlights opportunities that arise through reframing from projects to systems (and systems of systems), and using the potential of new forms of data analytics. It sets out a research agenda for next generation tools to visualize and understand civil infrastructure as a complex product system.
Improve Medical Device Development by Expanding Systems Engineering
Authors: Black Carissa J.
Published: September 2016

Most members of the medical device design community are familiar with the term systems engineering, but their definition is often too narrow in scope. To maximize value, each team should have a systems engineer that serves as technical lead for the project and has overall ownership of the design and its full traceability. When a systems engineer has ownership of all traceability, it will lead to stronger regulatory submissions. When they have responsibility for identifying requirements issues or gaps throughout the design process, design changes will be identified earlier. By understanding the big picture of how all of the medical device deliverables relate (trace) to each other, the systems engineer will empower each function to consistently focus effort in high‐impact areas. When a systems engineer is the technical lead, they ensure that decisions and changes are communicated and reflected in the design documentation. It also means that they can remain neutral with stakeholders on key decisions, and allow the project manager to maintain the team balance by advocating for cost and time to market control.
The Reference Designation System (RDS) A common naming convention for systems and their elements
Authors: Balslev Henrik
Published: September 2016

This paper introduces the Reference Designation System (RDS) as defined in the ISO/IEC 81346 standard series. The 81346 standard is a horizontal standard within ISO and IEC, and thereby a reference document for all other international standards. RDS identifies systems and their elements. A reference designation (a TAG number) is the output of RDS. The TAG numbers act as labels for the system and the system elements, and are used for instant and unambiguous recognition across different kinds of documentation and labelling of tangible products as well as non‐ tangible products such as different models in a software tool. RDS is an international “naming convention” designed for systems and their elements and a practical technique to underpin a common understanding among different disciplines. The use of RDS as a fundamental system naming convention is not widely known within the INCOSE environment. By this paper, the author wishes to reach out to INCOSE and systems engineering in general, so the principles of RDS is to be better understood and recognized as a basic part of systems engineering tool box. RDS provides generic principles and are applicable in more or less all technical disciplines; among these are civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and software engineering. Application examples are provided and a case example showing the economic benefit is presented.
Making Smart Cities Smarter – MBSE Driven IoT
Authors: Hause Matthew , Hummell James
Published: September 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of systems (SoS) in every sense of the definition. A.P. Sage and others list five common SoS characteristics: operational independence of the individual systems, managerial independence, geographical distribution, emergent behavior and evolutionary development or independent life cycles. Typical examples include smart houses, the electric grid, complex military systems and so‐called smart cities. The future of IoT success, including technology advancements and revenue generating potential across the business spectrum, is dependent on the application of solid Systems Engineering and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principals. Without MBSE, the complexity involved in the design, development, and deployment of IoT systems would consume both system and operational providers. Absent of any industry standards, IoT systems cannot be built in a vacuum and their success will only be realized through application of modern day systems engineering processes, methods, and tools. With the potential of 28 billion “things” connected to the Internet by 2020, it's not too difficult for anyone paying attention to this emerging technology trend to envision the massive scale of social, economic, and technological changes that will need to occur to realize this prediction. Technology advancements in consumer products will continue to evolve to facilitate connection to larger and larger IoT networks. This will be the catalyst that will drive entire infrastructures changes to: Federal, State, City, and local governments; product development companies; utility and service providers; and even to consumers and their homes in order to support the growing demand for connected products. The infrastructure and management will need to be established prior to, or in conjunction with, the smart systems that support them. This paper will show a traffic management system and connected systems in a large city and how an MBSE and SoS approach will help guide development.
The Value of Systems Engineering in Project Management: Case Study: Developing a Power Control System ConOps
Authors: Turner Steven , Mididaddi Vijay , Hoehne Oliver
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a case study on an innovative Project Management (PM) and Systems Engineering (SE) approach that utilized elements of Agile and Lean principles. The scope of work required the development of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the upgrade of a power control system (PCS). The ConOps was delivered within a demanding 14 week timeline with a team geographically distributed across 8 time‐zones, within a fixed scope and budget.

The ConOps document was treated as a system and delivered in increments similar to how the methodology ‘Scrum’ is used as the Agile Product Development Framework and the Lean Product Development Flow (LPDF) method for projects. The ConOps ‘system’ was delivered early and over a number of ‘sprints’, providing each time a valuable and ‘shippable’ product (the ConOps document) to the Client.
Applying INCOSE Rules for writing high‐quality requirements in Industry
Authors: Fuentes Jose , Fraga Anabel , Génova Gonzalo , Parra Eugenio , Alvarez Jose María , Llorens Juan
Published: September 2016

The present paper introduces an implementation of some INCOSE guidelines for writing high‐quality requirements in industry, it presents the benefits of applying techniques, methods and tools in order to improve the Systems Engineering Process. It is also proposed an evaluation of the impact in the quality of requirements.
Systems Architecting for a Retrofittable Subsea System Application
Authors: Baker Jason , Ferraioli Patrick , Pereira Luis R. , Hudson Abram
Published: September 2016

This paper highlights a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) approach tailored to the unique complexities of developing a consistent functional and physical architecture for retrofittable subsea equipment used in offshore deepwater operations. A new architecture in this application must satisfy demanding requirements in safety, reliability, availability, maintainability, retrofittability, deployment timelines, and interface compatibility. Additionally, the new architecture must be defendable against the industry's decades‐long established regulatory, cultural and technological legacies. To objectively design within these constraints, a system model was developed iteratively using both bottom‐up and top‐down analysis to define a complete functional and physical architecture. Inconsistencies between the functional and physical models encountered are resolved through detailed functional analysis and product realization process. The hybrid bottom‐up, top‐down approach employed, supports continuous stakeholder validation and requirements verification. The tailored MBSE approach and conceptual functional and physical models are presented.
Using systems thinking to improve natural resource governance and strengthen weak networks
Authors: Malan Suzi
Published: September 2016

This paper reports on the decision‐making processes in international conservation as found in two southern African case studies, the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Using systems thinking to approach the model of cross‐border natural resource governance and management provided insights at the landscape scale, particularly regarding the absence of a physical institution that can be evaluated and consequently improved. The overall objective of the research project was to consult with all layers of decision and policy makers involved in order to synthesize the current state of knowledge, identify the range of potential incremental effects of management responses on natural and human systems, and determine the range of values that drive decision‐making processes. The methodology involved analyses of semi‐structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the TFCAs, as well as relevant policies and treaty documents. The findings in the governance and decision making sphere were analysed using Capability Maturity Model theory and the NATO Network Enabling Capability Model theory. The main recommendations suggest improving involvement in decision‐making processes from the grass‐roots or community level, developing communities of practice between the different countries and core protected areas, prioritizing policy harmonization, and establishing a physical TFCA unit with dedicated, longer term staff instead of the current brief rotational cycle. The same Capability Maturity Model theory was then applied to a different type of network; the Regional Inter‐Agency Standing Committee, an informal network of humanitarian aid agencies and organizations. The latter research is an ongoing project, but preliminary results show that strengthening a central platform or institution can greatly improve the connections between entities within a system of systems, as well as the performance within each individual entity.
Towards Systems and Software Product Line Management Implementation in Extended Enterprise
Authors: Mauersberger Ralf , Reyterou Claude
Published: September 2016

In large, transnational organizations like the Airbus Group, which is developing highly complex, long‐leading products and services in multidisciplinary environments, the Systems and Software Product Lines Management (SPL) is of high interest because it offers the capability to manage high levels of commonality between product variants as well as maximize reusability. However, issues like the compatibility of development artefacts from one program to the other and the storage of information in several separated data repositories currently lead to manual treatment of variability and reusability, which is prone to errors, not traceable and being very limited in scope.

These issues are likely to become ever more challenging and complex with future programs based on high levels of customization and challenging production ramp‐up to produce complex products in very short term. In such a situation, the faster definition of new product families with the benefits of SPL should encompass the needs to integrate SPL concepts across all engineering phases and artefacts. It should also enable multi‐system requirements with regard to reusability of components or incremental certification and assure efficient development, cost transparency and scalability of the solution space.

In this vision paper, we present the initial results of our investigations on Systems and Software Product Line Management based on a thorough survey of State of the Art Theory and Practice approaches discussed in the scientific community and applied by other industries. Consequently we use this information to derive possible perspectives for introducing a systematic and low risk approach for SPL in order to support the divisions of Airbus Group to make a step forward in that direction.
The Key Roles of Maintainability in an Ontology for System Qualities
Authors: Boehm Barry , Chen Celia , Srisopha Kamonphop , Shi Lin
Published: September 2016

In our INCOSE IS 2015 paper, “An Initial Ontology for System Qualities,” (SQs), we provided an IDEF5 class hierarchy of upper‐level SQs, where the top level reflected classes of stakeholder value propositions (Mission Effectiveness, Resource Utilization, Dependability, Flexibility), and the next level identified means‐ends enablers of the higher‐level SQs. In experimenting with, refining and formalizing the ontology, we focused on a depth‐first approach on a chosen SQ: Maintainability. It is key to reducing 75% of most systems’ life cycle costs. Also Maintainability plays key roles in three of the four top‐level SQs: Resource Utilization (now called Life Cycle Efficiency) Dependability, and Flexibility (now called Changeability). Dependability also needs Maintainability to relate Reliability to Availability; and Changeability also needs Maintainability to address new system challenges and opportunities. This paper summarizes resulting changes in the SQ ontology, and also provides examples of Maintainability need and use, quantitative relations where available, and summaries and references on improved practices.
Conceptual Framework of Smart Manufacturing Execution System Based on Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: Byeong‐Woo Jeon , Dae‐Geun Hong , Kee‐Young Shin , Suk‐Hwan Suh
Published: September 2016

Manufacturing Execution System(MES) is in charge of manufacturing execution based on the inputs given by high level information such as ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning) and shop floor dat. MES implemented in modern factories is focusing on helping people to manage production activities based on collected shop floor data. Since not only men but also other factors such as machines can affect productivity, managing machine activity based on shop floor situation real‐time is important if the number of skilled workers isn't enough, which is brought up in the advanced country. Smart factory system in the paradigm of Industry 4.0 tries to solve the problems via CPS (Cyber Physical System) technology.

In this paper, we conducted Systems Engineering Approach to design an advanced MES (namely Smart MES) that can accommodate CPS concept. Specifically, we tailored Systems Engineering Process (SEP) based on an International Standard formalized as ISO/IEC 15288 to develop Stakeholders’ Requirements (StR), System Requirements (SyR). The results of the research can provide a conceptual framework for future MES that can play a crucial role in the Smart Factory.
A Framework for Life–Cycle Cost Analysis for Future‐Proof Systems
Authors: Rehman Obaid Ur , Ryan Michael
Published: September 2016

In addition to elements that meet current capability, future‐proof system generally comprises elements to meet some or all of predicted future capability future proof system generally consists of the future capability elements (known as a projection of future capability) in the system design. The inclusion of the future projection affects the original system dynamics and thus affects the system capability and cost. The dynamics of future proofing plays an important role in the system design process and life‐cycle cost analysis (LCCA). In this paper, we present a framework for dynamic analysis of the life‐cycle cost analysis for future‐proof systems. The method presented in this paper may also be used to select an optimum future capability projection where the objective is the minimum cost of the ownership of the system. Here dynamics of future proofing is discussed in the context of the life‐cycle cost of a system. Finally, several examples are presented to explain the application of the developed framework.
The Application of Parameter Dependency Diagrams in System Design. A missile system design example
Authors: Viljoen Gerrit
Published: September 2016

The traditional approach to the design of systems with interrelated elements is an iterative approach. In this paper the author explores the parameter dependence diagram as developed by Eisner to reduce the number of iterations. PDDs are also used to define the functional areas and physical elements in the system. Finally, the approach is demonstrated with a missile system design example. It is recommended that parameter dependency diagrams be used more frequently in the design of highly interrelated systems.
Evaluating the effectiveness of applying a Requirements Management System for a Subsea Oil and Gas Workover System
Authors: Damien Wee Kok Yi , Muller Gerrit
Published: September 2016

The accurate elicitation, analysis, and management of requirements throughout the system life cycle of oil and gas workover equipment are essential to the successful delivery of this system on schedule and within budget. There is a need for workover system providers to look for ways to better elicit, analyze, and manage requirements in order to reduce non‐conformances and stay profitable. This paper evaluates the effectiveness and effort of using customized software named Requirements Management System (RMS) to process requirements for oil and gas workover equipment. We evaluate the RMS through peer review and guidelines from ISO/IEC TR24766.We receive positive feedbacks regarding the use of the RMS as a platform for managing requirements and highlight several areas for improvement. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research on quantitative means of evaluating the effectiveness and effort to implement the RMS.
Decision‐Driven Product Development
Authors: Hause Matthew , Korff Andreas
Published: September 2016

Product Line Engineering (PLE) is the engineering and management of a group of related products using a shared set of assets and a means of design and manufacturing. PLE can include system and software, assets and involves all aspects of engineering including electrical, electronic, mechanical, chemical, etc. PLE is normally considered after the product has evolved and complexity becomes too much to manage. Leveraging PLE from the very beginning will identify cost savings and commonality and provide a natural means for product evolution. Orthogonal Variability Modeling (OVM) provides a natural decision set allowing engineers to perform trade‐offs for specific customers and guide system development along the most effective route. Using automotive examples, this paper will describe Model‐based Product Line Engineering, the process for creating product lines, and the benefits of this approach as applicable to the military ground vehicle domain. Finally, it will show how the adoption of MB‐PLE early on in the development lifecycle provides more benefits without the potential disruption and re‐engineering that can be involved when it is adopted later on in the lifecycle.
Quantifying Sustainability in System Design
Authors: Carson Ronald S.
Published: September 2016

A standard definition of sustainability as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” requires the ability to identify and quantify needs as well as quantify a compromised ability of future generations to meet their needs. In a new Engineering course in the “Appropriate and Sustainable Engineering” program, Seattle Pacific University is addressing how to analyze systems during the design activity to address such sustainability issues. These include the use of exergy and resource depletion as measurable effects of systems, the consideration of life‐cycle phases of development, manufacturing, testing, operations, and disposal, decision‐making considering sustainability trade‐off criteria, and managing life‐cycle and design resources. Specific system design and analysis techniques are also included, such as considerations for human‐systems integration, safety and reliability in all life‐cycle phases. Being able to quantify the sustainability measures yields an ability to quantitatively differentiate among competing alternative system designs based on specific life‐cycle considerations and quantified sustainability impacts.
Exponential repulsion improves structural predictability of molecular docking
Authors: Bazgier Václav , Berka Karel , Otyepka Michal , Banáš Pavel
Published: September 2016

Molecular docking is a powerful tool for theoretical prediction of the preferred conformation and orientation of small molecules within protein active sites. The obtained poses can be used for estimation of binding energies, which indicate the inhibition effect of designed inhibitors, and therefore might be used for in silico drug design. However, the evaluation of ligand binding affinity critically depends on successful prediction of the native binding mode. Contemporary docking methods are often based on scoring functions derived from molecular mechanical potentials. In such potentials, nonbonded interactions are typically represented by electrostatic interactions between atom‐centered partial charges and standard 6–12 Lennard–Jones potential. Here, we present implementation and testing of a scoring function based on more physically justified exponential repulsion instead of the standard Lennard–Jones potential. We found that this scoring function significantly improved prediction of the native binding modes in proteins bearing narrow active sites such as serine proteases and kinases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Roles of Fathers' Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Adult Offspring's Differentiation of the Self in the Intergenerational Transmission of Captivity Trauma
Authors: Nicolai Shelly , Zerach Gadi , Solomon Zahava
Published: September 2016

Objectives

This prospective study aims to assess the role of fathers' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSS), the course of these symptoms over the years, and the relationship between these symptoms and their adult offspring's own PTSS and level of differentiation of self.

Method

A sample of 123 Israeli father–child dyads (79 ex‐prisoners of war [ex‐POWs] dyads and a comparison group of 44 veterans' dyads) completed self‐report measures. The fathers participated in 2 waves of measurements (1991 and 2008), while the offspring took part in 2013–2014.

Results

Increase in the fathers' PTSS over the years was related to high levels of his offspring's PTSS. Among ex‐POWs' offspring, self‐differentiation mediated the association between the father's PTSS and offspring's PTSS. Thus, a greater increase in the ex‐POWs' PTSS over time was correlated to lower levels of the offspring's self‐differentiation, which in turn was correlated to higher rates of PTSS.

Conclusion

Veterans' PTSS as well as offspring's self‐differentiation are mechanisms of the intergenerational transmission of captivity trauma.
Decomposition rate and enzymatic activity of composted municipal waste and poultry manure in the soil in a biofuel crops field
Authors: Cordovil Cláudia Marques‐dos‐Santos , de Varennes Amarilis , Pinto Renata Machado dos Santos , Alves Tiago Filipe , Mendes Pedro , Sampaio Sílvio César
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Biofuel crops are gaining importance because of the need to replace non‐renewable sources. Also, due to the increasing amounts of wastes generated, there is the need to recycle them to the soil, both to fertilize crops and to improve soil physical properties through organic matter increase and microbiological changes in the rhizosphere. We therefore studied the influence of six biofuel crops (elephant grass, giant cane, sugarcane, blue gum, black cottonwood, willow) on the decomposition rate and enzymatic activity of composted municipal solid waste and poultry manure. Organic amendments were incubated in the field (litterbag method), buried near each plant or bare soil. Biomass decrease and dehydrogenase, urease and acid phosphatase level in amendments was monitored over a 180‐day period. Soil under the litterbags was analysed for the same enzymatic activity and organic matter fractions (last sampling). After 365 days, a fractionation of organic matter was carried out in both amendments and soil under the litterbags.

RESULTS

For compost, willow and sugarcane generally led to the greatest enzymatic activity, at the end of the experiment. For manure, dehydrogenase activity decreased sharply with time, the smallest value near sugarcane, while phosphatase and urease generally presented the highest values, at the beginning or after 90 days' incubation. Clustering showed that plant species could be grouped based on biomass and enzymes measured over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Plant species influenced the decomposition rate and enzymatic activities of the organic amendments. Overall, mineralization of both amendments was associated with a greater urease activity in soils. Dehydrogenase activity in manure was closely associated with urease activity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecularly imprinted polymer membranes and thin films for the separation and sensing of biomacromolecules
Authors: Boysen Reinhard I. , Schwarz Lachlan J. , Nicolau Dan V. , Hearn Milton T. W.
Published: September 2016

This review describes recent advances associated with the development of surface imprinting methods for the synthesis of polymeric membranes and thin films, which possess the capability to selectively and specifically recognize biomacromolecules, such as proteins and single‐ and double‐stranded DNA, employing “epitope” or “whole molecule” approaches. Synthetic procedures to create different molecularly imprinted polymer membranes or thin films are discussed, including grafting/in situ polymerization, drop‐, dip‐, or spin‐coating procedures, electropolymerization as well as micro‐contact or stamp lithography imprinting methods. Highly sensitive techniques for surface characterization and analyte detection are described, encompassing luminescence and fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and surface plasmon resonance. These developments are providing new avenues to produce bioelectronic sensors and new ways to explore through advanced separation science procedures complex phenomena associated with the origins of biorecognition in nature.
Endolysosomal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: Recent developments and future challenges
Authors: Kett Lauren R. , Dauer William T.
Published: September 2016

Increasingly, genetic, cell biological, and in vivo work emphasizes the role of the endolysosomal system dysfunction in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Yet many questions remain about the mechanisms by which primary endolysosomal dysfunction causes PD as well as how the endolysosomal system interacts with α‐synuclein‐mediated neurotoxicity. We recently described a new mouse model of parkinsonism in which loss of the endolysosomal protein Atp13a2 causes behavioral, neuropathological, and biochemical changes similar to those present in human subjects with ATP13A2 mutations. In this Scientific Perspectives, we revisit the evidence implicating the endolysosomal system in PD, current hypotheses of disease pathogenesis, and how recent studies refine these hypotheses and raise new questions for future research. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Capping vertically aligned InGaAs/GaAs(Sb) quantum dots with a AlGaAsSb spacer layer in intermediate‐band solar cell devices
Authors: Liu Wei‐Sheng , Lin Hsiao‐Chien , Liu Ren‐Yo
Published: September 2016

This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating a highly stacked vertically aligned InGaAs/GaAs(Sb) quantum dot (QD) structure with an AlGaAsSb spacer layer for improving the device performance of QD intermediate‐band solar cell (QD‐IBSC) devices. The power‐dependent photoluminescence measurements of the proposed structure revealed a blueshift in the QD ground‐state emissions when the excitation power was increased, indicating the formation of an intermediate band inside the QD structure. Capping the InGaAs QDs with a GaAsSb layer prevented the QDs from collapsing because there was less In–Ga intermixing between the QDs and GaAsSb layer. In addition to maintaining the QD structure, the carrier lifetime was extended by tuning the energy band alignment of the InGaAs/GaAsSb QD structure. Inserting the AlGaAsSb layer into the spacer layer increased the band gap, which in turn increased the open‐circuit voltage of the QD‐IBSC. The QD‐IBSC in this work shows an extension of external‐quantum efficiency by up to 1200 nm (compared with a GaAs reference cell) through the absorption by QDs and increased the open‐circuit voltage from 0.67 to 0.70 V by adopting the AlGaAsSb spacer layer. These results confirm that adopting a columnar InGaAs/GaAs(Sb) QD structure with a AlGaAsSb spacer layer can enhance the performance of QD‐IBSC devices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.