bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoengineering Carbon Spheres as Nanoreactors for Sustainable Energy Applications
Authors: Tian Hao , Liang Ji , Liu Jian
Published: September 2019

Colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors have been explored extensively as a class of versatile materials for various applications in energy storage, electrochemical conversion, and catalysis, due to their unique properties such as excellent electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, controlled porosity and permeability, and surface functionality. Here, the latest updated research on colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactor, in terms of both their synthesis and applications, is summarized. Various synthetic strategies are first discussed, including the hard template method, the soft template method, hydrothermal carbonization, the microemulsion polymerization method, and extension of the Stöber method. Then, the functionalization of colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors, including the nanoengineering of compositions and the surface features, is discussed. Afterward, recent progress in the major applications of colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors, in the areas of energy storage, electrochemical conversion, and catalysis, is presented. Finally, the perspectives and challenges for future developments are discussed in terms of controlled synthesis and functionalization of the colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors with tunable structure, and the composition and properties that are desirable for practical applications.
Compressible All‐In‐One Supercapacitor with Adjustable Output Voltage Based on Polypyrrole‐Coated Melamine Foam
Authors: Liu Qifan , Zang Limin , Qiao Xuan , Qiu Jianhui , Wang Xue , Hu Lei , Yang Jun , Yang Chao
Published: September 2019

Compared with laminated structure supercapacitors, all‐in‐one supercapacitors can reduce the contact resistance of the interface and avoid displacement/delamination of the multilayer structure under deformation, which suggests a highly promising energy‐storage device. However, simplifying the assembly process to achieve high voltage output, balance mechanical stability and electrochemical performance is still a serious challenge. Here, an all‐in‐one flexible supercapacitor (AFSC) is designed based on melamine foam and polypyrrole by one‐step polymerization method. It exhibits a high volumetric specific capacitance of 2.86 F cm−3, volumetric energy density of 0.18 mWh cm−3, and volumetric power density of 22.97 mW cm−3. Moreover, it exhibits outstanding mechanical stability which can work stably under different compressive strains. More surprisingly, the output voltage of the AFSC can be adjusted handily by a simple cutting method without connecting several supercapacitors in series. The excellent performance of the device indicates that it has great potential for use in highly integrated portable and wearable electronic devices.
Striatal responsiveness to reward under threat‐of‐shock and working memory load: A preliminary study
Authors: Gaillard Claudie , Guillod Matthias , Ernst Monique , Torrisi Salvatore , Federspiel Andrea , Schoebi Dominik , Recabarren Romina E. , Ouyang Xinyi , Mueller‐Pfeiffer Christoph , Horsch Antje , Homan Philipp , Wiest Roland , Hasler Gregor , Martin‐Soelch Chantal
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Reward and stress are important determinants of motivated behaviors. Striatal regions play a crucial role in both motivation and hedonic processes. So far, little is known on how cognitive effort interacts with stress to modulate reward processes. This study examines how cognitive effort (load) interacts with an unpredictable acute stressor (threat‐of‐shock) to modulate motivational and hedonic processes in healthy adults.

Materials and Methods

A reward task, involving stress with unpredictable mild electric shocks, was conducted in 23 healthy adults aged 20–37 (mean age: 24.7 ± 0.9; 14 females) during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Manipulation included the use of (a) monetary reward for reinforcement, (b) threat‐of‐shock as the stressor, and (c) a spatial working memory task with two levels of difficulty (low and high load) for cognitive load. Reward‐related activation was investigated in a priori three regions of interest, the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), caudate nucleus, and putamen.

Results

During anticipation, threat‐of‐shock or cognitive load did not affect striatal responsiveness to reward. Anticipated reward increased activation in the ventral and dorsal striatum. During feedback delivery, both threat‐of‐shock and cognitive effort modulated striatal activation. Higher working memory load blunted NAcc responsiveness to reward delivery, while stress strengthened caudate nucleus reactivity regardless reinforcement or load.

Conclusions

These findings provide initial evidence that both stress and cognitive load modulate striatal responsiveness during feedback delivery but not during anticipation in healthy adults. Of clinical importance, sustained stress exposure might go along with dysregulated arousal, increasing therefore the risk for the development of maladaptive incentive‐triggered motivation. This study brings new insight that might help to build a framework to understand common stress‐related disorders, given that these psychiatric disorders involve disturbances of the reward system, cognitive deficits, and abnormal stress reactivity.
Ovarian cancer: Current status and strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes
Authors: Chandra Ashwin , Pius Cima , Nabeel Madiha , Nair Maya , Vishwanatha Jamboor K. , Ahmad Sarfraz , Basha Riyaz
Published: September 2019

Of all the gynecologic tumors, ovarian cancer (OC) is known to be the deadliest. Advanced‐stages of OC are linked with high morbidity and low survival rates despite the immense amount of research in the field. Shortage of promising screening tools for early‐stage detection is one of the major challenges linked with the poor survival rate for patients with OC. In OC, therapeutic management is used with multidisciplinary approaches that includes debulking surgery, chemotherapy, and (rarely) radiotherapy. Recently, there is an increasing interest in using immunomodulation for treating OC. Relapse rates are high in this malignancy and averages around every 2‐years. Further treatments after the relapse are more intense, increasing the toxicity, resistance to chemotherapy drugs, and financial burden to patients with poor quality‐of‐life. A procedure that has been studied to help reduce the morbidity rate involves pre‐sensitizing cancer cells with standard therapy in order to produce optimal results with minimum dosage. Utilizing such an approach, platinum‐based agents are effective due to their increased response to platinum‐based chemotherapy in relapsed cases. These chemo‐drugs also help address the issue of drug resistance. After conducting an extensive search with available literature and the resources for clinical trials, information is precisely documented on current research, biomarkers, options for treatment and clinical trials. Several schemes for enhancing the therapeutic responses for OC are discussed systematically in this review with an attempt in summarizing the recent developments in this exciting field of translational/clinical research.
SOX2 antagonizes WWC1 to drive YAP1 activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chai Yuhang , Li Qihang , Zhao Hongying , Zhang Zhiyu , Yu Xiaodan , Pang Lijuan , Liu Zheng , Zhao Jin , Wang Lianghai , Li Feng
Published: September 2019

Whether SOX2 and ACTL6A/TP63 interact with the Hippo‐YAP1 pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here, we reveal that SOX2, ACTL6A, and TP63 are co‐amplified and upregulated in ESCC samples. Multiple SOX2 binding peaks in the locus of WWC1, a Hippo‐YAP1 regulator, and an inverse correlation between the expression of SOX2 and WWC1 are identified, suggesting direct repression of WWC1 by SOX2. Expression scores of SOX2 are higher in tumors than normal tissues and positively correlated with nuclear YAP1 staining in primary ESCC. Moreover, SOX2 gain‐of‐function significantly promotes nuclear YAP1 expression in ESCC cells while silencing of SOX2 expression inhibits YAP1 activation. SOX2 overexpression leads to a significant enhancement of cell migration and invasion as well as chemoresistance to cisplatin, whereas knockdown of SOX2 or ectopic expression of WWC1 suppresses the SOX2‐induced migration ability and invasive potential. Disruption of this SOX2‐WWC1‐YAP1 axis could be a therapeutic strategy for SOX2‐dependent tumors.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic excision of esophageal duplication cyst in an adult
Authors: Darwish Bassam , Izzat Mohammad Bashar
Published: September 2019

Esophageal duplication cysts are rarely encountered in adult patients. Complete cyst resection is achievable employing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgical techniques, with low morbidity and excellent cosmesis.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Based on a Serial Metal‐Salen Complexes and the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Li Cheng‐Bo , Chu Yilong , He Jinjiao , Xie Jijia , Liu Jiawei , Wang Ning , Tang Junwang
Published: September 2019

Three metal‐salen (Ni, Cu, Zn) complexes were firstly introduced into homogeneous photocatalytic hydrogen‐evolution systems. Based on these complexes, we developed noble‐metal‐free hydrogen production systems using disodium salts of Eosin Y (EY2−) as photosensitizers and trimethylamine (TEA) as sacrificial donors. In a Ni(II)‐salen/EY2−/TEA system, a TON of 362 based on Ni(II)‐salen was achieved in 5.5 h with one time complement for EY2−. The stability study revealed the quick photodecomposition of EY2− in the presence of ether Ni(II)‐salen, TEA or both chemicals, and quick dehalogenation of EY2− was observed in the presence of TEA under irradiation. Besides, relatively slower photodecomposition of Ni(II)‐salen was also found. These factors should be responsible for the deactivation of the photolysis system. Investigation of electrocatalytic proton reduction by Ni(II)‐salen showed a CECE mechanism. An overall catalytic rate constant of 7.62×106 M−2 s−1 was achieved. Combined with the stability analysis, photo‐induced electron transfer and electrochemistry investigation, for the first time, the photocatalytic hydrogen production mechanism for metal‐salen complexes (e. g. Ni(II)‐salen) was proposed.
Demonstrating low‐temperature sintering of boron carbide powders
Authors: Dai Jingyao , Lee Wonho , Gomez Enrique D. , Yamamoto Namiko
Published: September 2019

Capability to sinter ceramics, especially carbides, at low temperature, is desired but is a challenge. Recently, cold sintering has been successfully demonstrated with oxides and other ceramics, but not with carbides due to high thermodynamic and chemical stability. In this work, low‐temperature sintering of boron carbide (B4C) was attempted at 1000‐1400°C; the proposed sintering is to form B4C nanoparticles with in situ carbothermal reduction from organic liquid‐phase precursors (boric acid and glycerin), and then to sinter the formed B4C nanoparticles, between B4C micropowders, which are expected to increase packing density and enhance diffusion and densification. Formation of B4C nanoparticles by in situ carbothermal reduction was confirmed, but only limited densification was observed due to material loss from chemical reactions and lack of pressurization. The achieved relative densities are low (57.7%‐62.8%) but comparable with those achieved with pressureless sintering at >2000℃.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Pd Nanoparticles on N‐Doped Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers: Optimization of ORR Activity of Pd‐Based Nanocatalysts by Tuning Their Nanoparticle Size and Loading
Authors: Khalily Mohammad Aref , Patil Bhushan , Yilmaz Eda , Uyar Tamer
Published: September 2019

Optimization of size, loading and chemical composition of catalytic nanoparticles is a crucial step to achieve cost‐effective and efficient (electro) catalysts. This report elaborates optimization of palladium (Pd) nanoparticle size and loading on the electrospun based N‐doped carbon nanofibers (nCNF) towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for the energy devices like fuel cell, metal air batteries. Electrospinning was utilized to produce one‐dimensional (1D) polyacrylonitrile nanofibers followed by a two‐step carbonization process obtaining well‐defined conductive nCNF having diameters in the range of 200–350 nm. As‐synthesized nCNF was decorated with discrete Pd nanoparticles ranging from 2.6±0.4 nm to 4.7±0.5 nm via thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. We found that nCNF deposited Pd nanoparticles having 3.9±0.6 nm size (Pd20/nCNF) showed the best ORR activity with the smallest Tafel slope of 58 mV dec−1 along with four electrons involved in the ORR. In addition, high value at half wave potential (E1/2=806 mV vs. RHE) and exchange current densities (i0=6.998 mA cm−2) at Pd20/nCNF makes it efficient catalyst among other Pd decorated nCNF. Moreover, we found that electrocatalyst with lower loading/density of Pd nanoparticles showed enhanced ORR activity.
Feline immunodeficiency virus in puma: Estimation of force of infection reveals insights into transmission
Authors: Reynolds Jennifer J. H. , Carver Scott , Cunningham Mark W. , Logan Ken A. , Vickers Winston , Crooks Kevin R. , VandeWoude Sue , Craft Meggan E.
Published: September 2019

Determining parameters that govern pathogen transmission (such as the force of infection, FOI), and pathogen impacts on morbidity and mortality, is exceptionally challenging for wildlife. Vital parameters can vary, for example across host populations, between sexes and within an individual's lifetime.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus affecting domestic and wild cat species, forming species‐specific viral–host associations. FIV infection is common in populations of puma (Puma concolor), yet uncertainty remains over transmission parameters and the significance of FIV infection for puma mortality. In this study, the age‐specific FOI of FIV in pumas was estimated from prevalence data, and the evidence for disease‐associated mortality was assessed.

We fitted candidate models to FIV prevalence data and adopted a maximum likelihood method to estimate parameter values in each model. The models with the best fit were determined to infer the most likely FOI curves. We applied this strategy for female and male pumas from California, Colorado, and Florida.

When splitting the data by sex and area, our FOI modeling revealed no evidence of disease‐associated mortality in any population. Both sex and location were found to influence the FOI, which was generally higher for male pumas than for females. For female pumas at all sites, and male pumas from California and Colorado, the FOI did not vary with puma age, implying FIV transmission can happen throughout life; this result supports the idea that transmission can occur from mothers to cubs and also throughout adult life. For Florida males, the FOI was a decreasing function of puma age, indicating an increased risk of infection in the early years, and a decreased risk at older ages.

This research provides critical insight into pathogen transmission and impact in a secretive and solitary carnivore. Our findings shed light on the debate on whether FIV causes mortality in wild felids like puma, and our approach may be adopted for other diseases and species. The methodology we present can be used for identifying likely transmission routes of a pathogen and also estimating any disease‐associated mortality, both of which can be difficult to establish for wildlife diseases in particular.
Biodiversity pattern of fish assemblages in Poyang Lake Basin: Threat and conservation
Authors: Liu Xiongjun , Qin Jiajun , Xu Yang , Zhou Min , Wu Xiaoping , Ouyang Shan
Published: September 2019

Poyang Lake Basin is of great importance to maintain regional ecological balance. However, fish biodiversity in this basin has rapidly declined as the result of anthropogenic habitat alteration, such as dam construction, sand mining, and water pollution. Here, we aimed to analyze the temporal and spatial changes in biodiversity patterns of fish in Poyang Lake Basin over the last 37 years. The number of fish species underwent a significant decrease in the current period. In particular, 36.7% of the migration of fish was extirpated. Twenty‐seven fish species have been formally assessed using the Chinese Red List were currently listed as Critically Endangered (9), Endangered (3), Vulnerable (10), and Near Threatened (5). Alpha and gamma diversity revealed that fish diversity had also decreased, and beta diversity showed significant composition dissimilarity in two periods. PCoA showed that the historical fish composition dissimilarity was significantly different from that of the current period. We found a significant effect of the geographical distance on the spatial turnover component for the historical and current periods. In addition, the nestedness component was the main contributor to beta diversity, which indicated one large protected area should be established in Poyang Lake and the Ganjiang River Basin with higher species richness. These results indicated that fish biodiversity declined in the current period likely caused by anthropogenic habitat alteration and other threatened factors. Therefore, we suggest that the habitat reconstruction and biodiversity conservation for fish have become imperative in this basin, and a complete management plan should be carried out.
Timing of vegetation sampling does not influence associations between visual obstruction and turkey nest survival in a montane forest
Authors: Yarnall Michael J. , Litt Andrea R. , Lehman Chadwick P.
Published: September 2019

Evaluating relationships between ecological processes that occur concurrently is complicated by the potential for such processes to covary. Ground‐nesting birds rely on habitat characteristics that provide visual and olfactory concealment from predators; this protection often is provided by vegetation at the nest site. Recently, researchers have raised concern that measuring vegetation characteristics at nest fate (success or failure) introduces a bias, as vegetation at successful nests is measured later in the growing season (and has more time to grow) compared with failed nests. In some systems, this bias can lead to an erroneous conclusion that plant height is positively associated with nest survival. However, if the features that provide concealment are invariant during the incubation period, no bias should be expected, and the timing of measurement is less influential. We used data collected from 98 nests to evaluate whether there is evidence that such a bias exists in a study of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nesting in a montane forest ecosystem. We modeled nest survival as a function of visual obstruction and other covariates of interest. At unsuccessful nests, we collected visual obstruction readings at both the date of nest failure and the projected hatch date and compared survival estimates generated using both sets of vegetation data. In contrast to studies in grassland and shrubland systems, we found little evidence that the timing of vegetation sampling influenced conclusions regarding the association between visual obstruction and nest survival; model selection and estimates of nest survival were similar regardless of when vegetation data were collected. The dominant hiding cover at most of our nests was provided by evergreen shrubs; retention of leaves and slow growth of these plants likely prevent appreciable changes in visual obstruction during the incubation period. When considered in aggregate with a growing body of literature, our results suggest that the influence of timing of vegetation sampling depends on the study system. When designing future studies, investigators should carefully consider the type of structures that provide nest concealment and whether plant phenology is confounded with nest survival.
Percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes in patients with stable coronary disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: DeVore Adam D. , Yow Eric , Krucoff Mitchell W. , Sherwood Matthew W. , Shaw Linda K. , Chiswell Karen , O'Connor Christopher M. , Ohman Erik Magnus , Velazquez Eric J.
Published: September 2019

Aims

We sought to better understand the role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and moderate or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods and results

Using data from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease, we analysed patients who underwent coronary angiography at Duke University Medical Center (1995–2012) that had stable CAD amenable to PCI and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%. Patients with acute coronary syndrome or Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III or IV angina were excluded. We used propensity‐matched Cox proportional hazards to evaluate the association of PCI with mortality and hospitalizations. Of 901 patients, 259 were treated with PCI and 642 with medical therapy. PCI propensity scores created from 24 variables were used to assemble a matched cohort of 444 patients (222 pairs) receiving PCI or medical therapy alone. Over a median follow‐up of 7 years, 128 (58%) PCI and 125 (56%) medical therapy alone patients died [hazard ratio 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.68, 1.10)]; there was also no difference in the rate of a composite endpoint of all‐cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization [hazard ratio 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.96, 1.44)] between the two groups.

Conclusions

In this well‐profiled, propensity‐matched cohort of patients with stable CAD amenable to PCI and moderate or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, the addition of PCI to medical therapy did not improve long‐term mortality, or the composite of mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization. The impact of PCI on other outcomes in these high‐risk patients requires further study.
Allyl Complexes of Tungsten from the Rearrangement of Transient Cyclopropyl Precursors
Authors: Parker Kyle D. J. , Labat Stéphane , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Miqueu Karinne , Pimienta Véronique , Vendier Laure , Etienne Michel
Published: September 2019

This article explores the contrasting reactivity of cyclopropyl complexes of early transition metals. [Cp*W(NO)(CH2R)(c‐C3H5)] (R = SiMe3, Ph, t‐Bu) generated in THF solution from [Cp*W(NO)(CH2R)Cl] and [Mg(c‐C3H5)2(dioxane)x] readily rearrange to η3‐allyl derivatives [Cp*W(NO)(CH2R)(η3‐C3H5)] by an intramolecular ring opening reaction. Both direct and catalyzed pathways are revealed by kinetic studies. Computational modeling indicates the ring opening reaction is preferred on thermodynamic grounds for tungsten whereas kinetic products arising from β‐H abstraction reactions of cyclopropane are observed for related zirconium and niobium complexes reported previously. The energetic accessibility and the nature of the LUMO in the tungsten complexes promote distal CC bond cleavage in the cyclopropyl ring.
Multiple streams, leaked opportunities, and entrepreneurship in the EU agenda against tax avoidance
Authors: Roland Aanor
Published: September 2019

This paper discusses the recent initiatives of the EU against tax evasion and tax avoidance from a Multiple Streams perspective. By combining a chronological review of EU tax provisions with a quantitative content analysis of official EU documents, I show how both EU corporate tax policy and the way it is framed have changed over time: From market‐enhancing toward market‐regulating tax measures that explicitly address corporate tax avoidance. Contrary to what is often assumed, findings show that the crucial window of opportunity did not stem from the financial and Eurozone crisis, but rather from the accumulation of tax scandals since 2013. Furthermore, my analysis differentiates between the entrepreneurship of the Commission as a whole and the individual entrepreneurship of single personalities to better understand the dynamics that lead to policy change in the EU.
Dynamic simulation of fuel tank aging for LNG‐fueled ship apparatus in an X‐DF Otto cycle engine
Authors: Shao Yude , Yoon Sangdeuk , Kang Hokeun
Published: September 2019

The increased density in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank caused by boil‐off gas (BOG) is a key factor to consider for LNG‐fueled ships with Otto cycle engines. This study conducted dynamic simulation using Aspen HYSYS to solve LNG aging in the fuel gas supply system (FGSS) of an extra‐long stroke dual fuel (X‐DF) engine. The aging phenomenon is severe in the Otto cycle internal combustion engine because heavy hydrocarbon (HHC) components must be removed during the process to satisfy the methane number (MN) requirement. HHC components such as ethane, propane, butane are separated in the HHC removal process so that HHC can be returned to the LNG storage or fuel tank without increased risk of equipment failure relative to steady‐state design conditions. Dynamic process simulations for four cases were conducted to verify the behavior of LNG aging for two fuel compositions and two fuel tank capacities. The results indicate that the different composition of LNG affects the pump duty, the duty of heat exchanger and BOG compressor in steady‐state simulation. Additionally, based on the analysis results, solutions to the problem caused by LNG aging for the FGSS in an X‐DF engine were provided.
Efficacy of continuous ingestion of dewaxed brown rice on the cognitive functions of the residents of elderly welfare facilities: A pilot test using crossover trial
Authors: Uenobe Maya , Saika Toshiyuki , Waku Natsumi , Ohno Masae , Inagawa Hiroyuki
Published: September 2019

Compared with regular brown rice, dewaxed brown rice (DBR), prepared by excluding only the wax layer in the outermost layer of brown rice using a new rice milling technique, has improved water absorbency, digestibility, and taste. Dewaxed brown rice has a nutritional value close to that of brown rice and contains a large amount of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are known to improve the cognitive function of mice. In this study, we examined the effect of continuous DBR ingestion on the cognitive function of elderly people. A crossover comparison test was performed, in which elderly people who moved into an elderly welfare facility were divided into two groups and ingested DBR or polished white rice for three meals a day for 6 months, followed by a change in test meals for the next 6 months. Cognitive function was assessed using Revised Hasegawa's Dementia Scale (HDS‐R) before starting the test and 6 months after ingesting each test meal. No subjects withdrew or discontinued DBR intake during the study period, and all subjects continued the test for 6 months. In subjects with low cognitive function (defined as subjects with HDS‐R total score of ≥1 but <10 at the start of the study), there was a significant association between continuous DBR ingestion and cognitive function improvement (increase in total HDS‐R score). Our findings suggest that the long‐term DBR ingestion as a staple food could be useful for preventing cognitive decline in elderly; it offers an easily implemented option as a daily diet for preventing cognitive decline.
Assessment of the dynamics of sensory perception of Wagyu beef strip loin prepared with different cooking methods and fattening periods using the temporal dominance of sensations
Authors: Watanabe Genya , Motoyama Michiyo , Orita Kazue , Takita Keigo , Aonuma Tatsuya , Nakajima Ikuyo , Tajima Atsushi , Abe Atsuko , Sasaki Keisuke
Published: September 2019

In this study, we assessed the relative sensory perception of Wagyu beef using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS), which is a dynamic sensory method that captures the “dominance of sensation” throughout food consumption. In addition, we checked the integrity of the TDS by comparing the TDS results with a physicochemical analysis. Strip loins were obtained from 24‐ and 28‐month‐old Japanese Black cattle (“Wagyu”) and were cooked by grilling (yakiniku) or boiling (shabu‐shabu). Temporal dominance of sensations was then used to evaluate the four types of samples. “Tender and/or soft,” “juicy,” “dry,” “fat melting,” “fat taste,” “umami,” “sweet taste,” and “butter odor” were dominant in at least one of the sample types, with the yakiniku cooking method highlighting texture‐ and fat‐related sensory characteristics, and the shabu‐shabu cooking method highlighting flavor‐related sensory characteristics. In addition, beef obtained from the 24‐month‐old Wagyu was significantly more “dry” than that of the 28‐month‐old cattle, reflecting their different cooking loss. Temporal dominance of sensations successfully demonstrated the dominant sensory perceptions of Wagyu beef prepared with different cooking methods and fattening periods.
Mathematical modelling of infrared‐dried kiwifruit slices under natural and forced convection
Authors: Sadeghi Ebrahim , Haghighi Asl Ali , Movagharnejad Kamyar
Published: September 2019

In this work, the effect of the radiation intensity, slice thickness, and the distance between slices and infrared lamps under natural drying air and the effect of slice thickness and air velocity under forced drying air on the moisture diffusion characteristics and the drying rate of kiwifruit slices during infrared drying were investigated. The drying of kiwifruit happened in the falling rate period, and no constant‐rate period was observed in the drying curves. One hundred models were fitted to the drying data. Among the models, the exponential dsecay function model and modified two‐term exponential‐V model and the artificial neural networks with 4‐5‐7‐1 and 3‐5‐5‐1 topologies, hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function, and Levenberg‐Marquardt training algorithm presented the best results and showed the goodness of fit with the experimental data for the former and latter systems, respectively. The diffusivities varied between 1.216 × 10−10–8.997 × 10−10 m2⁄s and 2.567 × 10−10–10.335 × 10−10 m2⁄s for natural and forced drying air systems, respectively.
Black rice addition prompted the beer quality by the extrusion as pretreatment
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Haijing , Yang Zhe , Wang Yiran , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2019

Flavor compounds, including total polyphenols, amino acids, and protein, in beer with extruded black rice as adjunct were detected and analyzed. Beer brewing technique has been intensively investigated in the past century. The chase of beer quality, including the color, flavor, foam, nutrition, and functionality, attracted considerable attention. Hence, headspace solid‐phase microextraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) was used to analyze flavor compounds qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of one organic acid, one aromatic, ten alcohols and 23 esters were present in extruded black rice adjunct beer. Protein components and molecular weight were analyzed, and the results were consistent with those of traditional beer in terms of content of foam‐stabilizing protein. The contents of essential amino acid which is an important nutritive index were higher than those in traditional rice adjunct beer, especially valine (70.9 mg/L) and threonine (42.8 mg/L). The representative ingredients of extruded black rice adjunct beer were polyphenols, nerolidol, geraniol, and geranylgeraniol which affected the functionality and antioxidant ability.
Validating a System Architecture Model (SAM) for a Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Program Using a Phased Approach
Authors: Rosenthal Gene
Published: September 2019

One of the benefits of taking of Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to capturing information such as system design, requirements, and verification information within a digital, object‐oriented System Architecture Model (SAM) is it eliminates the risk of manually creating a set of text‐based documents that must be maintained separately for consistency. Digital definition of this information eases configuration management and allows reuse, so that engineers can focus more on the technical challenges of system development and less on the tedium of document management. To ensure the SAM accurately reflects system description, uses consistent terms, and content is not duplicated, the model must be validated.

This paper recaps the journey taken by a legacy DoD Acquisition Program transition of safety critical functions from a document‐centric to a model‐based environment, but the focus will be on model validation.
Encoding Technique of Genetic Algorithms for Block Definition Diagram using OMG SysML™ Notations
Authors: Arifin Habibi Husain , Ong Ho Kit Robert , Daengdej Jirapun , Novita Dianing
Published: September 2019

Genetic algorithms can be used to perform an automated trade study analysis for component selection with the OMG Systems Modeling Language or OMG SysML™. However, the genetic algorithm encoding based on a single string with real‐value encoding failed to include the relationships in the OMG SysML™ model for the solution space. The genetic algorithm was then unable to perform an automated reasoning through the OMG SysML™ as a result. To solve this problem, this study proposes tree encoding as the encoding technique for the OMG SysML™ elements. Tree encoding offers a simple way to include blocks and their relationships into a genotype without altering its semantics. The scope of this study is limited to a preliminary investigation of the block definition diagram. The result from this study suggests that the conceptual idea can be applied to the genetic algorithm and the potential use of the approach in the trade study analysis, reasoning, and machine learning.
Applying Feature‐Based Systems and Software Product Line Engineering in Unclassified and Classified Environments
Authors: Teaff James K. , Young Bobbi , Clements Paul
Published: September 2019

Global aerospace and defense companies are reaping the benefits of feature‐based systems and software product line engineering and management (FBPLE) in those situations where production must seamlessly span unclassified and classified environments (Gregg et al. 2014) (Gregg et al. 2015) (Krueger et al. 2014) (Lanman et al. 2011). These benefits include leveraging company talent while awaiting access to classified material; leveraging employees who are members of other sovereign states; and optimizing system production and maintenance for export / import. In this whitepaper we present the architectural design and accompanying business processes for a PLE factory and its artifacts that comprise unclassified and classified digital assets1. These digital assets are used in automated generation of unclassified and classified product instances. All production activities occur within a single logical enterprise spanning multiple information systems comprising multiple security zones2.
Using Set‐Based Design to Inform System Requirements and Evaluate Design Decisions
Authors: Parnell Gregory S. , Specking Eric , Goerger Simon , Cilli Matthew , Pohl Edward
Published: September 2019

Set‐Based Design (SBD) is a concurrent engineering technique for system design and systems analysis and an alternative to Point‐Based Design (PBD). System analysts perform Tradespace Exploration in early system design to assess requirements and identify affordable designs that meet complex stakeholder requirements. This paper demonstrates the use of SBD to inform system requirements and evaluate design options. We use an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) case study with an integrated Model‐Based Engineering framework with SBD to identify potential designs, assess design feasibility, inform requirements, and evaluate feasible designs displayed in sets with common design choices. We use SIP Math from Probability Management© to explore 100,000 potential systems design concepts and architectures in near real‐time. Using our integrated framework with 47 physics‐based models and 11 requirements, we found that only 2.5% of the potential designs were feasible. We validate that SBD finds the efficient frontier in the value versus cost tradespace. We use SBD to inform systems requirements by identifying the number of potential feasible designs in the tradespace for each requirement or combination of requirements. Relaxing the requirements can increase the percentage of feasible designs. Constraining or relaxing 4 of the 11 requirements significantly affected the feasible design space. We also use SBD to evaluate design options, which provides useful information for system designers. We conclude that SBD provides a more comprehensive tradespace exploration than PBD and useful insights into requirement development.
Systems Engineering: Transforming Digital Transformation
Authors: Peterson Troy A.
Published: September 2019

While complex systems transform the landscape, the Systems Engineering discipline is also experiencing a transformation to a model‐based discipline. In alignment with this, one of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) strategic objectives is to accelerate this transformation. INCOSE is building a broad community that promotes and advances model‐based methods to manage the complexity of systems which seamlessly integrate computational algorithms and physical components across domains and traditional boundaries. This paper addresses contextual drivers for transformation as well as obstacles, enablers, and INCOSE re‐sources aligned with accelerating the transformation of Systems Engineering to a model‐based discipline.
An Approach for Formal Verification of Machine Learning based Complex Systems
Authors: Raman Ramakrishnan , Jeppu Yogananda
Published: September 2019

A complex system is characterized by emergence of global properties which are very difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate just from complete knowledge of component behaviors. Emergence, hierarchical organization and numerosity are some of the characteristics of complex systems. With increasing system complexity, achieving confidence in systems becomes increasingly difficult. With the recent trend towards significant footprint of complex system's functionality being governed by machine learning based models and algorithms, there is a need to ensure that emergent behavior associated with such systems are well analyzed and understood. Traditional verification and validation approaches are often inadequate to bring in the nuances of potential emergent behavior, which may be positive or negative. This paper describes a novel approach towards application of formal methods for analyzing and evaluating emergent behavior of complex systems that are governed by machine learning models. The proposed approach involves developing a machine learning classifier model that learns on potential negative and positive emergent behaviors, and leveraging the classifier in a formal verification model checking environment to assert negative emergent behavior. The approach is illustrated through an example of a pitch control system of an aircraft. The effectiveness and performance of the approach are quantified.
12 principles for SE leaders
Authors: Kemp Duncan , O'Neil Meaghan
Published: September 2019

This paper describes 12 leadership principles to follow when building an Systems Engineering (SE) Capability.

Successful Systems Engineering leadership requires the fusion of systems engineering and leadership. Based upon the authors' experience in Defence, Rail, Information Services, Healthcare, Medical Devices, Power and Manufacturing, this paper describes practical approaches to:

Make and sustain the case for SE. Ensure that SE contributes to the business and that it is supported by key stakeholders.

Establish the right culture and provide a supportive environment within which systems engineers can deliver.

Select the right approach to deliver SE, decide whether to invest in an in‐house capability and decide how to deploy systems engineers

Align the SE processes to the wider business.

Grow an effective SE team. Select the right people, balance of technical and interpersonal competencies and grow the team as the business need grows.

Select appropriate methods and tools.
Can We Use Wisdom‐of‐the‐Crowd to Assess Risk of Systems Engineering Failures?
Authors: Georgalis Georgios , Marais Karen
Published: September 2019

Despite advances in project risk assessment methods, systems engineering failures like cost overruns, schedule slips, and failure to meet technical requirements continue to occur with high frequency. Wisdom‐of‐the‐Crowd (WoC) signals from inside the project team can complement expert management experience for risk assessment and help reduce such failures. We consider three metrics of project risk: budget, schedule and technical performance and evaluate whether WoC can provide correct estimates of these three metrics. We present a crowd‐based method to collect qualitative estimates of project metrics from engineering student teams and predict the probability that these estimates are correct. We investigate whether a team‐centered WoC approach provides better estimates than an individual‐centered case. We conclude that the WoC approach provides on average more accurate budget estimates than the individual‐centered approach. For estimating project schedule and technical performance, the WoC approach performs better when the estimate comes from individuals with high confidence.
Frenemies: OPM and SysML Together in an MBSE Model
Authors: Hause Matthew C. , Day Robert L.
Published: September 2019

A Frenemy is “a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.” (OED, 2018). The Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and the Object Process Methodology (OPM) are two such frenemies. OPM and SysML are different means of achieving Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), each with their own benefits, issues, supporters and detractors. The National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) defines MBSE as “an approach to engineering that uses models as an integral part of the technical baseline that includes the requirements, analysis, design, implementation, and verification of a capability, system, and/or product throughout the acquisition life cycle.” (NDIA, 2011) SysML is based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and includes diagrams that can be used to specify system requirements, behavior, structure and parametric relationships. SysML provides a means of defining high‐level abstract systems down to detailed physical systems. OPM is a “conceptual modeling language and methodology for capturing knowledge and designing systems. Based on a minimal universal ontology of stateful objects and processes that transform them, OPM can be used to formally specify the function, structure, and behavior of artificial and natural systems in a large variety of domains.” (ISO, 2015) OPM is used in some systems engineering graduate courses. Students graduating from these institutions are struggling to integrate the differing styles, philosophies, concepts and processes of SysML and OPM. A literature search reveals some papers that contrast SysML and OPM, but none that describe how the two can work together. This paper discusses a synergy of SysML and OPM in a SysML tool rather than promoting one language over another.
Experience from a Program for Accelerating the Creation of T‐shaped Technical Leaders
Authors: Cederberg Linda , Axehill Johanna Wallén , Herzog Erik
Published: September 2019

In the aerospace industry systems are becoming more and more complex. At the same time development projects run for longer time periods. Consequently there are fewer opportunities for engineers to experience the full system lifecycle and the associated nuances in development. This in turn makes it more challenging to grow staff suitable for technical leadership roles, including both breadth and depth of technical skills as well as soft skills for leading large engineering projects.

In this paper we examine the desired competencies of a technical leader by extending the T‐shape engineer model and use the said model to discuss an organization internal, 2.5 year, program to accelerate the creation of technical leaders. The evaluation is performed through interviews with program participants and organizational internal stakeholders. Overall the program has proven cost efficient and successful in the sense the program participants in many cases have progressed into technical leadership roles. The program, as described, has been executed within a single organization but should be feasible to execute in other organizational settings. While results are very positive, there are some identified improvement suggestions included in the analysis of the program.
A System Dynamics Model for Systems Security Engineering Analysis of Internet Service Provider Customer Modem Cyber Defense
Authors: Eason David K. , Gelosh Don S.
Published: September 2019

Internet service providers seek to increase revenue by reducing costs and increasing subscriptions. We take a systems security engineering approach to evaluate ways of enhancing customer modem cybersecurity, using a system dynamics model to show the impact of different solutions for improving customer modem bandwidth. The model is extensible and modifiable to test other stakeholder goals. We demonstrate this by modelling customer goodwill and solution cost. When used as a tool for planning system changes, the model can be compared to the live system before and during incremental system changes. This helps improve model validity, control risk, evaluate return on investment, and provide a platform for testing proposed system changes. Businesses with similar cyber vulnerabilities can benefit from using this system engineering approach.
Graph‐based Assessment and Analysis of System Architecture Models
Authors: Petnga Leonard
Published: September 2019

We conceptualize, develop and prototype a semi‐automatic graph‐based framework for quality assessment (i.e., completeness, consistency, correctness) and probing — at all stages of development and maturity — architecture models developed in the System Modeling Language (SysML). Relevant data is extracted via partial model transformation, then organized and stored in a labeled property graph. Analytics powered by graph algorithms enable the System Analyst to gain deep insight into the model and answer increasingly complex and diverse questions. Multidigraph formalisms provide solid theoretical foundations for our approach while graph database technologies coupled with custom software development support its implementation. We demonstrate the capability of our approach in an analysis of requirements in a publicly available spacecraft architecture model.
A3 Architecture Views – A Project Management Tool?
Authors: Boge Tore , Falk Kristin
Published: September 2019

This paper explores the benefits of using A3 Architecture Overviews (A3AO) as a tool for project management and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing in a development project. The goal of the development project was to create an autonomous subsea inspection systems for the oil and gas industry. Sharing of implicit system knowledge early in the systems life cycle is a challenge, yet important for successful development of new technology. Through expert interviews and reverse architecting we made A3AO for two new system that were sequential steps into a fully autonomous solution. Through the research we applied these overviews in meetings with HSEQ, finance, senior management, and engineering. The immediate responses were positive, with comments like, “now I understand what we are trying to achieve”, and “Can I please include the A3AO in my document for the management?” Project personnel, with limited system knowledge, quickly got an enhanced understanding of the project goals by viewing the A3AO. We also experienced that senior management used the illustrative tool as a supplement to support a business case for the board of directors. Clients were happy to see models and schematics as a supplement to textural documents when being presented with new technology. Inclusion of industry terminology and support from management would enhance adoption of A3AO within the oil and gas industry. Overall, our research strongly supports the use of A3 Architectural Overviews as a project management tool when developing new complex systems.