bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardization of Panchagavya for Enhanced Nutrient Content and Seed Germination in Sustainable Organic Farming
Authors: Mol Raseena , Priya Gowri , Rani B. , Soumya V. I. , Gopinath P. P. , Aparna B.
Published: November 2024

The detrimental effects of chemical-intensive agriculture have spurred interest in eco-friendly farming practices, particularly organic farming. Central to organic farming are organic manures, including various liquid organic formulations such as Panchagavya, which are rooted in Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK). Due to the variability in local production methodologies, there is a pressing need to standardize the production techniques of liquid organic manures, specifically Panchagavya, and to characterize their properties. The study standardizes Panchagavya production to reduce local variability. Eight ingredients were used, with 81 different combinations. Physical and chemical properties of prepared Panchagavya were analyzed, and principal component analysis was performed to determine optimal combinations for improved soil health and crop productivity.
The nitrogen content of different combinations of Panchagavya ranged from 1.12% to 2.66%, phosphorus between 0.12% to 0.385%, potassium between 0.345% to 0.65%. The Ca content ranged between 186.3 mg L⁻¹ and 256.66 mg L⁻¹. Mg content the range was between 52.1 mg L-1 to 92.4 mg mg L-1, S varies between 0.08% and 0.3%, the Fe content in Panchagavya ranged from 49.7 mg L⁻¹ to 53.1 mg L⁻¹, Mn content ranged from 2.60 mg L⁻¹ to 5.05 mg L⁻¹, Zn content ranged from 4.1 mg L⁻¹ to 6.35 mg L⁻¹, and Cu content ranged from 12.50 mg L⁻¹ to 14.95 mg L⁻¹. with higher levels associated with increased quantities of cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee.
Germination study indicated that Panchagavya positively affected seed germination and root growth increased from 3.45% to 114.66%.  The growth hormone indole acetic acid values was between 56.6 µg mL⁻¹ and 104.19 µg mL⁻¹. Similarly, the gibberellic acid values ranged from 138.34 µg mL⁻¹ to 185.23 µg mL⁻¹. From the 81 treatment 10 best treatment was selected by principle component analysis of nutrient content of Panchagavya.
Microbial analysis of selected Panchagavya demonstrated significant populations: bacteria (7.57 to 8.03 log cfu mL⁻¹), fungi (4.3 to 4.73 log cfu mL⁻¹), and actinomycetes (3.15 to 3.9 log cfu mL⁻¹).
The presence of IAA and GA further substantiates its efficacy as an organic fertilizer. This research confirms that Panchagavya enhances nutrient content, microbial activity, and hormone levels, resulting in improved seed germination and root development. These findings highlight its potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, promoting organic farming practices and contributing to healthier soils.
Prevalence and Factors Influencing the Transmission of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patients Followed at the National Tuberculosis Control Program in N’Djamena, Chad
Authors: Amedé NAIBI KEITOYO , Richard NGANDOLO BONGO Naré , Augustave EHCHAKBE , Victor DJERABE , Oumarou HAMADOU , Pakagne BAINONE , Gilbert ALLADOUMBAYE , Al-Hadji OUMAR , Abdoulaye AHMET , Antipas BAN-BO Bebanto
Published: November 2024

Prevalence and factors influencing the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients followed at the National Tuberculosis Control Program (PNT) in N’Djamena at Chad. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
This was a study prospective with analytical purposes carried out from December 2023 to January 2024 in patients of both sexes received at the laboratory of the PNT. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was made by GeneXpert or Xpert.
Total of 453 patients were enrolled. Among them, 105 patients detected positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneXpert, either prevalence of 23.18%. The average age in this study was 28.26% years. The age groups from 22 years to 32 years and those from 33 years to 43 years were the most infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, either prevalence of 39% in these two age groups. Traders were more contaminated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (39.41%). One hundred strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis had high sensitivity to Rifampicin, either prevalence of 22.05%, two strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis had low sensitivity to Rifampicin, either prevalence of 0.44%, and three strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were resistant to Rifampicin. Either prevalence of 0.66%. The factors influencing the circulation of the lung and its maintenance in this study were linked to the detection of a case of illness in the neighborhood (77.77%), within the family (100%), to tobacco consumption (20%) and alcohol (12.73%). Tuberculosis is far from being controlled by public health authorities.
Empowering Rural Women through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Dietary Quality with Mushroom-enriched Foods and Participation in Local Mushroom Production Systems
Authors: Sinha Jyoti , Kumari Chanchila , Srivastava A K , Choudhary Nupur , Modi Ragini
Published: November 2024

Ensuring quality nutrition for rural women remains a critical public health challenge, particularly in regions where dietary diversity is limited, and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. One potential solution is the incorporation of mushroom-enriched food into the daily diets of these women, combined with effective nutrition education and active participation in the mushroom production system. Mushrooms are a nutrient-dense food source, rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin D, and B vitamins, and minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron, which are often deficient in rural diets. Additionally, mushrooms provide a valuable source of protein and fiber, making them an ideal complement to traditional staples. Nutrition education programs focusing on the health benefits of mushrooms can help shift dietary patterns and empower rural women to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. The integration of mushroom cultivation into local agricultural practices not only enhances food security but also provides an additional income source for women, supporting their economic empowerment. Moreover, the cultivation process is relatively low-cost and can be sustainably managed within small-scale farming systems, making it an accessible and feasible solution for rural communities. Training women to grow, harvest, and prepare mushroom-enriched foods can address both the supply and demand side of the nutrition equation, ensuring that nutrient-rich foods are both available and consumed regularly. The dual focus on nutrition education and production system participation also fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance among rural women, leading to more sustainable long-term improvements in dietary quality. This approach has the potential to reduce gender disparities in agricultural participation by providing women with a specific and profitable area of expertise within their communities.
Sowing Environments and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars under Changing Climate Conditions of North Western Himalayan Region
Authors: Devi Tripta , Rana Ranbir Singh , Chauhan Garima , Sharma Tarun
Published: November 2024

Sowing dates, as one of the primary agronomic practices have significant influence over yield of maize especially during the times of climate change.  Therefore, the present field investigation was conducted during the Kharif cropping seasons of 2013 and 2014 to evaluate different sowing dates for their influence over maize (Zea mays L.) yield. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with factorial arrangement consisting of four dates of sowing and three maize cultivars. The study results revealed that sowing of crop by 10th June can have taller plants (261.5 and 265.2 cm for 2013 and 2014, respectively), significantly better yield contributing characters of maize such as number of cobs per plant (1.1 and 1.1 for 2013 and 2014, respectively), number of grains per cob (258.7 and 268.3 for 2013 and 2014, respectively) and test weight (268.5 and 271.6 grams for 2013 and 2014, respectively). Similarly, the significantly higher maize grain (57.3 and 60.1 quintal/hectare for 2013 and 2014, respectively) and stover yield (108.8 and 109.2 quintal/hectare for 2013 and 2014, respectively) was recorded with sowing of maize crop by 10th June.  Among the maize cultivars, HQPM-1 resulted in substantially higher maize grain (53.9 and 56.5 quintal/hectare for 2013 and 2014, respectively) and stover yield (102.9 and 104.1 quintal/hectare for 2013 and 2014, respectively). Based on the present field investigation, it can be concluded that sowing of maize by 10th June and maize cultivar HQPM-1 can be recommended for better yield levels under the given conditions of North-western Himalayas.
Effects of Nitrogen Concentration in Nutrient Solution on Growth, Yield and Phytochemical and Aromatic Compounds of Persicaria minor Cultivated Using Hydroponics System
Authors: Mohd Yaseer Suhaimi , Mirfat A. H. S. , Norma H. , Nurzahidah Z. A. Siti , Faris M. R. Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Persicaria minor, locally known as kesum and belonging to the family Polygonaceae, is a widely used aromatic herb in Malaysia. Cultivating kesum hydroponically using a deep-water culture (DWC) system presents an alternative method for growers to enhance crop yields. This system delivers a liquid fertilizer solution directly to the plant roots, eliminating the need for a growth medium or water flow. Kesum contains phytochemical compounds such as quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin, which have medicinal properties. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of nitrogen concentration on the growth, yield, phytochemical (quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin) and aromatic (aldehyde and caryophyllene) content of kesum cultivated in a hydroponic system. Plants were grown under four nitrogen concentration regimes: 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L, and 0 mg/L. The experiment was conducted under a side-netted rain shelter and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The plants were harvested eight weeks after planting. The result indicted those supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen exhibited the best growth performance and biomass yield, along with the highest levels of aromatic compounds (aldehyde C-10: 5.80% and aldehyde C-12: 12.23%). Plants treated with 50 mg/L of nitrogen produced the highest amounts of quercetin-3-glucuronide (98.261 µg/mL) and quercitrin (61.367 µg/mL) compared to other treatments. Additionally, plants receiving 200 mg/L of nitrogen had the highest caryophyllene content (12.53%). In conclusion, the deep-water culture system in hydroponics can effectively cultivate kesum, allowing for adjustments in nitrogen concentration to achieve optimal yields, phytochemical levels, or aromatic compound production based on specific objectives.
Calcium Silicate Application as a Salt Stress Mitigation Strategy for Vegetables in the Salt-affected Soils of Sandy Plains of Kerala, India
Authors: Nizar Salma , Mini.V  , B Rani. , Aparna,B  , S.L. Lekshmi,
Published: November 2024

Soil salinity inhibits plant growth due to osmotic stress and reduced plant and water uptake. In the Onattukara sandy plains of Kerala, saltwater intrusion is a major problem in several panchayaths near the coastal area. In uplands also, cultivation is not possible due to the salt stress from saltwater intrusion. One of the strategies for removing the inhibitory effect of salt stress on plant growth is the application of beneficial nutrients to the plants. Therefore, a study was carried out to understand the effect of calcium silicate application on mitigating salt stress in vegetables and using tomato as a test crop. A detailed germination study was conducted in laboratory conditions prior to pot culture experiment to find out the critical level of salinity for tomato and two salinity levels 30mM and 40 mM NaCl were selected for the pot culture experiment. For accessing the effect of the various levels of calcium silicate on reducing salt stress in tomato, a pot culture experiment was conducted in Onattukara region (AEU 3) in completely randomized design with ten treatments replicated thrice with varying levels of CaSiO3 from 100 kg ha-1 to 150 kg ha-1. The treatments had a significant effect on all the biometric characteristics and yield attributes of the crop. The highest fruit weight, fruit per plant, and fruit yield were observed in treatment with soil test-based NPK recommendation and 125 kg ha-1 of CaSiO3 applied. It was also observed that the relative water content was higher and the water saturation deficit was lower in this treatment. CaSiO3 application @125 kg ha-1 along with soil test-based recommendation of NPK can be recommended as a salt stress mitigation strategy for boosting vegetable production in the salt-affected soils of sandy plains of Kerala.
Tomato Sorting Machine Design
Authors: Ziqiang Duan
Published: November 2024

This design is based on the existing fruit sorting mechanism, and the sorting mechanism has been improved by using a spiral roller to design a tomato sorting machine. Based on the size of tomatoes, this tomato sorter can classify tomatoes into three categories to meet the needs of different occasions for different sizes of tomatoes, improve the utilization rate of tomatoes, and also speed up the rate of tomato sorting. The threads on the outer layer of the drum push the tomatoes forward while the drum rotates, and the tomatoes fall through the corresponding drum gaps to complete this sorting stage, with the largest grade going all the way to the end of the drum for grading. And the whole machine is equipped with sponge as a cushioning material in the parts of tomatoes that are easy to be impacted to prevent tomatoes from being damaged and to facilitate storage and sale of tomatoes. The sorter is inexpensive, easy to maintain and suitable for small-scale farmers.
Enhancing Green Bean Production on Acid Oxisols Using Basalt Fines in the Cameroon Western Highlands
Authors: Tamfuh Primus Azinwi , Nguobi Matlock Diangha , Binda Valery Aghah , Ful Chantal Kuh , Nayah Colette Nyuongo , Mfouapon Hassan Yap , Moundjeu Evariste Désiré , Temgoua Emile
Published: November 2024

Rock fines have been proposed as alternative to chemical fertilizers, but their application rates and performances on various crops are still poorly understood. This work aims to test the fertilizing potential of basalt fines for Green beans production on acid Oxisols. A field experiment using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted on a 60 m² plot.". Treatments were: T0(0), T1(5 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T2(10 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T3(15 t ha₋1), T4(20 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T5(5 t ha₋1 poultry manure), T6 (110 Kg. ha₋1 NPK 14₋23₋14). Fieldwork was followed by laboratory analysis of soils before and after treatment of the experimental units. The main results revealed that T0 was very acidic, but basalt and poultry manure (PM) application reduced acidity while NPK further increased soil acidity. The exchangeable bases and base saturation also increased after treatment with basalt and PM.  The yield of green beans was such that T4>T1>T6>T3>T5>T0 >T2. Economically, all treatments were negative except T1 (Benefit-to-cost ratio, BCR=1.35<2), suggesting that none of the treatments can be popularized for green beans production. Nevertheless, production could be increased based on appropriate farming and chemical techniques aimed at reducing soil acidity and boosting nutrient capital reserves. This study addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals. To increase its applicability and impact, more focus should be placed on the long-term environmental advantages and real-world uses.
ANGÚSTIA E A INVASÃO DO REAL DO CORPO NA ESCRITA DE CLARICE LISPECTOR
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo da Silva , Henriques Rogério Paes
Published: November 2024

A partir do diálogo entre psicanálise lacaniana e literatura, o presente ensaio objetivou (a)bordar a angústia e a invasão do real do corpo a partir da escrita de Clarice Lispector, especialmente em sua obra Água Viva. Ao fazer ecoar os efeitos da angústia sofrida por uma mulher diante da consequente proximidade com o real do corpo, Clarice apresenta um singular modo de subjetivação feminino, através de sua escrita orientada ao real, encontrando no grito/voz - uma das formas de presentificação do objeto a - uma borda que surge como causa de desejo.
Caso de amor com a angústia
Authors: Olivera Tainá Cardoso
Published: November 2024

O atendimento psicanalítico é uma experiência cuja mola de tensão sofre interferência de múltiplas orientações. Em atendimento com crianças, essa mola tende a deformar a depender de seu núcleo familiar. O analista neste caso se aproxima do sintoma parental com engrenagens que podem tecer compreensões na mola infantil. Para orientar uma escuta e o norte de tratamento, devemos nos debruçar sobre esboço de estrutura na infância, a fim de não obliterar nem enquadrar um momento tão plástico como a constituição infantil. Neste trabalho a ideia se organiza em torno de um conflito semântico entre perverso e perversão. De um lado a estrutura, do outro um traço. Até onde, em que horizonte o analista pode clinicar para restituir a possibilidade de historicização desde pequeno sujeito. A tentativa do trabalho pousa na ética do desejo e repousa na métrica inconsciente que o analista só pode deixar eferver um desejo: que seu analisando deseje.
Jesus cura a angústia gay?
Authors: Campos Murilo Silva Rigaud
Published: November 2024

O cristianismo é a religião hegemônica do Brasil e, conforme apontam estudos, como o de Alves e Cavenaghi (2019), a vertente evangélica se tornará majoritária na década de 2030. Dentre as práticas mais marcantes desse grupo, estão o proselitismo religioso e o discurso de Jesus enquanto o Salvador do mundo pecaminoso. A homossexualidade é interpretada como pecado pela grande maioria das denominações evangélicas e cristãs país afora, o que pode vir a causar uma angústia em muitos sujeitos religiosos ou não, devido à influência cristã presente no imaginário social brasileiro. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo discutir, sob a perspectiva psicanalítica, sobretudo lacaniana, a angústia presente no testemunho de cura gay discursados por sujeitos que se identificam como ex-gay/trans nas igrejas evangélicas.
Cápsulas de cianureto não estão no manual de condutas
Authors: Freire Paulo Alexandre Trindade
Published: November 2024

Esta comunicação pretende analisar a noção de resistência [atrelada ao afeto da angústia] a partir de algumas passagens do romance K. de B. Kucinski. Além da questão elaborada no romance acerca do processo de busca de algum vestígio de alguém que foi desaparecido pelos militares durante a ditadura militar (1964-185), pretende-se refletir sobre a ideia de “vestígio” trazida por Lacan no Seminário 16: de um Outro ao outro. O intuito com o trabalho é pensar em que medida há algo da ordem da angústia no gesto de narrar uma história que entrelaça a impossibilidade de um luto [pessoal e coletivo]. Mas também levantar a questão do papel da História, da Política, da Literatura e da Psicanálise no trato com essa demanda [se é que podemos falar em uma “demanda” social por um luto às vítimas de desaparecimento na ditadura militar]. A abordagem escolhida para tal é uma espécie de ensaio, onde trabalha-se com as reverberações das leituras e com a busca por um significante específico, a saber: Resistência.
Medical physics 3.0 versus 1.0: A case study in digital radiography quality control
Authors: Carver Diana E. , Willis Charles E. , Stauduhar Paul J. , Nishino Thomas K. , Wells Jered R. , Samei Ehsan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The study illustrates how a renewed approach to medical physics, Medical Physics 3.0 (MP3.0), can identify performance decrement of digital radiography (DR) systems when conventional Medical Physics 1.0 (MP1.0) methods fail.

Methods

MP1.0 tests included traditional annual tests plus the manufacturer's automated Quality Assurance Procedures (QAP) of a DR system before and after a radiologist's image quality (IQ) complaint repeated after service intervention. Further analysis was conducted using nontraditional MP3.0 tests including longitudinal review of QAP results from a 15‐yr database, exposure‐dependent signal‐to‐noise (SNR2), clinical IQ, and correlation with the institutional service database. Clinical images were analyzed in terms of IQ metrics by the Duke University Clinical Imaging Physics Group using previously validated software.

Results

Traditional metrics did not indicate discrepant system performance at any time. QAP reported a decrease in contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) after detector replacement, but remained above the manufacturer's action limit. Clinical images showed increased lung noise (Ln), mediastinum noise (Mn), and subdiaphragm‐lung contrast (SLc), and decreased lung gray level (Lgl) following detector replacement. After detector recalibration, QAP CNR improved, but did not return to previous levels. Lgl and SLc no longer significantly differed from before detector recalibration; however, Ln and Mn remained significantly different. Exposure‐dependent SNR2 documented the detector operating within acceptable limits 9 yr previously but subsequently becoming miscalibrated sometime before four prior annual tests. Service records revealed catastrophic failure of the computer containing the original detector calibration from 11 yr prior. It is likely that the incorrect calibration backup file was uploaded at that time.

Conclusions

MP1.0 tests failed to detect substandard system performance, but MP3.0 methods determined the root cause of the problem. MP3.0 exploits the wealth of data with more sensitive performance indicators. Data analytics are powerful tools whose proper application could facilitate early intervention in degraded system performance.
Investigating a novel split‐filter dual‐energy CT technique for improving pancreas tumor visibility for radiation therapy
Authors: Di Maso Lianna D. , Huang Jessie , Bassetti Michael F. , DeWerd Larry A. , Miller Jessica R.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Tumor delineation using conventional CT images can be a challenge for pancreatic adenocarcinoma where contrast between the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue is low. This work investigates the ability of a split‐filter dual‐energy CT (DECT) system to improve pancreatic tumor contrast and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) for radiation therapy treatment planning.

Materials and methods

Multiphasic scans of 20 pancreatic tumors were acquired using a split‐filter DECT technique with iodinated contrast medium, OMNIPAQUETM. Analysis was performed on the pancreatic and portal venous phases for several types of DECT images. Pancreatic gross target volume (GTV) contrast and CNR were calculated and analyzed from mixed 120 kVp‐equivalent images and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) at 57 and 40 keV. The role of iterative reconstruction on DECT images was also investigated. Paired t‐tests were used to assess the difference in GTV contrast and CNR among the different images.

Results

The VMIs at 40 keV had a 110% greater image noise compared to the mixed 120 kVp‐equivalent images (P < 0.0001). VMIs at 40 keV increased GTV contrast from 15.9 ± 19.9 HU to 93.7 ± 49.6 HU and CNR from 1.37 ± 2.05 to 3.86 ± 2.78 in comparison to the mixed 120 kVp‐equivalent images. The iterative reconstruction algorithm investigated decreased noise in the VMIs by about 20% and improved CNR by about 30%.

Conclusions

Pancreatic tumor contrast and CNR were significantly improved using VMIs reconstructed from the split‐filter DECT technique, and the use of iterative reconstruction further improved CNR. This gain in tumor contrast may lead to more accurate tumor delineation for radiation therapy treatment planning.
CRISPR Technology for Breast Cancer: Diagnostics, Modeling, and Therapy
Authors: Mintz Rachel L. , Gao Madeleine A. , Lo Kahmun , Lao Yeh‐Hsing , Li Mingqiang , Leong Kam W.
Published: August 2018

Molecularly, breast cancer represents a highly heterogenous family of neoplastic disorders, with substantial interpatient variations regarding genetic mutations, cell composition, transcriptional profiles, and treatment response. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for alternative diagnostic approaches aimed at the molecular annotation of the disease on a patient‐by‐patient basis and the design of more personalized treatments. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated (Cas) technology enables the development of such novel approaches. For instance, in diagnostics, the use of the RNA‐specific C2c2 system allows ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection and could be used to characterize the mutational repertoire and transcriptional breast cancer signatures. In disease modeling, CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be applied to selectively engineer oncogenes and tumor‐suppressor genes involved in disease pathogenesis. In treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to develop gene‐therapy, while its catalytically‐dead variant (dCas9) can be applied to reprogram the epigenetic landscape of malignant cells. As immunotherapy becomes increasingly prominent in cancer treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can engineer the immune cells to redirect them against cancer cells and potentiate antitumor immune responses. In this review, CRISPR strategies for the advancement of breast cancer diagnostics, modeling, and treatment are highlighted, culminating in a perspective on developing a precision medicine‐based approach against breast cancer.
Cyclodextrin Modulated Type I Collagen Self‐Assembly to Engineer Biomimetic Cornea Implants
Authors: Majumdar Shoumyo , Wang Xiaokun , Sommerfeld Sven D. , Chae Jemin Jeremy , Athanasopoulou Evangelia‐Nefeli , Shores Lucas S. , Duan Xiaodong , Amzel L. Mario , Stellacci Francesco , Schein Oliver , Guo Qiongyu , Singh Anirudha , Elisseeff Jennifer H.
Published: August 2018

Collagen‐rich tissues in the cornea exhibit unique and highly organized extracellular matrix ultrastructures, which contribute to its high load‐bearing capacity and light transmittance. Corneal collagen fibrils are controlled during development by small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) that regulate the fibril diameter and spacing in order to achieve the unique optical transparency. Cyclodextrins (CDs) of varying size and chemical functionality for their ability to regulate collagen assembly during vitrification process are screened in order to create biosynthetic materials that mimic the native cornea structure. Addition of βCD to collagen vitrigels produces materials with aligned fibers and lamellae similar to native cornea, resulting in mechanically robust and transparent materials. Biochemistry analysis revealed that CD interacts with hydrophobic amino acids in collagen to influence assembly and fibril organization. To translate the self‐assembled collagen materials for cornea reconstruction, custom molds for gelation and vitrification are engineered to create βCD/Col implants with curvature matching that of the cornea. Acellular βCD/Col materials are implanted in a rabbit partial keratoplasty model with interrupted sutures. The implants demonstrate tissue integration and support re‐epithelialization. Therefore, the addition of CD molecules regulates collagen self‐assembly and provides a simple process to engineer corneal mimetic substitutes with advanced structural and functional properties.
Untersuchungen zur Lichtschädigung an mineralischen Pigmenten – Farben im Laufe der Zeit
Authors: Feneis Charlotte , Steinbach Sven
Published: August 2018

Die hier vorgestellte Forschungsarbeit befasst sich mit dem Thema der Lichtschädigung an anorganischen Pigmenten in Bindemittelmatrizen im Besonderen von Zellulose. Auf phänomenologischer Ebene wird die schädigende Wirkung des Lichtes durch die Bestimmung der farblichen Veränderung quantifiziert. Diese phänomenologischen Ergebnisse lassen sich mittels spektroskopischer Analysemethoden mit den damit einhergehenden molekularen Veränderungen korrelieren. Durch die erzielte Datenmatrix können Aussagen über die Wirkung von Strahlung in Abhängigkeit vom Wellenlängenbereich und Spektralverteilung sowie über den Einfluss des Bindemittels auf die Lichtbeständigkeit der Pigmente getroffen werden.
Collision Incidents of Single Tetrahexahedral Platinum Nanocrystals Recorded by a Carbon Nanoelectrode
Authors: Li Pei , He Quanfeng , Liu Hai‐Xia , Liu Yunhua , Su Jian‐Jia , Tian Na , Zhan Dongping
Published: August 2018

Recently, collision mode has been adopted to study the electrochemical or photoelectrochemical behavior of single particles touching and/or attaching on a biased ultramicroelectrode (UME). However, to correlate the reaction activity to the nanocrystal structure still remains challenging because of: (1) the uncontrolled structure and size of the single nanoparticle; (2) the uncertainty of one particle in each collision incident since the size of UME is much larger than that of the single nanoparticle. To these problems, we synthesized well‐defined convex tetrahexahedral platinum nanocrystals (THH Pt NC) with an average size of 30 nm and fabricated a carbon nanoelectrode through pyrolysis of butane. The current fluctuation caused by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) during the single collision incident of THH Pt NC was detected by the carbon nanoelectrode. It is reasonable to use nanocrystals with well‐defined morphology and size in the collision experiments. However, the adoption of nanoelectrode will decrease the collision frequency and shorten the standing time of nanocrystals on the electrode surface. How to figure out the kinetics from the current fluctuations in the single collision incident still remains challenging.
Stability of Metallic Current Collectors in Acidic Ionic Liquid for Rechargeable Aluminum‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Oh Youngho , Lee Gibaek , Tak Yongsug
Published: August 2018

Herein, we investigate the stability of current collectors for aluminum‐ion batteries employing aluminum chloride in 1‐ethyl‐3methylimidazolium chloride as the electrolyte under severe environments, confirming that nickel metal is electrochemically and chemically unstable in the expanded operating potential window, thus leading to the failure of cell operation and maintenance. The molybdenum current collector exhibits fairly stable and reversible redox cycling in the expanded potential window without any side effects or reactions, thus leading to the enhanced capacity of approximately 85 mAh g−1 at an extremely high current density of 4000 mA g−1.
Using Bayesian networks to predict risk to estuary water quality and patterns of benthic environmental DNA in Queensland
Authors: Graham Scarlett E , Chariton Anthony A , Landis Wayne G
Published: August 2018

Predictive modeling can inform natural resource management by representing stressor–response pathways in a logical way and quantifying the effects on selected endpoints. This study demonstrates a risk assessment model using the Bayesian network relative risk model (BN-RRM) approach to predict water quality and, for the first time, eukaryote environmental DNA (eDNA) data as a measure of benthic community structure. Environmental DNA sampling is a technique for biodiversity measurements that involves extracting DNA from environmental samples, amplicon sequencing a targeted gene, in this case the 18s rDNA gene (which targets eukaryotes), and matching the sequences to organisms. Using a network of probability distributions, the BN-RRM model predicts risk to water quality objectives and the relative richness of benthic taxa groups in the Noosa, Pine, and Logan estuaries in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia. The model predicts Dissloved Oxygen more accurately than the chlorophyll a water quality endpoint and photosynthesizing benthos more accurately than heterotrophs. Results of BN-RRM modeling given current inputs indicate that the water quality and benthic assemblages of the Noosa are relatively homogenous across all sub risk regions, and that the Noosa has a 73%–92% probability of achieving water quality objectives, indicating a low relative risk. Conversely, the Middle Logan, Middle Pine, and Lower Pine regions are much less likely to meet objectives (15%–55% probability), indicating a relatively higher risk to water quality in those regions. The benthic community richness patterns associated with risk in the Noosa are high Diatom relative richness and low Green Algae relative richness. The only benthic pattern consistently associated with the relatively higher risk to water quality is high richness of fungi species. The BN-RRM model provides a basis for future predictions and adaptive management at the direction of resource managers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:93–111. © 2018 SETAC
A challenging case of pelvic inflammatory disease due to miliary tuberculosis
Authors: Damanti Sarah , Clerici Marta , Bonini Giulia , Duiella Silvia F. , Cesari Matteo
Published: August 2018

A woman presented with symptoms of salpingitis 7 months after delivery. Initially treated as pelvic inflammatory disease, the condition was revealed to be genital localization of miliary tuberculosis.
Introducing Cost Models to Conceptual Tradespace Exploration
Authors: Baylot E. Alex , Kelley Drew , Richards James , Hardin Deanna
Published: August 2018

Over 70% of lifecycle cost (LCC) for a system design is determined during the conceptual phase. Currently for a US Department of Defense (DoD) Capabilities‐Based Assessment (C‐BA) or an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), the cost analysis is performed on a small set of chosen designs based on performance/attribute metrics. Ideally, it would be better to explore the cost versus performance trades on thousands, if not millions, of designs before the down‐selection to reveal the more affordable designs.

A goal of the DoD Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) Program is to create a capability that links cost and performance models for early concept exploration. ERS leverages advances in computer science and computing power to create a tradespace framework to couple performance and cost model results. Integrating cost analysis into early tradespace development aligns with the evolving DoD policy to formally include cost earlier in the acquisition timeline.
Model Based Tradeoffs for Affordable Resilient Systems
Authors: Wheaton Marilee J. , Madni Azad M.
Published: August 2018

Affordability and resilience are two non‐functional requirements that are increasingly needed in 21st century systems. Since these attributes act in tradeoff fashion, a tradespace definition and evaluation framework is needed. This paper presents a model‐based approach that builds on two core capabilities: a framework to define the space system environment, and an analytic tool to set up the tradespace within the framework for tradeoff analysis with what‐if assumptions about the future space system environment.
Perspectives on Managing Emergent Risk due to Rising Complexity in Aerospace Systems
Authors: DeTurris Dianne , Palmer Andrew
Published: August 2018

Managing complexity in the aerospace industry is essential for effective development of modern engineered systems. Preventing emergent risk while maintaining cost and schedule discipline is the main objective for addressing uncontrolled self‐organization due to complexity. Emergent risk can be quantified by viewing systems from multiple stakeholder and design perspectives to more accurately assess unforeseen behaviors. Methods for dealing with complexity that come from the systems, organizational and complexity science perspectives are considered and transposed into an aerospace context. This survey highlights commonalities between complexity management methods, systems design models, and elements of systems thinking that can be used to predict and prepare for emergent behavior in the system. Using new points‐of‐view in design gives practicing engineers more information with which to view and manipulate system properties. Ultimately, the solution for managing complexity lies in multidisciplinary collaboration in order to solve problems that span multiple academic domains.
Risk Management Limbo: How Low Can You Go?
Authors: Medina Casey
Published: August 2018

Risk management standards and regulations are evolving and becoming increasingly stringent. This paper describes a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of risk control measures that draws from existing work on system resilience. System resilience principles are reduced to a set of questions that can be easily understood to ensure adequate application of the principles. This paper describes a method for determining when appropriate risk reduction has been achieved and a method that can be applied consistently across projects, companies, and industries to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of risk mitigation efforts.
An MBSE Tool to Support Architecture Design for Spacecraft Electrical Power System
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Chen Qi , Xia Ning , Yang Mengfei , Du Qing , Lu Jinzhi
Published: August 2018

Since difficulty and complexity of spaceflight missions are increasing, current electric systems in the spacecraft become growingly complicated challenging the spacecraft electrical power system (EPS) architecture development. By using traditional approaches, system architectures are managed by document collections including various reports, documents and data chats. Due to lack of a unified visualization of system architectures, consistency and traceability among data, documents and information are difficult to manage, particular in supporting architecture design and system verification and validation. This paper presents a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) tool with emphasis on domain specific modeling (DSM), architecture visualization, model transformation and automated verification and validation by using Modelica. The MBSE tool aims to develop the architecture models of EPS, to support MBSE‐driven visualizations of architectural hierarchies inspired by related techniques of Google Earth and to realize architecture‐driven verification & validation by using Modelica language. Finally, through a case study of EPS, we evaluate the feasibility of our tool.
Using Board Games as Subject Matter for Developing Expertise in Model‐Based Systems Engineering
Authors: Corrado Matthew , Trase Kathryn
Published: August 2018

As more organizations transition from traditional document‐centric systems engineering to a model‐based approach, many are challenged to train their staff in new languages, tools, and methodologies, while managing the expectations of stakeholders and their expected model outcomes. In particular, challenges associated with learning a new modeling language and developing skills in the ‘art’ of modeling present organizations with formidable obstacles to realizing this transition. This paper hypothesizes that systems engineers may more readily learn how to correctly model with SysML, and develop intuition about the art of modeling and using patterns, if their learning references a commonly and thoroughly‐understood subject, such as a board game. This paper presents a case for the use of board games as subject matter for new modelers. It demonstrates the concept with a sample model of Hasbro's popular board game, Monopoly, and discusses the limitations of this approach and potential adaptations that may broaden the applicability of the learned skills to projects. Finally, results from a small feasibility assessment and concepts for more formal study to evaluate the hypothesis are presented.
Case Study: Agile Systems Engineering at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Integrated Fighter Group
Authors: Dove Rick , Schindel William (Bill) , Garlington Ken
Published: August 2018

The Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Integrated Fighter Group (IFG), in Fort Worth, Texas, was motivated to move to an agile system engineering (SE) development methodology by the need to meet urgent defense needs for faster‐changing threat situations. IFG has and is tailoring a baseline Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) systems engineering process for a portfolio of mixed hardware/software aircraft weapon system extensions, involving some 1,200 people in the process from executives, through managers, to developers. Process analysis in October 2015 reviewed two years of transformation experience, updated in this article to 2017 status. Notably, the SE process is facilitated by a transformation to an Open System Architecture aircraft‐system infrastructure, enabling reusable cross platform component technologies and facilitating faster response to new system needs. The process synchronizes internal tempo‐based development intervals with an external mixture of agile/waterfall subcontractor development processes. This article emphasizes the manifestation of agility as the purpose and outcome of an embeddedsystem of innovation, and introduces concepts of information debt, process instrumentation, and a preliminary systems integration lab for early customer demonstrations and discovery of potential difficulties.
Instant‐Expertise in Failure Causation: Developing and Presenting a Network of Causes and Recommendations Extracted from Past Failures
Authors: Aloisio Diane , Marais Karen
Published: August 2018

Systems engineering failures like schedule slips, budget overruns, and other setbacks, occur often and can be costly, but the literature provides little guidance on why these failures occur or how to prevent them. In our previous work we argued that systems engineering failures are manifestations of similar underlying problems, and thus leveraged literature on the theory of accident causation, as well as the many accident investigation reports, to understand better how and why project failures occur and potential ways of preventing these failures. We developed a database of over 900 examples of failure causes and over 600 examples of remedial actions. In this paper, we detail our process for building this database into an interactive network‐based solution aid that anyone experiencing problems in their project or organization can access. The interactive solution aid provides the user with “instant expertise” in accident causation and remediation because it provides users with summaries and simplifications of the causes and remediation measures from the failures we studied.
INCOSE Working Group Addresses System and Software Interfaces
Authors: Sheard Sarah , Cadigan John , Chim Leung , Creel Rita , Marvin Joseph , Pafford Michael E.
Published: August 2018

In the 21stcentury, when any sophisticated system has significant software content, it is increasingly critical to articulate and improve the interface between systems engineering and software engineering, i.e., the relationships between systems and software engineering technical and management processes, products, tools, and outcomes. Although systems engineers and software engineers perform similar activities and use similar processes, their primary responsibilities and concerns differ. Systems engineers focus on the global aspects of a system. Their responsibilities span the lifecycle and involve ensuring the various elements of a system—e.g., hardware, software, firmware, engineering environments, and operational environments—work together to deliver capability. Software engineers also have responsibilities that span the lifecycle, but their focus is on activities to ensure the software satisfies software‐relevant system requirements and constraints. Software engineers must maintain sufficient knowledge of the non‐software elements of the systems that will execute their software, as well as the systems their software must interface with. Similarly, systems engineers must maintain sufficient awareness of the software to enable early identification and resolution of software risks and issues driven by other system elements. Thus, to enable continued progress in creating and sustaining capability in complex, interconnected systems, systems and software engineers must commit to improving the interfaces between their disciplines, to aligning and integrating their terminology, processes, methods, and tools.

Recognizing the need to improve the system engineering‐software engineering interface, INCOSE approved the charter of the System and Software Interface Working Group (SaSIWG) in 2017. At its initial meeting at the INCOSE International Symposium 2017 (IS 2017) in Adelaide, Australia, the SaSIWG derived working group objectives from lists of brainstormed systems and software issues. This paper documents the interface issues elicited, grouped into seven categories, along with systemsoftware interface use cases identified by SaSIWG members. The interface issues and use cases expose questions for the SaSIWG to prioritize and respond to. The paper concludes with a summary of the SaSIWG's plan to respond to these questions and strengthen the interface between the systems engineering and software engineering disciplines.
Modeling the Sociotechnical Dimensions of Urban Resilience: Community‐level Microgrids
Authors: McDermott Tom , Nadolski Molly , Duncan Dorraine , Clowse Madeline
Published: August 2018

INCOSE Vision 2025 states an imperative to apply systems engineering to help shape policy in relation to social systems and identifies a number of societal grand challenges, including energy security and sustainability. The document further states a future where “the addition of a formal systems approach helps decision‐makers to select cost effective, safe, and sustainable policies that are more broadly embraced by the stakeholder community.” (INCOSE, 2014) This paper discusses a series of models that combine technical aspects of urban community microgrids with economic and policy drivers. Together these efforts explore systems engineering methods that capture a social systems approach to technology driven trades. Specifically this work discusses models that allow stakeholders to analyze the impacts of the implementation of a community‐level microgrids on the energy burden of residents (a social variable). Microgrids have been proven to provide resilience for communities during shocks to the electrical system, such has hurricanes and grid‐wide black outs; however, better understanding is needed on the actual impact of microgrids on the energy burden of community residents. While this research explores whether or not the benefits of microgrids can extend to the household level by assessing their impacts on the cost of energy, the goal is to provide a policy model which will act as a valuable decision aid for future, more sustainable and resilient, energy infrastructure policy. Initial research indicates that community scale microgrids with attachment to a central urban grid are economically feasible and can benefit community resilience, but Atlanta specific policy constraints related to regulated utilities must overcome. Our work interprets all the economic, policy and social elements as an essential set of factors operating in a dynamic ecosystem.
Digital Engineering Models of Complex Systems using Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) from Enterprise Architecture (EA) to Systems of Systems (SoS) Architectures & Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Authors: Tsui Roy , Davis Devin , Sahlin John
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the sharing of our experiences and lessons learned to modernize a warship with C6ISR utilizing the digital engineering MBSE models of complex systems. We captured Enterprise Architecture (EA) DoDAF views, KPP and KSA in Capability Views (CV). At the EA, information passes into domain specific SoS Block Definition Diagrams (BDD) and Internal Block Diagrams (IBD) to interface and exchange information via SysML models and generate the Interface Control Document (ICD) automatically. The paper illustrates the mapping of EA with SoS digital models and tracing from EA to SoS MOE, MOP, MOS and TPM. The paper applies a Use Case to exemplify OOSEM life cycle activities for requirements traceability. The paper has demonstrated that both EA and SoS are derived from Systems Engineering (SE) process and can be validated and verified via the “V‐Model” and endorse the noticeable reduction in the total development cost per complex systems project.