bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2.1.1 Security Systems Engineering: Using Functional Decomposition to Resolve a Confused Taxonomy
Authors: Thompson Marcus A. , Ryan Michael J. , McLucas Alan C.
Published: November 2014

The specification and design of modern security systems are hampered by terminology that is overlapping and recursive. The definitions offered by prominent standards bodies lack commonality in meaning and interpretation and tend to be specific to electronic or cyber security. Consequently, the current set of security terms and definitions is of little use to stakeholders. This paper begins by examining the definitions and terms applied to security and security systems. A systems engineering approach is then used to analyse the set of terms and to propose a new definition of security, from which a suitable set of security terms is decomposed. Definitions of security services and security mechanisms that have a broad application across the electronic, physical, and personnel security domains are then developed, and examples are provided that illustrate the utility of the set of definitions in security management, requirements engineering, systems engineering, and system design methodologies.
2.3.2 It's All Rocket Science: On the Equivalence of Development Timelines for Aerospace and Nuclear Technologies
Authors: Crépin Maxime , El‐Khoury Bernard , Kenley C. Robert
Published: November 2014

Early in the lifecycle of a system development, systems engineers must execute trade studies to allocate resources between different research and development efforts that are developing technologies to be deployed into the system, and they must prepare risk management plans for the selected technologies. We have been developing a statistical model for schedule and cost uncertainty based on a small number of inputs that are quite objective and are already integrated with technology readiness assessment. An algorithm that transforms Technical Maturity (TM) scores from Department of Energy projects into a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) score was created, allowing us to add data from a US Department of Energy to an existing set of data from NASA. We statistically tested whether the two samples (i.e. the DoE and NASA datasets) were randomly drawn from the same population and concluded that the transition times for developing aerospace and nuclear technologies are very similar.
4.3.3 Emergence: The Illusion of Knowledge
Authors: McConnell George R.
Published: November 2014

In a series of papers to the INCOSE symposia under the banner of emergence, the author has introduced his audience to a variety of aspects of complex systems. The glue linking these together has been the fact that all systems exhibit properties, characteristics and attributes that can be collectively called emergent properties. Following this theme, this paper examines the issues that can arise when there is an assumption of a level of knowledge about a subject that is not backed up in reality.
5.2.2 Human Systems Integration in Next‐Generation Expeditionary Medical Treatment Facilities
Authors: Folds Dennis J.
Published: November 2014

Future military Expeditionary Medical Treatment Facilities (EMTF) face pressure to provide medical services for personnel and local populations while operating with reduced manpower and increasingly complicated equipment. Human systems integration (HSI) is the systems engineering process for integrating all human‐related technical considerations in systems planning, design, and development. The present effort was performed to identify HSI issues in future EMTFs and to develop HSI guidance to the designers, and developers of those facilities. Over 100 issues were identified in an assessment of current capabilities and in emerging technologies that are expected to become part of future EMTFs. The three highest priority recommendations from this effort are (1) develop a patient transfer system that simultaneously addresses physical and information transfer across units or shifts; (2) develop a team training capability integral to the EMTF; and (3) perform a system‐wide safety audit to ensure a total system safety perspective in future EMTF.
5.4.2 Introducing Systems Engineering Views in Product Lifecycle Management
Authors: Autran Frédéric , Scheithauer Dieter
Published: November 2014

Product Lifecycle Management demands to integrate all engineering data of a product or service in order to provide full traceability of dependencies between information of different types and from various sources. Current Product Data Management solutions set the focus mainly on data representing physical items. Version Management applications originating from software engineering environments are frequently used also for storing systems engineering data. However, this data management landscape is not adequate for the central role of systems engineering driving both, the development of physical system elements and of system elements implemented by software.

This paper describes how all product data may be integrated with adequately emphasizing the role of systems engineering. It is based on principles EADS is establishing for an EADS‐wide standardized but versatile approach appropriate for the wide range of products and services offered by the EADS Divisions Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter. Currently the defined and agreed concepts are further progressed and implemented.
5.5.2 Connections in System of Systems
Authors: Osmundson John S. , Langford Gary O.
Published: November 2014

Systems of systems are becoming more important in today's global endeavors. In this paper use of model‐based systems engineering is examined from the viewpoint of understanding connections, that is the transfer of items between system of systems. The conclusion is that systems engineering models must include executable models in order to best understand the effects of transfer of items in system of systems.
7.4.1 Towards a Value‐Driven Design Methodology – Enhancing Traditional Requirements Management Within the Extended Enterprise
Authors: Monceaux Anne , Kossmann Mario
Published: November 2014

During the initial phases of a new aircraft program, many conceptual decisions are made, concerning primarily the early product positioning with regard to competitors, the definition of the program's high level objectives, the architectural design choices and the selection of the preliminary design solutions. All these decisions are made on the basis of their assumed “Value”, i.e. each choice is expected to generate value for the customer and/or other stakeholders. Although many methods and tools are used to support the necessary analyses and trade‐off activities, plus the subsequent decision‐making; value related information such as concrete value drivers that allow for early conceptual orientation at different development levels are not usually shared explicitly within the extended enterprise between the concerned organisations.

Current Systems Engineering (SE) standards do not address ‘Value’ in much detail. Yet, understanding what drives the generation of stakeholder value in a given business context, is fundamental to promoting a common and clear vision throughout the extended enterprise, of what should be the focus of their early, conceptual work at all levels of development. In light of increasing pressures to reduce development cycles and times‐to‐market, companies at several levels within the extended enterprise have to start working ever earlier in a programme context, long before their input requirements will have been cascaded down to them.

This paper introduces a novel and iterative approach to address this problem – by making available business context related ‘Value Creation Strategies' including ‘Value Drivers' that can be cascaded down within the extended enterprise very early in a new aircraft development program. This will allow companies at any level to start their early, conceptual work on a much more relevant basis than would otherwise be the case. This Value‐Driven Design (VDD) methodology has been developed, and will be validated in the context of the CRESCENDO (Collaborative and Robust Engineering using Simulation Capability Enabling Next Design Optimisation) research project1. It does not introduce new value measurement methods, but rather aims at articulating a generic process, making use of Value representation and Value cascading as a complement to “traditional” requirements cascading.
7.5.2 APPLYING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES TOWARDS DEVELOPING DEFENCE CAPABILITIES
Authors: Smith C.J. , Oosthuizen R.
Published: November 2014

Due to high cost of defence systems and the advent of multi‐role military platforms, defence forces can no longer replace old systems with similar newer systems, but need to effectively and continually re‐evaluate their defence capability requirements to optimise the utilisation of current and future systems. The “cradle‐to‐grave” System Life Cycle (SLC) process underpinning the Department of Defence (DOD) Acquisition Policy is based on four consecutive phases, namely Planning, Acquisition, Deployment and Disposal. This programme‐centric approach is prone to disjunction between capability requirements, present systems and future systems, and often neglects sufficient emphasis on the requirements definition activity. This paper suggests that System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) combined with a “cradle‐to‐cradle” Capability Life Cycle (CLC) process can provide junction between current systems in operation and future systems by taking an integrative, capability‐centric approach toward the phasing out and renewal of systems. The SLC and CLC processes are unified by four Systems of Systems (SoS) functions, namely Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, Joint Architecture Management, Joint Knowledge Management and Joint Operational Force Employment. Through this approach it is observed that the SLC Disposal phase does not necessarily follow on the Deployment Phase, but in actual fact becomes part of the Planning Phase. It is contended that sound Systems Engineering (SE) principles combined with SoSE and the CLC process offer a superior approach toward capability development and sustainment, resulting in a more cost‐effective (smaller and optimised) defence capability.
7.7.2 A survey on Industrial Practices in Requirements Engineering
Authors: Fanmuy Gauthier , Foughali Ghassen
Published: November 2014

Requirement Analysis and Modeling Process (RAMP) is a project born in 2009 in France from a joint initiative between 3 major industrial companies belonging to different domains (Aerospace, Automotive, Energy), 2 SMEs (Service consulting, Tool supplier) and 4 Research Lab & Universities in order to improve the efficiency and quality of requirements expressed in natural language during the development of complex systems.

Starting from a common view of the problem from industrial partners and the state of art in Requirement Engineering and Modeling, this project intends to deliver short & mid term solutions based on existing tool as well as promising research tracks in this field though a singular partnership organisation under the umbrella of AFIS (French Chapter of INCOSE).

This paper presents the results of a survey made in 2010 in the framework of the RAMP project on industrial practices in requirements engineering. This survey was made by interviews and on line questionnaires on over 22 industrials.
8.2.2 Infrastructure Control Modeling Language (ICML)
Authors: Aslaksen Erik W.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the model is to provide a consistent means of presenting the evaluation of options for upgrading the control systems of infrastructure, such as railways, power grids, water supply schemes, road networks, etc. The infrastructure typically has a design life of 100 years, whereas the control systems have a design life of 20 years or less, resulting in several upgrades during the life of the infrastructure. Such upgrades are generally justified on the basis of a Business Case that evaluates a number of options, including the “do nothing” option, and that meets the requirements on format and level of detail of the funding body. This paper describes a framework, or meta‐model, for the development of executable evaluation models suitable for meeting such requirements.
8.3.1 Towards Integrating Assurance Cases into Risk‐Based Requirements Management
Authors: Feng David , Eyster Curt
Published: November 2014

In the medical device industry, the FDA has seen an increase in number of recalls of medical devices due to the ever‐increasing complexity in recent years. Several high profile recalls involving infusion pumps have prompted the FDA to reconsider how device safety should be managed, reviewed and approved. An assurance case has been cited as a promising tool to address this growing concern. An assurance case is a resource‐intensive endeavor that requires additional effort and documentation from device manufacturers. Without a well‐organized requirement infrastructure in place, such “additional effort” can be substantial, to the point where the cost of adoption outweighs the benefit of adoption. In this paper, we present a Risk‐Based Requirements and Assurance Management (RBRAM) system. The RBRAM is an integrated framework that combines Risk‐Based Requirements Management (RBRM) with the assurance case methodologies. Such an integrated system can help manufacturers leverage an existing risk management framework to present a comprehensive assurance case report with minimal ongoing efforts while providing a supplementary approach to reexamine the integrity of the system design in terms of the mission objective, with which device manufacturers intend to assure.
8.3.2 Generated Risk Event Effect Neutralization: Identifying and Evaluating Risk Mitigation Strategies During Conceptual Design
Authors: Krus Daniel , Grantham Katie , Murray Susan
Published: November 2014

In the design of new products and systems, the mitigation of potential failures is very important. The sooner potential mitigation strategies can be employed, the lower the cost of those changes will be. Still, there needs to be a means to generate and evaluate mitigation strategies to supplement the existing expertise of the designer. By combining a mitigation strategy taxonomy with various rating strategies, a means to quickly select strategies and demonstrate their effect on the risk of failure can be obtained. This paper explains the risk mitigation selection and evaluation methods, including the mapping calculations used to evaluate strategies and their use in a method to move from a functional model of a new product to a selection of mitigation strategies that can be compared, and select the best strategy for the product.
8.7.1 Comprehensive Requirement Traceability Information, and Relations in Project Life‐Cycle
Authors: Shukla Vikas , Auriol Guillaume , Baron Claude , Zhang Xinwei
Published: November 2014

Proper management of requirement traceability information is vital for the project success. Often, it is debatable what to trace and how, without burdening the engineer with useless information. Requirement engineering in context of hardware intensive systems employs different techniques for traceability recovery, and management. In this paper, we have tried to address the problem of requirement traceability in context of hardware intensive systems' requirement engineering. We have classified the information, which needs to be traced in eight categories, and distinguished their usage in various systems engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle. We have tried to specify the degree of granularity of information at various levels, and their relationships between various levels. We used SysML to present our approach through an example.
9.2.1 The One‐eyed Systems Engineer – Pirate or Prophet?: An analysis of the effectiveness of different systems engineering leadership styles
Authors: Kemp Duncan , Elphick Jon
Published: November 2014

‘In the land of the blind, the one‐eyed man is king‘. This is particularly true in leading the introduction of Systems Engineering in a new domain. This could be in a sector new to Systems Engineering, such as transportation or biomedical. It could also be a new application in a traditional sector, such as system of systems or service engineering in defence. The challenges are many: there are few case studies; immature processes; limited tools and best practice; and data and information are missing. Yet in sectors such as transportation and infrastructure there is a strong demand to do something that will improve value for money – and a one‐eyed systems engineer can make a persuasive case for investing in Systems Engineering.

So is the one‐eyed systems engineer a prophet – leading their organisation through the wilderness to the Promised Land? Are they a pragmatist, supporting the prophet and making sure that they deliver what the prophet has promised? Are they a perfectionist, who knows that if the Systems Engineering process is followed diligently it will deliver significant benefits? Or are they a pirate, selling shoddy Systems Engineering practice to desperate customers?

This paper employs Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology to explore the different types of Systems Engineering leadership that the authors have seen across multiple sectors. It examines the associated mindset, approaches, values and personality types of the leaders. The paper illustrates the applicability of the different types of leadership to different situations using examples from the UK rail and defence industries. The analysis demonstrates the importance of deploying the right type of Systems Engineering leadership, illustrating the potential pitfalls of mismatching organisational context and Systems Engineering leadership style, and highlighting the non‐Systems Engineering skills and competencies that are essential to realising real value through Systems Engineering.
9.5.1 Characterizing the Accuracy of DoD Operating & Support Cost Estimates
Authors: Ryan Erin T. , Jacques David R. , Ritschel Jonathan D. , Schubert Christine M.
Published: November 2014

For decades, the DoD has employed numerous reporting and monitoring tools for characterizing the acquisition cost estimates of its major programs. These tools have resulted in dozens of studies thoroughly documenting the magnitude and extent of DoD acquisition cost growth. However, little attention has been paid to the behavior of the larger cost component of a system's life cycle cost: Operating and Support (O&S) costs. Consequently, the DoD has little knowledge of how O&S cost estimates behave over time, and virtually no insights regarding their accuracy. In a previous paper, the authors describe an analytical methodology for remedying this deficiency via a study to characterize the historical accuracy of O&S cost estimates. The results of this study are presented here, and indicate there tend to be large errors in DoD O&S cost estimates, and that the accuracy of the estimates improves little over time. However, the results also suggest the possibility of improving the accuracy of these estimates via a stochastically‐based predictive cost model.
9.7.1 Model Based Tool for Planning Optimal Integration Processes Under Severe Uncertainty
Authors: Tahan Meir , Benish Roy
Published: November 2014

The preparing of an integration plan is usually done intuitively by experienced engineers based on their previous experience and the project constraints. Since the plan is intuitive, it may be not optimal. The integration process involves severe uncertainties, such as units not being available on time, integration increment duration, and testing costs. Many times such uncertainties cause changes in the project plan. The integration team may find that they are not prepared for these changes –again, because the integration plan is not optimal.

This work offers a model‐based software tool for finding an optimal path for system integration. The tool finds the optimum path assuming deterministic integration parameters or parameters with inherent uncertainties.

The tool is designed for project managers, integration teams and academic integration research. It has a built‐in flexibility in order to serve a variety of organizations and different users.
10.1.1 A Commonsense‐Driven Architecture Framework. Part 1: A Car Manufacturer's (naïve) Take on MBSE
Authors: Góngora Hugo G. Chalé , Dauron Alain , Gaudré Thierry
Published: November 2014

This paper tells a short story on our journey in “Model‐based‐land” and on our quest of Systems Engineering maturity. It presents an overview of our impressions on the MBSE landscape and of the approach that we have adopted on MBSE, and gives a brief overview of the first results of this approach. This paper is the first part of a three‐fold communication on current initiatives at Renault aiming at improving the efficiency of product development and mastering the complexity of automotive systems. These initiatives concern the development of MBSE and, in particular, the definition of an automotive architecture framework.
10.2.2 Guide for Selecting an Appropriate Competency Assessment Instrument
Authors: Ring Jack
Published: November 2014

A survey of INCOSE Fellows revealed near‐unanimous agreement that system engineering competency assessment must be improved. Based on the principle that prudent selection authorities first establish selection criteria the Fellows committee authorized a volunteer project to devise a selection guide for choosing among competency assessment instruments and/or highlighting improvement opportunities in current ones. This paper presents project results, notably, recommended criteria and method that will help choose an appropriate candidate competency instrument and several recommended fallibility tests that other interested parties are encouraged to perform in order to make this selection guide even more fit for purpose.
11.1.3 Engineering Clean Energy Systems
Authors: Pavlak Alex
Published: November 2014

While new technology and innovation is important, Systems Engineering (SE) is essential for the development of clean energy systems. A main advantage of an SE approach is that it allows society to focus resources and avoid big mistakes. By comparing current clean energy development efforts with SE best practices, we identify strengths, weaknesses and novel SE challenges. This comparison will highlight the importance of: broadly accepted strategic goals; employing scenarios to establish direction and development priorities; evaluating performance of systems not components; phased development to respond to new knowledge; critical reviews to establish broadly accepted fact; disciplined value choices based on evidence rather than aspirations; and governance (roles and responsibilities). Truly novel challenges are accommodating the number and diversity of stakeholders and making broadly accepted value choices. The next step should be a trustworthy set of strategic systems scenario tradeoffs. An unanswered question is who best provides overall coordination? Clean energy development is a grand SE challenge. Society needs to do this right.
11.4.1 Systems of Systems (SoS) Engineering: a view from the inside looking out
Authors: Siemieniuch C.E. , Sinclair M.A.
Published: November 2014

The paper provides a human factors based perspective on System of Systems Engineering (SoSE), different to that usually encountered in the military and civilian arenas. This reflects the evident fact that the vast majority of System of Systems (SoS) are created, configured, controlled, supervised, maintained, upgraded and decommissioned by humans. The paper commences by outlining what an SoS feels like from the inside, and then goes on to outline a selection of issues of importance to SoS engineering and performance stated from a human factors perspective. These include tipping points, incomplete knowledge, SoS immortality, complexity, and the importance of trustworthy behaviour within the SoS. Some design approaches to address these issues are then outlined.
11.4.2 Measuring the Requirements Allocation Capacity within a System of Systems
Authors: Flanigan David , Brouse Peggy
Published: November 2014

During the initial development of a System of Systems (SoS) capability, the developers and stakeholders may not be aware of all the options that are available to identify and allocate requirements at the system level. Traditional Systems Engineering techniques do not have the ability to construct and evaluate if these SoS requirements will be satisfied or not. This paper identifies a process in which to develop SoS requirements, trace them to their constituent systems, and evaluate whether the allocation was successful or not.
An Alenia Aermacchi study and experience on MBSE application
Authors: Luciana Lo Verde , Guido Pavan , Elena Valfrè , Marco Fioriti
Published: November 2014

This paper describes how traditional systems engineering activities conducted in Concept and Configuration Development phases of Aeronautical Product Life Cycle have evolved for the design of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance mission, by applying Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach. This methodology will make easier the support to other phases of the process, like the Product Development. It has been considered the system modelling language (SysML) as reference model based language.

The design process and the findings about the modelling and simulation that has been considered by Alenia Aermacchi are described in the paper.
Analyzing Human Machine Interaction and Interfaces through Model Based System Engineering Practices
Authors: Orellana Douglas , Madni Azad
Published: November 2014

As systems continue to grow in scale and complexity, human machine interactions and the human machine interface (HMI) become a crucial consideration in overall system design. In complex systems, humans are often part of the complex system as opposed to being just users of the system. The human mental model, work instructions, and procedures are key attributes that a system architect needs to analyze to ensure the success of the overall human‐machine system. Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) techniques potentially offer new ways for system architects and engineers to conceptualize and analyze HMI requirements and use the findings to specify its design.
Future Combat Systems Case Study for Analysis of System of Systems Approach
Authors: Srivastava Tina P. , Piper Victor L. , Arias Jose M.
Published: November 2014

The system of systems approach used in the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is compared to the systems approach of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization (ABCTM) and Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) projects. Several systems engineering tools are applied in order to assess the effectiveness of each method, covering the technical, scheduling and financial perspectives. System complexity and stakeholder relationships were determinant in the transition away from the system of systems approach.
Gaps in the Body of Knowledge of Systems Engineering
Authors: Squires Alice , Olwell David , Roedler Garry , Ekstrom Joseph J.
Published: November 2014

The boundaries of systems engineering are evolving as system related needs evolve. These ‘fuzzy’ boundaries result in gaps between what users in the systems engineering community need and what the body of knowledge of systems engineering provides. This paper covers various use cases of the body of knowledge of systems engineering and explores gaps in the existing knowledge base in two areas: 1) related disciplines, and 2) emerging systems engineering topics.
A model‐based method for the synthesis and optimization of systems architectures
Authors: ALBARELLO Nicolas , WELCOMME Jean‐Baptiste
Published: November 2014

The architecture design process requires to define several design alternatives and to compare them in order to choose the most relevant system architecture given a set of objectives. Nevertheless, designers are generally constraint to restrict their studies to a small set of alternatives due to time constraints and combinatorial aspects of the problem. The objective of our method is to assist them by automatically generating a larger number of design alternatives. The proposed algorithm will first generate alternatives by adding components to the architecture and allocate them to functions. The originality of our approach is that it takes into account two rules that ensure the viability (component–to‐component consistency) and the validity (function‐to‐component consistency) of the generated architectures. Once a set of consistent alternatives are generated, we use them as an input of a multi‐objective genetic algorithm to propose a set of Pareto‐optimal alternatives.
A Model‐based Reference Architecture for Medical Device Development
Authors: Corns Steven , Gibson Chad
Published: November 2014

The application of systems engineering within the medical device domain must adapt to its unique challenges such‐as the regulatory environment that these devices have to be designed within to ensure patient safety, and the nature of the interactions between the device and the patient. The sheer number of regulations imposed by government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and various international agencies adds to the complexity of designing these systems. This also presents an opportunity to implement a Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to capture the regulatory environment and map those specialized requirements to components within the system that address those requirements. In this study, we present a model of a reference architecture that can be used as a starting point for the system design of medical devices. Although the state of the model has not been fully matured, this approach offers the potential to more efficiently address the complex regulatory requirements, and reduce the time to design medical devices.
Modularity and Fractionation in Complex Systems: A Value‐Centric Approach1
Authors: Heydari Babak , Dalili Kia
Published: November 2014

Systems Complexity is driven by more connectivity among constituents and increased environmental uncertainties. Modularity is a system's mechanism to manage complexity in the presence of environmental heterogeneities. Here, a general design decision framework for modularity and fractionation in complex systems is presented. This framework incorporates spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the environment, adaptability of the system and costs associated with modularity. It is argued that as the space‐time heterogeneity of the environment increases, higher levels of modularity are needed. To determine the optimal level of modularity, a four‐level modularity pyramid is introduced. This pyramid takes into account functional and physical dimensions of modularity and allows for resource sharing to enables dynamic modularity. Moving up from each level is quantified by an M+ operation that calculates the net value of increased modularity for each sub‐system. In the end, a detailed case for F6 Satellite systems is presented, quantified and simulated.
9.3.2 The need to tailor competency models – with a use case from Rolls‐Royce
Authors: Beasley Richard
Published: November 2014

The definition of competency for Systems Engineering is an important aspect of the implementation and application of Systems Engineering into an organization. This paper outlines why the understanding of competency is important, and focuses on why it is absolutely necessary to tailor the competency model to a particular situation. Tailoring will handle variation both in the nature of the Systems Engineering that the organization does, and the nature of the existing organization in which Systems Engineering is performed. A specific and detailed example of how the Systems Engineering competency model was tailored in Rolls‐Royce (by the author) is presented. The conclusion from this case study is that the understanding of the organizations purpose for the competency model is vital in understanding how to develop it. Rather than attempting (and arguing endlessly) to create the single, definitive competency model INCOSE (through its Competency Working Group) should build a guide on how to create a bespoke model, drawing on a range of case studies that explore the range of purposes for which a competency model is needed.
9.3.1 Types and Roles of Systems Engineers
Authors: Amit Naftali , Shalgi Giora , Matalon Yossi , Zonnenshain Avigdor
Published: November 2014

The correct placement of Systems Engineers (S.E.) is of importance to the efficient management of programs and projects. Following this observation, the result of many years of experience in Systems Engineering management, a research was initiated with the goal of improving S.E. selection and placement. In the framework of the research the assumption that different styles of Systems Engineering and S.E. types do exist was verified. To improve the ability to identify and to describe the different S.E types, a model was created dubbed the “kite” model. This simple model is used as a tool to identify the different S.E types and as a way to describe them.

To achieve the correct matching of the S.E. types to the numerous roles and tasks of S.E. the roles and tasks were analyzed and organized into six categories. This grouping makes the task of matching S.E. types simple and easy. Finally several case studies and real life stories are presented to illustrate the importance of correct and timely positioning of Systems Engineers.

This paper summarizes four years of research conducted under the auspices of the Gordon Center for Systems Engineering at the Technion I.I.T, Haifa.

We would like to thank the Gordon Center and Prof. Aviv Rosen, Head of the Center for supporting and funding this research.
Interface between SysML and Sequence Planner Language for Formal Verification
Authors: Kanthabhabhajeya Sathyamyla , Berglund Joakim , Falkman Petter , Lennartson Bengt
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a method and software for interfacing Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and Sequence Planner Language (SPL). Exchange of information between different software tools is of major interest for modern manufacturing industries from early design to final implementation. SysML, with its structure as a common platform, can then be interfaced with other domain‐specific modeling tools to achieve information exchange. This paper presents a method to interface SysML with a recently introduced language for operation sequences called Sequence Planner Language (SPL). By this method, necessary information from behavioral constructs of SysML model are extracted and structured in SPL. This language, being a formal, graphical language, can be used to formally verify the system for any blocking states. An academic and an industrial model developed in SysML are tested using the interface implementation and the results show that information from SysML can be visualized in SPL and formally verified to have no blocking states.
9.2.2 Quantifying Systems Engineering Reuse – a Generalized Reuse Framework in COSYSMO
Authors: Wang Gan , Roedler Garry J. , Valerdi Ricardo , Pena Mauricio
Published: November 2014

This paper further elaborates a generalized reuse framework for systems engineering reuse previously published and defines two interrelated reuse processes – development for reuse (DFR) and development with reuse (DWR). It proposes a quantitative approach for assessing such a reuse effort by defining a set of reuse categories for both the DFR and the DWR processes and by extending the model definition and cost estimating relationship of COSYSMO, a systems engineering cost model.
Isolated pentagon rule violating endohedral metallofullerenes explained using the Hückel rule: A statistical mechanical study of the C84 Isomeric Set
Authors: Fuhrer Timothy J. , Lambert Angel M.
Published: November 2014

Fullerenes and their structure and stability have been a major topic of discussion and research since their discovery nearly 30 years ago. The isolated pentagon rule (IPR) has long served as a guideline for predicting the most stable fullerene cages. More recently, endohedral metallofullerenes have been discovered that violate the IPR. This article presents a systematic, temperature dependent, statistical thermodynamic study of the 24 possible IPR isomers of C84 as well as two of the experimentally known non‐IPR isomers (51365 and 51383), at several different charges (0, −2, −4, and −6). From the results of this study, we conclude that the Hückel rule is a valid simpler explanation for the stability of fused pentagons in endohedral metallofullerenes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tips in biliary stone removal using endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation
Authors: Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Lau James Yun Wong
Published: November 2014

The use of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy with large balloon dilation (ESLBD) has recently been shown to be useful for removal of large common bile duct stones in a dilated bile duct. The technique can reduce the need of mechanical lithotripsy, risk of adverse events and costs of the procedure. The aim of the review is to provide an overview in the current status of ESLBD with particular focus on the technical aspects of the technique for bile duct stone removal.
Numerical modelling for simulation and treatment planning of prostate thermal therapy
Authors: Bellil Melouka , Saidane Abdelkader , Bennaoum Menouer
Published: November 2014

A 2D transmission line matrix model is used to study thermal transfer in living tissues exposed to laser energy. Damage size because of thermal coagulation in thermal treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia is determined quantitatively. Results show a quasilinear dependency of blood perfusion on temperature at the beginning of coagulation. Immediately thereafter, blood perfusion decreases considerably until it shuts down when the tissue under investigation has been coagulated. Increase in perfusion rate (ω) leads to high values of t100, which is the time required to reach a primary zone temperature of about 100 °C, and reflects the increased cooling created by perfusion. The transmission line matrix numerical model predicts the coagulation damage contours; that way, it has a clinical interest in therapy as an aid for clinicians because damage cannot be easily measured within patients. Results are validated through comparison with other researches. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of a direct‐fed microbial and xylanase enzyme on the dietary energy uptake efficiency and performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Murugesan Ganapathi Raj , Persia Michael E
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Efficacy of a multi‐strain direct‐fed microbial product (PoultryStar® ME; PS) and a xylanase enzyme product on the dietary energy utilization efficiency and resulting performance in broiler chickens was evaluated. Apart from performance parameters, cecal and serum metabolites and activities of hepatic enzymes involved in energy metabolism were also determined. Ross 308 chicks were fed one of four experimental diets [control (CON), CON + PS, CON + xylanase and CON + PS + xylanase] using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement from 1–21 days of age.

RESULTS

Cecal proportions of propionate and butyrate, as well as total short‐chain fatty acid concentration were increased (P <0.01) by PS suggesting increased fermentation of dietary fiber. Both additives reduced (P <0.01) serum non‐esterified free fatty acids, while PS reduced (P <0.01) serum triglyceride. Hepatic glycogen concentration was increased (P <0.01) by both additives. Changes in these serum metabolites and hepatic glycogen indicate the influence of additives in swiftly transitioning the birds from fasting to feeding metabolism. The activity of hepatic glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) was increased (P <0.01) by PS. Elevated hepatic glycogen and G6PDH activity indicate increased glucose‐sparing potential. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowered by both additives, while the magnitude of reduction was higher with the combination.

CONCLUSION

The combination worked synergistically, compared to their individual effects, to increase dietary energy uptake and hepatic energy retention. The combination additively increased the FCR, suggesting involvement of synergistic modes of actions. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
White Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Star‐Shaped Polymers with an Orange Dendritic Phosphorescent Core
Authors: Zhu Minrong , Li Yanhu , Cao Xiaosong , Jiang Bei , Wu Hongbin , Qin Jingui , Cao Yong , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2014

A series of new star‐shaped polymers with a triphenylamine‐based iridium(III) dendritic complex as the orange‐emitting core and poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PFH) chains as the blue‐emitting arms is developed towards white polymer light‐emitting diodes (WPLEDs). By fine‐tuning the content of the orange phosphor, partial energy transfer and charge trapping from the blue backbone to the orange core is realized to achieve white light emission. Single‐layer WPLEDs with the configuration of ITO (indium‐tin oxide)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/polymer/CsF/Al exhibit a maximum current efficiency of 1.69 cd A−1 and CIE coordinates of (0.35, 0.33), which is very close to the pure white‐light point of (0.33, 0.33). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on star‐shaped white‐emitting single polymers that simultaneously consist of fluorescent and phosphorescent species.

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Secondary conformational conversion is involved in glycosaminoglycans‐mediated cellular uptake of the cationic cell‐penetrating peptide PACAP
Authors: Tchoumi Neree Armelle , Nguyen Phuong Trang , Chatenet David , Fournier Alain , Bourgault Steve
Published: November 2014

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) contribute to the cellular uptake of cationic cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs). However, molecular details about the contributions of GAGs in CPP internalization remain unclear. In this study, we examined the cellular uptake mechanism of the arginine‐rich CPP pituitary adenylate‐cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP). We observed that the uptake efficacy of PACAP is dependent on the expression of cell surface GAGs. As the binding of PACAP to sulfated GAGs induced a random coil‐to‐α‐helix conformational conversion, we investigated the role of the helical formation in PACAP internalization. Whereas this secondary structure was not crucial for efficient internalization in GAGs‐deficient cells, PACAP α‐helix was essential for GAGs‐dependent uptake.
Crystal structure of phospholipase PA2‐Vb, a protease‐activated receptor agonist from the Trimeresurus stejnegeri snake venom
Authors: Zeng Fuxing , Zhang Wenjuan , Xue Nairui , Teng Maikun , Li Xu , Shen Bing
Published: November 2014

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an important component in snake venoms. Here, an acidic PLA2, designated PA2‐Vb was isolated from the Trimeresurus stejnegeri snake venom. PA2‐Vb acts on a protease‐activated receptor (PAR‐1) to evoke Ca2+ release through the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) and induces mouse aorta contraction. PAR‐1, phospholipase C and IP3R inhibitors suppressed PA2‐Vb‐induced aorta contraction. The crystal structure reveals that PA2‐Vb has the typical fold of most snake venom PLA2. Several PEG molecules bond to a positively charged pocket. The finding offers a novel pharmacological basis of the structure for investigating the PAR‐1 receptor and suggests potential applications for PA2‐Vb in the vascular system.
Partisan Presidential Influence over US Federal Budgetary Outcomes: Evidence from a Stochastic Decomposition of Executive Budget Proposals
Authors: Krause George A. , Cook Ian Palmer
Published: November 2014

Can American presidents use their budget proposal authority to achieve their own partisan policy priorities? This is an important, yet challenging, question to answer since formal executive authority is ambiguous, and budgetary powers are shared in the US separation of powers system. Indeed, the question remains open since prior empirical designs conflate external constraints (arising from political and policy conditions) with those that reflect executive partisan policy priorities. This study advances a novel stochastic decomposition of executive budget proposals in order to analyze the extent to which presidents can shape the legislative funding of US federal agencies consistent with their own partisan policy priorities. Statistical evidence reveals that presidents exert partisan-based budgetary influence over appropriations that cannot be ascertained from previous empirical studies that rely on either the observed gap between presidential requests and congressional appropriations or standard instrumental variable estimation methods. The statistical evidence also indicates that presidents are marginally more effective at converting their partisan policy priorities into budgetary outcomes under divided party government. Contrary to theoretical predictions generated from bilateral veto bargaining models, presidents are also shown to exert effective partisan budgetary influence even when their budget requests exceed congressional appropriations.
Associations between macronutrient intake and serum lipid profile depend on body fat in European adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study
Authors: Bel-Serrat Silvia , Mouratidou Theodora , Huybrechts Inge , Labayen Idoia , Cuenca-García Magdalena , Palacios Gonzalo , Breidenassel Christina , Molnár Dénes , Roccaldo Romana , Widhalm Kurt , Gottrand Frederic , Kafatos Anthony , Manios Yannis , Vyncke Krishna , Sjöström Michael , Libuda Lars , Gómez-Martínez Sonia , Moreno Luis A.
Published: November 2014

The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between macronutrient intake and serum lipid profile in adolescents from eight European cities participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) cross-sectional study (2006–7), and to assess the role of body fat-related variables in these associations. Weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thicknesses, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol, TAG, apoB and apoA1 were measured in 454 adolescents (44 % boys) aged 12·5–17·5 years. Macronutrient intake (g/4180 kJ per d (1000 kcal per d)) was assessed using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. Associations were evaluated by multi-level analysis and adjusted for sex, age, maternal education, centre, sum of four skinfolds, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviours and diet quality index for adolescents. Carbohydrate intake was inversely associated with HDL-C (β = − 0·189,P< 0·001). An inverse association was found between fat intake and TAG (β = − 0·319,P< 0·001). Associations between macronutrient intake and serum lipids varied according to adiposity levels, i.e. an inverse association between carbohydrate intake and HDL-C was only observed in those adolescents with a higher waist:height ratio. As serum lipids and excess body fat are the major markers of CVD, these findings should be considered when developing strategies to prevent the risk of CVD among adolescents.