bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the contextual role of pain severity as a moderator of the relationship between activity patterns and the physical and mental functioning of women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Suso‐Ribera Carlos , Catalá Patricia , Ecija Carmen , Sanromán Lucía , López‐Gómez Irene , Pastor‐Mira Ángeles , Peñacoba‐Puente Cecilia
Published: September 2020

Introduction

In past years, and mostly due to contextual psychological therapies, it has been argued that particular behavioural patterns may be useful in certain contexts, but not in others. The goal of this study has been to explore whether pain severity is indeed a contextual factor influencing the relationship between two controversial activity patterns, namely pacing and persistence, and functionality in people with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Participants were 231 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A multivariate regression was conducted to explore the moderating role of pain severity in the relationship between activity patterns and outcomes (i.e. fibromyalgia impact and depressive symptoms).

Results

Excessive persistence (interaction: t = −2.45, p = 0.015) and pain‐contingent persistence (interaction: t= −2.13, p = 0.034) were more strongly associated with fibromyalgia impact when people experienced less severe pain. Pacing for pain reduction was only significantly related to depressive symptoms at very severe (M = 10) pain levels (interaction: β= −0.18, t= −2.73).

Conclusions

The results here reported suggest that the context in which behaviour occurs is relevant when the utility of certain behaviour patterns is considered. The clinical implications of this are clear, as it would justify adapting the recommendations given to patients according to their pain severity status.

Significance

This manuscript shows that some activity patterns (i.e. pacing to conserve energy for valued activities) might be advisable regardless of pain levels. Conversely, some patterns might be especially recommended (i.e. pain‐reduction pacing) or inadvisable (i.e. excessive and pain‐contingent persistence) depending on pain levels (i.e. severe and mild pain, respectively).
Simultaneous Determination of Lipophilic Vitamin Esters Using Square‐wave Voltammetry at the Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Jashari Granit , Musliu Arbër , Sýs Milan , Arbneshi Tahir , Mikysek Tomáš , Švancara Ivan , Metelka Radovan
Published: September 2020

Simple and rapid voltammetric method for simultaneous determination of all‐trans‐retinyl acetate (RAc) or all‐trans‐retinyl palmitate (RPa) and α‐tocopheryl acetate (α‐TOAc) has been proposed. The respective method was based on the anodic oxidation of the compounds of interest by square‐wave voltammetry in acetone with 0.1 mol L−1 LiClO4 at the glassy carbon electrode. The procedure was also beneficial with respect to simple dissolution of sample directly in the supporting electrolyte. The all‐trans‐retinyl acetate could be quantified in two linear ranges (3.1–140 μmol L−1 and 140–400 μmol L−1) and α‐tocopheryl acetate in linear range 5.3–400 μmol L−1 with detection limits of 0.9 μmol L−1 RAc (or 0.8 μmol L−1 RPa) and of 1.6 μmol L−1 α‐TOAc. Selected commercial cosmetic products were analysed achieving satisfactory recoveries.
Combined inverse Fourier transformation of magnetic resonance andintensity‐curvaturefunctional images
Authors: Ciulla Carlo
Published: September 2020

This research reports an image processing technique used to merge Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) with their intensity‐curvature functional (ICF). Given a two‐dimensional MR image, six 2D model polynomial functions were fitted to the image, and six ICF images were calculated. The MR image and its ICF were direct Fourier transformed. The phase of MR image is estimated pixel‐by‐pixel as arctangent of ratio between imaginary and real components of k‐space and is called phase ratio. The phase of ICF is the phase of inverse Fourier transformation and is called base phase. The two values of phase were summed up and used to reconstruct ICF images through inverse Fourier transformation. The reconstructed ICF image is the combination of MR and ICF. Data obtained with T2‐MRI and MRA indicate that the image processing technique elucidates two findings: improvement of vessel detection in T2‐MRI; and change of the contrast of T2‐MRI and MRA. ICF and reconstructed ICF images are sharper than T2‐MRI and MRA are. The degree of sharpness of such images causes improvement of vessel detection and also changes the contrast. The practical implication and potential clinical benefit that the technique offers is to allow expansion of T2‐MRI functionality because reconstructed ICF images allow detection and highlight of either hypo‐intense tissue or hyper‐intense tissue.
Development of antiviral and bacteriostatic chitosan‐based food packaging material with grape seed extract for murine norovirus, Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua control
Authors: Amankwaah Collins , Li Jianrong , Lee Jaesung , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: September 2020

Edible coatings and films based on chitosan, and containing grape seed extract (GSE), were developed and their activities tested against murine norovirus (MNV‐1), Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli K12. Grape seed extract concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% dissolved in deionized water resulted in MNV‐1 plaque reductions (p < .05) of 1.75, 2.60, and 3.58 log PFU/ml, respectively after 3 hr. Two percent (w/w) chitosan solutions incorporated with 2.5% and 5% GSE also significantly (p < .05) reduced MNV‐1 titers by 2.68 and 4.00 log PFU/ml, respectively after 3 hr. Additionally, incorporation of the GSE into the chitosan films also showed antimicrobial efficacy against MNV‐1, L. innocua, and E. coli K12. Chitosan films containing 5%, 10%, and 15% GSE caused MNV‐1 reductions of 0.92, 1.89, and 2.27 log PFU/ml, respectively, after 4 hr of incubation. Also, after 24 hr, the 5% and 10% GSE films reduced MNV‐1 titers by 1.90 and 3.26 log PFU/ml, respectively, while the 15% GSE film reduced MNV‐1 to undetectable levels. For E. coli K12, there were reductions of 2.28, 5.18, and 7.14 log CFU/ml after 24 hr exposure by the 5%, 10%, and 15% GSE films, respectively. Also, L. innocua counts were reduced by 3.06, 6.15, and 6.91 log CFU/ml by the 5%, 10%, and 15% GSE films, respectively. This study demonstrated that GSE in edible films and coatings is effective against the organisms tested, and this shows that they are effective against foodborne microbes of public health concerns.
Palaeoenvironmental analysis of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Zhaotong area of the Sichuan Basin, South China: Implications for organic matter accumulation mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Guangzhao , Hu Zhiming , Liu Xiangui , Wu Jianfa , Chang Jin , Chen Xueke
Published: September 2020

Geochemical data have been used as the most effective proxies for determining palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental conditions. In this article, we conduct a systematic review on a variety of geochemical data of sediments that are considered proxies for tracing palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental information. Comprehensive studies have been carried out on the palaeoproductivity, redox conditions, palaeoclimate, and the acquired data on the enrichment mechanism of organic matter have been summarized. The general mechanisms of the geochemical data regarded as the palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental archives include the characteristics of mineral composition, major and trace elements, and rare earth elements. The palaeoproductivity index, including the Ba and P, indicate that the organic‐rich shale was deposited in a high‐productivity water column. The trace elements revealed that the Longmaxi units recorded variable redox conditions from anoxic to aerobic. The elements V, U, Th, Ni, and Co together with the U/Th, V/Cr, Ni/Co, and V/(V + Ni) are essential indicators for defining the redox conditions. The NASC‐normalized REE + Y distribution indicates that the Longmaxi Formation was slightly altered by detrital materials in reduced and acidic environments. The Sr/Cu and MgO/CaO all reveal that the palaeoclimate was gradually transformed from humid to dry heat. The Sr/Ba ratio implies that the water depth fluctuates frequently at the early stage of sedimentation. All geochemical data integrated with the sedimentary characteristics show that anoxic conditions, high palaeoproductivity, and relatively humid palaeoclimates contributed to the accumulation of organic‐rich shale. We propose that jointly utilizing various geochemical and sedimentary indices can expand the outlook of the palaeoenvironment and provide a better understanding of the organic matter accumulation mechanisms.
Early Palaeozoic deformation features and tectonic implications in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Constraints from structural analysis of north–north‐east ductile shear zones and relevant dating
Authors: Hu Jun , Yu Xinqi , Liu Mengyan , Liu Xiu , Zeng Yan
Published: September 2020

The north–north‐east‐trending (NNE) shear zones, which are defined by the Jiekou shear zone and Huangmao shear zone, are located in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen. This article provides kinematics, geochronological data, and dynamics on the Jiekou and Huangmao shear zones and serves as a reference for understanding the tectonic evolution in the South China Block during the Early Palaeozoic orogeny. All shearing signatures show that the Huangmao shear zone is dextral, and the Jiekou shear zone is sinistral. Both shear zones have certain genetic connections. The rocks from the Jiekou and Huangmao shear zones are metamorphosed and deformed into protomylonite and mylonite. Results of the deformation fabrics of feldspar and quartz and quartz c‐axis fabric analysis indicate that the ductile deformation temperatures of the Jiekou shear zone sinistral shearing are ~400–500°C. Dextral shearing with medium–high temperature (450–550°C) is mainly recorded in the Huangmao shear zone. In combination with the previous geochronology, NNE‐trending sinistral and dextral shearing in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen occurred at 465–430 Ma, coeval with the Early Palaeozoic orogeny. Therefore, the geodynamics of the NNE‐trending shear zones is related to a major strain transformation from NW to WNW, which is remotely affected by the intracontinental convergence of Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the Early Palaeozoic orogeny.
The virtuous cycle of diversity
Authors: Srikant Chethan , Pichler Shaun , Shafiq Asad
Published: September 2020

Based on propositions from the resource dependency theory (RDT), we seek to understand how firms respond to social performance problems through diversity. We consider the impact of negative customer and employee incidents as social performance problems because these incidents represent two critical stakeholders, and because of the potential for such problems to cause a wider impact on the affected firms. Using firm‐level longitudinal data across four‐time points and a cross‐lagged panel model (CLPM) to test our hypotheses, as well as a variety of supplemental analyses, we find that social performance problems relate to increases in board diversity. We also find that social performance problems act as a trigger for a virtuous cycle such that increases in board diversity are related to the subsequent adoption of diversity management practices, which are related to subsequently higher levels of board diversity. We contribute to the theory on diversity management by demonstrating how firms seek diversity as a response to social performance problems. Further, we connect board diversity to the adoption of diversity management practices, which are often studied independently, and demonstrate the mutually positive influence they have on each other. We discuss implications for theory and human resource management.
Adaptive genetic algorithm inspired energy‐efficient cache deployment strategy for caching‐enabled networks
Authors: Wang Liwei
Published: September 2020

Caching‐Enabled Networks (CEN) has the wide application value due to the feature of in‐network caching, which has attracted more researchers paying attention to the cache deployment. However, different caching strategies cause different network performance, such as cache hit ratio and energy consumption. In fact, although the current strategies can provide the satisfied cache hit ratio, they consume too much energy for completing the cache deployment. In this paper, an energy‐efficient cache deployment strategy is proposed, including two stages. The first stage is the mathematical modeling for cache hit ratio and energy consumption, in which a bi‐objective optimization problem is built. The second stage is the model solving, where the adaptive genetic algorithm is used. The proposed cache deployment is evaluated based on Europe‐GTS network topology, and the experimental results on cache hit ratio and energy consumption demonstrate its feasibility and efficiency.
Applying Systems Thinking to Frame and Explore a Test System for Product Verification; a Case Study in Large Defence Projects
Authors: Haugen Rune André , Mansouri Mo
Published: September 2020

The test system is a vital part of delivering a verified product to the end customer. The test system used in Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA) to test missile products today needs to change to be able to cope with future requirements for faster project execution and running more projects simultaneously. This article uses a Systems Thinking approach to see the bigger picture and to ensure understanding of the entire problem domain. The system consists of the following structural elements: Data Preparation System, Mission Planning System, Simulators, Data Analysis System and Storage System. The stakeholders of the test system are testers, system owners, project managers, company, customers, government and suppliers. Several possible value added processes are foreseen to make this necessary transition; automation of test execution and test analysis to avoid bottlenecks, verification on both core product and adaption product level for modularity, combining test arena input over different systems/sub‐systems/components for re‐use of data, and Machine Learning only to trigger necessary manual analysis. These changes will influence the system in several ways and levels, which a possible implementation need to consider. Regarding aspects like facilities, environment, security and safety not to cause issues for the changes in question is important. The main steps in the current test process is that the test system will provide scenario data to the tester to run test scenario to generate test results to the analyzer to perform test results analysis to achieve a verified product. The test structure is a limiting factor in the process of ensuring test maturity. The analysis structure is a limiting factor in reaching the desired verification level. The test structure and analysis structure are leverage points of the test system, which can significantly change the test system. The test system should have an automated test execution and test results analysis process, not requiring tedious manual operations. The automated test process should further introduce Machine Learning to change the focus of everything to managing the exceptions. KDA will increase its probability of success in future projects by applying the proposed changes to its test system.
Addressing Challenges of the Circular Economy using Model‐Based Co‐Creation and Systems Design
Authors: Roodt Jan Hendrik , Dempers Clemens
Published: September 2020

The circular economy (CE) is increasingly discussed as a way to address climate change and sustainability. The idea is deceptively simple to explain. It is claimed that development is led primarily by practitioners, while the rigorous scientific system design effort is mostly ignored as the pressure mounts to act in the face of climate change urgency.

In 2018 Swedish and Finnish authors distilled six limits and challenges of CE. These elements were used as a boundary object to define and co‐create a simulation model environment. Reference models were introduced to develop an initial conceptual model for discussion. An international team of geographically separated researchers and practitioners used this simulation model to develop an understanding of initial requirements. The first outcomes of the approach are promising and accentuate the importance of starting early with the co‐creation effort to develop a common language and simulation models for understanding.
Bridging the Gap Between Architects, Engineers and Other Stakeholders in Complex and Multidisciplinary Systems – a Holistic, Inclusive and Interactive Design Approach
Authors: Au Joy , Ravindranath Ranjit
Published: September 2020

Systems Engineering and, in the recent decade, Model‐based Systems Engineering have been widely adopted in the realisation of numerous complex products. The intrinsic multi‐level and multidisciplinary nature of a complex system poses major challenges during the design stage particularly in the communication between stakeholders of the system who often speak different languages and assume different perspectives, for instance, product owners, architects, engineers and domain experts. An integral collaboration environment between domains and across levels is thus key to achieving efficient and high quality designs.

This paper presents a holistic, inclusive and interactive design approach to integrate the communication between stakeholders in the design of complex and multidisciplinary systems. Holistic thinking is a fundamental practice in Systems Engineering that ensures the alignment of domain objectives with overall system objectives as the product matures. However, effective deployment of this approach is often hindered by the communication gap between system stakeholders. In this paper, we propose a simplified Systems Engineering framework as the basis to model the system using Object Process Methodology (Dori, 2002). The use of various interactive exploration methods and data visualisation techniques can facilitate an efficient collaborative design that promotes holistic thinking. The proposed approach targets the conceptual design phase, and incorporates valuable design insights that are usually only revealed in the later stages of design as the system is relatively more mature. This allows for the iteration cycle times during the conceptual design phase to be significantly shortened, well‐informed design decisions to be made resulting in a more accurate direction of resources to perform detailed engineering analyses and subsequent design optimisations.
Mechanisms for a Systems‐Oriented Mindset – Towards Organizational Systems Thinking
Authors: Karlsson Erik , Malvius Diana , Lindberg Mats
Published: September 2020

The paper examines a set of related questions regarding the capability of organizations with decentralized, project‐focused life cycle processes and fragmented system perspectives to manage complex systems: how can communication‐focused mechanisms for envisaging, visualizing, and analyzing the system support a shift towards a systems‐oriented mindset in the organization, and; to what extent does a shift in mindset improve organizational capabilities when hierarchy, process framework, and governance model of the organization remain fixed and suboptimal? The central hypothesis explored is that a shift in mindset within the organization, by focusing on the means and ways of communication about the system, can bridge gaps and fragmentations of system perspectives and improve organizational systems thinking capabilities without a need for urgent and drastic organizational actions. A toolkit of 18 mechanisms was developed to support the transformation process from six identified and analyzed problem domains to corresponding solution domains. Results were promising, with several signs of a shift in mindset; however, the long‐term effects on the overall organizational capability remain uncertain.
Models as enablers of agility in complex systems engineering
Authors: Navas Juan , Bonnet Stéphane , Voirin Jean‐Luc , Journaux Guillaume
Published: September 2020

Complex systems engineering programs not only deal with the inherent complexity of the systems they develop, they also face shorter time‐to‐market, increasing changes in environments and usages, and more sophisticated industrial schemes. The ability to adapt to new circumstances, or agility, becomes mandatory. In this paper we present how Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches can be enablers of the implementation of agility in complex systems engineering programs. Known to provide additional engineering rigor and quality, MBSE also brings key concepts favoring agility and co‐engineering.
Digital Product‐Service Systems meet Product Line Systems Engineering – The Cart before the Horse?
Authors: Chalé‐Góngora Hugo‐Guillermo , Robic Pierre‐Olivier , Beuche Danilo
Published: September 2020

The use of digital technologies opens the door to new business opportunities for traditional product manufacturing companies thanks to the numerous services that these technologies make possible. This trend, referred to as digital transformation, has taken over the business world in recent years. In this new technology‐enabled opportunity space, the appropriateness of traditional Product Line Systems Engineering (PLSE) practices can be questioned. This paper addresses the different challenges facing the application of PLSE to product‐service systems, including those supported by digital technologies. To meet these challenges, a conceptual framework that extends current PLSE practices in order to define a structured approach for Product‐Service Product Lines (PSPL) is proposed. The fundamental concepts behind the framework include a typology of PSPL and specific methods for architecting and engineering the PSPL (more precisely, for managing the variability of the PSPL), and for aligning the business strategies of classical product lines (i.e. tangible, physical product lines) with those of their corresponding, and less classical, service product lines. The authors believe that the proposed framework can help evolve the practice of PLSE and enhance the foundations of Systems Engineering with useful concepts.
Comparing INCOSE and PMI Portfolio Management Practices
Authors: Specking Eric , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Edward
Published: September 2020

Many organizations use systems engineering and project management practices. In 2011, the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) announced a partnership to better integrate their practices and identified several common practices. This paper focuses on portfolio management by reviewing ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 and key documentation from INCOSE and PMI. This paper 1) provides an overview of portfolio management; 2) identifies insights into portfolio management practices published by each organization; and 3) identifies areas that systems engineering organizations can enhance their portfolio management practices. We found that out of the total 2,484 reviewed pages, 6.2% contained information on portfolio management. Additionally, PMI's The Standard for Portfolio Management contains the most portfolio management information, while INCOSE's Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge contained less information. Program and project management practices help ensure that organizations do programs and projects the “right” way, portfolio management help ensure they do the “right” programs and projects, and systems engineering ensures they use the “right” systems thinking. We conclude that INCOSE should adapt more of PMI's practices on portfolio management to help systems engineers improve their portfolio management practices.
Distributed Architecture for Monitoring Urban Air Quality: A Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: Unger Adrian , Shean Dylan , da Silva Fabio G , Nguyen Jennifer , Beebe Laura B , Dewire Philip , Grzelak Stephen , McDermott Tom
Published: September 2020

The United Nations’ environment program has selected the fight against air pollution as the topic for 2019's World Environment Day to raise the awareness of world's population for the fact that 7 million people worldwide die each year due to diseases associated to low air quality (UN Environment 2019) This paper summarizes the result of a project to support the development of a new architecture of global sensing devices for air quality and other earth science challenges. the project goal is to build a multi‐resolution unified picture of air quality using existing and potentially new technologies, allowing not only governments, but also scientists and regular citizens to contribute and have access to the information generated. This approach will potentially enhance real‐time monitoring and rapid reaction to degraded air quality events, or even better forecast events to take more efficient preventive actions. The project brought together NASA scientists and systems engineering students to conduct an initial system engineering analysis to build a high‐level system architecture. The effort helped to pave the way for further detailed engineering design and support the development of a testbed for early system verification and validation.
A Transdisciplinary Design and Implementation of Sustainable Agricultural Principles in the Waikato Region of New Zealand
Authors: van Zyl Henk , Roodt Jan Hendrik
Published: September 2020

The Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand, per the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, prioritised “increased sustainable resource use” as a critical success factor to ensure the wellbeing of New Zealanders. The challenge for a commercial vegetable farming operation is how to embed sustainable agricultural principles in operations to ensure a thriving, financially sustainable business. Of the 17 Sustainability Development Goals, 13 involve soil one way or an‐other and Target 15 (Life on Land) relates to soil health as an integral part of sustainability.

A transdisciplinary systems approach was followed in a running agricultural operation to explore links between societal wellbeing, plant health and soil health while maintaining profitability and business resilience. The business used the client and policy‐centred outcomes for the design and implementation of a thriving enterprise. It showed that increased profit is achievable utilising a combination of fertigation techniques and compost applications for onion production.
Towards an Ontology for Collaboration in System of Systems Context
Authors: Nilsson Robert , Dori Dov , Jayawant Yatin , Petnga Leonard , Kohen Hanan , Yokell Michael
Published: September 2020

There is considerable number of architectural frameworks and standards with many pertinent definitions of concepts that are often not compatible with each other, hindering collaboration, especially in the context of System of Systems (SoS). To address this issue, we propose an ontology for SoS that uses Object Process Methodology (OPM) ISO 19450 to facilitate collaboration among organizations with focus on safety aspects. The current effort focuses on the foundational extended taxonomy that uses a minimal set of terms to model system‐ and SoS‐related concepts and relations among them to streamline collaboration among involved SoS stakeholders, with focus on safety. The ontology is illustrated through an example of a self‐parking facility.
Linking Behaviour Data to Knowledge: Contextualization and De‐Contextualization
Authors: Natarajan Swaminathan , Kumar Anand , Chaudhuri Subhrojyoti Roy , Sinha Rahul
Published: September 2020

Sensor informatics provides extensive data about system behaviour, which we would ideally like to link to system models and the underlying knowledge. The nature of systems knowledge formation is that we observe the behaviour of particular systems in their context, and incrementally de‐contextualize it to arrive at formal knowledge. Conversely, the nature of engineering synthesis is that we develop and reason about the behaviour of system configurations by identifying and combining all the knowledge applicable to that particular configuration and context i.e. by successive levels of contextualization.

This systems science paper proposes a conceptual framework for linking knowledge, system models and behaviour data. It inquires into the levels of system description involved, and the relationships between the levels that drive contextualization and de‐contextualization. We propose organizing knowledge about individual entities and interactions into type knowledge frames, complemented by patterns and other knowledge related to configurations. We use assume‐guarantee concepts to formulate self‐contained type knowledge frames with internal consistency relationships between structures, interactions and behaviours. We suggest how observations data can be abstracted into observable behaviour models. Together, these insights point towards the possibility of tooling support for populating knowledge frames, and creating bi‐directional relationships between behaviour data, system models and domain knowledge, based on contextualization and de‐contextualization.
Dream the future: Systems engineering in 2030
Authors: Voirin Jean‐Luc , Constant Olivier , Lépicier Eric , Maraux Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Based on observations on the evolving context of systems engineering in general, and the perceived consequences for the sector, this document proposes an example of a scenario of evolution and adaptation of engineering to new issues, already emerging or conceivable in the future. It then puts forward a number of capacities to be acquired in order to favor efficient adaptation of engineering to these issues, and outlines some guidelines for changing engineering practices and tools in the face of the coming challenges.
Model Integrated Decomposition and Assisted Specification (MIDAS)
Authors: Hall Brendan , Fiedor Jan , Jeppu Yogananda
Published: September 2020

MIDAS (Model Integrated Decomposition and Assisted Specification) is an innovative new approach to requirement specification. By integrating textual and intent‐based model‐assisted requirement flows, MIDAS presents a paradigm shift from prior model‐based and traditional textual requirement processes. Such a change is necessary to address the full intent of design assurance. The goal of MIDAS is to address the many challenges we have observed in applying the current model‐based certification guidance. The principal issue with interpreting the current guidance is a misplaced focus on the separation of graphical vs. textual specification rather than a clean and clear separation of design from intent. Hence, this aspect forms the core of our proposed MIDAS approach. Our intent‐based focus also mitigates the often implementation‐centric perspective of model‐based requirement flows. Our hybrid model‐based constrained language flow also addresses the weakness of informal natural language‐based specifications. Finally, MIDAS facilitates the integration of knowledge management with requirement engineering, allowing easier visualization of the full requirement context. By writing this paper, we share our observations and ideas openly to encourage feedback and collaboration with potential development partners.
A Trade Study of Requirements Software Tool Selection for a Small Aerospace Firm
Authors: Pacheco Troy , Lucero Briana
Published: September 2020

An aerospace division studied works with many sophisticated and complex aerospace projects where requirements management is a necessity. This paper represents the results of a trade study into possible software tools for requirements management across the various division programs. The study began with a survey to program leadership and systems engineers about their handlings of requirements and their use of specific requirements tools. This survey allowed for the formulation of criteria within an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of various commercial requirements software platforms. Through the pairwise comparisons of AHP, five software tools were selected and evaluated for feasible implementation across the various division program sizes. With data from the survey and results from the AHP, this trade study suggests that Jama will most appropriately fulfill the specific needs of the division. This is based on Jama's strong performance in aspects such as security, Excel integration, and file linking.
Emergent Systemic Hierarchies and their Relevance to Project Governance
Authors: Zietsman Johan , Schutte Corne
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study is to create an awareness of the emergent systemic hierarchies in the project environment, as well as their relevance to the design of project governance systems. A method is developed to identify the systemic hierarchy associated with the system of interest. The associated hierarchies of enabling systems and the user system are extracted.

The method used to extract the systemic hierarchy stems from systemic characteristics described in the Soft Systems Methodology. A simple metaphor is used to guide the thinking in the extension of these systemic hierarchies.

These resultant hierarchies provide a structured perspective of the levels in each hierarchy, the links between hierarchies as well as the emergent properties at each level in the hierarchy. Utilising the metaphor, specific work associated with each level in a hierarchy may be identified, quantified, and allocated during the initial design phase of a project organisation itself.
Is petroleum activity in the marine areas of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja desirable for Norway? – a case study in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Åslie Øyvind Jia‐Chen , Mansouri Mo
Published: September 2020

The discussion concerning petroleum activity in the marine areas of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja (LoVeSe) has characterized the Norwegian oil debate for many years. On one side you have the ones supporting Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) (an assessment which by law has to be conducted prior to opening an area for petroleum activities) and subsequent opening for petroleum activity in the area. On the other hand, you have the ones supporting the current state in LoVeSe – to keep the untouched, spectacular nature closed for petroleum activities. This paper seeks to give insight into the discussion by describing both parties perspectives by the means of system thinking and system thinking tools. A stakeholder overview showing the main stakeholders key interests in the discussion, in addition to systemigrams illustrating their perspectives has been made.
Transferring Needs and Operational Experience from Life‐of‐Field to Engineering functions ‐ a case study from the Subsea Industry
Authors: Myhre Severin , Engen Siv , Falk Kristin
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates how a company in the subsea industry are transferring needs and operational experience from Life‐of‐Fields functions to Engineering functions, to allow for more holistic life cycle design and to improve engineering solutions. The subsea industry is changing, putting more emphasis on total life‐cycle cost. In order to improve their offerings, suppliers within this industry see the need for more effective utilisation of Life‐of‐Field's needs and operational experience. Challenging communication between Life‐of‐field and Engineering affect transference of needs and operational experience, hindering engineering for life cycle. To research this problem, we investigated the operational process and made in‐depth interviews of relevant personnel at both the Engineering and Life‐of‐field functions of a global subsea supplier. We discovered that suboptimal transference of needs and operational experience between the Life‐of‐Field and Engineering functions results in added work, repetitive design issues and operational inefficiencies from project to project. We found an insufficient organisational process, low prioritisation of cross‐functional feedback together with formal tools not fit for purpose to be the predominant causes for ineffective transferring of needs and operational experience between Life‐of‐Field and the other functions. Suggestions for improving the transference of needs and operational experience are presented based on the findings and analysis.
SE Thinking and Application in Planning and Implementation of Single Window Systems
Authors: Chang LIU
Published: September 2020

This paper provides a Systems Engineering (SE) perspective on establishment of Single Window (SW) systems, highlighting the value of SE both on a Master Plan level for SW programmes and on an implementation level of the constituent systems. The author proposes that 1). in SW Master Plan stage, SE thinking could guide vision and capability alignment and project prioritization; 2). in implementation of the sub‐systems, SE technical processes should be promoted to ensure successful delivery of SW systems. The paper presents a study on Maritime Single Window (MSW) systems, with a review on the domain conventions and a case of an MSW initialization project. Further, the paper revisits the evolution of the Singapore MSW and the national SW Programme, and discusses agility and open‐source co‐development for future SW implementations. Additionally, the author recommends federation approach in SW implementations as preferable to integration approach as the current industry practice.
Systems thinking applied to find underlying problem in enterprise management of induction heating transformers
Authors: Sundet Arne Odin , Mansouri Mo
Published: September 2020

The world is more interconnected than ever which emerge new complexity for organizations and their enterprises. Systems thinking is an accepted approach to deal with the messy interconnected problems of complexity but is sometimes difficult to tailor for a real‐world problem. The paper's objective is to represent the problem using systems thinking approach. This paper focuses on applying systems thinking on a real‐world problem where the underlying problems are unknown with a case study of a transformer management system (TMS) within an enterprise of a worldwide organization (the umbrella of enterprises). The paper starts out by diversifying the use of systems thinking, systems engineering and traditional engineering to present why this approach where selected. Following is a practical methodology using interviews to find the interconnection of the enterprises and a study of the TMS's current state. The interconnections are graphically displayed through a systemigram used to bring the enterprise on “the same page”. The result of this effort is a fishbone diagram to display several possible underlying issues found to the problem, the fishbone diagram's intention is to help the enterprise for selecting what problems to focus on and their order.

The paper found the systemigram as a useful tool as it promoted discussions and debate within the enterprise which resulted in a more defined problem overview. To visually display the overview, a cause‐and‐effect diagram where selected. The cause‐and‐effect diagram showed to be an efficient tool to simplify the problems and to be used for communicating them along with the systemigram.
Inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress by activation of G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor to protect retinal astrocytes under hyperoxia
Authors: Li Rong , Wang Yao , Chen Pei , Meng Jiamin , Zhang Hongbing
Published: September 2020

Retinal vascularization is arrested at the early (hyperoxia) stage in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of blindness in children. Estrogen was reported to alleviate ROP by inhibiting reactive oxygen species, the upstream signaling molecules of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Astrocytes have long been proposed to guide angiogenesis, because they form a reticular network that provides a substrate for migrating endothelial cells. However, the factors that control the vascularization of the immature retina and the therapeutic mechanism of estrogen in early ROP remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), an estrogen receptor distributed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in protecting retinal astrocytes under hyperoxia and the association with ERS. The results showed that GPER was widely expressed in retinal astrocytes. GPER activation increases cell viability, decreases apoptosis, and autophagy of retinal astrocytes, decreases inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor activity, and increases Ca2+ concentration in ER of astrocytes under hyperoxia. GPER blockade reversed all of these changes. Together, our findings indicate that GPER can protect the survival of retinal astrocytes by inhibiting ERS under hyperoxia.
Long‐term accumulation, depth distribution, and speciation of silver nanoparticles in biosolids‐amended soils
Authors: Taylor Stephen E. , Pearce Carolyn I. , Chowdhury Indranil , Kovarik Libor , Leavy Ian , Baum Steven , Bary Andy I. , Flury Markus
Published: September 2020

Biosolids can be a source of metals and metal nanoparticles. The objective of this study was to quantify and characterize the accumulation and transport of silver (Ag) in a natural soil that has received agronomically recommended rates of biosolids as fertilizer from 1994 to 2017. Total Ag concentrations were measured in biosolids and soil samples collected from 0 to 10 cm between 1996 and 2017. The depth distribution of Ag in soil to 60‐cm depth was measured in 2017. Electron microscopy, in combination with X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the Ag. The Ag concentrations in the biosolids‐amended soil increased steadily from 1996 until 2007, after which the concentrations leveled off at about 1.25 mg Ag kg−1 soil. This corresponded with a decrease of Ag concentrations in biosolids over time. The majority of the Ag (82%) was confined to the top 10 cm of the soil, small amounts (14%) were detected at 10‐to‐20‐cm depth, and trace amounts (4%) were detected at 30‐to‐40‐cm depth. The Ag in the biosolids was identified as S‐containing nanoparticles (Ag2S) with a diameter of 10–12 nm; however, in soil, the Ag concentrations were too low to allow identification of Ag speciation. This study shows that in a real‐world field scenario, biosolids applied at agronomic rates represent a long‐term, economically viable source of crop nutrients without increasing the concentration of total Ag in soil above a maximum of 1.5 mg Ag kg−1. This concentration is below estimated ecotoxicity limits for Ag2S in soil.
Pancreatic cancer masquerading as ischemic enteritis on endoscopy
Authors: Aguila Enrik John T , Francisco Carlos Paolo D , Co Jonard T
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic tumors usually produce painless jaundice. Other associated symptoms may be secondary, from a direct extension of the tumor, resulting in bowel obstruction. It is extremely rare that pancreatic malignancy presents with ischemic enteritis by invasion of the major arteries, and no report has documented it endoscopically. We present a rare case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma masquerading as ischemic enteritis diagnosed on enteroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. An initial computed tomography (CT) scan performed in another hospital showed long segmental wall thickening involving the third part of the duodenum to the proximal segment of the jejunum. The patient was referred to our institution for enteroscopy, which showed a poorly distensible third part of the duodenum with purplish mucosa starting at the fourth part of the duodenum until the proximal jejunum. With suspicion of ischemic enteritis, a mesenteric CT angiography was performed, which showed a long segment circumferential wall thickening of the duodenum to jejunum with fullness of the pancreatic head and uncinate process that encases the superior mesenteric artery. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed a hypoechoic lesion at the head of the pancreas. EUS‐guided fine‐needle biopsy was performed, which revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma on histopathology.
Application of enamel matrix derivative in conjunction with non‐surgical therapy for treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis: A 12‐month, randomized prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Schallhorn Rachel A. , McClain Pamela K. , Benhamou Veronique , Doobrow Jennifer H. , Grandin H. Michelle , Kasaj Adrian
Published: September 2020

Background

Treatment of periodontitis aims to halt progressive bone and attachment loss and regenerate periodontal structures. In this study, the effect of using an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (test) versus non‐surgical therapy alone (control) was evaluated.

Methods

A prospective, split‐mouth, multicenter study evaluated scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without EMD in 51 patients presenting with moderate to severe periodontitis (PPD = 5 to 8 mm) in at least 2 pockets per contralateral quadrants within the same arch. The primary outcome variable was change in clinical attachment level (CAL) after 12 months. Secondary variables included probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), gingival margin level, dentin hypersensitivity, and percent of pockets converted to sites no longer requiring surgical treatment.

Results

CAL changed significantly (P  < 0.001) from baseline to 12 months for both treatment modalities (test = –2.2 ± 1.5 mm versus control = –2.1 ± 1.3 mm) and similarly for PPD; the difference between groups was not significant. A significant difference, favoring test conditions, was observed in percentage of both healthy PPDs (pockets < 5 mm) and converted pockets (sites no longer requiring surgical treatment); 79.8% of test versus 65.9% of control sites. BoP decreased significantly more (P < 0.05) in test sites (BoP at 17.8% test versus 23.1% control).

Conclusions

Both test and control treatments resulted in significant improvements in CAL and PPD. The adjunct use of EMD with SRP resulted in significantly greater improvements in overall periodontal health with less frequent BoP and a higher number of healthy PPDs.