bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using System Dynamics to Determine the Impact of Electric Vehicles on Employment in the Component Manufacture Industry
Authors: Pillay Nalini Sooknanan , Chapman Darryl , van Geems Francois , Nassiep Sumaya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe automotive industry is thought to have direct and indirect impacts on national job creation for both the formal and informal sectors. There have been debates around employment impacts and socio‐economics in South Africa with the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs), however, a definite consensus of whether the impact is positive or negative has not been established. Unless all the driving factors affecting automotive employment have been modelled, no resolution can be reached through the various engagements. This study used a system dynamics modelling approach to determine the employment impact of substituting the internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) with hybrids and pure electric cars, specifically in the component manufacture segment of the automotive value chain. Scenarios were also run to determine the impact of localized electric battery manufacture on employment. Results indicate that a 22% substitution of ICVs with electric cars results in a 2.65% decrease in employment, while a 34% increase in hybrids in the electric car mix results in an increase of 1.73% of employment in the component manufacture segment. The simulator also shows that from 2020 until 2027, employment due to localized manufacture of electric car batteries, increases, however, there is a steady decrease from 2028 to 2050, likely due to the reduction in demand for electric batteries because of technology improvements in first life applications, resulting in better durability and shelf life.
Answering the Call for Technical Leaders: A Challenge for Systems Engineers
Authors: Pennotti Michael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSystems engineers are called to lead! Addressing today's increasingly complex challenges demands the skills we systems engineers have demonstrated in the past and of which we are most proud. Our experience has taught us the importance of understanding: not only a problem, but also its context; not only the individual elements of a system, but also the relationships between those elements; not only immediate outcomes, but also long term impacts. But what we already know will not be enough. We must also develop new skills and be willing to set aside some of the approaches and much of the language that have served us well in addressing the complicated problems of the past. We need to continue to learn and grow if we are to provide the leadership a complex world so desperately needs from us. This paper is a challenge from one systems engineer to all systems engineers to elevate our game in order to play a leadership role in taking on the complex challenges of the twenty‐first century.
Analyzing the effects of connecting Norway's remote communities to large cities using the Systems Thinking approach
Authors: Witte Caroline Saatvedt , Mansouri Mo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper explores how the Systems Thinking philosophy can be applied to determine the feasibility of significant infrastructure projects. Much too often, decisions are made without a thorough understanding of all the factors involved and their interrelations, as has been the case for many governmentally funded construction projects in Norway. The paper investigates the repercussions of connecting remote island villages to larger cities, by examining the short‐ and long‐term effects for two real‐life case studies And⊘rja and Lines⊘ya in Norway. The analysis is supported by a number of systems thinking tools, including a context diagram, stakeholder analysis, Systemigram to map user needs, and finally, leverage points to improve the decision‐making process are presented.
Framework for Deploying IDS Predictive Models
Authors: Araiza Michael L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the specification of a particular nascent framework for deploying a system of nonparametric, feed‐forward polynomial neural network (PNN) models that can be used to address intrusion detection system (IDS) deficiencies. The framework is characterized by the formal specification in Z notation of black box operations upon which to base the implementation of an event‐driven Intrusion Detection Support Software System. The deployment of PNN models to realize the operations within IDS3 shows complementary potential with other techniques in improving the ability and cost‐effectiveness of an IDS. The key Intrusion Detection Support Software System operations were derived from a system‐level diagnostic concept called abductive diagnostics that is applicable to IDSs (as well as equipment and medical diagnostics). Several experiments were conducted, which are not detailed in this paper, to train and evaluate PNNs using a commercial machine learning algorithm.
Design Thinking and Systems Engineering to Map Human Needs and Improve Digitization at an Emergency Health Care – a Case Study
Authors: Sch⊘nning Jurate , Falk Kristin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study from out‐of‐hours emergency primary health care investigates methods to improve the digital solutions to become both effective and empathetic. A relatively small inter‐municipal emergency care in Norway struggles with high costs and low efficiency. Employees spend a lot of time performing various manual work that is of little benefit to patients. We used the steps from Design Thinking and tools from Systems Engineering to come up with an improved solution. Furthermore, we tested this solution on staff at the emergency room.The study shows that the current computer tools clearly lack functionality when it comes to meeting the needs of employees such as efficient operation and facilitation for good patient flow. Employees felt that complicated digital tasks steal time that could be better spent on health care. Furthermore, the employees lack a comprehensive overview of systems functionality.We have proposed several innovative functional improvements, including interaction technology in the form of a wall‐mounted work board, which according to the employees will enable streamlining of tasks at the emergency room. These solutions have emerged by using a step by step, iterative and structured system technique inspired by Design Thinking. Extensive interaction with the systems users throughout the project phase has enabled us to clearly understand the challenges of the emergency room and associated solutions. We believe that empathy with the users is essential in innovative digital solution.
Contextually Aware Agile Security in the Future of Systems Engineering
Authors: Dove Rick , Willett Keith D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA recurring principle in consideration of the future of systems engineering is continual dynamic adaptation. Context drives change whether it be from potential loss (threats, vulnerabilities) or from potential gain (opportunity‐driven). Contextual‐awareness has great influence over the future of systems engineering and of systems security. Those contextual environments contain fitness functions that will naturally select compatible approaches and filter out the incompatible, with prejudice. This paper provides archetypes that 1) characterize general systems engineering for products, processes, and operations; 2) characterize the integration of security with systems engineering; and, 3) characterize contextually aware agile security. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual understanding of the problem space and derive general security strategies necessary to deal with that problem space, with the intent to provide an initial foundation for subsequent tactical implementations of agile security approaches.
Finance function as a business system
Authors: Pretorius Paul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper introduces systems engineering approach to enhance the business design in addressing the complexities encountered in the design of a business function. Systems engineering has matured in analysis and working with complexities; in allowing inputs from disciplines such as framework design to influence the proposed architecture; and in defining the role of modelling tools to assist in understanding the challenges, verification of operability and simulation towards an improved design.The finance function was selected as a “system of interest” (SOI) within the context of a larger business or enterprise as a “system of systems” (SOS). The generic business design of a finance function was delivered as a system of interdependent processes whilst introducing some of the tools and techniques of the “model‐based systems engineering” approach to ensure completeness of functionality, accountability of role players and visibility to stakeholders.
Knowledge Reuse in a Small Company in the Water Treatment Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Lillemoen Jon Inge , Falk Kristin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a case study that explores how a small company in the water treatment industry can facilitate knowledge reuse. Small companies often find themselves focusing resources on operational activities and fire‐fighting, preventing them from properly utilizing previously acquired knowledge in new similar projects.We conducted in‐depth interviews with company employees to establish a set of requirements for the new knowledge system. We then gathered theory through a literature review and developed the system iteratively with frequent feedback from employees at the company. The paper includes a case study on an ongoing wastewater treatment plant project in the company.The new knowledge management system is built up of interconnected A3s that provide the user with both a system overview and detailed information. We validated the results through a survey. The survey displayed that employees were positive towards implementing and using the new knowledge management system. We observed that employees were curious during the development process and willingly contributed when required. This paper also presents different barriers and benefits related to knowledge management initiatives in a small company.
Digital Engineering Strategy to Enable Enterprise Systems Engineering
Authors: Noguchi Ryan A. , Wheaton Marilee J. , Martin James N. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAs defined in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Digital Engineering (DE) Strategy, DE is “an integrated digital approach that uses authoritative sources of system data and models as a continuum across disciplines to support lifecycle activities from concept through disposal.” This DoD DE Strategy establishes a set of goals and objectives for DE within the DoD. This paper provides an elaboration of that strategy for organizations who seek to apply DE not only for the improvement of program and project outcomes, but to achieve a more efficient and effective implementation of enterprise systems engineering (ESE) to improve enterprise outcomes. The paper then describes the roles and responsibilities needed for the effective and efficient implementation of DE principles and concepts in support of the systems engineering activities across the enterprise to facilitate the disciplined exercise of ESE at every organizational level.
Early Detection of Flaws in System Architecture Model by means of Model Simulation
Authors: Duhil Christophe , Voirin Jean‐Luc , Lépicier Eric , Babau Jean‐Philippe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractArchitecture definition models in system engineering usually include different views and sets of concepts, more or less correlated to each other, such as activities or functions, time‐ordered sequences, state machines. Ensuring these descriptions are coherent is in no means trivial, usually requiring either formal checking or behavioral simulation, at the expense of extra modeling work. This paper addresses coherence verification at a first level, needing little effort, to detect flaws in in the model as early as possible, before entering more in depth and more costly simulation or formal proofing. To make this verification possible, we define a model execution semantic based on a mix of model exploration and dynamic execution techniques.
The Wisest System Engineering Mentor and Mentee of the Year Award
Authors: Sparrius Ad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn 2016 the Wisest System Engineering Mentor and Mentee of the Year Award was launched as part of the INCOSE SA annual conference. This annual award has now occurred three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2018, with a total of nineteen mentor‐mentee teams of which three teams received the award. This paper summarizes the process, results and explains the lessons learnt.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Optimization of Amoxicillin in Chinese Infants
Authors: Wu Yue‐E , Wang Ya‐Kun , Tang Bo‐Hao , Dong Lei , Li Xue , Zhang Wei , Li Di‐Fei , Tian Li‐Yuan , van den Anker John , You Dian‐Ping , Zhao Wei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAmoxicillin is used to treat various bacterial infections (eg, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis) in infants. Despite its frequent use, there is a lack of population pharmacokinetic studies in infants, resulting in a substantial variability in dosing regimens used in clinical practice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of intravenous amoxicillin in infants and suggest an optimal dosage regimen. Blood samples were collected for the determination of amoxicillin concentrations using an opportunistic sampling strategy. The amoxicillin plasma concentrations were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM. A total of 62 pharmacokinetic samples from 47 infants (age range, 0.09 to 2.0 years) were available for analysis. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order elimination was most suitable to describe the population pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin, and covariate analysis showed that only current body weight was a significant covariate. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that the currently used dosage regimen (25 mg/kg twice daily) resulted in only 22.4% of infants reaching their pharmacodynamic target, using a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) break point of 2 mg/L, whereas a dosage regimen (60 mg/kg thrice daily), as supported by the British National Formulary for Children, resulted in 80.9% of infants achieving their pharmacodynamic target. It is recommended to change antibiotics for infections caused by Escherichia coli (MIC = 8.0 mg/L) because only 27.9% of infants reached target using 60 mg/kg thrice daily.
Synthesis, antimicrobial, and mitotic toxicity evaluation of new 6‐substituted 2‐(benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolin‐5(6H)‐yl)acetic acids
Authors: Kravtsov Dmytro V. , Voskoboinik Oleksii Yu. , Kovalenko Serhii I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA series of novel 6‐substituted 2‐(benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolin‐5(6H)‐yl)acetic acids were synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, 19F NMR, 1H‐1H‐COSY, 1H‐13C‐HSQC, NOESY, LC‐MS, IR, and elemental analysis. The mitotic toxicity of the synthesized compounds was determined according to the Allium test procedure. The 2‐(6‐(pentafluorophenyl)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolin‐5(6H)‐yl)acetic acid inhibited mitotic spindle formation, which resulted in significant cytotoxic effect for meristematic cells of Allium cepa l. roots. In a preliminary antimicrobial evaluation, only Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans were slightly susceptible to some of the synthesized compounds.
Liver and/or kidney transplantation in amino and organic acid‐related inborn errors of metabolism: An overview on European data
Authors: Molema Femke , Martinelli Diego , Hörster Friederike , Kölker Stefan , Tangeraas Trine , de Koning Barbara , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Williams Monique ,   additional individual contributors of MetabERN
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study provides a general overview on liver and/or kidney transplantation in patients with an amino and organic acid‐related disorder (AOA) with the aim to investigate patient characteristics and global outcome in Europe. This study was an initiative of the E‐IMD and the AOA subnetwork of MetabERN.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to all clinically active European Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) members. The questionnaire focused on transplanted individuals with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), and urea‐cycle disorders (UCDs).ResultsWe identified 280 transplanted AOA patients (liver transplantation in 20 MMA, 37 PA, 47 MSUD, and 111 UCD patients, kidney or combined liver and kidney transplantation in 57 MMA patients and undefined transplantation type in 8 MMA patients), followed by 51 metabolic centers. At a median follow‐up of 3.5 years, posttransplant survival ranged between 78% and 100%, being the lowest in PA patients. Overall, the risk of mortality was highest within 14 days posttransplantation. Neurological complications were mainly reported in Mut0 type MMA (n = 8). Nonneurological complications occurred in MMA (n = 28), PA (n = 7), and UCD (n = 14) patients, while it was virtually absent in MSUD patients. Only 116/280 patients were psychologically tested. In all, except MSUD patients, the intelligence quotient (IQ) remained unchanged in the majority (76/94, 81%). Forty‐one percentage (9/22) of MSUD patient showed improved IQ.ConclusionThe survival in AOA individuals receiving liver and/or kidney transplantation seems satisfactory. Evidence‐based guidelines, systematic data collection, and improved cooperation between transplantation centers and European Reference Networks are indispensable to improve patient care and outcomes.
Patient perceptions and preferences about prostate fiducial markers and ultrasound motion monitoring procedures in radiation therapy treatment
Authors: Brown Amy , Pain Tilley , Preston Robyn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionPatient experiences and preferences of image‐guidance procedures in prostate cancer radiotherapy are largely unknown. This study explored experiences and preferences of patients undergoing both fiducial marker (FM) insertion and Clarity ultrasound (US) procedures.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed method approach was used. A questionnaire (n = 40) ranked experiences from 0 to 10 (worst) in the domains of invasiveness; pain; physical discomfort; and psychological discomfort. Responses were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Semi‐structured interviews (n = 22) obtained further insights into their perspectives and preferences and were thematically analysed.ResultsPerceptions of invasiveness varied with 46% reporting FMs more invasive than US and 49% the same for the two procedures. The mean score for FM was 3.6 and 2.1 for US. Mean scores for pain, physical and psychological discomfort were higher for FMs with 3.3, 3.2 and 2.9, respectively, and 1.1, 1.2 and 1.7 respectively for US, only pain achieved significance (P < 0.05). Three themes emerged from the interviews: Expectations versus Experience; Preferences linked to Priorities; and Motivations. Eleven patients (50%) preferred US; however, 10 (45%) could not illicit a preference.ConclusionParticipants found both of the FM and US image‐guidance procedures tolerable and acceptable. Men’s preference was elusive, suggesting a more rigorous preference methodology is required to understand preferences in this population.
Characterizing spatiotemporal rainfall changes in 1960–2019 for continental Australia
Authors: Liu De Li , Teng Jin , Ji Fei , Anwar Muhuddin R. , Feng Puyu , Wang Bin , Li Linchao , Waters Cathy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnderstanding changes in rainfall at a continental scale can inform adaptation and resilience in all sectors that are sensitive to rainfall. This study examined spatiotemporal changes in annual and seasonal rainfall, extreme and non‐extreme rainfall, and their probability and intensity over the period from 1960 to 2019 across Australia for six rainfall zones (RZs) using high‐quality daily rainfall from 7,593 climate stations. The results revealed statistically significant changes in long‐term rainfall, with an increasing trend in Northern and Central Australia, and a decreasing trend across Southern Australia where the main agricultural areas are located. The cross‐wavelet power spectrum analysis denoted strong coherent resonance cycles in spring–summer or autumn–winter seasons with varying phase differences across six RZs. More specifically, summer rainfall occurred more regularly in the summer‐dominant and arid RZs, whereas winter rainfall became more unreliable in the winter‐ and winter‐dominant RZs. The changes in regional rainfall were characterized by changes in probability and/or intensity of extreme and non‐extreme rainfall revealed through the Spearman Rank correlation. The upward trend in summer‐dominant and arid RZs appears to be a result of increased extreme rainfall intensity and probability, and non‐extreme rainfall probability, especially in summer. The decreased rainfall in the rest of the RZs can be attributed to decreased extreme rainfall probability and non‐extreme rainfall intensity. These results can help decision makers in the agricultural and water resources management sectors identify risks and opportunities, and to devise strategic plans to mitigate droughts through land use planning and construction of infrastructure.
The treatment response of barrier membrane with amoxicillin‐loaded nanofibers in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Ho Ming‐Hua , Claudia Jeannete Cindy , Tai Wei‐Chiu , Huang Kuan‐Yu , Lai Chern‐Hsiung , Chang Ching‐He , Chang Ying‐Chieh , Wu Yu‐Chang , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping , Chang Po‐Chun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfection control is a major determinant of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). This study aims to develop an antibiotic‐loaded membrane to assist periodontal repair.MethodsPoly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA) nanofibers encapsulating amoxicillin (PDLLA‐AMX) were fabricated using the electrospinning technique, and their structures, drug encapsulation efficiency, and release characteristics were assessed. The viability and behaviors of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on nanofibers, and antibacterial capabilities of nanofibers were evaluated in vitro. Early therapeutic efficiency of the antibiotic‐loaded membranes was investigated in rats with ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis, and the outcomes were evaluated by gene expression, microcomputed tomography imaging, and histology within 7 days of membrane placement.ResultsAMX was successfully encapsulated in the PDLLA nanofibers and released in a sustained manner. After initial attachment was achieved, cells stretched out along with the directions of nanofibers. The viability and expression of migration‐associated gene of PDL cells were significantly improved, and the growth of Streptococcus sanguinis and Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly reduced in the PDLLA‐AMX group compared with the controls. On PDLLA‐AMX‐treated sites, wound dehiscence and sulcular inflammation were reduced. Collagen fiber matrix deposition was accelerated with upregulated type I collagen and interleukin‐1β, and downregulated matrix metalloproteinase‐8, whereas periodontal bone level and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and core‐binding factor subunit alpha‐1 were equivalent to conventional membrane treatment.ConclusionsPDLLA‐AMX nanofibers inhibited bacterial growth and promoted the viability and mobility of PDL cells after initial cell attachment. Membranes with PDLLA‐AMX nanofibers reduced inflammation and accelerated periodontal repair at an early stage, providing good prospects for the further development of GTR membranes.