bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomly initialized convolutional neural network for the recognition of COVID‐19 using X‐ray images
Authors: Ben Atitallah Safa , Driss Maha , Boulila Wadii , Ben Ghézala Henda 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBy the start of 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) had been declared a worldwide pandemic, and because of its infectiousness and severity, several strands of research have focused on combatting its ongoing spread. One potential solution to detecting COVID‐19 rapidly and effectively is by analyzing chest X‐ray images using Deep Learning (DL) models. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been presented as particularly efficient techniques for early diagnosis, but most still include limitations. In this study, we propose a novel randomly initialized CNN (RND‐CNN) architecture for the recognition of COVID‐19. This network consists of a set of differently‐sized hidden layers all created from scratch. The performance of this RND‐CNN is evaluated using two public datasets: the COVIDx and the enhanced COVID‐19 datasets. Each of these datasets consists of medical images (X‐rays) in one of three different classes: chests with COVID‐19, with pneumonia, or in a normal state. The proposed RND‐CNN model yields encouraging results for its accuracy in detecting COVID‐19 results, achieving 94% accuracy for the COVIDx dataset and 99% accuracy on the enhanced COVID‐19 dataset.
Aspect‐Oriented Architecting Using Architecture Frameworks
Authors: Martin James N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the early days of systems engineering, we had a few tried and true methods for depicting the structure and behavior of a system, such as functional flow diagrams, control flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, schematic block diagrams, and system breakdown structure. Nowadays we have a wider variety of choices when it comes to the creation of architecture views. The Unified Architecture Framework, for example, defines 71 possible architecture views that can be created. An easy and intuitive way to navigate the many available offerings was needed. Hence, most architecture frameworks have adopted a “grid” approach to help organize the various views. One of the key dimensions of this organizing approach is the use of architecture aspects. This paper will examine the various frameworks to determine how they organize their views and how they address the different aspects and perspectives of the architecture being described. These concepts were used as the basis for an aspect‐oriented architecting approach reflected in the recently revised version of the ISO 42010 standard on architecture description.
Developing a Topic Network of Published Systems Engineering Research
Authors: Oosthuizen Rudolph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates past systems engineering research structure by developing a network of research topics from an extensive corpus of publications. The bibliometric data analysis from the published research articles provides valuable information on past progress and future scientific discipline opportunities. Topic modelling, a form of unsupervised machine‐learning‐based natural language processing, is applied to extract the main topics from the titles and abstracts of a wide range of papers published about systems engineering. The co‐occurrence of research topics in these papers provides the data for generating network diagrams. A visual and quantitative network analysis of these topics revealed several cliques and clusters of research topics in systems engineering. Systems engineering researchers should consider these relationships between these research topics to plan a systems engineering research project.
Framework for Formal Verification of Machine Learning Based Complex System‐of‐System
Authors: Raman Ramakrishnan , Gupta Nikhil , Jeppu Yogananda 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA complex system is characterized by emergence of global properties which are very difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate just from complete knowledge of component behaviors. Emergence, hierarchical organization and numerosity are some of the characteristics of complex systems. Recently, there has been an exponential increase on the adoption of various neural network‐based machine learning models to govern the functionality and behavior of systems. With this increasing system complexity, achieving confidence in systems becomes even more difficult. Further, ease of interconnectivity among systems is permeating numerous system‐of‐systems, wherein multiple independent systems are expected to interact and collaborate to achieve unparalleled levels of functionality. Traditional verification and validation approaches are often inadequate to bring in the nuances of potential emergent behavior in a system‐of‐system, which may be positive or negative. This paper describes a novel approach towards application of machine learning based classifiers and formal methods for analyzing and evaluating emergent behavior of complex system‐of‐systems that comprise a hybrid of constituent systems governed by conventional models and machine learning models. The proposed approach involves developing a machine learning classifier model that learns on potential negative and positive emergent behaviors, and predicts the behavior exhibited. A formal verification model is then developed to assert negative emergent behavior. The approach is illustrated through the case of a swarm of autonomous UAVs flying in a formation, and dynamically changing the shape of the formation, to support varying mission scenarios. The effectiveness and performance of the approach are quantified.
Demonstrating the Value of Systems Engineering as the Professional Standard of Care
Authors: Hoehne Oliver 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOne of the most difficult challenges systems engineers face when attempting to introduce or expand the application of systems engineering (SE) is the demonstration of the systems engineering value. As SE is an upfront investment that may not pay dividends before sometime in the possibly distant future, business leaders unfamiliar with the process can be skeptical about the value of SE, especially in industries where SE is still an emerging discipline without a proven track record.Sometimes, however, the value of systems engineering can be demonstrated by the increased risk of NOT applying systems engineering, for example the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T), commonly known as the Big‐Dig. Designed and built between 1982 and 2007, it was the most expensive highway project in the US at the time (approx. $21 billion in 2020 dollars), and was plagued by thousands of water leaks, design flaws, charges of poor execution, use of substandard materials and other issues, which eventually led to the death of a motorist and criminal arrests (Wiki, 2020, NTSB, 2006). The project managing consortium agreed to pay $407 million in restitution and several smaller companies agreed to pay a combined sum of approximately $51 million (AP, 2008). The settlement agreement included a statement of facts as the basis for liability, specifically addressing several areas of construction management oversight failures, including the use of non‐specified material, the use of substandard materials, as well as ignored observations of failing epoxy bolt load tests (AP, 2008). The consortium was paid more than $2 billion in fees (AP, 2008) that would have resulted in approximately $160M in profit (applying an 8% profit target). Looking at this project purely from an ROI perspective, however, the consortium not only lost all profit, but faced an additional $247M ($407M ‐ $160M) in losses.The issues identified above are typically addressed in construction specifications describing in detail the scope of work, materials, installation, and quality of workmanship. The Big Dig example should provide a cautionary tale of the risks associated with managing and overseeing construction projects, such as infrastructure, transportation, water, energy, or other projects.This paper describes the application of systems engineering principles to construction specifications in a large infrastructure project using a case study approach. The paper demonstrates the systematic exercise of a reasonable level of care, diligence, and skill, commonly described as the professional standard of care, thereby demonstrating the value of systems engineering as a successful liability protection and risk mitigation strategy.
Opportunities and Challenges of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering
Authors: Gill John , Zonnenshain Avigdor , Lamoureux Danielle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe authors propose a Sociotechnical Systems Engineering (STSE) framework that elevates the requirements and concerns of external/global stakeholders to be on par with those of traditional system users and counters the argument that profit motivation should be the dominant factor when deciding which systems we should build. STSE offers a more complete perspective on what it means to deliver a balanced solution. The authors distill unique elements of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering (STSE) and an integrated framework. The framework serves as the foundation for ongoing discussion of opportunities and challenges associated with our evolving practice of SE. Traditional SE framework, practices and processes remain intact. STSE emphasizes the importance of accounting for societal considerations and hidden costs excluded from our current decision‐making consideration. Post‐deployment societal outcomes we experience may not lie in our ability to perform SE/STSE, but in the governing motivations as we do so.
Evaluation of Requirements Management Processes Utilizing System Modeling Language (SysML) Executable Models
Authors: Katz Tami 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLike many project processes, requirements management can be time consuming and costly if not well planned. The fundamentals of the process steps can be obtained through literature search, however the variation of application can lead to program cost challenges if not tailored for the project's risk posture and budget scope. This paper investigates various published requirements management processes, presents a fundamental process model, demonstrates a method to capture the process steps using a Systems Modeling Language (SysML), and shows the results of a simulation of the process steps enabling a comparison of outcomes for a project. This method investigates an option of using duration constraints to calculate labor hours based on process steps, and uses inputs from the project's requirement data to provide a method of calculating systems engineering labor hours utilizing the Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model (COSYSMO) in a SysML model. This work is intended to show how SysML can be used to support development and refinement of project processes in general, with specific focus on how this method can enable implementation of requirements management in a way that provides insight into potential cost and schedule impacts to the project.
The risk maturity model: a new tool for improved risk management and feedback
Authors: Aas‐Haug Brede , Haskins Cecilia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNorwegian governmental institutions use their risk management regulations to acquire and manage projects and assess the institutional practices. After many years documenting a positive trend, the audit authority noticed a stagnation in process improvement across the organization. A literature review of the use of risk management maturity models from other industries suggested a method for achieving continuous improvement. A corresponding maturity model has been developed and tested with positive results.This research developed a risk maturity model based on compliance requirements for the Norwegian defense sector. The intended use of this model is as the foundation for conducting assessments through audits and provide explicit guidance toward given requirements that facilitate extensive improvement in application of the risk management system. Use of the model in performing maturity assessments of organizational elements within the defense sector showed that the model supports the subsequent improvement activities through providing better understanding of the existing situation, and explicit visual feedback on areas that are satisfactory and areas in need of improvement. A maturity model provides a stepwise path showing the next level of improvement on the way to achieve required performance.
Measuring performance and identifying metrics of machine protection systems for particle accelerators
Authors: Kövecses Szandra , Nordt Annika , Bergsjö Dag Henrik 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMachine protection systems are used at high power particle accelerators in order to prevent long downtimes due to equipment damage. No systematic way to measure their success at reaching this goal exists (the performance of machine protection systems). This paper briefly goes through the history of particle accelerators and gives an introduction to machine protection for particle accelerators. Two metrics to measure the performance of machine protection systems are suggested and discussed. This paper is part of the work to define the problem from the perspective of a recently initiated PhD‐student project.
Network Rail's Systems Integration for Delivery (SI4D) Framework
Authors: Price Derek A 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the United Kingdom Network Rail delivers hundreds of infrastructure projects every year to enhance and renew the national rail network. This forms a capital delivery portfolio measured in Billions of pounds per year, from platform extensions to large scale regionwide upgrades.This paper presents a case study of the development and implementation of Network Rail's System Integration (SI) for Delivery framework. The focus here is on
Drivers for a new framework,
Implementation embedded with existing management systems,
Language and terminology used to communicate the new framework.
The framework is designed to be flexible in terms of effort relative to complexity and benefit and aims to optimise the performance of new infrastructure delivered by Network Rail.The framework consists of a suite of competence management, training, processes, products and tools that have been embedded within existing management systems to support a consistent and cohesive approach to delivery of capital projects
Using Models and simulation for concept analysis of Electric Roads
Authors: Kihlström Lars‐Olof , Hause Matthew , Kihlström Andreas , Karlsson Ida , Chen Bilin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUsing electricity to directly power moving vehicles has been used for a long time as evidenced by trains, trams, and electrical buses. Providing electricity to move heavy transport trucks on roads Therefore does not represent a huge innovation. Since heavy haulage traffic on roads represents a significant part of carbon dioxide emissions, electric roads (ERs) that can provide engine power to heavy road haulage is seen as significant by the Swedish government (Bateman et al, 2018SP04EN). Several Swedish government authorities as well as private companies are actively testing equipment both for trucks as well as roads. Once they have been deployed, ERs will also provide benefits as regards air quality and traffic noise. This paper describes a concept analysis project that uses models and simulation to analyze electric road scenarios. Electric road enabled trucks of different types run along an electric road and are subjected to different road conditions, speed restrictions as well as queues over a defined amount of time. The ability to analyze both management and energy consumption of an electric road is of paramount importance in determining its ability to accomplish the desired carbon‐dioxide emission reductions.
Investigation of Remote Work for Aerospace Systems Engineers
Authors: van Velzen Eric , Olechowski Alison 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn many industries, remote work is becoming increasingly common. The global COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated this shift, which poses a particular challenge to aerospace systems engineers (ASEs). ASE work is complex, consisting of a number of tasks that are traditionally largely conducted in‐person. Little literature exists to establish a basic understanding of remote work in the context of aerospace systems engineering development projects.This paper presents the results of an interview study, where hypotheses are explored to provide initial understanding of remote work in this context, and to motivate future studies. Analysis revealed: Design reviews experienced both challenges and benefits; Remote work has complicated collaborative work with artifacts; Assembly, Integration and Testing activities experienced significant challenges; Solutions have been thought of or implemented by ASEs, in particular the use of Slack and strategies managers may use to support their team members. Several additional research questions are motivated.
A Method to Visualize the Relationship between Regulations and Architectural Constraints
Authors: Ohno Yoshiko , Shirasaka Seiko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe increasing influence of technologies like IoT and AI has made “regulation by architecture” an important discussion point. While system architecture needs to address legal regulations, it also acts as a constraint on stakeholders. Architectural constraints do not require the subject to be aware of them and automatically enforce by preempting behavior. This feature leads to efficient governance, but previous research pointed out concerns caused by the “Unnecessity of Awareness” of architecture. This concern should be avoided by visualizing architectural constraints. However, a concrete visualization method has not been proposed.We propose a method to visualize the relationship between regulations and architectural constraints in accordance with ISO/IEC/IEEE42010:2011. System engineers use this method to reveal the constraints faced by users owing to the architecture and verify that there is no deviation from the regulations.We interviewed legal and engineering experts and concluded that the proposed method is effective under certain conditions.
Idea Development Method, Applying Systems Design Thinking in a Very Small Entity
Authors: Langen Tommy , Syverud Elisabet 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVery Small Entities (VSE) delivers a substantial percentage of the world's product and services. These agile and innovative companies approach their market in a flexible, informal, and human‐centered approach. Their transformation from startup phase to an established company can be problematic. As they grow, the VSE must put more emphasis on incorporating formal organizational structure and processes to cope with the increased size and complexity. Failure in adapting often results in a negative market effect. Systems Design Thinking (SDT) is a combination of Systems Engineering, Systems Thinking, and Design Thinking. There is an increased awareness that the perspectives of SDT bring value to organizations. However, the advantage of SDT is not well understood for VSEs that are in the maturing phase. In this work, the researchers explore the value of SDT for very small enterprises transitioning from infancy to adolescence. The article presents a new method for idea development based on SDT principles and tailored to the needs of a VSE. Case‐based research is applied in a small company to understand the needs and verify the desirability, feasibility, and viability of our proposed method. The results suggest that an SDT approach improves the company's ability to capture and develop ideas and can help grow the company.
THE BENEFITS OF ENHANCED CONTACT TRACING AND QUARANTINE TO RESUME AND MAINTAIN COLLEGE‐CAMPUS OPERATIONS: AN AGENT‐BASED PROABLISTIC SIMULATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Bashatah Jomana A. , Sherry Lance , Roess Amira 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUniversities, K‐12 schools, sports programs, and businesses are operating (and generating revenue) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The key to operating safely is to manage the risk of infectious events that lead to an outbreak and require excess costs and/or lead to a complete shutdown of the enterprise. To operate through a pandemic, organizations must plan to accommodate the quarantine of exposed individuals and isolation of infected individuals (e.g. accommodations and food). To prevent or slow infections, organizations can implement mitigation options to: (1) reduce peer‐to‐peer transmission in operations (e.g. social distancing and protective equipment), (2) identify and quarantine individuals who have been exposed (e.g. daily symptom and exposure screening, randomized surveillance testing, timely contact tracing), and (3) test and/or isolate individuals who are infected (asymptomatic as well as symptomatic). Mitigation option #1 prevents individuals from becoming infected. Mitigation options #2 and #3 remove people who are infected from circulation, preventing them from infecting others. The efficacy of mitigations #2 and #3 have a non‐linear impact due to the amplifying effect of circulating asymptomatic/symptomatic individuals.An agent‐based, probabilistic model measured the efficacy of contact tracing and quarantine on infection counts and lost productivity (i.e. total days in quarantine and isolation). Two modes of operations were evaluated: Cohort with no interaction with the community (i.e. hermetically sealed “bubble” with one undetected infection at start), Cohort with limited interaction with community (e.g. attending classes, take‐out food court). For the No Community Interaction cohort, a contact tracing and quarantine with only 25% efficacy and compliance reduced the infection count from 60% to 6%. This yielded a reduction in total lost productivity days of 94%. In contrast, the Limited Community Interaction cohort required more than 75% efficacy and compliance in contact tracing and quarantine to reduce the infection count from 80% to 30%. This yielded a reduction in total lost productivity days of 30%.These results highlight the role interaction with the general community has on a cohort's health. Further, the results emphasize the utility of contact tracing and quarantine within a cohort to mitigate community‐wide practices that are not under jurisdiction of managers of the enterprise. The implications of these results and limitations of the model are discussed.
Application of T‐shaped engineering skills in complex multidisciplinary projects
Authors: Trogstad Ida Kristin , Kokkula Satyanarayana , van der Aker Joris 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this research, we study the application of T‐shaped engineering profile skills in complex multidisciplinary projects. Literature survey revealed a relation between the systems engineers and technical experts; we explore this relation further here. Data collection was through a survey with practicing engineers, technical managers, and academics with industrial experience. Research findings revealed that the ‘systems engineering discipline’ shall be used as a common language between systems engineers and technical experts in projects. We identified a gap between the design and production lifecycle stages. Questionnaire respondents confirmed this gap during validation and mentioned the lack of ‘operational context’ as a challenge in the system development process. There is a clear interest in acquiring T‐shaped skills through training. To achieve this, the technical experts shall use training programs within their organization, by focusing on the ‘systems engineering discipline’ and ‘system's domain & operational context’ proficiencies.