bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practice over perfection; A case study in building an in‐house Systems Engineering Capability
Authors: Kemp Duncan , Shenton Megan , Adams Vince 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper describes a case study in building an in‐house Systems Engineering capability from concept through to delivery within Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). In a 21‐month period the capability grew from an idea to a team of 22 delivering £3M‐£4M of savings to the organisation. The paper describes the growth of the team over four phases: (1) problem understanding and approach; (2) proof of concept (initial recruitment, operation and benefits delivery), (3) establishing the team and franchising the model to other disciplines; (4) further growth and embedding the model into the organisation's make/buy model. We describe the factors that contributed to the achievement of the team success including: a clear understanding of the systemic barriers to building an in‐house SE capability; the use of Kotter's 8 step change process; a clear focus on delivering value to key stakeholders; the use of simple management processes and Systems Engineering tools; and the development of a suitable culture and selection of the right people. Finally, the authors identify some key lessons that might be applicable for others.
Towards Purpose to Function Transition: A systematic approach
Authors: Liu Zelin , Qian Zhongyan , Wu Busheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn the initial stage of design, capturing user's purposes/needs and transforming them into functions is crucial for wider range selection of design solutions. However, few researchers have distinguished the concepts of purpose and function. The purpose to function transition is still largely an experience‐based process by designers in early design stage and there is still lack of formal approaches or any standard in this field. Therefore, this paper firstly provides a philosophical understanding of purpose and function, tries to clarify their differences, and then proposes a scenario‐based systematic approach to facilitate their transition. In this approach, the transition is conceptualized as a stepwise process and scenarios are integrated in such process for elaborating the initial needs. A case study will also be discussed to demonstrate the proposed approach.
System Lifecycle Handler — Spinning a Digital Thread for Manufacturing
Authors: Bajaj Manas , Hedberg Thomas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTransforming the manufacturing economy from paper‐based information flows to a seamless digital thread across geographically distributed supply chains has the potential to reduce cycle time by 75% and save manufacturers $30 billion annually. The “Digital Thread for Smart Manufacturing” project at NIST1 is developing methods and protocols for completing a digital thread running through design, manufacturing, and product support processes. In this paper, we present a proof‐of‐concept System Lifecycle Handler (SLH) software environment being developed for the digital thread initiative. The SLH provides services to build, manage, query, and visualize the digital thread by connecting heterogeneous artifacts ranging from requirements and system architecture to PLM/CAD/CAM and simulation models to machines and sensor data streams. The SLH software environment leverages the Syndeia platform, and exposes its capabilities via a web dashboard and standard REST/HTTP API.
Analysis of Results for the Systems Engineering Worldviews Survey (July 2017)
Authors: Arnold Eileen P. , Jackson Scott , Sillitto Hillary 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn 2016, INCOSE leadership asked the INCOSE Fellows to initiate a study to compare the current INCOSE definition of Systems Engineering (SE) with the aspirations set out in the SE Vision 2025. The SE Fellows Definition Committee created a SE Worldviews survey to investigate current perceptions of INCOSE members. Analysis of Results for the Systems Engineering Worldviews Survey (July 2017) contains an analysis of the results summarized and aggregated into five broad questions as follows: 1. What is Systems Engineering (SE)? 2. What are the defining characteristics of SE? 3. What is the scope of SE? 4. Who should have knowledge of SE, and 5. What does the future of SE look like? The analysis contains comparisons of paired question responses and results with agreement percentages at 80% and above.
Implementation of A3 architectural overviews in Lean Product Development Teams; A case study in the Subsea Industry
Authors: Løndal Sindre , Flak Kristin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a case study investigating the use of A3 Architectural Overviews (A3AOs) in lean product development teams. A3AOs is a tool used in product development and lean manufacturing to increase communication and knowledge sharing across the organization. We studied the implementation in an engineering department of a global oil and gas supplier, by performing a case study and extensive depth interviews. We also studied earlier implementation initiatives of A3s in a thorough literature review. A finding was that, although current and former research have shown clear benefits of utilizing this tool, the company rarely uses it today. We wanted to investigate challenges with creating and implementing A3AO in the organization. Our results show that A3AOs may be a well‐suited tool to improve the requirements handover process within the company. We also make an outline of challenges and benefits with using and implementing A3AOs in the researched engineering department, with the goal to successfully implement A3AOs in the future.
Making Future‐Proofing Design Decision under Uncertainty
Authors: Rehman Obaid Ur , Ryan Michael J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe future‐proofing methodology is based on the fact that system design must focus on more than the acquisition of the system and must consider the whole‐of‐lifecycle issues early in system design to develop an efficient and long‐lasting sustainable design. For a sustainable design, the process such as design for sustainable future‐proofing (DfSFP) requires that the design must consider the impact of the design on system's sustainability element. Therefore impact on the system must be assessed by the designer which may require feedback from the stakeholders and system users. However, detailed design data and useful feedback from the stakeholders not always available during the conceptual stage. Thus decision for future‐proofing a system on the basis of early design and user data must consider the associated uncertainties. In this paper, we present a novel future‐proof design selection methodology which incorporates the data uncertainties and fuzziness in a systematic and an effective way. The methodology is based on the analytic hierarchy process which is modified to include a stochastic process to address data uncertainties and fuzziness in the future‐proofing decision‐making process. The proposed methodology provides a useful tool for the future‐proof system designer to visualize the impact of uncertainty and fuzziness in the data to make an effective future‐proofing decision. In order to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed approach, an example of the construction of the future‐proof house is presented. In the example, future‐proofing solutions are analyzed and the most sustainable solution is chosen.
Improved biomechanics of two alternative kyphoplasty cementation methods limit vertebral recollapse
Authors: Alamin Todd , Kleimeyer John P. , Woodall James R. , Agarwal Vijay , Don Angus , Lindsey Derek 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThe clinical efficacy of vertebral cement augmentation for compression fractures (VCFs) remains undetermined. Recent studies have shown that refracture and progression of deformity may occur after augmentation with significant clinical consequences. Vertebral body height loss following kyphoplasty has also been observed with cyclic loading. We hypothesized that height loss is partly due to lack of cement fill past the margin of cancellous bone created by balloon expansion with subsequent failure under load. The biomechanical characteristics of two alternative cementation techniques were compared to standard kyphoplasty in cyclically loaded cadaveric VCF constructs. Sectioned osteoporotic thoracolumbar cadaveric spines were compressed to 75% of anterior vertebral height. Specimens were then allocated to standard kyphoplasty, balloon pressurization (BP), with reinflation of the balloon after 50% cement injection, or endplate post (EP), with perforation of the cavity rim using an articulating curette prior to injection. Following cementation, each specimen was preconditioned and loaded over 100,000 cycles. All techniques improved vertebral height (p's < 0.005). The EP and BP techniques provided greater cement fill than the standard technique (p's ≤ 0.01). Normalized vertebral height loss following 100,000 cycles was reduced with the EP technique versus standard kyphoplasty (p < 0.04). Height loss was inversely correlated with cement fill (p < 0.03). No vertebral recollapse occurred with the EP technique in blinded radiographic analysis. Statement of clinical significance: The EP technique demonstrated improved biomechanical characteristics versus the standard technique in cadaveric osteoporotic VCF constructs with decreased recollapse following cementation. This technique may have increased efficacy in cases when kyphoplasty more substantially improves vertebral body height. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3225–3230, 2018.
Sulforaphane absorption and histone deacetylase activity following single dosing of broccoli sprout supplement in normal dogs
Authors: Curran Kaitlin M. , Bracha Shay , Wong Carmen P. , Beaver Laura M. , Stevens Jan F. , Ho Emily 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe role of epigenetic alterations during cancer has gained increasing attention and has resulted in a paradigm shift in our understanding of mechanisms leading to cancer susceptibility. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate derived from the precursor glucosinolate, glucoraphanin (GFN), which is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. Sulforaphane has been shown to suppress tumour growth by several mechanisms including inhibiting histone deacetylases. The objective of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of sulforaphane absorption following a single oral dose of a broccoli sprout supplement in normal dogs. A single dose of broccoli sprout supplement (with active myrosinase) was orally administered to 10 healthy adult dogs. Blood and urine samples were collected prior to dosing, and at various time points post‐dosing. Plasma total SFN metabolite levels peaked at 4 h post‐consumption and were cleared by 24 h post‐consumption. Urinary SFN metabolites peaked at 4 h post‐consumption, and remained detectable at 24 and 48 h post‐supplement consumption. A trend for decrease in histone deacetylase activity was observed at 1 h post‐consumption and a significant decrease was observed at 24 h post‐consumption. The data presented herein indicate that oral SFN is absorbed in dogs, SFN metabolites are detectable in plasma and urine post‐dosing, and SFN and its metabolites have some effect on histone deacetylase activity following a single dose.
A mobile tool for capturing greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Sutphin Andrew L. , Maechtle Thomas L. , Kirol Christopher P. , Fedy Bradley C. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTCapturing greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) using standard approaches can be challenging and inefficient, particularly in areas with relatively small populations and patchy habitat. In areas with low population densities, traditional trapping techniques such as drop‐netting and spotlighting have been largely ineffective. To increase trapping efficiency in such situations, we developed a new method to capture greater sage‐grouse in Wyoming, USA, during spring and autumn 2008–2011. We captured 92 sage‐grouse (30 adult females, 57 yearling females, 3 hatch‐year females, and 2 adult males) using a CODA net launcher modified to mount on a front receiver of a truck or all‐terrain vehicle. We had 71% success (82 successful captures of ≥ 1 grouse in 115 attempts). We captured grouse during spring on the periphery of leks, to reduce disturbance of lekking behavior, and during autumn along gravel roads. Capture mortality was <1.0%. We recorded low mortality (4.6%) up to 2 weeks postcapture that may have been attributed to capture and handling stress. This technique proved effective at capturing greater sage‐grouse and we believe this method can be effective at capturing other lekking species of prairie grouse with similar behavioral traits. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Identification of QTLs for tolerance to hypoxia during germination in rice
Authors: Kim Suk-Man , Reinke Russell F. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDirect seeding of rice as a method of crop establishment is increasingly being adopted by farmers as a means of saving labor and reducing costs. However, the method often results in a poor environment for germination as excessive water levels after seeding can cause poor seedling establishment and a concomitant reduction in yield potential, especially in submergence-prone areas. In this study, we discovered QTLs associated with tolerance of anaerobic germination (AG) in new genetic accessions using genotypic data derived from the Illumina 6K SNP chip. The mapping population developed for QTL analysis comprised 285 F2:3 plants derived from a cross between Tai Nguyen and Anda. In order to evaluate AG tolerance within the mapping population, phenotyping was carried out under anaerobic conditions for 21 days. Three QTLs associated with AG tolerance were identified in the population, qAG1a and qAG1b on chromosome 1 and qAG8 on chromosome 8 using composite interval mapping (CIM). The percentage of variance explained by these QTLs ranged from 5.49 to 14.14%. The lines with three QTLs (qAG1b + qAG1a + qAG8) demonstrated an approximate 50% survival rate under anaerobic conditions, while lines with two QTLs including qAG1b demonstrated survival rates of 36 and 32% after the treatment, respectively. The QTLs detected in this study may be used to improve AG tolerance during germination and may be combined with other QTLs for anaerobic germination to enhance adaptation to direct seeding and to broaden the understanding of the genetic control of tolerance of germination under anaerobic conditions.
A 1 Ma sea surface temperature record from the North Atlantic and its implications for the early human occupation of Britain
Authors: Candy Ian , Alonso-Garcia Montserrat 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe British Quaternary sequence has an exceptionally rich record of Palaeolithic archaeology up to 1 Ma. In this study, we reinvestigate foraminifera-based sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions from the two marine core records (Ocean Drilling Program Site 980 and M23414) that are most relevant to the climatic history of the British Isles, consequently allowing the evolution of SST over the past 1 Ma to be studied. This is then compared with long-term changes with the British archaeological record in order to understand in greater detail the changing patterns of climatic forcing and the major climatic transitions that were the background environmental drivers against which patterns of early human occupation occurred. These include the mid-Pleistocene revolution, the mid-Brunhes event, and changing patterns of isotopic substage complexity. Significantly, however, the SST record indicates that the Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 15–13 interval was characterised by the most prolonged period of consistently warm conditions of the entire 1 Ma interval in the northeast Atlantic. This unique climatic period correlates with the first major proliferation of archaeological sites in northwest Europe. The article concludes by discussing the significance of these climatic shifts for our understanding of early human occupation in this region.
Socio-economic differences in retirement timing and participation in post-retirement employment in a context of a flexible pension age
Authors: Leinonen Taina , Chandola Tarani , Laaksonen Mikko , Martikainen Pekka 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSocio-economic circumstances influence later-life employment participation, which may take different forms as retirement processes are complex. We aimed to explore the diverse effects of various socio-economic sub-domains on pre- and post-retirement employment. We used Finnish register data to examine socio-economic predictors of time to retirement (i.e.receiving the statutory pension) using Cox regression analysis and on time spent in post-retirement employment using repeated negative binomial regression analysis over a follow-up between the ages of 63 and 68,i.e.the flexible pension age range. An average wage earner still employed at age 62 spent 13.5 months in pre-retirement employment (this corresponds to time to retirement) and 4.8 months in post-retirement employment. Those with tertiary education retired later, but the educational differences in the total time spent in employment were small when post-retirement employment was also considered. There was little variation in the timing of retirement by household income, but those in the highest quintile spent the longest time in post-retirement employment. Upper non-manual employees, home renters and those with high household debt retired later, and those with high household debt also spent a longer time in post-retirement employment. In a national flexible pension age system, high occupational class and household income thus appear to encourage either later retirement or participation in post-retirement employment. However, economic constraints also appear to necessitate continued employment.
Using an Inverse Model to Reconcile Differences in Simulated and Observed Global Ethane Concentrations and Trends Between 2008 and 2014
Authors: Monks S. A. , Wilson C. , Emmons L. K. , Hannigan J. W. , Helmig D. , Blake N. J. , Blake D. R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe use a global model, TOMCAT, and an inverse model, INVICAT, to estimate emissions of ethane (C2H6) between 2008 and 2014 by assimilating surface flask observations. We find that baseline global emissions in 2008 need to increase by a factor of 2.04–2.11 in order for the model to capture C2H6 observations, indicating large biases in current emission inventories. Most of this increase occurs over North America and Eurasia, with temperate North American emissions accounting for 23–26% of the total global emission increase and temperate Eurasian emissions accounting for 35–37%. Further to this, recent peer‐reviewed analysis of long‐term observational records shows an increase in C2H6 in the Northern Hemisphere since ~2009. Our results indicate that annual global emissions of C2H6 have increased at a rate of 0.27 ± 0.54–0.33 ± 0.44 Tg/yr2 between 2008 and 2014. A statistically significant positive trend of 0.20 ± 0.11–0.24 ± 0.13 Tg/yr2 (p ≤ 0.01) is found in temperate North America, resulting in emissions that are 31–32% larger in 2014 than in 2008. Our results corroborate previous studies' conclusions that a rapid increase in oil and natural gas production in United States over this time period is likely a large driver of the change in emissions.
Late Cenozoic Foreland‐to‐Hinterland Low‐Temperature Exhumation History of the Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Gavillot Yann , Meigs Andrew J. , Sousa Francis J. , Stockli Daniel , Yule Doug , Malik Manzoor 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNew apatite and zircon (U‐Th)/He cooling ages quantify late Cenozoic exhumation patterns associated with fault activity across the Kashmir Himalaya. Apatite (U‐Th)/He (AHe) cooling ages of detrital grains from the Sub‐Himalayan foreland sediments indicate significant resetting. AHe data and thermal modeling reveal cooling and exhumation initiated by 4 Ma at the deformation front and by 2–4 Ma throughout other Sub‐Himalayan structures. Exhumation rates for Sub‐Himalayan structures are ≥1 mm/year. In the hinterland, thrust sheet samples from the Main Boundary thrust and Main Central thrust yield AHe cooling ages between 5.1 and 21.1 Ma. Published apatite fission track cooling ages (<3 Ma) and high exhumation rates (3.6–3.2 mm/year) across the Kishtwar window further to the north are consistent with AHe data from the Sub‐Himalayan structures. The pattern of cooling ages and rates indicates that exhumation occurs in association with changes in the Himalayan basal décollement ramp geometry. Hinterland zircon (U‐Th)/He (ZHe) data show a pronounced abundance and probability spike in cooling ages between 14 and 21 Ma, a period when Main Central thrust motion is well documented throughout the Himalaya. ZHe single‐grain ages from Sub‐Himalayan samples contain a nearly identical cluster from 16 to 23 Ma. Cooling patterns across the Kashmir Himalayas do not correlate spatially with modern monsoon precipitation, suggesting that climate‐related precipitation and exhumation are decoupled. Coeval translation over the basal décollement and distributed imbricate thrust deformation of the foreland in the upper plate characterizes fault‐related exhumation of the Sub‐Himalayan orogenic belt after 4 Ma.
Evidence for Surface Faulting Earthquakes on the Montereale Fault System (Abruzzi Apennines, Central Italy)
Authors: Cinti F. R. , Civico R. , Blumetti A. M. , Chiarini E. , La Posta E. , Pantosti D. , Papasodaro F. , Smedile A. , De Martini P. M. , Villani F. , Pinzi S. , Pucci S. , Brunori C. A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe conducted paleoseismic studies along the Montereale fault system (MFS; central Italy). The MFS shows geomorphological evidence of Late Quaternary activity and falls within the highest seismic hazard zone of central Apennines, between the epicentral areas of two recent earthquake sequences: 2009 L'Aquila and 2016–2017 central Italy. We excavated two trenches along the San Giovanni fault splay of the system, one intercepting the N140° striking bedrock main fault plane and the other cutting two subparallel fault scarps on the colluvial/alluvial deposits on the fault hanging wall. Excavations revealed repeated fault reactivation with surface faulting in prehistorical and historical times. We recognized and dated seven events in the last 26 kyr. The most recent ground‐rupturing event (evb1) possibly occurred 650–1,820 AD, consistent with one of the three main shocks that struck the area in 1,703 AD. A previous event (evb2) occurred between 5,330 bcand 730 bc, while older events occurred at 6,590–5,440 bc(evb3), 9,770–6,630 bc(evb4), and 16,860–13,480 bc(evb5). We documented two older displacement events (evb7 and evb6) between 23,780 bcand 16,850 bc. The minimum vertical slip rate at the trench site in the last 28–24 kyr is 0.3–0.4 mm/year. The inferred average recurrence interval for surface‐faulting events along the MFS is no longer than ~4 kyr. Based on the surface fault length ranging between 12 and 20 km, earthquakes with ≥M6.0 are possible for the MFS. The MFS is an independent earthquake source, and its paleoseismic data are fully comparable with those known for faults in central Apennines.