bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations on oxidation and microstructure evolution of pure Cu in simulated air–kerosene combustion atmospheres
Authors: Xie Dongbai , Shan Guo , Deng Shi , Liu Yi 
Published: September 2016

SummaryCopper is among the most frequently found metallic residues in fire scene environment. Investigations on the thermal patterns produced on copper after fire scene exposure can provide important physical evidence for fire cause/origin determination. In this paper, the high temperature oxidation behaviors and the accompanying micro‐structural changes of pure copper have been studied in air and laboratory simulated kerosene‐combustion atmospheres at 600–800 °C. The oxidation kinetics, morphologies and microstructures of the oxide scales‐substrate were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffractions. The results reveal that the increasing temperature can significantly affect the oxide properties and modify the substrate metallurgical microstructure. Especially, the presence of kerosene in the environmental atmosphere has caused accelerated oxidation and produced oxide scales different from those formed in air alone. These feature evolutions in surface oxides and substrate are expected to offer complementary insight on determining the fire characteristics, such as the exposure temperature, time period and whether liquid accelerant is involved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Competition Have an Effect on Price and Quality in Physiotherapy?
Authors: Pekola Piia , Linnosmaa Ismo , Mikkola Hennamari 
Published: September 2016

SummaryWe estimate the effect of competition on quality and prices in physiotherapy organised and financed by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland for disabled individuals. Within the physiotherapy market, firms participate in competitive bidding, prices are determined by the market, services are free at the point of use and firms are allowed to react to patient choice only by enhancing quality. Firm‐level data (n = 854) regarding quality and price were analysed. Using 2SLS estimation techniques, we analysed the relationship between quality and competition, and price and competition. Our study found that competition has a negative (yet weak) effect on quality. Prices on the other hand are not affected by competition. The result is likely caused by imperfect information, because it seems that the Social Insurance Institution of Finland has provided too little information for patients to make adequate choices about proper service providers. We argue that by publishing quality information, it is possible to ease the decision‐making of patients and influence the quality strategies of firms active in the physiotherapy market. Moreover, we found that competition appeared as an exogenous variable in this study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating Matching‐Adjusted Indirect Comparisons in Practice: A Case Study of Patients with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Shafrin Jason , Shrestha Anshu , Chandra Amitabh , Erder M. Haim , Sikirica Vanja 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDifferences in patient characteristics across trials may bias efficacy estimates from indirect treatment comparisons. To address this issue, matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) measures treatment efficacy after weighting individual patient data to match patient characteristics across trials. To date, however, there is no consensus on how best to implement MAIC. To address this issue, we applied MAIC to measure how two attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatments (guanfacine extended release and atomoxetine hydrochloride) affect patients' ADHD symptoms, as measured by the ADHD Rating Scale IV score. We tested MAIC sensitivity to: matched patient characteristics, matched statistical moments, weighting matrix, and placebo‐arm matching (i.e., matching on outcomes in the placebo arm). After applying MAIC, guanfacine and atomoxetine had similar reductions in ADHD symptoms (Δ: 0.4, p < 0.737). The results were similar for three of four sensitivity analyses. When we applied MAIC with placebo‐arm matching, however, guanfacine reduced symptoms more than atomoxetine (Δ: −3.9, p < 0.004). We discuss the implication of this finding and advise MAIC practitioners to carefully consider the use of placebo‐arm matching, depending on the presence of residual confounding across trials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ESEM: Automated Systems Analysis using Executable SysML Modeling Patterns
Authors: Karban Robert , Jankevičius Nerijus , Elaasar Maged 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSysML is a modeling language used for systems analysis and design. While some domain‐specific analyses (e.g., finite element analysis) can only be specified in SysML when combined with other vocabulary, many common analyses can be modeled purely in SysML using its parametric and behavioral semantics. In this paper, we focus on one kind of analysis, which is requirements verification, and propose a new Executable System Engineering Method (ESEM) that automates it using executable SysML modeling patterns that involve structural, behavioral and parametric diagrams. The resulting analysis model becomes executable using a general purpose SysML execution engine. We present our method and demonstrate it on a running example derived from an industrial case study where we have verified the power requirements of a telescope system. It involves dynamic power roll‐ups in different operational scenarios and shows the automation capabilities of this method.
The Project Manager, Systems Engineer and the Conflict over Project Resources
Authors: Zeierman Shimon , Ben‐Asher Joseph Z. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractProject teams are expected to meet scope, time and budget goals simultaneously. It has been observed that many projects conducted nowadays are not able to successfully meet all three objectives at project's completion. Looking deep into project dynamics shows us that there is a built‐in conflict originating from the need to meet scope requirements with limited time and money resources. This conflict appears to weaken the ability of project teams to meet all objectives successfully because it impairs cooperation among team members.In the paper we share some observations and suggest some tools that might help the project team to enhance cooperation, overcome the conflict and improve overall project performance. First we note that many projects have reserves of scope, schedule and budget. In part of these projects the reserves span the whole project plans. This is typical to projects for which planning is done in a conservative manner prior to taking a commitment. In other instances the reserves are found only in part of project plans while the other parts are under‐estimated. This is a reflection of the uncertainty typical for most projects as of project kick‐off and on till uncertainty is mitigated. Second we suggest some techniques to use these reserves in a way that helps the team to meet its objectives. We propose to establish and use a requirements buffer, in an analogous manner to the already established time buffer suggested in the Theory of Constraints. Then we propose a methodology to manage resource buffers in a manner that overcomes the shortcomings of current buffer management methodology. In order to further improve collaboration between project team members we suggest abandoning some common practices in the interface between the project manager and the systems engineer, practices that do not contribute and sometimes even interfere with the ability of the team to meet project objectives.
Curriculum Alignment Use Case for Competency Frameworks at the Naval Postgraduate School
Authors: Whitcomb Clifford A. , Khan Rabia , White Corina 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, is sponsoring a strategic initiative led by a team from the Naval Postgraduate School Systems Engineering Department to implement an overall approach to study and develop a systems engineering career competency model. Competencies are defined as the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a systems engineer to perform tasks related to the discipline. The Naval Postgraduate School has used a competency framework for educational curriculum development purposes. Each competency and the associated KSAs are partitioned into a series of typical career development points, to allow for planning and tracking of a competency‐based development of systems engineers. The focus of this paper is on use of competency frameworks for aligning curricula to meet stakeholder competency requirements, using a specific course implementation example.
Understanding mission objectives and priorities with QFD
Authors: Goderstad Arne Benjamin , Haskins Cecilia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTranslating the customer's perception of quality and performance into technical terms and requirements for a product is important for guiding design, verification, and process development. Capturing the unspoken priorities and communicating them through the organization can efficiently guide the product or service development towards solutions that meet the customers’ needs. The methods used at Kongsberg Defence Systems today do not sufficiently capture and communicate the voice of the customer and their fundamental needs. The research uncovered that key decision makers in the organization had significant variance in their understanding of customer priorities, and a partial misalignment with the priorities provided by customer representatives. The implementation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for the Joint Strike Missile provided an effective communication tool for customer needs, and illuminated the relative importance of system attributes and how they relate to the customer's priorities. This paper argues that the Quality Function Deployment is a valuable tool communicating mission objectives, to enable innovation, and to guide verification and validation efforts at a later stage. For complex products, however, QFD shows weaknesses that must be addressed to support efficient decision making.
Back to Basics – Up, Out, and Down: Three Critical Perspectives for the Systems Engineer
Authors: Walden David D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper introduces three key perspectives critical for success as a Systems Engineer. First, one must look up to fully understand the higher‐levels you are a part of. Second, one must look out to understand the critical peer‐level interfaces and relationships. And finally, one must look down to understand the lower levels that are part of your responsibility. To illustrate these perspectives, examples will be provided for three viewpoints: systems, requirements, and projects/teams.
Using Visual Diagrams and Patterns for Consistent and Complete Requirements
Authors: Lempia David , Schindel Bill , Hrabik Terry , McGill Stewart , Graber Mike 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper describes a visual and textual requirements representation based upon Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) requirements patterns. This underlying representation is a rethinking of the concepts behind systems requirements. It takes into account the subjective stakeholder value, the life cycle modes, objective technical behavior and it combines the best of agile User Stories with MBSE patterns.This underlying MBSE requirements pattern improves the quality of conversations between key stakeholders of the system. Agile User Stories begin the conversation by focusing on the problem domain, addressed by MBSE pattern features. MBSE patterns then continue the conversation for the technical requirements.The content and relationships between the key MBSE patterns capture the product learning of the organization for use on future applications of similar products. The complexity of re‐use and re‐application is reduced by configurability. Organizations re‐apply this product learning in new products resulting in lower costs and increased quality.
Insights on the Experiences and Education of INCOSE‐Certified Expert Systems Engineering Professionals and Chief Systems Engineers
Authors: Jauregui Christina , Pyster Art , Henry Devanandham , Hutchison Nicole , Wright Courtney 
Published: September 2016

AbstractResearchers analyzed applications of individuals who were certified as INCOSE Expert Systems Engineering Professionals (ESEPs); these applications cover the period of March 2010 to May 2014. The applications include detailed descriptions of relevant systems engineering positions as well as the educational background of applicants, and analysis focused on these areas. The team compared its findings on the broader ESEP population with a subset of ESEPs who had held positions as Chief Systems Engineers (CSEs) or similar positions. The analyses provide insights into the backgrounds of CSEs, such as: the most common master's degree is in business and that by the time they complete their first assignment as a CSE, they are likely to have already performed nearly all of the 16 roles for developing systems engineers identified by the Helix project. (Hutchison 2015, Pyster et al. 2015a and 2015b) These findings were compared with findings on chief systems engineers from the Helix project.
Implementation of a Systems Engineering Approach to the Management of a Planetary Defense Team Project in an Intensive Space Studies Program Using IPPD
Authors: Silva‐Martinez Jackelynne , Hussein Alaa , Wilson Thomas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPlanetary Defense is an important and challenging topic, and long‐term mitigation of asteroid impacts have been discussed by governments and space agencies; however, short‐term solutions of comet impacts are rarely considered. 34 participants from 17 countries tackled this problem, a comet impact two years after detection, at the 2015‐Space Studies Program and produced the Roadmap for EArth Defense Initiatives (READI). The Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) methodology was used to identify the mission statement, define requirements and needs, and provide possible solutions. This paper concentrates on how the IPPD was applied as a systems approach to each phase of our project, where the whole system was Planetary Defense, and its architectural decomposition was divided into five key elements: detection and tracking, deflection techniques, global collaboration, outreach and education, and evacuation and recovery. The importance of applying human factor concepts throughout the project is addressed through challenges faced, solutions applied, and lessons learned. Verification and validation of selected options are presented, along with the use of various project management tools. Furthermore, we discuss our results and recommendations for Planetary Defense, as they are products of our analysis using the IPPD approach to systems engineering.
A Vision for Human‐Model Interaction in Interactive Model‐Centric Systems Engineering
Authors: Rhodes Donna H. , Ross Adam M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe Interactive Model‐Centric Systems Engineering (IMCSE) research program arises from the unique opportunity to investigate the various aspects of humans interacting with models and model‐generated data, in the context of systems engineering practice. This paper explores the dimensions of this interaction and shares findings from a recent workshop organized to seed the initial research agenda. Many open areas of inquiry exist; examples include: use cases for stakeholders interacting with models; how multiple stakeholders interact with each other using models and model generated information; facets of human interaction with visualizations and large data sets; and underlying fundamentals such as model purpose and model handling. Realizing the envisioned future for an interactive model‐centric systems engineering experience will require new knowledge and ways of working, and innovation in constructs and technologies. A shared research agenda is proposed as a means to provide a common frame for alignment and synergies of research across the community. Research needs and progress are discussed and several ongoing research projects are briefly discussed.
An Integral Approach to Risk Management
Authors: Devaney Kevin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractINCOSE Vision 2025 identifies risk management as one of Systems Engineering's fundamental challenges, noting that “most major disasters such as Challenger and Columbia have resulted from failure to recognize and deal with risks” (INCOSE, 2014). At last year's INCOSE International Symposium, it was proposed that Integral Theory models could help improve both the theory and practice of systems engineering (Devaney, 2015). In this paper, the potential benefits of applying Integral Theory models to risk management are explored.
Evaluation of System Integration and Qualification Strategies using the Technical Debt metaphor; a case study in Subsea System Development
Authors: Callister Peter S. , Andersson Jonas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn software engineering, technical debt is often used to measure and describe the cost of accumulated work tasks resulting from design decisions deviating from the intended architecture of systems. This paper investigates how to apply the technical debt metaphor to support the selection of integration strategy for complex subsea systems.The investigation presented in the paper is based on a case study that compares several aspects of technical debt in two alternative integration strategies used in an ongoing subsea development project at Aker Solutions (AKSO). Especially, aspects related to using technical debt to describe consequences of unexpected systems emergence during integration, and performing integration activities earlier in the development lifecycle, or in parallel with other engineering activities, have been investigated. The paper furthermore compare and support the case study results with literature.Results from the case study indicate that there is a higher level of inadvertent technical debt related to integration strategies that conduct Integration and Qualification activities late in the development lifecycle, or incorporate a temporal gap between activities for design, and integration.
Architecture as a Solution Schema for a Class of Problems
Authors: Natarajan Swaminathan , Kumar Anand , Nori Kesav V. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe field of architecture has had some difficulty in defining precisely what architecture is, and how exactly it differs from design. There are widely accepted definitions, and other conceptions have been proposed, yet there is some sense that the full essence of what we intuitively grasp as architecture has not been explicated.We propose a simple framing, that architecture is a solution schema for a class of problems. We contend that taking an architectural approach to any problem involves abstracting the problem to selectively include not only the current instance, but future instances and variants into which this problem may morph over time. Formulation of this architectural problem through abstraction and a solution schema which asserts the capability to address selected stakeholder concerns differentiate architecture from point solution design. We show how this framing leads directly to the accepted definition that architecture consists of components, connectors and principles and guidelines governing system evolution. The discussion indicates why architecture necessarily involves holism and patterns, whereas design is more analytical.
Applying A3 problem resolution to new system design to improve performance and reduce rework
Authors: Svendsen Alexander , Haskins Cecilia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThere is a need for constant improvement in today's projects/technology to stay competitive in the Oil and Gas market. This motivates actors in this domain to constantly anticipate the need for new products through innovation and development efforts that result in advanced subsea products. One such product is the Subsea Gas Compression module (SGC), the first installation of its kind. Aker Solutions has worked on standardizing Subsea Production Systems (SPS) and developed a quality system to fit these projects. When initiating new product development, Aker Solutions needs to adapt their quality system to define work processes suitable for an innovative project, which may demand other focus areas than for a traditional Major Subsea Project. At the time SGC project execution reached System Integration Testing (SIT) several errors were discovered. Some of these were attributed to late life design changes, multidisciplinary complexity and poor application of the Project Execution Model (PEM). This paper explores the SGC project from a retrospective viewpoint, investigating errors discovered during SIT by performing Root Cause Analysis, and recommends, based on the results, that the company updates the PEM with targeted activities for new product development to improve performance and reduce rework during later stages of development.
On the Nature of Systems of Systems
Authors: FREng Peter Brook 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAs Systems of Systems proliferate in our increasingly connected world, so Systems of Systems Engineering is likely to become the predominant concern of INCOSE. There is merit therefore in taking a fresh look at how we define and categorise the subject, which has grown considerably since it was first identified in the 1990's. This paper is based on observations on the field of SoSE as it is now practised, with an attempt to re‐address how it might be codified in a logical manner. Paradoxes and difficulties remain, and others are encouraged to take up the continuing challenge of rationalising the underpinnings of this key subject.
Influencing Message Propagation in a Social Network Using Embedded Boolean Networks: A Demonstration Using Agent‐Based Modeling
Authors: Polacek George A. , Verma Dinesh , Yang Steve Y. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA Boolean network is a self‐organizing construct originally developed in the field of theoretical biology to investigate the limited variety of processes within genetic networks. Our research objective is to reformulate this descriptive biological/mathematical model into an engineering approach that can be used to shape the operational state space of a targeted complex system in a desired way. We demonstrate this by coupling the state control of a Boolean network to the rules used by the agents in an agent‐based system, thereby controlling when these rules are expressed. The application presented in this paper uses an agent‐based model of the financial community network on Twitter as the target system. A Boolean network is employed to influence the propagation of information through the community by inhibiting the retweeting rule of agents with high network centrality. The results are compared against those produced by manually removing the high centrality nodes.
Lessons learnt in the development of a Concurrent Engineering Infrastructure
Authors: Golkar Alessandro 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe have recently completed the development of the Concurrent Engineering Design Laboratory at Skoltech, one of the first facilities of its kind in the Russian Federation. Concurrent engineering facilities are not built every day; sharing this experience is thus of high value for organizations seeking to develop a new facility from scratch. With our project, we acquired experience in developing concurrent engineering infrastructure, and learnt lessons along the way on how these facilities need to be architected, designed, and implemented, in order to effectively meet the needs and goals of the stakeholders, customers, and operators. The paper intends to describe this experience and formulates lessons learnt on what worked well and what could have worked better in our development project. This paper provides a useful contribution to this purpose, so that systems engineers may build upon our experience and build improved and more effective concurrent engineering laboratories.