bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Legal Requirements
Authors: Webel Christian , Steglich Rainer 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEver increasing complexity is one of the key challenges for software‐intensive systems. All phases of the system engineering lifecycle are affected; thus, appropriate methods, techniques, and tools must be provided to manage this increasing complexity. Another challenge arises from the fact that requirements are traditionally documented in natural language. This is especially true for legal artifacts such as laws or standards, since organizations are required to consider these kinds of legal requirements when bringing products to the market. Applying model‐based engineering approaches is one possibility to address these problems, but methodical uncertainties caused by a lack of method support have so far prevented their widespread use in early project phases. This paper addresses these uncertainties by introducing a systematic approach for modeling legal artifacts such as laws or standards. The method is assessed in the context of emission legislation in the automotive domain.
A Model‐Based Method for Design Option Evaluation of Off‐the‐Shelf Naval Platforms
Authors: Morris Brett A. , Cook Stephen C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOff‐the‐Shelf (OTS) strategies have become prevalent in the acquisition of naval platforms because the strategy is perceived as a means of reducing the acquisition cost and schedule risk. This paper covers a method to conduct an evaluation of shortlisted OTS naval platform design options that utilises Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). MBSE is used as a means of developing and managing the traceability of evaluation criteria, managing the evaluation itself and facilitating reuse of the design patterns present both in naval platforms and acquisition processes. The paper concludes with a description of a pilot test of the method for an Offshore Patrol Vessel, which found it to be useful to manage the evaluation criteria traceability, maintain design data and identify weak spots in OTS design options.
A Hybrid Approach for Supply Chain Analysis: An Application of Network and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Qiao Li , Ryan Michael 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study presents a quantitative method for investigating the network characteristics of supply chain management with the help of methodologies derived from the network analysis, which offers many techniques and indicators through measuring the links among nodes to demonstrate the structural patterns of connected systems. More precisely, this investigation derives the structural configuration of each function component within the supply chain by measuring the indicators of network analysis, including degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality and PageRank centrality. This study empirically tests an example of supply chain taken from 22 functional organizations based on supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. The results suggest the proposed method provides an appropriate understanding of each function organization in the supply chain model based on the structural characteristics relating to its network position on informational, material and functional flows. A number of recommendations are made regarding the role of importance be to understand based on the results of the network analysis.
A SE VSE Company Use Case
Authors: Marvin Joseph W. , Bailey Garth V. , Cadigan John J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPrime Solutions Group, Incorporated (PSG) is a systems engineering company and Very Small Entity that has benefited from association with INCOSE and specifically the Very Small Entity Working Group. This paper presents the company's use of the INCOSE Very Small Entity Working Group Deployment Packages for research projects, engineering services and software development. Further tailoring of the Very Small Entity Working Group Deployment Packages derived from ISO/IEC Technical Report 29110 into a System of Research & Development Innovation is discussed. Finally, the current INCOSE Technical Operations policy review and update activity is presented as an example of applying Very Small Entity systems engineering process on INCOSE. The objective of the paper is to describe the application of an INCOSE technical product in the small business world.
Future Proofing Process
Authors: Rehman Obaide Ur , Ryan Michael J. , Efatmaneshnik Mahmoud 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFuture‐proofing (FP) is one of the ways to obtain a system design which deters obsolescence and extends the system's service life. In this paper, the concept of future‐proofing is discussed and a systematic FP process is proposed. The paper discusses in details the difference between system life‐cycle value (LCV) and future‐proofing. In addition, this paper also presents the FP process which helps designer to address systematically the design issues associated with the system which is required to have a significantly long life. To assist in understanding the process, new system categories are proposed taking into account the desired system requirement for FP. Finally, several mechanism to achieve FP is discussed based on the selected system category.
Conceptual Data Modeling for the Functional Decomposition of Mission Capabilities
Authors: Battigaglia Andrew , Brimhall Erika , Ogle Terry 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo have a complete understanding of implementation‐agnostic functional decompositions of mission capabilities, the data elements consumed and produced by functions must be captured and explained. This paper details a method employing a conceptual data modeling approach to formally document data elements and the interactions between those elements with a structured data architecture. This approach uses the concepts of entities, relationships, and the observable characteristics of those entities and relationships to clearly define the context of the data interchanges and represents the interchanges through different views of the conceptual data model. An example of developing a conceptual data model including views using the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACETM) data architecture is demonstrated. Finally, the data model and functional decomposition are linked together to give a complete context for the mission capability. The process of developing and linking to the data model improves the functional decomposition and enables communication of decomposition context.
I Don't Need Requirements – I Know What I'm Doing! Usability as a Critical Human Factor in Requirements Management
Authors: Hoehne Oliver 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook Version 4.0 lists the word “process” 1,597 times, yet the word “people” only 65 times. This paper argues that human aspect (people) considerations are similarly underrepresented in requirements management (RM), and that RM focuses mainly on processes and products (tools). This is also reflected in the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2011 abstract that refers to “provisions for the processes and products related to the engineering of requirements …”. The paper makes the case that due to the lack of human aspect considerations many requirements specifications do not meet the definition of usability, where requirement specification users can achieve their objectives with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.The consumer behavior theory suggests that if (requirements specifications) consumption is made too difficult, then consumers will want to move on to things they actually find satisfying (e.g. design, implementation, testing). By providing requirements specifications that are not readily usable to consumers, an additional processing burden is placed on them, and consumers might succumb to the temptation to cut the requirements analysis phase short. Combined with overconfidence, this may result in requirements consumers to move on, stating: “I have done this before. I don't need requirements. I know what I'm doing!”. This paper will identify the underlying root cause, and propose a method to introduce usability into the requirements management process, making the process more practical and convenient for the requirements consumer, and as a result, achieve better project performance.
Designing Inter‐factory architecture for Higher adaptability of Manufacturing supply chain based on Systems engineering
Authors: Jun‐Yeong Kim , Dae‐Geun Hong , Suk‐Hwan Suh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA manufacturing supply chain is a set of multi‐vendors directly connected by one or more upstream and downstream processes producing goods from source materials for customers. From this point of view, management is an activity to optimize its value‐added processes, materials, final goods, and related information among suppliers, manufacturers and customers. Most previous researches regarding optimizing manufacturing supply chain had been concentrated on analyzing statistically and configuring to fix supply chains like vertical or horizontal integrations as there was little possibility of flexible and adaptable production systems.This research is an extension of a concept of Modular factory. This research proposes Inter‐factory architecture for setting higher flexibility and adaptability on manufacturing supply chains accordance to customer's specific needs. The researched architecture is physically designed as a prototype of inter‐factory order management system. In order to make order acknowledgement from customer's specific needs, this system attributes with primary functions, (1) searching candidates of multi‐vendor, (2) check their factory facility and utility specifications, (3) verifying their enable manufacturing schedules.
Whose Line is it Anyway? Using MBSE in the Management and Acceptance of the Defence Lines of Development
Authors: Dent Matthew , Shield Simon , Reeves Andy , Royston Jamie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAs we continue to apply Systems Engineering and Model Based Approaches to the acquisition of complex and closely coupled systems, the ability to map, analyse and manage the interfaces across all the component elements of a capability presents a significant challenge. This paper provides an overview of the application of a Model Based Systems Engineering Approach to a case study, supported by the Whole‐of‐System Analytical Framework (WSAF), to manage the integration and acceptance of the Defence Lines of Development (DLOD) and its application to a case study in the United Kingdom (UK) defence acquisition domain. The approach seeks to provide the ability to conduct analysis of DLOD elements down to a significant level of granularity, including the inter‐ and intra‐DLOD dependencies. The aim being to provide a comprehensive, consistent and systematic view of the DLODs across a complex and disparate stakeholder landscape. This supports the ability to manage the integration and acceptance of the DLODs which, when successfully effected, deliver military capability.
A Case Study of Systems Engineering Implementation in Designing Electronic Blast Systems
Authors: Whyte Aldaine , Erasmus Louwrence 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIt is not known if a lack of formal system engineering processes being used in the design and development of new and existing systems, lead to high risk of failure in the implementation of electronic blast systems. In mining, more specifically electronic blast systems, minimal research exists on the application of system engineering principles and practices to deliver better systems faster, and more cost‐effectively compared to that of ad‐hoc, non‐systemic approaches. The main objective of the research was to determine how well system engineering processes are applied in electronic blast systems implementation. The investigations showed results of the measurement through the SECM models and revealed that the company is on maturity level of 2 with aspects of level 3 in all three focus‐area categories, namely technical, management and environment. The activities performed indicate that SECM outputs are managed to a plan, and there are some defined organisation processes used to plan and execute activities. System engineering processes do exist but are informal, and most are not measured, and this prevents process improvement, and hence an increase SECM maturity level.
Reverse Engineering Risk: Converging Medical Standards for Improved Systems Engineering
Authors: Fomin Pavel , Scheible William G. , Guillaume‐Joseph Gina 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEarly systems engineering and active risk management have been credited with improving the Department of Defence's (DoD) ability to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical requirements. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) continues to identify risk management of critical technologies as a key contributor in schedule delays and cost overruns. A review by GAO of key DoD programs has found that specifically an increase in technical scope, interoperability requirements, and advanced technology integration has been the root cause for many of these delays. To address these findings, DoD mandates Technology Risk Assessments (TRA) of key technologies at specific milestone gates. Unfortunately, the tools and metrics supplied for the TRAs continue to rely on dated concepts that have failed to provide the objective insight into modern technology integration and interoperability requirements. This paper proposes a new approach for technical risk management that borrows from concepts in the medical field that treat risk management as a top‐down integrated system concept.
Model‐Based Systems Engineering Pathfinder: Informing the Next Steps
Authors: Weiland Karen J. , Holladay Jon 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn 2016, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center established a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) Pathfinder. The primary motivations for establishing the MBSE Pathfinder were to advance the Agency's applications of MBSE and capture lessons‐learned to inform the next steps. The MBSE Pathfinder had four teams working in parallel for eight months on different topics of interest to NASA. The teams were encouraged to learn, and use creativity and innovation in their system modeling. The results were captured via reports, webinars, and a knowledge capture meeting. The approach taken for the MBSE Pathfinder was very successful in providing a number of lessons‐learned for NASA and for other organizations considering MBSE or pathfinder efforts, and in building a very strong and collaborative user community.
Organizational Capabilities in a Government R&D Enterprise
Authors: Griego Regina M. , Craft Richard L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThere are unique challenges to developing organizational capability in government R&D organizations that support specialized national missions. The complex nature of developing capabilities in these organizations is highlighted and research questions and challenges are posed. In particular, two broad challenges identified in this paper – 1) being able to understand the enterprise well enough to identify likely impacts of contemplated decisions and 2) being able to coordinate planning and decision making amongst stakeholders across the enterprise – are explored. Systems engineering literature is used as the basis for exploring the challenges from multiple perspectives. The intention of this paper is to provide an adequate description of the challenges, discuss some strategies that have been tried or proposed, and engage in a dialogue with the systems engineering community about other experiences in addressing the complexity of managing and evolving government R&D capability.
Relationship between peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha activity and cellular concentration of 14 perfluoroalkyl substances in HepG2 cells
Authors: Rosenmai Anna Kjerstine , Ahrens Lutz , le Godec Théo , Lundqvist Johan , Oskarsson Agneta 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a molecular target for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Little is known about the cellular uptake of PFASs and how it affects the PPARα activity. We investigated the relationship between PPARα activity and cellular concentration in HepG2 cells of 14 PFASs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonates and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). Cellular concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and PPARα activity was determined in transiently transfected cells by reporter gene assay. Cellular uptake of the PFASs was low (0.04–4.1%) with absolute cellular concentrations in the range 4–2500 ng mg−1 protein. Cellular concentration of PFCAs increased with perfluorocarbon chain length up to perfluorododecanoate. PPARα activity of PFCAs increased with chain length up to perfluorooctanoate. The maximum induction of PPARα activity was similar for short‐chain (perfluorobutanoate and perfluoropentanoate) and long‐chain PFCAs (perfluorododecanoate and perfluorotetradecanoate) (approximately twofold). However, PPARα activities were induced at lower cellular concentrations for the short‐chain homologs compared to the long‐chain homologs. Perfluorohexanoate, perfluoroheptanoate, perfluorooctanoate, perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoate induced PPARα activities >2.5‐fold compared to controls. The concentration–response relationships were positive for all the tested compounds, except perfluorooctane sulfonate PFOS and FOSA, and were compound‐specific, as demonstrated by differences in the estimated slopes. The relationships were steeper for PFCAs with chain lengths up to and including PFNA than for the other studied PFASs. To our knowledge, this is the first report establishing relationships between PPARα activity and cellular concentration of a broad range of PFASs.
Development of high strength siloxane poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers based on linked macrodiols for heart valve application
Authors: Dandeniyage Loshini S. , Gunatillake Pathiraja A. , Adhikari Raju , Bown Mark , Shanks Robert , Adhikari Benu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMixed macrodiol based siloxane poly(urethane‐urea)s (SiPUU) having number average molecular weights in the range 87–129 kDa/mol were synthesized to give elastomers with high tensile and tear strengths required to fabricate artificial heart valves. Polar functional groups were introduced into the soft segment to improve the poor segmental compatibility of siloxane polyurethanes. This was achieved by linking α,ω‐bis(6‐hydroxyethoxypropyl) poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or poly(hexamethylene oxide) (PHMO) macrodiols with either 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) or isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) prior to polyurethane synthesis. The hard segment was composed of MDI, and a 1:1 mixture of 1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane and 1,2‐ethylene diamine. We report the effect of urethane linkers in soft segments on properties of the SiPUU. PHMO linked with either MDI or IPDI produced SiPUU with the highest tensile and tear strengths. Linking PDMS hardly affected the tensile strength; however, the tear strength was improved. The stress‐strain curves showed no plastic deformation region typically observed for conventional polyurethanes indicating good creep resistance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1712–1720, 2018.
miR‐377‐3p drives malignancy characteristics via upregulating GSK‐3β expression and activating NF‐κB pathway in hCRC cells
Authors: Liu Wei‐Ying , Yang Zhen , Sun Qi , Yang Xi , Hu Yang , Xie Hong , Gao Hui‐Jie , Guo Li‐Ming , Yi Jian‐Ying , Liu Min , Tang Hua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been associated with carcinogenesis in many cancers, including human colorectal cancer (hCRC). However, the effect and mechanism of miR‐377‐3p on CRC remains elusive. Herein, we first found that miR‐377‐3p was upregulated in CRC tissues and promoted tumorigenic activity by accelerating the G1‐S phase transition, promoting cell proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) while repressing apoptosis in CRC cells. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) was a direct target of miR‐377‐3p, and upregulated by miR‐377‐3p. Knockdown of GSK‐3β partly rescued miR‐377‐3p‐mediated malignancy characteristics. Most importantly, we showed that miR‐377‐3p promoted carcinogenesis by activating NF‐κB pathway. Taken together, our results first reported that miR‐377‐3p functions as an oncogene and promotes carcinogenesis via upregulating GSK‐3β expression and activating NF‐κB pathway in hCRC cells.
Retracted: Interleukin‐6 promotes the migration and cellular senescence and inhibits apoptosis of human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells
Authors: Li Ran , Dong Juan , Bu Xiu‐Qin , Huang Yong , Yang Jing‐Yu , Dong Xuan , Liu Jie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBiliary epithelial cells (BEC) are closely related to some immune regulatory bile duct diseases. However, the complexity and polymorphism of the morphology and function of bile duct cells have hindered further investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate how interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) affects the migration, cellular senescence, and apoptosis of human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBECs). The HIBECs were stimulated by different concentrations of IL‐6 (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ng/mL, respectively). Transwell assay was performed in order to measure the migration abilities, positive β‐Galactosidase staining for the cellular senescence of HIBECs, MTT assay for changes of proliferation after IL‐6 treatment and flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blotting were conducted in order to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in HIBECs. In comparison to the 0 ng/mL group, in the 5, 10, 15, and 20 ng/mL groups, a significant increase in the number of migratory HIBECs, proliferation, along with mRNA and protein expressions of EMT markers was observed. While the mRNA and protein expressions of epithelial markers, the number of β‐galactosidase positive staining cells, as well as apoptosis rate of HIBECs dramatic decreased. Further, the aforementioned changes were significantly more evident in the 15 and 20 ng/mL groups in comparison to the 5 and 10 ng/mL groups. IL‐6 may stimulate EMT, enhance the migration and proliferation, and inhibit apoptosis of HIBECs, thus delaying cellular senescence.