bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INCOSE Certification Program Knowledge Exam Update 2015
Authors: Wright Courtney 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) has offered a Professional Certification Program since 2004 as a means to recognizing the knowledge and experience of Systems Engineering professionals. To become an Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) or Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), a candidate must pass a timed, multiple‐choice knowledge exam based on the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook. This paper will describe the motivation and process of creating the INCOSE certification knowledge exam, as followed in 2014 to support the 2015 update of the exam. This paper will also capture the impacts of the ongoing updates to the Certification Program. The new exam, released on 1 May 2015, aligns with the 2015 release of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook version 4.
A Layered Requirement Development model for Railway Infrastructure Development
Authors: Maarschalkerweerd Maarten , Bosma Arjan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProRail is the infrastructure manager of the Dutch railway network. The development of the railway infrastructure is an important task of ProRail. The infrastructure should enable a frequent, reliable and comfortable transport of passengers and freight. Managing the requirement information is an ongoing challenge in infrastructure development. In this paper we present a requirement development model, soon to be introduced at ProRail. It provides a practical basis to secure both the traceability between requirements and between requirements and design. The network character of the railway system is the reason that there are in practice distinct levels recognizable in the design process. The aim of this requirement development model is also to manage the requirement and design information at a level in the design process and between levels. The model is still in a development phase. With this model we hope to contribute to the development of practical SE applications in the transport sector.
Foundational Aspects of System Complexity Reduction
Authors: Simpson Joseph J. , Simpson Mary J 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSix foundational aspects of system complexity reduction have been derived and identified from an analysis of four methodologies for systems complexity reduction. All six of these foundational aspects are associated with uncertainty reduction in the system description process. A system is described using a formal language (mathematics). The mathematical description of the system is described and discussed using informal language (natural language). This general approach, when properly organized has demonstrated significant, measurable complexity reduction.
Implementing the MBSE Cultural Change: Organization, Coaching and Lessons Learned
Authors: Bonnet Stéphane , Voirin Jean‐Luc , Normand Véronique , Exertier Daniel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe extent of the cultural change needed to deploy MBSE should not be underestimated. Reshaping years of habits and practices is a gigantic challenge. For the last ten years, Thales has been strongly committed to make MBSE a reality and has successfully generalized the approach in all its business domains worldwide. This paper aims at sharing the Thales experience by explaining who the actors of this engineering transformation are and how systems engineers are accompanied in this change. Four years of intense on‐the‐field MBSE coaching in different engineering contexts result in a first collection of MBSE pitfalls and best practices from which emerges a parallel with Agile methods.
A Systems Engineering Approach to Architecture Development
Authors: Di Pietro David A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractArchitecture development is often conducted prior to system concept design when there is a need to determine the best‐value mix of systems that works collectively in specific scenarios and time frames to accomplish a set of mission area objectives. While multiple architecture frameworks exist, they often require use of unique taxonomies and data structures. In contrast, this paper characterizes architecture development using terminology widely understood within the systems engineering community. Using a notional civil space architecture example, it employs a multi‐tier framework to describe the enterprise level architecture and illustrates how results of lower tier, mission area architectures integrate into the enterprise architecture. It also presents practices for conducting effective mission area architecture studies, including establishing the trade space, developing functions and metrics, evaluating the ability of potential design solutions to meet the required functions, and expediting study execution through the use of iterative design cycles.
System Interface Engineering
Authors: Scheithauer Dieter 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe definition of the systems engineering value stream is based on modelling the information flow. Information flow models are beneficial for performing systems engineering management efficiently. The benefits of unidirectional information flow models may give the impression that systems engineering as its best is a deductive process with the stakeholder requirements leading to unique and unambiguous solutions. However, human communication and natural laws feature mutual dependencies that become evident in systems engineering especially when system interfaces and process interfaces are considered. This paper amends two previous papers on the systems engineering value stream by system interface engineering considerations. Starting with clarifying the scope of system interface engineering, the paper proposes a precise terminology and defines the additional system interface engineering activities integrated into the systems engineering value stream.
Utilizing MBSE Patterns to Accelerate System Verification
Authors: Cook David , Schindel William D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn aerospace, automotive, health care, and other domains, the capability to effectively plan and perform system verification tests is increasingly a strategic differentiator. This paper reports on methods used to improve effectiveness of complex aircraft system tests, the gains achieved, and their connection to underlying methods and trends. These include use of Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), leveraged by Pattern‐Based Systems Engineering (PBSE) to generate configurable, re‐usable system models‐‐the focus of the INCOSE MBSE Patterns Challenge Team. (Patterns Challenge Team, 2013‐2015)Distinctive aspects include (1) use of configurable, model‐based patterns of system descriptions, including configurable system verification tests, (2) improved ability of model‐based descriptions to integrate modeling tools and automated systems for test management, (3) use of models to describe both system under development and the development process, and (4) ability of these models to be integrated with other system life cycle management processes and information systems, for increased leverage.
Multi‐Stakeholder Trade Space Exploration Using Group Decision Making Methodologies
Authors: Garber Melissa , Sarkani Shahram , Mazzuchi Thomas A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the intersection of Group Decision Making (GDM) methodologies with engineering trade studies, with the goal of improving the efficacy of trade study process models by directly accounting for multiple heterogeneous stakeholders and their preference structures. GDM methodologies are identified and mapped to classes of stakeholders, and to decision making approaches. The discussion includes topics of preference structures, utility theory, ordinality versus cardinality, cooperation, negotiation, and voting procedures. The work will be expanded in the future through development of a framework to standardize both the process of conducting trade studies with multiple stakeholders and the artifacts generated thereby. This will include framework application and validation.
Systems Engineering Practices Exhibited in the Creation of a Film Original Score
Authors: Salado Alejandro , Salado Carlos 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSystems engineering has been successfully applied to a wide variety of industries, which include defense, space, energy, or transportation. All those systems have in common that they are engineered systems and/or socio‐technical ones. Yet, systems engineering is considered both an art and a science. Therefore, could systems engineering be or have been applied in the domain of art, even if not done explicitly? Being one of the authors of this paper a systems engineer and the other one a music composer, this paper reports on the reflections of mutual discussions about how each of us of carried out our activities in our respective domain. Interestingly, it turns out that engineering a space system and creating a film original score abstractly follow the same set of principles and practices.
Architectural Modelling Patterns for Systems of Systems
Authors: Ingram Claire , Payne Richard , Fitzgerald John 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPatterns can support good decision‐making in architectural design by encouraging the re‐use of architectural concepts and allowing engineers to learn from experience gained in previous systems that have employed similar approaches. This paper presents modelling patterns for the architectural design of systems of systems (SoSs). Fundamental architectural principles for SoSs are introduced. We describe several architectural patterns suitable for SoS design, illustrating each pattern with an SoS example and identifying how it meets those fundamental SoS architectural principles. The patterns are presented as solutions to abstract architectural problems, which we hope will foster sharing of experiences and lessons across domains and disciplines.
Model‐based Product Line Engineering ‐‐ Enabling Product Families with Variants
Authors: Hause Matthew , Hummell James 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProduct Lines are a group of related products manufactured or produced within or between collaborating organizations. To effectively manage a product line, one needs to understand both the similarities and differences between the different products and optimize the development lifecycle to leverage the similarities, and concentrate development on the differences. ISO 26550:2013 Software & Systems Engineering – Reference Model for Product Line Management & Engineering provides a standard for defining these similarities and differences as well as the choices between them. Model‐Based Systems and Software Engineering (MBSE) using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and the Unified Modeling Language (UML) provide a means of modeling systems and software. Bringing the two together allows users to model product lines in industry standard formats. These standards provide Model‐Based Product Line Engineering (MB‐PLE). Combining these with an execution engine means that product models can be created for specific products, whilst maintaining the original product line model. This provides significant ROI for aerospace companies.
Evaluation and comparison of the in vitro characteristics and chondrogenic capacity of four adult stem/progenitor cells for cartilage cell‐based repair
Authors: Shafiee Abbas , Kabiri Mahboubeh , Langroudi Lida , Soleimani Masoud , Ai Jafar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCell‐based therapy is being considered as a promising approach to regenerate damaged cartilage. Though, autologous chondrocyte implantation is the most effective strategy currently in use, but is hampered by some drawbacks seeking comprehensive research to surmount existing limitations or introducing alternative cell sources. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the in vitro characteristics and chondrogenic capacity of some easily available adult cell sources for use in cartilage repair which includes: bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), adipose tissue‐derived MSC, articular chondrocyte progenitors, and nasal septum‐derived progenitors. Human stem/progenitor cells were isolated and expanded. Cell's immunophenotype, biosafety, and cell cycle status were evaluated. Also, cells were seeded onto aligned electrospun poly (l‐lactic acid)/poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffolds and their proliferation rate as well as chondrogenic potential were assessed. Cells were almost phenotypically alike as they showed similar cell surface marker expression pattern. The aligned nanofibrous hybrid scaffolds could support the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of all cell types. However, nasal cartilage progenitors showed a higher proliferation potential and a higher chondrogenic capacity. Though, mostly similar in the majority of the studied features, nasal septum progenitors demonstrated a higher chondrogenic potential that in combination with their higher proliferation rate and easier access to the source tissue, introduces it as a promising cell source for cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 600–610, 2016.
Fabrication of interconnected porous calcite by bridging calcite granules with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and their histological evaluation
Authors: Ishikawa Kunio , Koga Noriko , Tsuru Kanji , Takahashi Ichiro 
Published: October 2015

AbstractInterconnected porous calcite has attracted attention as an artificial bone replacement material and as a precursor for the fabrication of carbonate apatite, which is also an artificial bone replacement material. In this study, calcite granules were exposed to acidic calcium phosphate solution, and the feasibility of fabricating interconnected porous calcite using this process was evaluated. No setting reaction was observed under the nonloading condition. In contrast, under loading conditions, calcite granules were bridged with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate crystals, and the calcite granules set into interconnected porous calcite foam. When applied 0.4 MPa of loading pressure during sample preparation, compressive strength of the obtained interconnected porous calcite was ∼1.5 MPa. The exposure of the calcite granules to acidic calcium phosphate solution under loading conditions was the key for the setting reaction to occur. This is because calcite granules cannot contact one another under the nonloading condition because of bubble formation on the surfaces of the calcite granules. The interconnected porous calcite revealed excellent tissue response, and new bone was able to penetrate into the porous calcite 2 weeks after implantation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 104A: 652–658, 2016.
Spatio‐Temporal Parameters of Endosomal Signaling in Cancer: Implications for New Treatment Options
Authors: Stasyk Taras , Huber Lukas A. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe endo/lysosomal system in cells provides membranous platforms to assemble specific signaling complexes and to terminate signal transduction, thus, is essential for physiological signaling. Endocytic organelles can significantly extend signaling of activated cell surface receptors, and may additionally provide distinct locations for the generation of specific signaling outputs. Failures of regulation at different levels of endocytosis, recycling, degradation as well as aberrations in specific endo/lysosomal signaling pathways, such as mTORC1, might lead to different diseases including cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of spatio‐temporal compartmentalization of sub‐cellular signaling might provide an opportunity to interfere with aberrant signal transduction in pathological processes by novel combinatorial therapeutic approaches. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 836–843, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Inline radiofrequency pre‐coagulation simplifies single‐incision laparoscopic minor liver resection
Authors: Weiss Michael , Mittermair Christof , Brunner Eberhard , Schirnhofer Jan , Obrist Christian , Pimpl Katharina , Hell Tobias , Weiss Helmut 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐incision laparoscopy (SIL) has been developed to reduce surgical trauma, whereas technical difficulties in bleeding control limit the broad acceptance for hepatectomy. A novel minimized invasive strategy combining inline radiofrequency pre‐coagulation and transumbilical SIL is presented herein.MethodsA cohort of 21 selected patients underwent transumbilical SIL hepatectomies (segmentectomies II–VI) utilizing inline radiofrequency pre‐coagulation for hepatic transection (Habib 4X). Bleeding control, postoperative complications and positive resection margins in malignant diseases served as primary and secondary outcome parameters, respectively.ResultsSingle‐incision laparoscopy was successfully completed in all patients. A total of 33 segments were retrieved: mean resection time was 66 ± 35 min, including 11 anatomical (52.38%) and 10 non‐anatomical (47.62%) resections. Sixteen patients (76.19%) underwent concomitant abdominal surgery. No substantial blood loss occurred. Neither additional staplers nor clips were necessary to control any bleeding or bile leakage. One pleural effusion counted for the only postoperative complication. Free margins could be achieved in all but one resection (12/13 patients with malignancies; 92.31%). Ninety‐day mortality was zero.ConclusionsThe combination of SIL and inline radiofrequency pre‐coagulation proved to be a simple, efficacious and safe technique in minor hepatectomy.
Single‐stage endoscopic treatment for mild to moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis: a multicenter, non‐randomized, open‐label and exploratory clinical trial
Authors: Eto Kazunori , Kawakami Hiroshi , Haba Shin , Yamato Hiroaki , Okuda Toshinori , Yane Kei , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Ehira Nobuyuki , Onodera Manabu , Matsumoto Ryusuke , Matsubara Yu , Takagi Tomofumi , Sakamoto Naoya ,   on behalf of the Hokkaido Interventional EUS/ERCP study (HONEST) group
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundTwo‐stage treatment involving stone removal after drainage is recommended for mild to moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis. However, single‐stage treatment has some advantages. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of single‐stage endoscopic treatment for mild to moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis.MethodsA multicenter, non‐randomized, open‐label, exploratory clinical trial was performed in 12 institutions. A total of 50 patients with a naïve papilla and a body temperature ≥37 °C who were diagnosed with mild to moderate cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis were enrolled between August 2012 and February 2014.ResultsOf the 50 patients, 15 had mild cholangitis and 35 had moderate cholangitis. The median number of common bile duct stones was 2 (range, 1–8), and the median diameter of the common bile duct stones was 7.5 mm (range, 1–18). The cure rate of acute cholangitis within 4 days after single‐stage treatment was 90% (45/50) based on a body temperature <37 °C for ≥24 h. The incidence of complications was 10% (5/50).ConclusionSingle‐stage endoscopic treatment may be effective and safe for mild to moderate acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis (clinical trial registration number: UMIN000008494).
Contribution of atmospheric internal processes to the interannual variability of the South Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Hsu Pang‐Chi , Yang Yue 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTApart from the external forcings, the interannual variability of the South Asian summer monsoon can arise from atmospheric internal dynamics, although its mechanism has not been fully understood. Based on a three‐dimensional mean kinetic energy (MKE) budget equation, the contributions of internally generated processes associated with mean flow–transient eddy interaction and circulation–heating feedback to the interannual variability of the South Asian summer monsoon were diagnosed using two reanalysis data sets. In years with enhanced convections over South Asia, a strengthened low (high)‐level MKE related to southwesterly (easterly) jet is observed over the Arabian Sea. The enhancement of MKE at the low level is maintained by both the anomalous barotropic energy conversion between eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and MKE and the baroclinic energy conversion from mean available potential energy (MAPE) to MKE. Among the three‐dimensional barotropic energy conversion processes, the vertical eddy momentum flux interacting with the monsoon vertical wind shear anomaly plays a leading role in supporting the MKE anomaly. Moreover, the contribution of eddy activities related to the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) of 20–90 days is larger than that of high‐frequency (<20 days) disturbances. This mean flow–ISO interaction dominates the atmospheric energy conversion processes and external boundary factors that may exert the interannual variations of monsoonal MKE in the lower troposphere. Different from the low‐level dynamics, scale interaction between eddies and the mean flow shows an insignificant contribution to the strengthening of the easterly jet in the higher troposphere. The Niño3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly appears to be a key factor modulating the interannual variations of the high‐level monsoon easterly.