bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1.2.3 Towards a semantic‐based representation and computation of quantitative indexes for quality management of requirements
Authors: Alvarez‐Rodríguez Jose María , Llorens Juan , Alejandres Manuela , Fuentes Jose Miguel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractQuality management of requirements has seen a dramatic increase of the amount of applications, management platforms, data, etc. gaining momentum in the Systems Engineering area and more specifically in the deployment of the next wave of critical system. In this context, one of the next big things lies in the creation of quality functions that can automatically detect and make decisions according to natural‐language based requirements specifications and models. In this sense quality indicator of requirements seeks for providing an intelligent environment for detecting values of such as correctness, consistency and completeness based on domain knowledge in which both functional and nonfunctional properties of system components can be validated and verified easing the transition to a smart system environment. Thus the testing of critical systems based on requirements quality can be seen as a special kind of policy‐making strategy that must compile several key indicators to summarize data and information and obtain an objective quantitative measure. Nevertheless the quantitative analysis of several quality indicators is becoming a challenging task due to natural language ambiguities and a tangled/heterogeneous environment of data, providers, etc. Existing tools and techniques based on traditional processes of quality assessment are preventing a proper use of the new dynamic and data environment avoiding more timely, adaptable and flexible (on‐demand) quantitative index creation and, as a consequence, more accurate decisions. On the other hand, semantic‐based technologies emerge to provide the adequate building blocks to represent domain‐knowledge and process data in a flexible fashion using a common and shared data model. That is why the present paper introduces a Resource Description Framework (RDF) vocabulary to semantically represent and compute quantitative indexes as part of the implementation of the Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration initiative (OSLC) Quality Management specification. Finally some discussion, conclusions and future work are also outlined.
1.3.1 Information Flow, Team Coordination, and Shared Knowledge in Integrated Concurrent Engineering
Authors: Avnet Mark S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLarge‐scale systems engineering efforts involve complex interactions that must be managed throughout the entire life cycle. Prior research has analyzed the relationship between expected and actual communication in engineering design teams. This study builds on that previous research by incorporating the cognitive aspects of design into the analysis. Based on 10 design sessions of an Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) environment, Design Structure Matrix (DSM) representations of expected and reported interactions are constructed and used to calculate a metric of team coordination called socio‐technical congruence (STC). By computing the correlation between STC and a previously developed metric of shared cognition in teams, a relationship is found between team coordination and change in shared knowledge. Based on these results, it is concluded that design team members learn the most when expected and reported interactions are aligned – that is, when the team follows a well‐defined process based on information flow in the technical design.
1.3.3 Extending eFFBD formalism to task model
Authors: Prun Daniel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we study how eFFBD formalism can be modified to encompass task modeling. eFFBD is a formalism widely used by System Engineering community to model complex systems through a functional point of view. Task models are used by Human Factor community to express and analyze human activities. Although they appear to be complementary, functional modeling and task modeling are rarely used jointly. This separation contributes to reinforce barriers between disciplines and leads to inefficient system engineering processes. In order to improve this situation, we decided to extend eFFBD formalism to encompass task model expressivity. Based on eFFBD and task models comparison, we identify the need to add 3 new operators to eFFBD: suspend, resume and disable. Then we propose definition of a syntax and a formal semantic for these new operators. Our proposal is illustrated through the presentation of LEXE: an experimental tool supporting modeling and simulation of eFFBD, and its application on a concrete case.
1.4.3 System of Systems Pain Points
Authors: Dahmann Judith 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe INCOSE SoS Working Group (SoSWG) identified the need to understand the SoS issues of importance to the systems engineering community as an initial SoSWG activity at their meeting in January 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. The results of the survey and follow‐up interaction with SoSWG members, identified seven areas of challenge or SoS Pain Points. This paper summarizes the survey and working group feedback and describes the pain points along with the questions they pose for the systems engineering community. The work described in this paper is the product of the INCOSE Systems of Systems Working Group, and acknowledges the contributions of working group members, including Alan Harding, Scott Workinger, Kelly Griendling, Eric Honour, Claire Ingram, Michael Henshaw, Bryan Herdlick, and others who responded to the survey and participated in the formulation and discussions of these SoS pain points.
3.3.1 A Generalized Systems Engineering Reuse Framework and Its Cost Estimating Relationship
Authors: Wang Gan , Roedler Garry J. , Pena Mauricio , Valerdi Ricardo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper describes a Generalized Reuse Framework for systems development that consists of two interrelated and interacting processes – Development with Reuse (DWR) and Development for Reuse (DFR) – and a parametric cost estimating relationship defined for the framework in an extended form of COSYSMO, a systems engineering cost estimating model. It also discusses the Delphi process undertook to derive the model coefficients or the quantitative weights for the defined reuse categories. The framework, along with the quantitative estimating model, can be directly applied, in more ways than one, to planning, evaluating and managing reuse for system development efforts.
4.3.3 Integrated Toolset and Workflow for Tradespace Analytics in Systems Engineering
Authors: Sitterle Valerie B. , Curry Michael D. , Freeman Dane F. , Ender Tommer R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractComplex system development, especially in the context of large‐scale military acquisition programs, requires integrated systems engineering tools to enable effective exploration of the design alternative tradespace. The prototype development described herein offers a capability framework through which tradespace analyses of materiel solutions may be extended and new analytical methods or formalisms may be matured. This effort leveraged expertise and lessons learned from previous, customer‐specific toolsets to design a flexible, open, and integrated architecture supported by a structured but also flexible workflow. The result is a design space environment built on open source technologies where new analytical methods may be explored, refined, and linked together while conducting rational comparison of design alternatives. This effort also builds upon prior research to operationalize analytical dimensions that will enable designers to evaluate the resiliency of designs across competing stakeholder needs and/ or changing performance requirements.
6.4.1 All for the Want of a Horseshoe Nail: An Examination of Causality in DoDAF/MODAF
Authors: Hause Matthew , Kihlström Lars‐Olof 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe title of the paper refers to the proverb of the death of Richard III of England at the Battle of Bosworth Field. “For want of a battle the kingdom was lost, … and all for the want of a horseshoe nail.” The pattern described is called a chain of causality or causal sequence. DoDAF 2.0 contains many concepts that can document these sequences as well as the dynamic elements, feedback loops and influences. This paper will examine a telecommunications scenario and show how DoDAF is used to document and analyze the sequence. System Dynamics, Business Motivational Modeling (BMM), and simulation are also examined. System dynamics is an approach to understanding the behavior of complex systems over time. The Business Motivation Model (BMM) published by the OMG looks at ends, means, goals, and assessments. This will provide decision makers a more effective set of tools to evaluate operational scenarios as a means of improving outcomes. The method for how to attack a problem where causality needs to be revealed is also discussed.
7.3.1 Managing complexity: The Nine‐System Model
Authors: Kasser Joseph , Zhao Yang‐Yang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSystems engineering has been defined as “the science of designing complex systems in their totality to ensure that the component subsystems making up the system are designed, fitted together, checked and operated in the most efficient way” (Jenkins, 1969). This paper documents research that reviewed three existing models for managing the complexity of the system development process in the INCOSE literature and found that while these models drew different systems of interest (SOI) from different perspectives they were unable to manage complexity in any practical manner. This paper then presents a Nine‐System Model that can be used to manage complexity. This Nine‐System Model builds in best practices and, being self‐similar, can be applied in any level of the systems hierarchy. The nine systems in the model comprise situations, processes and socio‐technical systems in a clearly defined interdependent manner. The application of the Nine‐System Model is illustrated in two examples. The paper then compares the four different models, and uses the Nine‐System Model as a framework to relate the MIL‐STD‐499 (MIL‐STD‐499A, 1974), EIA 632 (EIA 632, 1994), IEEE 1220 (IEEE 1220, 1998) and the ISO/IEC 15288 (Arnold, 2002) Standards, the SIMILAR process (Bahill and Gissing, 1998), Hitchins' version of systems engineering (Hitchins, 2007) and the problem‐solving process and shows that each is a subset of the Nine‐System Model. The paper concludes with a summary of the key benefits of the Nine‐System Model.
8.1.1 Strategic Water Reserve's effect on the water supply system in Abu Dhabi: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Almaeeni Wail , Dawoud Mohamed , Tsai I‐Tsung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Emirate of Abu Dhabi relies heavily on desalinated water as a water resource as it is the main source of municipal water. However, desalination is vulnerable to seawater pollution or emergency breakdowns. Therefore, reservoirs of a substantial capacity are needed for water supply under contingency, since existing water in storage and the water network can sustain maximum of two days of water demand in Abu Dhabi. The government has introduced Artificial Storage and Recovery (ASR) as part of Strategic Water Reserve program. This paper studies the effect of ASR on the current water supply system using system dynamics approach. As a result of the simulation, ASR can delay the appearance of the first water shortfall by 2 years and 9 months. Under uncertainties of red tide incidents and demand seasonality variation, Monte Carlo simulation analysis shows that the first water shortfall will be delayed by two and a half years at 97.5% confidence level than if no ASR is in place.
8.2.1 To V or not to V – that MUST be the Question Knowing When to Apply the Right Approach
Authors: Cowper Doug , Elphick Jon , Kemp Duncan , Evans Rhianne 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe last 20 years have shown a dramatic expansion in Systems Engineering theory, knowledge, knowhow and practical application. Despite this increase, there is evidence within organisations that there has been a growing gap between the SE required and the SE delivered. The authors of this paper describe the results of a study into the reasons for this gap, based on an on‐line survey which received 85 valid responses.The authors conclude that:
Project professionals are using approaches that are not appropriate to the problems being tackled;
Behaviour is being driven by narrow views of what organisations believe is right, rather than the broader range of practice that they allow;
Project professionals adopt preferred approaches which they apply across more than one type of problem.
The authors demonstrate that there is truth in the assertion that Systems Engineers apply the same approach, irrespective of the situation. Whilst standard Systems Engineering approaches, for example the V lifecycle, are the right approach in the complicated space, it is less appropriate in simple, complex or chaotic spaces. All too often, projects start with the assumption that we should use standard Systems Engineering approaches that we have used before, rather than ask: ‘To V or not to V?’
9.3.1 Can Systems Engineering Support An Owner Operator Organisation When Faced With The Challenge Of Being A Design Authority?
Authors: Cowper Doug , Gallagher Ian , Krolikowski Andrew , McGrogan Nick 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOver the years acquisition methodologies, e.g. BVP, have resulted in a shift in engineering procurement where large organisations have been increasingly asking their supply chain to take on the responsibility for part of, or overall system design. However, just handing over a set of requirements to a supplier and then waiting for them to deliver is a high risk strategy especially with novel/complex programmes. To reduce the risk of problems and to comply with some regulatory environments, the intelligent customer needs to take design responsibility by focusing on technically assuring that the system will be ‘fit for purpose‘. This paper explores the issues facing an owner operator who needs to be the Design Authority, identifies aspects of SE that require further work to support an Owner DA, and shows how SE can support a DA on a complex systems programme in such a shared design management arrangement and regulated environment.
Benzoquinone toxicity is not prevented by sulforaphane in CD‐1 mouse fetal liver cells
Authors: Philbrook Nicola A. , Winn Louise M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBenzene is an environmental pollutant known to cause leukemia in adults, and may be associated with childhood leukemia. While the mechanisms of benzene‐mediated carcinogenicity have not been fully elucidated, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage are implicated. Sulforaphane (SFN) induces nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), which contributes to SFN‐mediated protection against carcinogenesis. We exposed cultured CD‐1 mouse fetal liver cells to the benzene metabolite, benzoquinone, to determine its potential to cause DNA damage and alter DNA repair. Cells were also exposed to SFN to determine potential protective effects. Initially, cells were exposed to benzoquinone to confirm increased ROS and SFN to confirm Nrf2 induction. Subsequently, cells were treated with benzoquinone (with or without SFN) and levels of ROS, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG; marker of oxidative DNA damage), gamma histone 2A variant X (γH2AX; marker of DNA double‐stranded breaks; DSBs) and transcript levels of genes involved in DNA repair were measured. Benzoquinone exposure led to a significant increase in ROS, which was not prevented by pretreatment with SFN or the antioxidative enzyme, catalase. DNA damage was increased after benzoquinone exposure, which was not prevented by SFN. Benzoquinone exposure significantly decreased the transcript levels of the critical base excision repair gene, 8‐oxoguanine glycosylase (Ogg1), which was not prevented by SFN. The findings of this study demonstrate for the first time that DNA damage and altered DNA repair are a consequence of benzoquinone exposure in CD‐1 mouse fetal liver cells and that SFN conferred little protection in this model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound Indicates Reduced Bone Status Among Physically Active Adult Forager-Horticulturalists
Authors: Stieglitz Jonathan , Madimenos Felicia , Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Sedentary lifestyle contributes to osteoporosis and fragility fracture risks among modern humans, but whether such risks are prevalent in physically active preindustrial societies with lower life expectancies is unclear. Osteoporosis should be readily observable in preindustrial societies if it was regularly experienced over human history. In this study of 142 older adult Tsimane forager-horticulturalists (mean age ± SD, 62.1 ± 8.6 years; range, 50 to 85 years; 51% female) we used calcaneal quantitative ultrasonography (qUS) to assess bone status, document prevalence of adults with reduced bone status, and identify factors (demographic, anthropometric, immunological, kinesthetic) associated with reduced bone status. Men (23%) are as likely as women (25%) to have reduced bone status, although age-related decline in qUS parameters is attenuated for men. Adiposity and fat-free mass positively co-vary with qUS parameters for women but not men. Leukocyte count is inversely associated with qUS parameters controlling for potential confounders; leukocyte count is positively correlated within adults over time, and adults with persistently low counts have higher adjusted qUS parameters (6% to 8%) than adults with a high count. Reduced bone status characteristic of osteoporosis is common among active Tsimane with minimal exposure to osteoporosis risk factors found in industrialized societies, but with energetic constraints and high pathogen burden. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
International mergers: How to detect corruption
Authors: Sherman Andrew J. , Cook R. Christopher 
Published: October 2015

AbstractVirtually every corporate merger and acquisition (M&A) or joint venture today involves some international component. That means an increasing number of US businesses operate through third parties in distant lands—where the notions of ethical practices may differ from our own. Even worse, they could be illegal under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK Bribery Act, and other applicable laws. As the media reports, such investigations and prosecutions have become epidemic in corporate America. So how do you avoid these problems? The authors of this article detail how to conduct effective anticorruption due diligence on acquisitions and foreign business partners. © 2011 by Andrew J. Sherman and R. Christopher Cook
White‐collar crime in Japan
Authors: Byington J. Ralph , McGee Jo Ann 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFollowing the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and reactor meltdown in Japan in March 2011, there will be many opportunities for US corporations to invest in Japanese entities. But these investments will not be without risk. Indeed, in 2009 Japan was labeled the foremost hotbed of fraud in Asia. So the authors wrote this article to make corporate management aware that white‐collar crime (WCC) is one of the risks they will encounter—and that there is a need to exercise caution while conducting due diligence during investment pursuits in Japan. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Five costly mistakes that cause smaller enterprises to fail: Solutions for success
Authors: Warfield Tonia , Glover Hubert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSmall and medium‐sized enterprises play an important role in the US economy, yet they're often beset by financial woes. Financial professionals can help their executives and managers convert the vision, mission, and strategic goals of their enterprises to provide timely information; assist with pricing and cost analysis for bids or orders; and assist these enterprises with meeting regulatory requirements.	© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Strategic Use of Short‐Term Loans to Access Offshore Cash
Authors: Schultz Thomas D. , Tang Roger Y. W. 
Published: October 2015

In times of uncertainty, maintaining a strong cash position generally enhances a corporation's financial flexibility; however, holding significant cash balances offshore to avoid tax consequences associated with repatriations can make the amounts unavailable for use in the United States. A viable, tax‐effective strategy for U.S. multinational corporations seeking to access offshore cash is to structure short‐term, intercompany loans from their subsidiaries operating as foreign controlled corporations. By coordinating the treasury and tax functions in this area, corporations can successfully address the applicable IRS rules while providing liquidity to support domestic operations.	© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The SEC and International Cash Management
Authors: Walker Donald A. 
Published: October 2015

This article describes the impact of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure rules as they apply to U.S. corporations about transactions with companies in nations that were designated as state supporters of terrorism. The rules require broader and more detailed disclosures about executive compensation and the methods for valuing complex financial instruments. Various stakeholders want a deeper knowledge of management activities in these regions of the world. Cash balances held outside the United States by U.S. corporations are seen as being withheld from investing in growth and taxation in the United States. A most recent cause in the concern for increasing employment and economic growth is the focus on corporate cash balances held outside the United States by U.S. corporations, which are seen both as being withheld from investing in growth and providing jobs in the United States and not being taxed by the United States. This article describes the impact of the SEC disclosure rules as they apply to U.S. corporations, but does not address the validity of these concerns or the morality of corporate behavior.	© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning Like Lightning: Lessons From JSF F‐35 Sustainment Activities
Authors: Thomas Charles R. 
Published: October 2015

The U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps launched a trillion‐dollar program in 2001. This program has since been restructured several times. A recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office detailed critical needs for this program to succeed. This article derives lessons learned from the F‐35 program. The author highlights five key financial management lessons about business cases and projects that are applicable to small organizations and large.	© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conflict Mineral Disclosure Requirements
Authors: Muriel Leah 
Published: October 2015

Under the Dodd‐Frank Act, U.S. publicly traded companies are now required to provide disclosures related to conflict minerals. These are specifically the minerals of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold that are obtained from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. Although a portion of the requirements were struck down and ruled as unconstitutional, certain inquiry and other due diligence measures are still required to be filed annually with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, if a company voluntarily chooses to provide certain additional information, it will trigger a requirement for an independent audit of the Conflict Minerals Report filed with the SEC.	© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.