bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Valorization of Glycerol via Electrocatalytic Reduction into Biofuels: A Review
Authors: Moklis Muhammad Harussani , Shuo Cheng , Boonyubol Sasipa , Cross Jeffrey S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractElectrochemical conversion of underutilized biomass‐based glycerol into high‐value‐added products provides a green approach for biomass and waste valorization. Plus, this approach offers an alternative to biofuel manufacturing procedure, under mild operating conditions, compared to the traditional thermochemical routes. Nevertheless, glycerol has been widely valorized via electrooxidation, with lower‐value products generated at the cathode, ignoring the electroreduction. Here, a review of the efficient glycerol reduction into various products via the electrocatalytic reduction (ECR) process was presented. This review has been built upon the background of glycerol underutilization and theoretical knowledge about the state‐of‐the‐art ECR. The experimental understanding of the processing parameter influences towards electrochemical efficiency, catalytic activity, and product selectivity are comprehensively reviewed, based on the recent glycerol ECR studies. We conclude by outlining present issues and highlighting potential future research avenues for enhanced ECR application.
A new triazolyl‐indolo‐quinoxaline induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by abrogating the STAT3/5 pathway through upregulation of PTPεC
Authors: Suresh Rajaghatta N. , Jung Young Y. , Mohan Chakrabhavi D. , Gowda Shalini V. , Harsha Kachigere B. , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang S. , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 are the transcription factors that have been studied extensively in relevance to the development of cancers in humans. Suppression of either STAT3 or STAT5‐mediated signaling events has been demonstrated to be effective in inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Herein, new hybrids of triazolyl‐indolo‐quinoxaline are synthesized and examined for their effect on the activation of STAT3 and STAT5 pathways in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 2,3‐difluoro‐6‐((1‐(3‐fluorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐yl)methyl)‐6H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline (DTI) displayed selective cytotoxicity against GC cells over their normal counterpart. Flow cytometric analysis, annexin‐V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, live and dead assay, and caspase activation experiments suggested DTI as a potent inducer of apoptosis. The mechanistic approach revealed that DTI imparts cytotoxicity via downregulating the phosphorylation of STAT3Y705 and STAT5Y694/699. DTI significantly reduced the nuclear pool of STAT3/STAT5 and reduced the DNA interaction ability of STAT3/STAT5 as evidenced by immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Further investigation revealed that inhibitory effects towards STAT proteins were mediated through the suppression of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src. Treatment of GC cells with pervanadate counteracted the DTI‐driven STAT3/STAT5 inhibition suggesting the involvement of tyrosine phosphatase. Upon DTI exposure, there was a significant upregulation in the mRNA and protein expression of PTPεC, which is a negative regulator of the JAK‐STAT pathway. Knockdown of PTPεC suppressed the DTI‐induced STATs inhibition in GC cells. Taken together, triazolyl‐indolo‐quinoxaline is presented as a new inhibitor of the STAT3/STAT5 pathway in GC cells.
Reconciling contrasting effects of nitrogen on host immunity and pathogen transmission using stoichiometric models
Authors: Van de Waal Dedmer B. , White Lauren A. , Everett Rebecca , Asik Lale , Borer Elizabeth T. , Frenken Thijs , González Angélica L. , Paseka Rachel , Seabloom Eric W. , Strauss Alexander T. , Peace Angela 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHosts rely on the availability of nutrients for growth, and for defense against pathogens. At the same time, changes in host nutrition can alter the dynamics of pathogens that rely on their host for reproduction. For primary producer hosts, enhanced nutrient loads may increase host biomass or pathogen reproduction, promoting faster density‐dependent pathogen transmission. However, the effect of elevated nutrients may be reduced if hosts allocate a growth‐limiting nutrient to pathogen defense. In canonical disease models, transmission is not a function of nutrient availability. Yet, including nutrient availability is necessary to mechanistically understand the response of infection to changes in the environment. Here, we explore the implications of nutrient‐mediated pathogen infectivity and host immunity on infection outcomes. We developed a stoichiometric disease model that explicitly integrates the contrasting dependencies of pathogen infectivity and host immunity on nitrogen (N) and parameterized it for an algal‐host system. Our findings reveal dynamic shifts in host biomass build‐up, pathogen prevalence, and the force of infection along N supply gradients with N‐mediated host infectivity and immunity, compared with a model in which the transmission rate was fixed. We show contrasting responses in pathogen performance with increasing N supply between N‐mediated infectivity and N‐mediated immunity, revealing an optimum for pathogen transmission at intermediate N supply. This was caused by N limitation of the pathogen at a low N supply and by pathogen suppression via enhanced host immunity at a high N supply. By integrating both nutrient‐mediated pathogen infectivity and host immunity into a stoichiometric model, we provide a theoretical framework that is a first step in reconciling the contrasting role nutrients can have on host–pathogen dynamics.
Dietary flavonoids and gut microbiota interaction: A focus on animal and human studies to maximize their health benefits
Authors: Yang Li , Gao Yongchao , Farag Mohamed A. , Gong Jupeng , Su Qiaoling , Cao Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yonghua , Wang Hui 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFlavonoids are phytochemicals that widely exist in plants, fruits, and vegetables and have a variety of activities. However, due to their complex structure, it is often rarely absorbed into the blood. Intestinal bacteria regarded as the third kind of human organ have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Complex structural flavonoids can be catabolized into low molecular weight phenolic acids under the action of intestinal bacteria and then absorbed into the blood, showing several protective effects on the body. In addition, the intake of flavonoids can also regulate the composition and function of intestinal flora. This paper comprehensively summarizes the interaction between flavonoids and intestinal flora, as well as the impact on human health, in order to provide some insights on how to combine intestinal microorganisms to select and ingest dietary polyphenols for future applications in medicine.
Incorporating Digital Twins In Early Research and Development of Megaprojects To Reduce Cost and Schedule Risk
Authors: Ritter Christopher , Rhoades Mark 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTEarly‐stage research and development (ESR&D) plays a vital role in the product development lifecycle, necessitating innovative approaches to address the complex challenges faced during this phase. This article quantifies how the incorporation of digital twin (DT) technology can reduce cost and schedule risk during ESR&D and later lifecycle stages in megaprojects. The Idaho National Laboratory demonstrated the application of DT in the Microreactor AGile Non‐Nuclear Experimental Testbed (MAGNET) operations phase, showcasing the transformative potential of DT in both design and operation. These advances allowed real‐time assessment of construction changes and their impact on project requirements. By focusing on the benefits of digital twinning, this article aims to promote a more positive attitude toward the incorporation of digital twin technologies in the early stages of R&D projects.
Secretory Leucocyte Protease Inhibitor in the Male Genital Tract: PSA‐Induced Proteolytic Processing in Human Semen and Tissue Localization
Authors: OHLSSON KJELL , BJARTELL ANDERS , LILJA HANS 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: Secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor, SLPI, is a low‐molecular‐weight, acid‐stable protein present in the liquid part of fresh human ejaculate but not demonstrable in the gel structure. No fragmentation of SLPI occurred during gel dissolution, but a slow proteolytic cleavage of SLPI was seen on incubation of the liquified semen at 37°C. The same pattern of degradation products was seen after incubation of SLPI with prostatic secretion and also with purified prostate‐specific antigen, PSA. We could identify Arg 20‐Tyr 21 and Met 73‐Leu 74 to be the primary cleavage sites upon proteolytic modification of SLPI by purified PSA. However, we did not find any inhibition of the enzymatic activity of PSA by SLPI, even at a 100‐fold molar excess of the inhibitor. The slow degradation of SLPI facilitated sampling and the reliable determination of the normal level of SLPI in seminal plasma, which was about 20 mg/L.We investigated the glandular origion of SLPI in the genital tract by immunocytochemistry. A strong immunostaining for SLPI was demonstrated in epithelial cells within the glandular lumina of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and epididymis but not in the stromal parts of these glands. In addition the immunostaining was also detected in the deferent ducts and the germinal epithelium of the testes. Taking into account that SLPI is a strong inhibitor of several proteases, including leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G, the results suggest that SLPI has a local protective function against proteolytic degradation of the male reproductive tract tissues during inflammation.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING VERSUS SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
Authors: Kaspersen Mark 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe relationship between systems engineering and the engineering profession of Systems Engineer is poorly understood. This lack of understanding is one of the major factors contributing to the confusion and complexity associated with developing a common understanding of systems engineering in industry and academia. The purpose of this paper is to clearly define the relationship between systems engineering and Systems Engineers, and to explain why differentiation between the two is critical to the development of a common and widespread understanding of systems engineering.
COMPUTER‐AIDED REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
Authors: Fiksel Joseph 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntegrated product development (IPD) is becoming a standard practice for manufacturers of complex systems, and has been incorporated into the DoD's draft Mil‐Spec 499B. The IPD approach involves a cross‐functional design team that considers the entire product life cycle, thus shortening development time while assuring design quality and integrity. An essential tool for IPD is a comprehensive requirements management system to keep track of the flowdown from customer needs to system specifications.An especially challenging aspect of requirements management is Design for Environment (DFE), which encompasses health, safety, and environmental protection over the entire product life cycle, including manufacture, use, service, and disposal or recovery. As with any DFX discipline, effective implementation of DFE requires design metrics, guidelines and verification methods. These must be deployed within an integrated system framework in order to provide useful guidance to IPD teams during fast‐cycle product development.
USING STRUCTURED PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES ON THE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS
Authors: Tiel Richard F. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractContinuous process improvement is the hallmark of Total Quality Management. Structured techniques for process improvement are used within AT&T and they are documented in our Process Quality Management and Improvement (PQMI) Guidelines. AT&T Federal Systems (FSAT) has established a Quality Architecture that serves to organize the process management improvements using PQMI techniques. The Quality Architecture is structured around the Malcolm Baldrige categories.The Process Management Team (PMT) for Systems Engineering has documented a standard process for use throughout Federal Systems. The process uses standard metrics for measuring the effectiveness of process improvements. These metrics also provide data for estimating costs during project planning. This PMT has formed lower‐level PMTs for the Systems Engineering subprocesses of Systems Engineering Management, Risk Management, Requirements Definition, System Analysis and Optimization, Documentation, and System Integration. Each of these lower level PMTs is documenting standard processes, developing tools and templates, and analyzing process metrics to identify improvement opportunities. A Product Realization Process (PRP) defines the interaction and timing of all the processes needed for executing a program.This paper describes our Quality Architecture, PQMI techniques, process improvement results, and plans for more process improvement.
SYSTEM ENGINEERING IN A LOW COST, CONCURRENT ENGINEERING, SMALL PROJECT ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Churchill Michael J. , McPherson Scott A. , Weston Thomas C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo do high tech, high quality projects at lower cost requires that concurrent engineering, high productivity software tools and innovative management techniques all be used. We have successfully created a low cost system development process which also fully integrates needed System Engineering descriptives. This paper describes our novel approaches to management structure, team integration, plus planning and conduct of system engineering. This process is now a role model for new projects in our organization, and has broad application.
MANAGING INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS DURING THE REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION PHASE
Authors: Martin James N. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper describes our experiences in managing Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) during the requirements definition phase of a hardware development and production project. IPTs were used to correct deficiencies found in hardware during field trials. The hardware had to be redesigned quickly with little risk to the rest of the program. The operating methods of these multifunctional teams will be described along with the tools and techniques used. Systems Engineering orchestrated the team efforts both from within the teams and from outside. We will compare the traditional teaming techniques with this new approach. The RDD‐100™ Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tool was used very effectively in managing and documenting the requirements. An in‐depth look at the role of the Systems Engineer in this environment will be examined.
Analyzing Systems for Understandability: Structured Process Flows (SPFs)
Authors: Tamanaha Doris Y. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs industry becomes more disciplined in system engineering, a hallmark of maturity and control is the ability to measure processes. Recent focus on process improvements have included models and metrics. This paper presents a process flow model that is suitable for communicating process descriptions to a wide audience and which can serve as a platform for metrics for both processes and products.Large, complex, distributed command and control systems have been analyzed with a number of coordinated paradigms, including the model described in this paper. Structured Process Flows (SPFs), which were developed at Hughes Aircraft, give an integrated overview of systems complementary to partitioned structured analysis models. It is a leveled, end‐to‐end threaded view of the major processes in a system and provides the necessary first view of the system, while enabling decomposition for details. SPFs are examined as a platform for understanding processes, for exploration of metrics, and as a mechanism for collecting measurements.
Startup Guide for Systems Engineering Metrics
Authors: Fisher Gerard H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGiven the financial constraints of today's business environment and the government thrust toward Total Quality Management (TQM), optimizing the systems engineering process is critical to economic success. The key to process improvement and optimization is regular cycles of planning, execution, measurement, evaluation and process revision. The purpose of this paper is to summarize a guide being prepared for NCOSE members to assist them in initiating a metrics program in their systems engineering organizations. This guide will address 1) the organizational motivations for a metrics program, 2) roles and responsibilities, 3) initiating a metrics program, 4) frequency and methods of data collection, 5) analysis of data, and 6) metrics databases. In addition, the guide will contain aids to a metrics program such as checklists, reference lists, and a list of NCOSE members willing to assist you in implementing a metrics program. Finally, the NCOSE Metrics Working Group hopes to supplement this with an appendix of lessons learned by other NCOSE members in their metrics programs.
Systems Engineering and Software Engineering: Cooperative or Competitive?
Authors: Wray Richard B. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTEven though Systems Engineering (SE) and Software Engineering (SWE) have a common interest in building new software‐intensive systems, there often appear to be difficulties existing between them in achieving this common interest. In future systems developments, these difficulties are not acceptable due to the changing government development environment for large systems acquisitions and increasing software content. There are many common engineering approaches which should encourage these two disciplines to cooperate in advancing their common interests. However, cooperation means they must jointly change the way they currently do business to reduce their difficulties in working together. The difficulties between SE and SWE, differences in viewpoints, their common interests, and recommendations for improvements to their difficulties are identified.
1.2.1 Realizing Complete Traceability With An Integrated Systems Engineering Environment (ISEE)
Authors: Hyer Scott A. , Jones Mark W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe development of any major system involves a dynamic atmosphere of ideas, people, and information. Traceability (from requirements to functions to physical architecture) grounds a system and all its confusing details to the founding ideas that are critical to its success. Documenting the process (i.e., decision rationale, considered and discarded alternatives, changes, approvals, etc.) is as important as documenting the system requirements, concept, and design themselves. As chronicled in this paper, the US Navy has undertaken an effort using RDD‐100® to provide such traceability with an Integrated Systems Engineering Environment (ISEE) for the Navy Theater Wide Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (NTW TBMD) Program. The NTW ISEE is used to centrally locate all technical information related to the engineering development of the NTW TBMD system. It supports critical activities such as specification development, concept definition, and certification by utilizing critical database capabilities. Such an information management environment has become a necessity in developing large systems.
1.3.2 Towards a Common Management Process for Projects, Systems Engineering and Software Development?
Authors: Davies John K 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn harmonising Systems Engineering, Project Management and Software Development Processes, the aim is to provide each project with a single source of best‐practice process definition for the activities it needs to carry out. In this paper, several methods of harmonisation are considered: producing a combined Project Management and Systems Engineering Process, closely integrating the processes, and having loosely coupled engineering and management processes. Drivers for each option are discussed and their advantages and draw‐backs explored.The major issues that emerge are ‘Should Engineering Management be part of the Systems Engineering Process or part of the Project Management Process?’ and ‘Can Engineering Management be considered in a separate process to the Engineering itself?’ In considering these issues, methods and tool issues to support process harmonisation are discussed. The optimum solution to these issues probably depends on the structure of the project and the organisations involved, but it is argued that for Integrated Project Teams, a common management process offers many advantages.
5.4.2 An Advanced Methodology for the Design Process of a Satellite
Authors: Stoewer Heinz , Hartmann Ralf , von Richter L.A.J. Baron 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper describes a methodical and logical approach of process design as employed within the Satellite Design Office at Dornier Satellite Systems GmbH. It concerns the concept development phase (Phase A/B). Many papers have been written on the subject of the concept design centers, but nearly none of them describe the intern design process. At last this paper focuses on the method in which way the design process is analyzed as well as on the description of the process itself. All involved disciplines during a design project are described as well as their prime interfaces.
3.5.2 Continuous Appraisal Method (CAM)… A New Paradigm for Benchmarking Process Maturity
Authors: Crowder W. Neil , Carr Marvin J. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTThe publication of EIA/IS 731.1 Systems Engineering Capability Model (SECM) establishes a standard against which an organization determines its level of process maturity for systems engineering. EIA/IS 731.2 SECM Appraisal Method provides guidance on the conduct of an appraisal using the SECM. The EIA/IS 731.2 method of derterming the process maturity level is based upon the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) CMM® (Capability Maturity Model) Based Assessment for Internal Process Improvement (CBA IPI) that has been the engineering process maturity appraisal method of choice since its first use in 1994. This paper presents an alternative method for appraising an orgnaization's engineering maturity level—the Continuous Appraisal Method (CAM). CAM provides a significant advantage over the CBA IPI in three areas. First the cost of using CAM is significantly lower than using CBA IPI. Second, CAM allows considerable felexability in scheduling program time during the appraisal. Third, CAM becomes an integral part an organization's process improvement initiative by providing timely feedback on process improvement opportunities.
1.6.3 Cognitive and Personality Characteristics of Successful Systems Engineers
Authors: Frank Moti 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAccording to the title, an extensive research was conducted with an objective to identify the characteristics of engineers with high ‘engineering systems thinking’ thinking skills and the processes by which it is acquired. The main question of the research was “what are the qualifications (knowledge, skills and aptitudes) required from systems engineers?” The General Systems Theory (GST) and the SCAW Model (Systematic Curriculum Alignment and Watch Model) for curriculum design of engineering disciplines constitute the theoretical frame of the research. Eighty‐three categories were found in 28 interviews, 14 lectures and 2 observation sites which may be assorted as follows: Ten categories referring to the definition of engineering systems thinking. Four categories deal with various types of systems thinking. Fifteen categories relate to knowledge required from systems engineers. Thirty‐one categories cover the skills demanded of systems engineers. Fifteen categories explore the personal aptitudes demanded of the systems engineers. Lastly, eight categories examine processes through which the system thinking capability is developed.