Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Design a Human Settlement to Better Serve Displaced People

The challenge of transitioning from temporary humanitarian settlements to more sustainable human settlements is due to a significant increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over recent decades, difficulties in providing social services that meet the required standards, and the prolongation of emergencies. Despite this challenging context, short-term considerations continue to guide their planning and management rather than more integrated, longer-term perspectives, thus preventing viable, sustainable development. Over the years, the design of humanitarian settlements has not been adapted to local contexts and perspectives, nor to the dynamics of urbanization and population growth and data. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources. Inefficient land use and ad hoc development models have compounded difficulties and generated new challenges. As a result, living conditions in settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose new challenges. The stakes are such that major shortcomings have emerged along the way, leading to disruption, budget overruns in a context marked by a steady decline in funding. However, some attempts have been made to shift towards more sustainable approaches, but these have mainly focused on vague, sector-oriented themes, failing to consider systematic and integration views. This study is a contribution in addressing these shortcomings by designing a model-driving solution, emphasizing an integrated system conceptualized as a system of systems. This paper proposes a new methodology for designing an integrated and sustainable human settlement model, based on Model-Based Systems Engineering and a Systems Modeling Language to provide valuable insights toward sustainable solutions for displaced populations aligning with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Industrial Biosystems Engineering and Biorefinery Systems

The concept of Industrial Biosystems Engineering (IBsE) was suggested as a new engineering branch to be developed for meeting the needs for science, technology and professionals by the upcoming bioeconomy. With emphasis on systems, IBsE builds upon the interfaces between systems biology, bioprocessing, and systems engineering. This paper discussed the background, the suggested definition, the theoretical framework and methodologies of this new discipline as well as its challenges and future development.

A Systems Approach to Assessing Sustainability Capacity in Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement in Turkana County, Kenya

Refugee settlements face several challenges in transitioning from a temporary planning approach to more sustainable settlements. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over the last few decades, and the difficulties of sustainably providing social services that meet the required standards. The development of refugee settlements assumed that forcibly displaced people would return to their places or countries of origin. Unfortunately, displacement situations are prolonged indefinitely, forcing these people to spend most of their lives in conditions that are often deplorable and substandard, and therefore unsustainable. In most cases, the establishment of refugee settlements is triggered by an emergency caused by an influx of forcibly displaced people, who need to be accommodated urgently and provided with some form of international assistance and protection. This leaves little or no time for proper planning for long-term development as required. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources with ad hoc development models that have exacerbated difficulties. As a result, living conditions in refugee settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose challenges as to how best to design, plan, and sustain settlements over time. To contribute to addressing these challenges, this study proposes a new methodology supported by Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and a Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to develop a typical sustainable human settlement system model, which has functionally and operationally executed using a Systems Engineering (SE) approach. To assess the sustainability capacity of the proposed system, this work applies a matrix of crossed impact multiplication through a case study by conducting a system capacity interdependence analysis (SCIA) using the MICMAC methodology (Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) to assess the interdependency that exist between the sub-systems categories to deliver services at the system level. The sustainability analysis results based on capacity variables influence and dependency models shows that development activities in the settlement are unstable and, therefore, unsustainable since there is no apparent difference between the influential and dependent data used for the assessment. These results illustrate that an integrated system could improve human settlements’ sustainability and that capacity building in service delivery is beneficial and necessary.

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH

In this paper, we propose selected research topics that are believed central to progress and growth in the application of systems engineering （SE）. As a professional activity, and as an intellectual activity, systems engineering has strong links to such associated disciplines as decision analysis, operation research, project management, quality management, and systems design. When focussing on systems engineering research, we should distinguish between subjects that are of systems engineering essence and others that more closely correspond to those that are more relevant for related disciplines.

A Historical Perspective on Development of Systems Engineering Discipline:A Review and Analysis

Since its inception,Systems Engineering(SE)has developed as a distinctive discipline,and there has been significant progress in this field in the past two decades.Compared to other engineering disciplines,SE is not affirmed by a set of underlying fundamental propositions,instead it has emerged as a set of best practices to deal with intricacies stemming from the stochastic nature of engineering complex systems and addressing their problems.Since the existing methodologies and paradigms(dominant patterns of thought and concepts)of SE are very diverse and somewhat fragmented.This appears to create some confusion regarding the design,deployment,operation,and application of SE.The purpose of this paper is 1)to delineate the development of SE from 1926-2017 based on insights derived from a histogram analysis,2)to discuss the different paradigms and school of thoughts related to SE,3)to derive a set of fundamental attributes of SE using advanced coding techniques and analysis,and 4)to present a newly developed instrument that could assess the performance of systems engineers.More than Two hundred and fifty different sources have been reviewed in this research in order to demonstrate the development trajectory of the SE discipline based on the frequency of publication.

Multiscale process systems engineering—analysis and design of chemical and energy systems from molecular design up to process optimization

As indicated by Grossmann and Westerberg[1],a process system can be generally decomposed into hierarchical levels or scales at which different physical and/or chemical phenomena take place(see Fig.1).The first step of multiscale process modeling is to connect the molecular level with the phase level,where the main task is to model and predict the properties of fluid mixtures based on the atomic-or molecular-level information.Typically,quantum chemical(QC)computation,molecular simulation,and equations of state are used to provide such predictions.Recently,due to the ever-increasing number of available data and fast development of cheminformatics and machine learning tools,data-driven descriptor models have been developed and widely used for property predictions[2].

A Novel High-Efficiency Transaction Verification Scheme for Blockchain Systems

Blockchain can realize the reliable storage of a large amount of data that is chronologically related and verifiable within the system.This technology has been widely used and has developed rapidly in big data systems across various fields.An increasing number of users are participating in application systems that use blockchain as their underlying architecture.As the number of transactions and the capital involved in blockchain grow,ensuring information security becomes imperative.Addressing the verification of transactional information security and privacy has emerged as a critical challenge.Blockchain-based verification methods can effectively eliminate the need for centralized third-party organizations.However,the efficiency of nodes in storing and verifying blockchain data faces unprecedented challenges.To address this issue,this paper introduces an efficient verification scheme for transaction security.Initially,it presents a node evaluation module to estimate the activity level of user nodes participating in transactions,accompanied by a probabilistic analysis for all transactions.Subsequently,this paper optimizes the conventional transaction organization form,introduces a heterogeneous Merkle tree storage structure,and designs algorithms for constructing these heterogeneous trees.Theoretical analyses and simulation experiments conclusively demonstrate the superior performance of this scheme.When verifying the same number of transactions,the heterogeneous Merkle tree transmits less data and is more efficient than traditional methods.The findings indicate that the heterogeneous Merkle tree structure is suitable for various blockchain applications,including the Internet of Things.This scheme can markedly enhance the efficiency of information verification and bolster the security of distributed systems.

State-Based Opacity Verification of Networked Discrete Event Systems Using Labeled Petri Nets

The opaque property plays an important role in the operation of a security-critical system,implying that pre-defined secret information of the system is not able to be inferred through partially observing its behavior.This paper addresses the verification of current-state,initial-state,infinite-step,and K-step opacity of networked discrete event systems modeled by labeled Petri nets,where communication losses and delays are considered.Based on the symbolic technique for the representation of states in Petri nets,an observer and an estimator are designed for the verification of current-state and initial-state opacity,respectively.Then,we propose a structure called an I-observer that is combined with secret states to verify whether a networked discrete event system is infinite-step opaque or K-step opaque.Due to the utilization of symbolic approaches for the state-based opacity verification,the computation of the reachability graphs of labeled Petri nets is avoided,which dramatically reduces the computational overheads stemming from networked discrete event systems.

Belief reliability:a scientific exploration of reliability engineering

This paper systematically introduces and reviews a scientific exploration of reliability called the belief reliability.Beginning with the origin of reliability engineering,the problems of present theories for reliability engineering are summarized as a query,a dilemma,and a puzzle.Then,through philosophical reflection,we introduce the theoretical solutions given by belief reliability theory,including scientific principles,basic equations,reliability science experiments,and mathematical measures.The basic methods and technologies of belief reliability,namely,belief reliability analysis,function-oriented belief reliability design,belief reliability evaluation,and several newly developed methods and technologies are sequentially elaborated and overviewed.Based on the above investigations,we summarize the significance of belief reliability theory and make some prospects about future research,aiming to promote the development of reliability science and engineering.

A new optimal adaptive backstepping control approach for nonlinear systems under deception attacks via reinforcement learning

In this paper,a new optimal adaptive backstepping control approach for nonlinear systems under deception attacks via reinforcement learning is presented in this paper.The existence of nonlinear terms in the studied system makes it very difficult to design the optimal controller using traditional methods.To achieve optimal control,RL algorithm based on critic–actor architecture is considered for the nonlinear system.Due to the significant security risks of network transmission,the system is vulnerable to deception attacks,which can make all the system state unavailable.By using the attacked states to design coordinate transformation,the harm brought by unknown deception attacks has been overcome.The presented control strategy can ensure that all signals in the closed-loop system are semi-globally ultimately bounded.Finally,the simulation experiment is shown to prove the effectiveness of the strategy.

Toward Cloud Computing QoS Architecture:Analysis of Cloud Systems and Cloud Services

Cloud can be defined as a new computing paradigm that provides scalable, on-demand, and virtualized resources for users. In this style of computing, users can access a shared pool of computing resources which are provisioned with minimal management efforts of users. Yet there are some obstacles and concerns about the use of clouds. Guaranteeing quality of service QoS by service providers can be regarded as one of the main concerns for companies tending to use it. Service provisioning in clouds is based on service level agreements representing a contract negotiated between users and providers. According to this contract, if a provider cannot satisfy its agreed application requirements, it should pay penalties as compensation. In this paper, we intend to carry out a comprehensive survey on the models proposed in literature with respect to the implementation principles to address the QoS guarantee issue. © 2014 Chinese Association of Automation.

The DAO to MetaControl for MetaSystems in Metaverses:The System of Parallel Control Systems for Knowledge Automation and Control Intelligence in CPSS

An investigation and outline of MetaControl and DeControl in Metaverses for control intelligence and knowledge automation are presented.Prescriptive control with prescriptive knowledge and parallel philosophy is proposed as the starting point for the new control philosophy and technology,especially for computational control of metasystems in cyberphysical-social systems.We argue that circular causality,the generalized feedback mechanism for complex and purposive systems,should be adapted as the fundamental principle for control and management of metasystems with metacomplexity in metaverses.Particularly,an interdisciplinary approach is suggested for MetaControl and DeControl as a new form of intelligent control based on five control metaverses:MetaVerses,MultiVerses,InterVerses,TransVerse,and DeepVerses.

Weapons system portfolio selection based on the contribution rate evaluation of system of systems

The weapons system portfolio selection problem arises at the equipment demonstration stage and deals with the military application requirements.Further,the contribution rate of the system is one of the important indicators to evaluate the role of a system,which can facilitate the weapons system portfolio selection.Therefore,combining the system contribution rate with system portfolio selection is the focus of this study.It also focuses on calculating the contribution rates of multiple equipment systems with various types of capabilities.The contribution rate is measured by establishing a hierarchical multi-criteria value model from three dimensions.Based on the value model,the feasible portfolios are developed under certain cost constraints and the optimal weapons system portfolios are obtained by using the classification optimization selection strategy.Finally,an illustrative example is presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed model.

Fundamental Issues in Networked Control Systems

Abstract--This paper provides a survey on modeling and theories of networked control systems （NCS）. In the first part, modeling of the different types of imperfections that affect NCS is discussed. These imperfections are quantization errors, packet dropouts, variable sampling/transmission intervals, vari- able transmission delays, and communication constraints. Then follows in the second part a presentation of several theories that have been applied for controlling networked systems. These theories include： input delay system approach, Markovian system approach, switched system approach, stochastic system approach, impulsive system approach, and predictive control approach. In the last part, some advanced issues in NCS including decentral- ized and distributed NCS, cloud control system, and co-design of NCS are reviewed. Index Terms--Decentralized networked control systems （NCS）, distributed networked control systems, network constraints, net- worked control system, quantization, time delays.

A Perspective on Smart Process Manufacturing Research Challenges forProcess Systems Engineers

The challenges posed by smart manufacturing for the process industries and for process systems engineering（PSE） researchers are discussed in this article. Much progress has been made in achieving plant- and site-wide optimization, hut benchmarking would give greater confidence. Technical challenges confrontingprocess systems engineers in developing enabling tools and techniques are discussed regarding flexibilityand uncertainty, responsiveness and agility, robustness and security, the prediction of mixture propertiesand function, and new modeling and mathematics paradigms. Exploiting intelligence from big data to driveagility will require tackling new challenges, such as how to ensure the consistency and confidentiality ofdata through long and complex supply chains. Modeling challenges also exist, and involve ensuring that allkey aspects are properly modeled, particularly where health, safety, and environmental concerns requireaccurate predictions of small but critical amounts at specific locations. Environmental concerns will requireus to keep a closer track on all molecular species so that they are optimally used to create sustainablesolutions. Disruptive business models may result, particularly from new personalized products, but that isdifficult to predict.

Adaptive and Predictive Control Strategies for Wind Turbine Systems: A Survey

The wind turbine(WT) is a renewable energy conversion device for transformation of kinetic energy from the wind to mechanical energy for subsequent use in different forms.This paper focuses on wind turbine control design strategies.The content is divided into the following parts: 1) An overview of the recent advances that have been made in the application of adaptive and model predictive control strategies for wind turbines. 2) Summarizes some important aspects of modeling of wind turbines for control studies. 3) Provides an outlook on the application of adaptive model predictive control for uncertain systems to stimulate new research interests for wind turbine systems. We provide an overall picture of the research results with evaluation of the merits/demerits.

Parallel Control for Continuous-Time Linear Systems:A Case Study

In this paper,a new parallel controller is developed for continuous-time linear systems.The main contribution of the method is to establish a new parallel control law,where both state and control are considered as the input.The structure of the parallel control is provided,and the relationship between the parallel control and traditional feedback controls is presented.Considering the situations that the systems are controllable and incompletely controllable,the properties of the parallel control law are analyzed.The parallel controller design algorithms are given under the conditions that the systems are controllable and incompletely controllable.Finally,numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the present method.Index Terms-Continuous-time linear systems,digital twin,parallel controller,parallel intelligence,parallel systems.

Fault detection for nonlinear networked control systems based on fuzzy observer

Security and reliability must be focused on control sys- tems firstly, and fault detection and diagnosis （FDD） is the main theory and technology. Now, there are many positive results in FDD for linear networked control systems （LNCSs）, but nonlinear networked control systems （NNCSs） are less involved. Based on the T-S fuzzy-modeling theory, NNCSs are modeled and network random time-delays are changed into the unknown bounded uncertain part without changing its structure. Then a fuzzy state observer is designed and an observer-based fault detection approach for an NNCS is presented. The main results are given and the relative theories are proved in detail. Finally, some simulation results are given and demonstrate the proposed method is effective.

A Survey of Cyber Attacks on Cyber Physical Systems:Recent Advances and Challenges

A cyber physical system(CPS)is a complex system that integrates sensing,computation,control and networking into physical processes and objects over Internet.It plays a key role in modern industry since it connects physical and cyber worlds.In order to meet ever-changing industrial requirements,its structures and functions are constantly improved.Meanwhile,new security issues have arisen.A ubiquitous problem is the fact that cyber attacks can cause significant damage to industrial systems,and thus has gained increasing attention from researchers and practitioners.This paper presents a survey of state-of-the-art results of cyber attacks on cyber physical systems.First,as typical system models are employed to study these systems,time-driven and event-driven systems are reviewed.Then,recent advances on three types of attacks,i.e.,those on availability,integrity,and confidentiality are discussed.In particular,the detailed studies on availability and integrity attacks are introduced from the perspective of attackers and defenders.Namely,both attack and defense strategies are discussed based on different system models.Some challenges and open issues are indicated to guide future research and inspire the further exploration of this increasingly important area.

Stability analyses of the mass abrasive projectile high-speed penetrating into concrete target. Part Ⅰ: Engineering model for the mass loss and nose-blunting of ogive-nosed projectiles

The mass loss and nose blunting of a projectile during high-speed deep penetration into concrete target may cause structural destruction and ballistic trajectory instability of the penetrator,obviously reducing the penetration efficiency of penetrator.Provided that the work of friction between projectile and target is totally transformed into the heat to melt penetrator material at its nose surface,an engineering model is established for the mass loss and nose-blunting of the ogive-nosed projectile.A dimensionless formula for the relative mass loss of projectile is obtained by introducing the dimensionless impact function I and geometry function N of the projectile.The critical value V c0of the initial striking velocity is formulated,and the mass loss of projectile tends to increase weakly nonlinearly with I/N when V0〉V c0,whilst the mass loss is proportional to the initial kinetic energy of projectile when V0