The aviation system has experienced an increasing demand over the last decade since it is considered one of the optimal means of transportation. As a result of this increasing demand, aviation organizations have been forced to focus on passenger safety by keeping aircraft airworthy at all times and by investing in the maintenance sector. Recent literature shows that the maintenance sector is still using outdated technology to maintain documentation of an aircraft's maintenance system. This article proposes the use of model-based system engineering (MBSE) as an approach to document aircraft maintenance systems. Systems modeling language (SysML) provides the maintenance system with a more systematic application that would automatically update maintenance records and provide stakeholders with more precise documentation. SysML is expressed through the use of structural and behavioral diagrams for the EA-6B aircraft. This article also provides a look into the use of SysML in the modeling of complex system architecture and the interaction between various systems. The integration of reliability studies and SysML is showcased through a case study. A failure mode and effect analysis is performed to show the usability of SysML in conducting reliability analysis. This article serves as a foundation for practitioners who aim to use MBSE methodology to solve the current setbacks existing in the maintenance aviation sector.

This study utilized the application of authentic Virtual Reality (VR) to replicate the real-world complex system scenarios of a large retail supply chain. The proposed VR scenarios were developed based on an established systems thinking instrument that consists of seven dimensions: level of complexity, independence, interaction, change, uncertainty, systems’ worldview, and flexibility. However, in this study, we only developed the VR scenarios for the first dimension, level of complexity, to assess an individual’s Systems Thinking Skills (STS) when he or she engages in a turbulent virtual environment. The main objective of this study was to compare a student’s STS when using traditional ST instruments versus VR scenarios for the complexity dimension. The secondary aim was to investigate the efficacy of VR scenarios utilizing three measurements: Simulation Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), and Presence Questionnaire (PQ). In addition to the three measures, NASA TLX assessment was also performed to assess the perceived workload with regards to performing the tasks in VR scenarios. The results show students’ preferences in the VR scenarios are not significantly different from their responses obtained using the traditional systems skills instrument. The efficacy measures confirmed that the developed VR scenarios are user friendly and lie in an acceptable region for users. Finally, the overall NASA TLX score suggests that users require 36% perceived work effort to perform the activities in VR scenarios.

Bioenergy is one of the potential solutions to satisfy the extensive demand for energy and reduce fossil fuel dependency. For biomass to be an efficient source of bioenergy, it must be converted to a usable form, one of which is pellets. This study compares three commonly used methods to produce pellets in a biomass depot and presents a framework to select the most effective and economic pelleting processes. The comparison is performed using a data driven decision-making method called the Preference Index Selection Method (PSI). We considered three main pelletization technologies and compared four of their most critical attributes. The three popular biomass pellet processing methods used for this study are the conventional pelleting process (CPP), the high moisture pelleting process (HMPP), and the ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX). These processes were evaluated from both economic and environmental perspectives. We used the state of Mississippi as a testing ground for our analyses. The results obtained through the PSI method were validated with the Grey relational analysis (GRA) method. The results revealed that of the three available pelleting processes, the conventional pelleting process and the high moisture pelleting process were the most economic and environmentally friendly.