Introducing Change into Complex Cognitive Work Systems

In popular dialogues, describing a system as "complex" is often the point of resignation, inferring that the system cannot be sufficiently described, predicted nor managed. Transport networks, management infrastructure and supply chain logistics are all often described in this way. Academic dialogues have begun to explore the collective behaviors of complex systems to define a complex system specifically as an adaptive one; i.e. a system that demonstrates 'self organising' principles and 'emergent' properties. Based upon the key principles of interaction and emergence in relation to adaptive and self organising systems in cultural artifacts and processes, this paper will argue that complex systems are cultural systems. By introducing generic principles of complex systems, and looking at the exploration of such principles in art, design and media research, this paper argues that a science of cultural systems as part of complex systems theory is the post modern science for the digital age. Furthermore, that such a science was predicated by post structuralism and has been manifest in art, design and media practice since the late 1960s.

The research on complex systems is different from that on general systems because the former must consider self-organization, emergence, uncertainty, predetermination, and evolution. As an important method to transform the world, a simulation is one of the most important skills to discover complex systems. In this study, we provide a survey on complex systems and their simulation methods. Initially, the development history of complex system research is summarized from two main lines. Then, the eight common characteristics of the most complex systems are presented. Furthermore, the simulation methods of complex systems are introduced in detail from four aspects, namely, meta-synthesis methods, complex networks, intelligent technologies, and other methods. From the overall point of view, intelligent technologies are the driving force, and complex networks are the advanced structure. Meta-synthesis methods are the integration strategy, and other methods are the supplements. In addition, we show three complex system simulation examples: digital reactor simulation, simulation of a logistics system in the industrial site, and crowd evacuation simulation. The examples show that a simulation is a useful means and an important method in complex system research. Finally, the future development prospects for complex systems and their simulation methods are suggested.

The name of this panel session called for a discussion on the progress in human-system interaction. It appears that the progress in that area is invariably associated with intelligent agents, a subject which reoccurred in each panel presentation. An increased power of computing machinery together with an advancement of technology in other areas opened a new frontier for human factors research in complex human machine systems employing high degree of automation as well as humans. Intelligent agents entered various stages of human interaction with complex system, such as the design of automated systems, operation and maintenance of complex systems, and training of humans which interact with complex systems. Agents, by the earliest definition are artifacts that have a very specialized function, usually quite complex. In the human-machine systems intelligent agents often serve as computer interface agents, systems that can serve as go-betweens because they posses some specialized skills. There are agents that serve as assistants to humans interacting and controlling complex systems, and agents that serve as tutors training the humans to operate systems. The set of tasks and applications where intelligent agents could be employed is virtually unlimited.

IntroductionThe human body's response to pain is indicative of a complex adaptive system. Therapeutic yoga potentially represents a similar complex adaptive system that could interact with the pain response system with unique benefits.ObjectivesTo determine the viability of yoga as a therapy for pain and whether pain responses and/or yoga practice should be considered complex adaptive systems.MethodsExamination through 3 different approaches, including a narrative overview of the evidence on pain responses, yoga, and complex system, followed by a network analysis of associated keywords, followed by a mapping of the functional components of complex systems, pain response, and yoga.ResultsThe narrative overview provided extensive evidence of the unique efficacy of yoga as a pain therapy, as well as articulating the relevance of applying complex systems perspectives to pain and yoga interventions. The network analysis demonstrated patterns connecting pain and yoga, while complex systems topics were the most extensively connected to the studies as a whole.ConclusionAll three approaches support considering yoga a complex adaptive system that exhibits unique benefits as a pain management system. These findings have implications for treating chronic, pervasive pain with behavioral medicine as a systemic intervention. Approaching yoga as complex system suggests the need for research of mind-body topics that focuses on long-term systemic changes rather than short-term isolated effects.

Operations research (OR) is a vital discipline for addressing the complexities of modern systems, providing the tools and methodologies necessary to optimize performance, resource allocation, and decision-making. This research article explores the application of operations research in complex systems, encompassing theoretical foundations, advanced techniques, and practical applications. Through comprehensive analysis, the study identifies key methodologies such as linear programming, simulation, and network analysis, and highlights significant case studies in various fields including logistics, healthcare, and energy management. The findings emphasize the importance of OR in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in complex environments. Practical recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are provided, along with suggestions for future research to further advance the field. Keywords: Optimizing Complexity, Operations Research, Complex Systems, Optimization Techniques, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Analysis, Decision-Making Processes, Network Optimization, Simulation Modeling, Stochastic Processes, Heuristic Methods, Algorithmic Solutions, Complex System Dynamics, Systems Engineering, Resource Allocation, Operational Efficiency, Systemic Risk Management, Computational Methods, Performance Analysis, Supply Chain Optimization, Complex Network Theory, Multicriteria Decision Analysis, Nonlinear Systems, Optimization Algorithms, and Complexity Science.

<i>Introduction to the Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems.</i> H. Sayama (Ed.). (2015, Open SUNY Textbooks). Free open access PDF, 498 pp. ISBN 978-1-942341-06-2 (deluxe color edition). ISBN 978-1-942341-08-6 (print edition). ISBN 978-1-942341-09-3 (ebook).

A method has been proposed for the structural functional-cost modeling of a complex hierarchical system. The initial data for carrying out calculations directly based on the functional-cost model have been determined. We have proposed and substantiated the cost description of a complex system and its components by using analytical approximating dependences. An example of the functional-cost algorithm has been given that employs a Lagrange multiplier method for complex systems with a serial combination of its separate parts. The solution to the example is the distribution among the desired probabilities of the effective operation of individual parts in terms of the minimum cost. Deriving such distribution does not require absolute values of the cost of both parts and the entire system. The issues addressed in the cost rationalization include the following: ensuring the predefined level of the functional perfection of a system at its minimum cost; determining the minimum required level of functional excellence in a single link at the known levels of functional excellence of the system and all other links except the one under investigation; determining the required number of parallel operating links for the same purpose; clarification of the required level of the functional perfection of links (information sensors, information processing links, communication channels) that have parallel communication; the structural improvement of a complex system by selecting a link within the system for which the improvement of functional perfection can be realized at minimum cost. We have proposed rules for the structural rationalization of a complex system. The first of them is the rule of the rational structural structure of a complex system. That makes it possible to receive a sufficient benefit from the complex system at minimum cost. The second rule is the expediency of complicating a complex system. According to it, complicating a complex system is advisable only if it improves the functional perfection of the entire complex system. The third rule, a rule of the proper structure, shows that there are no unnecessary links in the complex system, that is, those links that do not perform any activities that are not functionally required by a given system

This is the first year of the new Track on Complex Systems. No doubt the idea of what a complex system is will be different to different people. For the purpose of this Track, a complex system may be large or small in scale. An important characteristic, however, is that such a system exhibiting a behavior under stress that is difficult to predict. This may be because models are not well understood (i.e. load models in electric power systems, behavioral models in social and economic systems). It may be because the number of variables is so large that it is beyond simulation capabilities of current computers, or because the relation between a large number of variables is so complex that current mathematics or simulation methods are inadequate. This track seeks to explore methods at the frontier of understanding complex system phenomena and the electric power system is a worthy example of such a system.There are five mini-tracks in this Track. The mini-track on Information Management seeks to explore techniques for managing and visualizing large-scale models that may be distributed across multiple operating authorities. Papers that cover both distribution and transmission network applications are scheduled for presentation.Another Mini-track focuses on topics related to the ability of complex systems such as power systems to survive disturbances with minimal impact on performance. Specific topics to be presented are steady state and dynamic security assessment where the impacts of pre-specified contingencies are analyzed and Available Transfer Capability (ATC), which quantifies the ability of the interconnected system to accept increases in power, transfers.Many large complex systems exhibit evidence of self-organized criticality. Issues such as the role of network size and topology along with the influence of network loading and operation on self-organized criticality are of interest. Evidence that large network disturbances are of a self-organized type and mechanisms of self-organized behavior in large networks are to be presented.Hybrid systems can be viewed as systems that allow interactions between discrete events and continuous dynamics. As such, they are natural models for complex interactive networks and systems such as manufacturing, power, communications, and transportation systems. A satisfactory theory for such systems, which draws from several disciplines including control theory, computer science, and applied mathematics, will have an enormous impact on the design, synthesis, and operations of many practical systems. Computational and algorithmic approaches to such problems encounter considerable difficulties. In addition to modeling and analysis of such systems, this mini-track explores novel computational paradigms that are able to accommodate uncertainties in the system at various levels.Finally, there are three sessions in the mini-track on Markets and Economics. The aim of this mini-track is to explore the ability of commercial trading models to effectively represent the complex physical behavior of an electricity industry, an issue that is critical to the success of electricity industry restructuring. Important aspects of this issue include the design of efficient spot markets and ancillary service markets, and mechanisms to incorporate network effects in electricity trading models. Papers will be presented that address these and other aspects of this important problem.

The York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis (YCCSA) is an interdepartmental, cross-disciplinary centre at the University of York with a focus on interdisciplinary research on complex systems. At an early stage, YCCSA was awarded a 3 year grant, the TRANSIT programme, whose goal was the development of a research culture that lowered the barriers to interdisciplinary engagement. TRANSIT was conceived as a (complex) system of interrelated activities that focused on “coming together”, “thinking together” and “working together”. Experimental activities included non-traditional seminar formats with eclectic programming, a focus on group orchestration through facilitation and thinking systems, and mechanisms for supporting feasibility studies though lightweight access to funds and to summer students. The programme was community-driven with an ethos of openness, creativity and risk-taking. This period saw the emergence of a distinctive culture of deep interdisciplinarity, exemplified in new language and patterns of interaction, novel and reflexive proposals for (the organisation of) processes of interdisciplinary research in complex systems, a levelling of the academic hierarchy, and the self-organisation of teaching, learning and supervision.

The monograph reveals the basics of complexity theory and methods for assessing complexity. The concept of complexity consideration is based on the analysis of complexity as a common attribute in processes and systems. The monograph describes the main methods for assessing different types of complexity. The concept of considering complexity in this monograph is also based on the fact that complexity is a comparative characteristic. It is given on a relative scale of difficulty. Therefore, complexity must be defined on a relative scale of “simplicity-complexity.” This concept motivates the consideration and analysis of the concept of “simplicity” as a complement to the concept of “complexity”. These concepts set the scale of complexity. The monograph provides a comparative analysis of the related concepts of simplicity and complexity. Three methods for assessing complexity are described: expert assessment of complexity, assessment of complexity using mathematical metrics, comparative assessment of complexity based on the theory of comparative analysis. The monograph contains a taxonomy of the main types of complexity. The content of the main types of complexity is revealed in detail: descriptive complexity, system complexity, modeling complexity, computational complexity. algorithmic complexity, deterministic complexity. Specific cognitive difficulties are described in detail. For cognitive complexity, special assessment methods are used. An interpretation of the concept of cognitive filter is given. Complexity is associated with the concept of complex systems. In most monographs on complex systems, the complexity aspect has not been considered or is viewed in a simplified manner. This monograph examines complexity as a characteristic of complex systems and the basis for their classification. Emergence is described as a characteristic of the complexity of systems and complex processes. The monograph contains a taxonomy of complex systems with characteristics of the complexity of different systems. Complex data systems have been explored. An analysis of organizational complex systems is given. Various types of complex ergatic systems have been described. An analysis of complex technical systems is given. Self-developing complex systems are described. autopoiesis of a complex organizational and technical system has been studied as a principle of systems development. Cyber-physical systems are described as an example of the development of complex systems. The monograph is intended for specialists in the field of computer science, systems analysis, artificial intelligence and philosophy of information.

The Complexity of the Homeopathic Healing Response Part 2: The Role of the Homeopathic Simillimum as a Complex System in Initiating Recovery from Disease.

Increasing demand for drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and their applications, e.g. monitoring of infrastructure or transport of goods, likewise demands for a structured integration into the existing airspace used by conventional traffic. Integration and management of smaller drones in lower airspace is investigated by U-space, the initiative of SESAR Joint Undertaking to ensure safe and secure integration of drones in Europe. The non-segregated integration of RPAS traffic into the existing Air Traffic Management structure, especially at and around airports, is still an open task, which is investigated by the INVIRCAT project. The project aims at developing a concept of operations for RPAS in terminal manoeuvring areas and airports under instrument flight rules. Furthermore, the project assesses this concept through real-time simulations, and drafts a set of requirements and recommendations for rule-makers and standardization bodies.&#13;\nOne part of the simulation activities of INVIRCAT has been performed at DLR premises in November 2021. The simulation at DLR focused on the arrival of instrument flights at an international airport, in this case Düsseldorf airport (EDDL). A baseline traffic scenario has been constructed based on recorded traffic at EDDL from 2019, with approximately 35 arrival movements per hour, combining unmanned and conventional aircraft. Up to three selected aircraft have then been replaced by remotely piloted aircraft systems, and RPAS-specific scenario events have been injected, such as data communication loss or high latency on the data communication link. This yielded a total of eight scenarios available for simulation purpose.&#13;\nThe simulation assessed the impact of the integration of RPAS within terminal manoeuvring areas on air traffic control, and the adequacy of procedures and phraseology introduced by the developed concept. For this purpose, external air traffic controllers from the organisations IFATCA and ANACNA have been invited to the simulation exercises. The air traffic controllers have been trained at the controller working positions and then been confronted with arriving RPAS. Neither conventional nor RPAS traffic should have been given preference if not required. RPAS should have been treated like the other traffic as much as possible. In case of data communication loss, the RPAS were programmed to enter certain new determined emergency loiter areas separated from the regular arrival streams, known to the air traffic controllers. After regaining the data communication link, the RPAS remained in the emergency loiter area until instructed by air traffic control otherwise. Additionally, these loiter areas may have been used to separate RPAS from the other traffic in any case the air traffic controller sees the need for. Voice communication between RPAS pilot and air traffic controller remained available through all research scenarios. Both RPAS pilot and air traffic controller were provided with suggested phraseology for the case of data communication loss.&#13;\nDuring the trials, every five minutes each controller indicated his perceived workload on a scale from 1 to 5 (Instantaneous Self Assessment of workload - ISA). After each scenario, both air traffic controller and RPAS pilot have been provided with a questionnaire, asking for their feedback on the applied and available procedures as well as the adequacy of the used phraseology. The introduced procedures were welcomed and rated to be adequate and useful for the purpose of safe integration of RPAS into terminal manoeuvring areas and airports under instrument flight rules. The option to utilise the emergency loiter area during regular operation, i.e. other than automatic activation in case of data communication loss, was not used. However, it was deemed valuable as a “last resort” backup for RPAS. The introduced phraseology for data communication loss was welcomed and rated to be adequate.&#13;\nThe full paper will give an insight to the recorded data. This includes a consolidated report of the answered questionnaires from controllers and pilots as well as a data analysis of the traffic flow and the instantaneous self-assessment of workload.

Fundamental research on complex systems has shown relevance to efforts of international development. This paper canvasses some practitioner friendly approaches to international development. Development is about interventions in a highly complex system, the society. Complex systems research tells us that development interventions should not be overly planned, rather the fundamental uncertainty of a changing social system requires a diversity of interventions, and rapid learning from development success and failure. Developing economies are functioning at a low level of effectiveness and resource use. Complex systems are change resistant, and intervention requires understanding the autocatalytic nature of a process of change. International development is about the stimulation of a society’s innate autocatalytic / self-organizing processes through interventions that stimulate enough to overcome change resistance, but which do not overwhelm the system. Since the size of financial interventions may in some cases be a substantial fraction of the existing economic activity, disruption is a likely outcome. Crucially, one must avoid having the socio-economic activity organized around the intervention itself, since then an undesirable dependency of the economy on the intervention arises. Stimulation of the innate modes of activity results in the development of socio-economic organization around energy, material and financial flows. The primary generator of effectiveness is an appropriate network structure of interactions and relationships. This paper summarizes traditional development efforts and their outcomes as well as a plausible description of the process of complex systems motivated interventions. Examples are given of recent approaches which aim to appropriately stimulate international development.

As complex systems approaches to research gain a foothold in educational research, educational researchers may be faced with unique study design challenges. Studies that do not target appropriate levels of analysis or do not capture variable change over time at a fine enough granularity run the risk of missing complex, dynamic, and emergent properties that are the hallmark of complex system behavior. By taking into account context, multiple levels of analysis, and change over time complex systems approaches generate evidence for dynamic processes in education. This paper draws upon three example areas from educational psychology to illustrate important design considerations for conducting complex systems research in education. We discuss how complex systems designs can generate new insight for areas of study such as how psychological constructs influence learning, classroom dynamics, and teacher-student interactions.

Application of Complex Systems Research to Efforts of International Development