Introduction to Systems Analysis and Numerical Methods

Abstract

The recording and analysis of physiological signals has permeated all aspects of the study of biological organisms, from basic science to clinical diagnosis. For example, the clinical recording of various biopotential signals has become an essential component in the diagnosis of all organs involving excitable tissue; information from pressure and flow signals is an important part of cardiovascular care; even in the diagnosis of digestive and excretory disorders signal analysis provides valuable assistance. Implicit in the analysis of these signals is an understanding of the mechanisms involved in their physiological generation. It is important to note that even if an explicit model is not postulated the very act of using an analytic procedure implies a certain model for the physiological process. This fact is often ignored to the detriment of the analysis. When explicit models are postulated every measurement acts to either support it or weaken it. In fact, analyses predicated on explicitly defined models make for good science in that clear testable hypotheses are available.