Complex Self-organizing Systems Research Articles

First high-resolution marine natural capital mapping in the coastal waters of Chinese mainland

Marine ecosystems are complex self-organized systems that generate natural capital stocks and vital ecosystem services (ES) for human well-being. However, the assessment of marine natural capital in coastal countries is often overlooked. In this study, we evaluated the value of marine natural capital in mainland China using existing ES classifications and the emergy method. China's marine natural capital was estimated at 3.29E+24 sej/yr, with coastal waters having 3.2 times higher emergy density than terrestrial ecosystems. The annual economic value of marine natural capital in China's coastal water was approximately 8817.42 billion yuan/yr, nearly equal to China's Gross Ocean Product (GOP) in 2019 (8941.5-billion-yuan). Southern China showed significantly higher natural capital values than northern China. These findings highlight regional disparities in marine resource utilization and socioeconomic status, posing challenges to sustainable ocean development. The results provide a reference for policy and strategy development for sustainable marine resource exploitation.

Deep Reinforcement Meta-Learning and Self-Organization in Complex Systems: Applications to Traffic Signal Control.

We studied the ability of deep reinforcement learning and self-organizing approaches to adapt to dynamic complex systems, using the applied example of traffic signal control in a simulated urban environment. We highlight the general limitations of deep learning for control in complex systems, even when employing state-of-the-art meta-learning methods, and contrast it with self-organization-based methods. Accordingly, we argue that complex systems are a good and challenging study environment for developing and improving meta-learning approaches. At the same time, we point to the importance of baselines to which meta-learning methods can be compared and present a self-organizing analytic traffic signal control that outperforms state-of-the-art meta-learning in some scenarios. We also show that meta-learning methods outperform classical learning methods in our simulated environment (around 1.5-2× improvement, in most scenarios). Our conclusions are that, in order to develop effective meta-learning methods that are able to adapt to a variety of conditions, it is necessary to test them in demanding, complex settings (such as, for example, urban traffic control) and compare them against established methods.

Dialectics of the Russia agro-industrial complex technologies

The article deals with some aspects of future technologies creating of the Russian agro-industrial complex. The focus is on a synergistic approach to the complex self-organizing technological systems for food production development. Issues in discussion are the prospect of a new industrialization of the agro-industrial complex (AIC); general principles and tasks of applied philosophy; dialectical spiral as a model of technology development; the dynamics of the agro-industrial complex technological systems development from the point of view of the dialectical method; features of the process of self-organization of AIC technologies as complex systems; analysis of directions for the development of agro-industrial complex technologies; interpretation of the Basic Laws of Dialectics in terms of the development of agro-industrial complex technologies in the 21st century; the feasibility and conditions for the creation of complexes "Agro-Food Technology" in the agro-industrial complex as a way to the Sixth technological order. Special focus is paid to the dialectical complication of AIC technologies.

Theoretical questions of the study of industrial enterprises as complex self-organizing systems

Theoretical questions of the study of industrial enterprises as complex self-organizing systems

ИНФОРМАЦИОННАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ПОДДЕРЖКИ ПРОЦЕССОВ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННЫМИ ПОТОКАМИ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА

In this work the problem of forming to effective information support of processes of mana¬gement of the hierarchical production including operations of completing of a product, nodes, subnodes and so on up to subnodes of the set level, at the set normative levels of number of sets taking into account duration of assembly cycles and levels of complete stocks is formulated. The described scheme implements multilevel management with the operator of the highest level of hierarchy, however do not provide reservation of production capacities on the purpose of management that contradicts problems of a system and causes relevance of this article. The research objective consists in need of increase in efficiency automated information to management systems by production structures on the basis of statistical simulation models. Research methods. Let's consider the basic principles which are been the basis for a method of probabilistic and automatic modeling. The method is based on the automata theory consisting in use of results of a machine experiment during creation of complex self-organizing information systems and also in the systems of automation of productions. The probabilistic and automatic model of an information system represents no other than aggregate model when smashing a system to the smallest one-dimensional units. The basic concepts of automatic modeling are the probabilistic automatic machine and the system of probabilistic automatic machines. Results. With growth of complexity of a production system transition to two-level, and then and to multilevel management provides more effective use of resources (capacities and stocks) for the purpose of streamlining of process of release of finished goods. Conclusion. It is defined that the full harmony of interests of control objects is achievable only at the power of flows equal 1. Two-level management provides achievement of goals of management system even at full disharmony of interests of control objects. For increase in efficiency of use of resources of information support it is necessary to build not two-level, but multilayer system of management in which the number of the “subordinate” operators submitting to one “higher” operator is not enough to provide the required level of harmony of their interests. Thus, multilevel management, along with other tasks, solves the most important problem of ensuring a certain level of harmony of the purposes of a system as whole and its elements.

Harmonious management for sustainable development

The article shows that the concepts of harmonious and evolutionary management have significant heuristic potential in the development of institutional engineering, design and management of complex self-organizing systems, as well as contribute to sustainable economic development. The purpose of the article is to identify the mechanisms of conservatism and liberalism synthesis through the tools of harmonious and evolutionary management for productive sustainable economic development. Methodology: An interdisciplinary and systemic methodology is used, the logical and semiotic nature of economic genes and the genotype of the economic system determining characteristics, its orientation and content of the stability of its development are revealed. Results and novelty: basic genotypic concepts and their frames are identified, which determine the motives of economic growth and strategic directed development, mechanisms for implementing the synthesis of economic conservatism and liberalism, the principles of superposition, complementarity, interaction of individual and collective, parts and the whole, management of the economic genotype of the system with its structure − genotypic concepts forming the processes of harmonization, and its sustainable development.

Regional varieties and diachronic changes in Chinese political discourse

The present paper explores the synchronic variations and diachronic changes in political discourses in Hong Kong (HK) and in Mainland of People’s Republic of China (PRC). The relationship between lengths of linguistic constructs and their immediate constituents (including sentences and clauses, and clauses and words) are fitted using the function y = axb based on the Menzerath–Altmann (MA) law to capture the characteristics of language as self-organizing complex systems. We found that the two fitted parameters a and b, as distinctive characteristics of complex systems, can distinguish two regional variants of political speeches from HK and PRC over different periods in time. We also found that the same parameters can capture language changes between different periods of political speeches from the PRC. More specifically, we found that regional variations and historical changes show different degrees of salience at different constituency levels. In addition, we found compounding effects between historical change and regional variations. That is, the two regional variants of political speeches are closer to each other at the earliest diachronic period as compared with the latter two periods, as represented by the fitted parameters of the relationship between sentence and clause lengths. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis for the MA Law capturing the characteristics of language as a complex self-organizing system, as the two fitted parameters account for the interaction of diachronic language change and synchronic variation.

How deep does justice go? Addressing ecological, indigenous, and infrastructural justice through nature-based solutions in New York City

Scholarship on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) primarily focuses on the potential for NbS to deliver multiple benefits to humans and biodiversity from networked natural systems. These approaches, if enacted without sensitivity to local contexts and histories, can deepen long standing injustices resulting from the destruction of complex self-organizing ecological systems, the usurpation of Indigenous governance and knowledge, and the prioritization of technical managerial approaches transforming nature into infrastructure. Here we review, synthesize, and critically reflect on existing scholarship on the rise of NbS in New York City, USA, to inform environmental policy in support of just transformations of complex urban systems. To do so, we examine NbS within the context of the social-ecological-technological system (SETS) of NYC. We organize our review and synthesis around three interrelated concepts of justice: Ecological, Indigenous Environmental, and Infrastructural Justice. Ecological Justice entails addressing the harms, needs, and desired futures of ecological actors while identifying synergies with human focused environmental justice concerns and movements. Indigenous Environmental Justice requires restoring Indigenous systems of governance and knowledge while making space for a diversity of social-ecological practices of marginalized communities. Infrastructural Justice addresses the historical and ongoing injustices perpetuated through mainstream infrastructure policy and design practice – including Environmental Justice concerns – which have increasingly turned towards NbS. Without embedding these principles within emergent NbS focused environmental policy agendas seeking just transformations, they will likely recreate utilitarian, anthropocentric, and colonial modes of managing nature as infrastructure. We conclude with a research-to-action agenda for meeting the interdependent needs of urban ecosystems and humans.

Partnership of Philosophical Schools of Belarus and Russia and Its Contribution to Development of the Scientific Potential of the Eastern European Region

The summary reveals various areas of Belarusian-Russian collaboration in philosophy: problems of the methodology of scientific knowledge, transdisciplinary synthesis of philosophy and science, philosophical foundations of physics, scientific realism, theory of harmony and self-organization of complex systems, modern epistemological theories, the sociocultural foundations, risks, and prospects of the digital society, human problems in the context of convergent technologies, anthropological foundations of intercultural communication, the world heritage of philosophical thought, the reception of Russian philosophy in the Belarusian intellectual tradition. Special attential is paid to the content, possibilities, and prospects of the agreement on cooperation in the field of scientific and educational activity between the Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The areas of mutual interest are scientific research activity, academic work, publishing, humanitarian expertise, training of scientific personnel, interaction of young scientists, career guidance work with schoolchildren, popularization of philosophical knowledge. Under current conditions, the Belarusian and Russian philosophers consider important the studies of civilizational dynamics in the light of the formation of a multipolar world, the philosophical and ethical aspects of the transformation of social practices in the post-COVID era, the philosophical problems of developing artificial intelligence, and the praxeological dimension of philosophical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on the importance of scientific and humanitarian partnership in the development of research and educational potential in the post-Soviet space.

Purposefulness and spontaneity as properties of self-organization of thinking

The paper describes thinking as a complex self-organizing system that simultaneously demonstrates such properties as spontaneity and purposefulness. Such an idea of thinking allows us to consider the specific components of thinking involved in its self-organization when processing arrays of information. This is of particular interest for improving tactical and strategic training methods. The main theories of self-organization are described and analyzed. Among the presented theories devoted to the problem of self-organization, special attention is paid to the theory of complex thinking and the theory of autopoiesis, the cybernetic and synergetic approach, the theory of dissipative structures. The description of thinking and related phenomena was based on the theory of cognitive structures, mental models and the theory of double coding. The features characteristic of theories postulating the spontaneous or purposeful nature of complex self-organizing systems are generalized. It is proposed to use a number of general provisions of self-organization theories to describe the processes and structures of thinking. Attention is drawn to the role of verbal and nonverbal components of thinking in its self-organization when working with information. The features of processing symbolic and figurative information at the verbal and non-verbal level are considered. Attention is drawn to the correlation of the conscious and unconscious in the human psyche, with the manifestations of verbal and nonverbal components of thinking. An assumption is made about the features of information processing of the verbal and nonverbal components of thinking. The analysis of their connection with the conscious and unconscious areas of the psyche is carried out. The possible procedural and structural aspects of self-organization of thinking, implemented on the basis of verbal and nonverbal thinking, are determined. The assumption is made about the use of the obtained results in training to improve the efficiency of information assimilation.

Аграрно-пищевые технологии как этап диалектики АПК

Aim. The article is devoted to some aspects of creating technologies of the future agro-industrial complex of Russia. The focus is on a systematic approach to the development of complex self-organizing technological systems for food production. Discussion. The range of issues discussed includes: consideration of food technology as part of the systemic complex "agrarian-and-food technology"; adaptation of the technological properties of agricultural raw materials to processes in machines, apparatuses and bioreactors of food production; the dynamics of the development of agro-industrial complex technologies; interpretation of the basic laws of dialectics from the point of view of the development of agro-industrial complex technologies in the 21st century; strengthening the integrative qualities of manufacturing and processing technologies when creating a system complex; features of the storage technology of agricultural raw materials, partially or completely processed agricultural products as an integral part of the complex "agrarian- and-food technology". Particular attention is paid to the dialectical complication of AIC technologies. Conclusion. End-to-end technological systems combine into a single whole a large number of heterogeneous systems – autonomous technologies from the production of raw materials to sale to consumers and are created to obtain a significant increase in efficiency in food production. The creation of fundamentally new industrial-type technologies to solve the problem of ensuring the safety and quality of food products can form the Sixth technological mode in the agro-industrial complex. For innovative development and reaching a new level of production that guarantees the safety and quality of food in the country, the competitiveness of Russian food products in the world, it is necessary to develop a technological platform of food supply in Russia based on a systematic approach to the formation of integrated complexes of technological systems for food products – from the production of raw materials to sales consumers.

THE ROLE OF RECURSION IN THE SELF-ORGANIZATION OF THINKING

The article deals with the problem of thinking in the context of modern ideas about self-organization and related phenomena. Attention is drawn to the need to take into account the phenomenon of recursion as a possible basis for the self-organization of human thinking. A description of recursion and recursive thinking from the theoretical positions of the works of N. Luhmann, N. Chomsky, M. Korbalis and others is offered. The specifics of self-organization of thinking on the basis of the theoretical approaches of constructivism and autopoiesis are considered. The manifestations of recursion at the level of thinking and communication are considered. The role of recursion in such manifestations of self-organization of thinking as operational closure, self-reference and reflexive loop is analyzed. The article offers an explanation of the implementation of operational isolation in mental activity through recursive work with information as a necessary initial condition for self-organization that increases the autonomy of the thinking system. Special importance is attached to self-reference and reflexive loop, which allows, through recursive comparison, to provide important properties of self-organization of complex systems associated with self-reproduction and self-regulation. Attention is drawn to the close relationship of operational closure, self-reference and reflexive loops, mediated recursive processes. The main functions performed by each of the phenomena under consideration in the self-organization of thinking are determined. Conclusions are drawn about the presence of three main properties of self-organization of thinking realized through recursion: autonomy of the thinking system, its reproduction and provision of positive feedback.

The impact of sources and sinks on the dynamics of homogeneous and heterogeneous boolean networks

Random Boolean networks, originally introduced as simplified models for the genetic regulatory networks, are abstract models widely applied for the study of the dynamical behaviors of self-organizing complex systems. In these networks, connectivity and the bias of the Boolean functions are the most important factors that can determine the behavioral regime of the systems. On the other hand, it has been found that topology and some structural elements of the networks such as the reciprocity, self-loops and source nodes, can have relevant effects on the dynamical properties of critical Boolean networks. In this paper, we study the impact of source and sink nodes on the dynamics of homogeneous and heterogeneous Boolean networks. Our research shows that an increase of the source nodes causes an exponentially growing of the different behaviors that the system can exhibit regardless of the network topology, while the amount of order seems to undergo modifications depending on the topology of the system. Indeed, with the increase of the source nodes the orderliness of the heterogeneous networks also increases, whereas it diminishes in the homogeneous ones. On the other hand, although the sink nodes seem not to have effects on the dynamic of the homogeneous networks, for the heterogeneous ones we have found that an increase of the sinks gives rise to an increasing of the order, although the different potential behaviors of the system remains approximately the same.

The Use of Synergetic Methods and the Catastrophe Theory

The state of the global ecosystem is currently approaching a critical point, which affects the socio-economic condition of the society. At the present time, the subject of study of economics and financial sciences should be the study of a world characterized by non-stationary changes; socio-economic and ecological crises, which in themselves are related to the multidimensionality and non-linearity of socio-economic systems. The article builds various models using the theory of catastrophe in the process of global socio-economic development, The Ways of solving them are set, the raised models are solved by the computer program Maple, solutions are given and three-dimensional graphs are constructed. For the purpose of analysis, we have selected a synergetic methodology based on the theory of self-organization of complex systems. Various methods and tools were discussed for modeling the unsustainable development of socio-economic systems of which conceptual-methodological basis is catastrophe theory. The algorithm is defined and a complex of models is built in the article, which allows us to determine the type of macroeconomic indicators, the nature of the dynamics, and to determine the possibilities for the development of crises. In the 21st century, it has become clear that the state of the global ecosystem is approaching to a critical bound and it is reflected on the socio-economic development of the society, in addition, the Covid 19 pandemic made the situation extremely tense. Gradually, we are already approaching to catastrophe with big steps. Given this situation, these types of studies are of particular importance.

THE MECHANISM OF STATE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: SYNERGISTIC ASPECTS

The purpose of this research is the development of theoretical foundations for the functioning of the mechanism of state support for small business in a decentralized government based on a synergistic approach. The subject of the study: theoretical and methodological foundations for the functioning of the mechanism of state support of small business in the context of synergetics. Research methodology is a set of principles, approaches, general theoretical, special, and interdisciplinary methods of scientific knowledge, namely morphological analysis, comparative analysis, methods of deduction and logical generalization, analysis and synthesis. Functioning of the mechanism of state support for small business is considered on the basis of a synergistic approach. The synergistic approach is one of the most effective methodological bases for the development of modern economics. The article considers the key theoretical provisions for understanding this approach, substantiates the possibility and feasibility of its application in the implementation of this mechanism in modern economic conditions. Results. It is determined that the reform of decentralization of power has led to the creation of institutional problems in the economic mechanism of state support for small business. In the regions and territorial communities, there is no single mechanism to support the development of small business, which causes the inefficiency of this area of public policy. This justifies the relevance of the use of new methodological approaches to the formation of the mechanisms for implementing the state policy of business regulation. The importance of small business for the development of the national economy, ensuring its stability, is substantiated, the main approaches to the essence of entrepreneurship are investigated. Theoretical aspects of the functioning of the mechanism of state support for small business on the basis of traditional and systemic approaches are systematized, their positive aspects and shortcomings are determined. It is substantiated that in the conditions of economic transformations and introduction of the reform of decentralization of power it is expedient to use the synergistic approach in the research of the mechanism of the state support of the small business. It is emphasized that the very synergistic approach is able to study the process of functioning of the mechanism of state support for small business on the basis of evolutionary development and self-organization of complex systems. We propose to consider the mechanism of state support in the conditions of decentralization as a process of self-organization of small business entities and public authorities, which is carried out through their interaction with the meso- and macroenvironment. Conceptual bases of the use of the synergistic approach in the research of the mechanism of the state support for the development of entrepreneurship and its economic levers are developed. It is substantiated that the application of a synergistic approach in the process of formation and application of the mechanism of state support of small business will allow to take into account interdependence of economic processes and phenomena, to investigate the interaction of local authorities and small businesses under decentralization. The use of a synergistic approach as a research method also makes it possible to take into account the dynamics of the state support mechanism. The synergistic methodology in the study of the mechanism of state support for small business allows to take into account the existence of connections and interactions between the components of the mechanism, as well as the integrity and ability to change. Based on a synergistic approach, it becomes possible to ensure the development of small businesses by preventing threats. The next advantage is the ability to take into account the alternative scenarios of small business development of a particular region or territory in a changing socio-economic environment. Consideration of the mechanism of state support as a self-organized system makes it possible to study the patterns of self-organization, which in the future should become the basis for calculating the synergistic effect of the mechanism.

Pattern dark matter and galaxy scaling relations

We argue that a natural explanation for a variety of robust galaxy scaling relations comes from the perspective of pattern formation and self-organization as a result of symmetry breaking. We propose a simple Lagrangian model that combines a conventional model for normal matter in a galaxy with a conventional model for stripe pattern formation in systems that break continuous translation invariance. We show that the energy stored in the pattern field acts as an effective dark matter. Our theory reproduces the gross features of elliptic galaxies as well as disk galaxies (HSB and LSB) including their detailed rotation curves, the radial acceleration relation, and the Freeman law. We investigate the stability of disk galaxies in the context of our model and obtain scaling relations for the central dispersion for elliptical galaxies. A natural interpretation of our results is that (1) ‘dark matter’ is potentially a collective, emergent phenomenon and not necessarily an as yet undiscovered particle, and (2) MOND is an effective theory for the description of a self-organized complex system rather than a fundamental description of nature that modifies Newton’s second law.

CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN UKRAINE: THEORETICAL JUSTIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT CRITERIA

This article substantiates the place and role of the constitutional order in the social system in general and the European integration course of Ukraine in particular. A categorical analysis of the definition of «constitutional order» is made and the author's definition is proposed, which, in contrast to the existing ones, is based on the provisions of the theory of synergetics and self-organization of complex systems. In particular, constitutional law and order should be understood as a historically determined, mobile and self-organized meta-institutional system formed on the basis of natural selection of informal norms-rules of a particular society and their further constitution, the elements of which are constitutional norms-principles and mechanisms of coercion, which are developed and implemented by the political power. A system of criteria for assessing the constitutional order has been developed and a system of quantitative and qualitative indicators (indices) capable of characterizing the state and dynamics of its development has been presented. The system of criteria for assessing the constitutional order is formed by such indicators as the legitimacy of legal relations, the legitimacy of institutions, the legitimacy of government and national security. It is proposed to include such authoritative international indices as the Crime Index, the Rule of Law Index, the Corruption Perceptions Index, the Inefficient Government Bureaucracy Index, the Trust in Government Index, the Political Rights Index and the Security Threats Index. The state of the constitutional order in Ukraine in 2020 has been analyzed and numerous problems in this area are identified (corruption, inefficient bureaucracy, lack of trust in the government and the prevalence of challenges and threats to national security). Mechanisms (levers and tools) of influence and development of the system of constitutional order are systematized. The system of mechanisms of influencing the constitutional order is formed by normative (amendments to the Constitution), functional (system of responsible institutions and organizations with the relevant functions of protection of the Constitution and ensuring the implementation of constitutional norms-principles) and instrumental (system of measures and methods, including persuasion and coercion, recommendations and encouragement, information and contractual regulation) levers and tools.

Cracks and their role in the life cycle of building materials

Cracks as active elements are presented in all building structures. Cracks define a spontaneous internal restructuring of the structure of the construction material. This is a necessary condition for the adaptation of the system to the influence of unfavorable factors. The presence of active elements in the material of the structure-system contributes to its structural development, which indicates the creative role of cracks. Upon reaching the maximum variety of the structure, cracks-creators are able to develop to cracks of destruction. Cracks-destroyers should be considered as open complex self-organizing systems with their own life cycle. The predominance of the goal of the new crack-system over the goal of the existence of the structure-system leads to the failure of the structure as a basic system.

Sustainability of development of regional systems in transition to the economy of knowledge

The article analyzes the interrelationships of the main terms and concepts used in the investigation of the regional socio-economic system stability when changing to knowledge economy, digitalization of technological processes and management. The object of the research is complex social, ecological and economic systems of a regional scale. The subject of the research is the conceptual apparatus of the research on the stability of regional systems. Key terms and elements of the conceptual apparatus, related characteristics of regional systems that determine their composition and structure, dynamic characteristics, properties have been analyzed. The statement on the applicability of the principles of self-organization to each of the components of complex regional systems has been substantiated. Distinctive features of the regional social, ecological and economic system as a complex object, such as multicomponent, subjectivity, nonlinearity, as well as the activity of elements, subsystems and the system as a whole, have been considered. A conceptual model of development of such complex self-organizing regional socio-economic systems has been presented which determines the relationship between the concepts and the basic characteristics of systems used in behavior analysis. An approach based on the use of principles of self-organization has been proposed, which allows to present the structure of interrelationships of the basic characteristics of the development of regional systems. These principles include the principle of multivariance, the principle of freedom of choice of decisions according to D. Gabor, as well as the principle of external addition, according to which the assessment of the effectiveness of the functioning of a complex system is assessed at the non-systemic level.

Bipartite network analysis of ant-task associations reveals task groups and absence of colonial daily activity.

Social insects are one of the best examples of complex self-organized systems exhibiting task allocation. How task allocation is achieved is the most fascinating question in behavioural ecology and complex systems science. However, it is difficult to comprehensively characterize task allocation patterns due to behavioural complexity, such as the individual variation, context dependency and chronological variation. Thus, it is imperative to quantify individual behaviours and integrate them into colony levels. Here, we applied bipartite network analyses to characterize individual-behaviour relationships. We recorded the behaviours of all individuals with verified age in ant colonies and analysed the individual-behaviour relationship at the individual, module and network levels. Bipartite network analysis successfully detected the module structures, illustrating that certain individuals performed a subset of behaviours (i.e. task groups). We confirmed age polyethism by comparing age between modules. Additionally, to test the daily rhythm of the executed tasks, the data were partitioned between daytime and nighttime, and a bipartite network was re-constructed. This analysis supported that there was no daily rhythm in the tasks performed. These findings suggested that bipartite network analyses could untangle complex task allocation patterns and provide insights into understanding the division of labour.