Complex Self-organizing Systems Research Articles

Aeolian dune field self-organization – implications for the formation of simple versus complex dune-field patterns

The interpretation of aeolian dune-field patterns as self-organizing complex systems is a new paradigm in which pattern evolution may be addressed. Computer simulations, supported by field and experimental data, indicate that a given wind regime produces a simple dune-field pattern. Dune type and crest orientation are determined by wind regime and pattern ordering occurs through dune–dune interactions over time. Because dunes reorient only at their crest terminations with a change in wind regime, the rate of formation of a new pattern of small dunes is typically faster than the rate of reorientation of the existing pattern, resulting in the superposition of simple patterns to give rise to complex patterns. Complex patterns are distinct from spatial changes in a simple pattern, and from the type of superposition that characterizes compound/complex dunes. Complex patterns necessarily indicate a rate of pattern formation that is rapid compared to the rate of sediment accumulation on the depositional surface.

Regular multicharged transient soft matter in Coulomb explosion of heteroclusters.

Nanointerfaces of mobile, thin spherical shells of light ions that expand on the femtosecond time scale, can be produced by Coulomb explosion of extremely ionized molecular heteroclusters consisting of light and heavy ions, e.g., (D+Iq+)n (q = 7-35), which are generated in ultraintense laser fields (intensity, I, = 10(16) to 10(20) W.cm(-2)). Modeling, together with molecular dynamics simulations, reveals the expansion of 2D monolayers with high energies and narrow energy distributions [e.g., Eav approximately 23 keV and DeltaE/Eav = 0.16 for D+ from (D+I25+)(2171)] arising from kinematic run-over effects. The expanding regular, monoionic, spherical nanointerfaces manifest the attainment of transient self-organization in complex systems driven by repulsive Coulomb interactions.

Complexity Theory in the Mathematics Lab-Classroom

The main thesis of a recent article by Davis and Simmt (2003) is that “mathematics classes are adaptive and self-organizing complex systems”. This thesis is intriguing. It helps explain a phenomenon teachers often witness—the spontaneous emergence of a special learning community in a particular class. And it raises the question—if this thesis applies to all mathematics classes how do the additional elements of a computer lab environment affect the evolution of the “learning system”? In this article three technology experiences have been analyzed in light of the thesis, to determine how software, organization, and task impact the blossoming of a complex learning system in the lab-classroom.

Self-similar community structure in a network of human interactions.

We propose a procedure for analyzing and characterizing complex networks. We apply this to the social network as constructed from email communications within a medium sized university with about 1700 employees. Email networks provide an accurate and nonintrusive description of the flow of information within human organizations. Our results reveal the self-organization of the network into a state where the distribution of community sizes is self-similar. This suggests that a universal mechanism, responsible for emergence of scaling in other self-organized complex systems, as, for instance, river networks, could also be the underlying driving force in the formation and evolution of social networks.

Beyond the Food Web Connections to a Deeper Industrial Ecology

SummaryIndustrial ecology is a school of thought based, in part, upon a simple analogy between industrial systems and ecological systems in terms of their material and energy flows. This article argues for a more sophisticated connection between these diverse systems based on the fact that they are all complex self‐organizing systems, operating far from thermodynamic equilibrium. As such, industrial and ecological systems have in common certain constraints and dynamic properties that move beyond the central metaphor of industrial ecology and could align these systems under a more comprehensive analytical framework. If incorporated at a fundamental level, the complex systems framework could add depth and sophistication to the field of industrial ecology.

Expanding the role of systems engineers in the age of escalating complexity

AbstractThe accomplishments of scientists conducting complex systems research could significantly expand the role of systems engineers currently wrestling with more narrowly defined complex systems. The rapid growth of problems extending from newly formed complex systems in society, economic activities, and geopolitical dynamics argues further for the immediate fusion of scientific insight with practical engineering approaches for problem solving. In supporting this new role for systems engineers, a new class of complex systems engineering tools, along with new analytical techniques, are envisioned. Such tools and techniques can further support the continuing efforts of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of highly complex self‐forming and self‐organizing systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 6: 116–121, 2003 DOI 10.1002/sys.10039

Self‐reflective synergetics

AbstractAn attempt to critically analyse the claims of the theory of self‐organization of complex systems (synergetics) to the interdisciplinary generalizations and the universal efficacy of its models is made in the paper. The grounds for transfer of synergetic models to different disciplinary fields are under discussion. It is argued that synergetics is a mental scheme or a heuristic approach to exploring the complex behaviour of systems, rather than a universal key to solving concrete scientific problems. The prospects for development and the possible future of synergetics in the coming decades are estimated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From equations to patterns: Logic-based approach to general systems theory

Many complex self-organizing systems may not be easily modeled with the help of differential equations. Modern studies in complexity generated new kinds of modeling paradigms such as Cellular Automata (CA), Boolean Networks, and Multiagent Systems. Such models are built from large numbers of interacting units with simple behavior defined in terms of production rules. These models are capable of reproducing unexpected complex organization patterns where the character of the organization could not be derived from the character of the rules defining the behavior of units. Organization that is not evident from the dynamic rules is called emergent . The existence of emergent organization demonstrates the inadequacy of the traditionally accepted association of systems organization with the dynamic equation of the system. The main objective of the paper is to describe new General Systems Theory (GST) framework that gives appropriate account of new dimensions of organization and accommodates new approaches to modeling of complex adaptive systems (CAS). To describe system states and state sequences we use concept model from formal semantics. Dynamics of a system are described with the help of patterns or production rules. The isomorphism of systems is naturally represented as model isomorphism. The organization of a system is a set of formulae with free variables, which have interpretation on the models that represent the system. The framework introduced here is developed as a part of our eco-modeling project. We also discuss the architecture of ecological simulator, LEM (Logic for Eco-Modeling), and its implementation in Visual Prolog that serves as an example of practical application of the framework.

On cooperating: firms, relations and networks

Firms operate in the context of business relations and networks that affect the nature and outcomes of their actions and which are potential sources of competitive advantage. Relations and networks represent a challenge for management because firms are unable to control or direct these relations or networks or predict the outcomes of their actions. Firms are continually adapting their actions and associated “network theories” in the light of their experience, and network structure and behavior emerge through the local interaction of network members in a bottom-up self-organizing way. We draw on recent advances in the study of complex self-organizing systems to consider the implications for the management of firms in networks. The role and importance of cooperative strategies in contributing to the self-organizing process are discussed as well as more general participation and adaptation processes. We conclude with a discussion of the research implications arising.

A Dynamical Systems Approach To Movement Coordination

In this mini-review, some of the key problems of motor control are discussed. In order to control movements, there must be synergies between elements of the motor system, which constrain the number of active degrees of freedom (df's). Limb coordination patterns are examples of such synergies. As there still is a large gap between functional morphology and motor control, a phenomenological approach is advocated as an alternative angle on the problem. In such an approach observed coordination patterns are studied rather than their biological substrate. Studies by von Holst have demonstrated the remarkable flexibility of coordination in the lipfish Labrus festivus and the centipede Lithobius forjicatus. In humans, limb coordination is attracted to either the in-phase or the anti-phase mode. Furthermore, at a critical movement frequency phase transitions are observed from the anti-phase to the in-phase mode. These phase transitions, as well as the generation of rhythmical limb movements themselves, were modeled using concepts from the field of synergetics, the theory of self-organization in complex systems. This model provides a consistent view of the characteristics of rhythmical limb movements and their coordination, while dramatically reducing the number of df's to be controlled. The use of the model is illustrated with a study of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

Arbitrariness in Nature: Synergetics and Evolutionary Laws of Prohibition

The philosophical consequences of synergetics, the interdisciplinary theory of evolution and self-organization of complex systems, are being drawn in the paper. The idea of discreteness of evolutionary paths is in the focus of attention. Although the future is open, and there are many alternative evolutionary paths for complex systems, not any arbitrary (either conceivable or desirable) evolutionary path is feasible in a given system. There are discrete spectra of possible evolutionary paths which are determined exclusively by inner properties of the corresponding systems. Synergetics allows us to reveal general laws of self-organization and, therefore, certain limits of arbitrariness of nature in choosing possible paths of evolution as well as in constructing of a complex evolutionary whole. A comparative analysis between the modern synergetic notions and a few ideas of the Western philosophy (F. Nietzsche, N. Hartmann, M. Heidegger) and of the Eastern teachings (Taoism, Buddhism) is made.

Epidemiology and Self-Organized Critical Systems: An Analysis in Waiting Times and Disease Heterogeneity

The dominant paradigm in epidemiology is characterized by the absence of a theory of disease that is capable of informing epidemiologic praxis and challenging conventional linear statistical reasoning. This paper has two main objectives: first, it is a reflection over the pathologic process (transition from health to disease state) in line with the nonlinear dynamic paradigm of self-organized critical systems. According to the latter, dynamic processes are characterized by phase transitions, emergence, robustness, far-from-equilibrium dynamics, punctuated equilibria, historically-based mechanic, nonlinearity, irreversibility, and heterogeneity. Further, complex adaptive systems have outcomes with inverse power law (IPL) fits. The article second objective is to test the theory of self-organized critical systems along two paths of epidemiologic investigations. The first path takes the form of a study in waiting times (WT) and attempts to show that their distribution complies with an IPL. The second application shows that hierarchies of patients (generated by cluster analysis) with a complex disease process (diabetes) featuring coupling of their component units (biologic markers of glucose handling) also fit an IPL. The IPL fit is compared with that of a lognormal, the more likely benchmark model for WTs. It is concluded that both the WTs and hierarchies of patients can be interpreted in terms of self-organized critical systems with possible fractal significance. The paper culminates with a theory of disease emphasizing the properties of self-organized complex systems in the epidemiologic context.

Book Review A Review of Self-Organization of Complex Systems: From Individual to Collective Dynamics. Edited by Frank Schweitzer. 1997. Gordon & Breach. 596 p. + xxiv.

Book Review A Review of Self-Organization of Complex Systems: From Individual to Collective Dynamics. Edited by Frank Schweitzer. 1997. Gordon & Breach. 596 p. + xxiv.

Self-organization and the evolution of division of labor

Division of labor is one of the most fascinating phenomena found in social insects and is probably responsible for their tremendous ecological success. We show how major features of this division of labor may represent self-organized properties of a complex system where individuals share an information data base (a stimulus environment), make independent decisions about how to respond to the current condition of that data base (stimulus environment), and alter the data base by their actions. We argue that division of labor can emerge from such systems even without a history of natural selection, that in fact such ordered behavior is an inescapable property of group living. We then show how natural selection can operate on self-organized complex systems (social organization) and result in adaptation of division of labor.

Al Capone, discrete morphs, and complex dynamic systems

AbstractWe consider four mechanisms by which apparent discontinuities in the distribution of antisociality could arise: (1) executive genes or hormonal systems, (2) multiplicative interactions of predisposing factors, (3) environmental tracking into a limited number of social roles, and (4) cross-generational gene—environment interactions. A more explicit consideration of complex self-organizing dynamic systems may help us understand the maintenance of antisocial subpopulations.

Brain stimulation in free primates

I first reflect critically on various aspects of the hegemonic Psychology that are relevant to the discussions on pluralism. I then offer the Self-reflective transformational-transformative Worldview in order to find ways for the psychological. I outline only few inter-related notions of this seriously pluralistic radical (post)metaphysical and (post)metatheoretical orientation that is grounded in principle. For example, (i) I delineate the three inter-dependent and indispensible realms of the psychological that are highly differentiated in terms of their ontology–epistemology–semantics, intra-paradigmatic dialectical negotiations between their micro- and macro-poles in their own times, and other characteristics of their dialectically communicational and time-dependent self-organizing complex systems.(ii) I introduce the Triopus as a generic and contextually contingent metaphor of this conceptual matrix in place of the traditional ‘unit of analysis’. (iii) I suggest, against the ‘unity of knowledge’, further alternative hermeneutics such as Transformational Trialectics, Transformative Triangulation, and Reflexive Consilience to the dialogue on pluralism towards relational and coherently connected co-ordinations in psychological studies.

Self-Organization in Complex Systems

Self-Organization in Complex Systems

Do Regions Exist? Implications of Synergetics for Regional Geography

The principal critique of the regional concept was that a region could be no more than the sum of its parts and therefore it could have no separate existence. The synergetics paradigm effectively eliminates the reductionism — holism debate. Were the region to be considered as a self-organizing complex system, the reductionist critique of the regional concept could be countered. Additionally, there are parallels between the application of the synergetics paradigm to geography and some developments in ‘nonpositivist’ geography. These developments could answer parts of the nonpositivist critique of ‘positivist’ geography and possibly bring the two schools of thought closer together.

Information and Self-Organization: A Macroscopic Approach to Complex Systems

First Page

Modelling dynamic self-organization in complex systems

Modelling dynamic self-organization in complex systems