Systems Theory Research Articles

Human Versus Machine Intelligence: Assessing Natural Language Generation Models Through Complex Systems Theory.

The introduction of Transformer architectures - with the self-attention mechanism - in automatic Natural Language Generation (NLG) is a breakthrough in solving general task-oriented problems, such as the simple production of long text excerpts that resemble ones written by humans. While the performance of GPT-X architectures is there for all to see, many efforts are underway to penetrate the secrets of these black-boxes in terms of intelligent information processing whose output statistical distributions resemble that of natural language. In this work, through the complexity science framework, a comparative study of the stochastic processes underlying the texts produced by the English version of GPT-2 with respect to texts produced by human beings, notably novels in English and programming codes, is offered. The investigation, of a methodological nature, consists first of all of an analysis phase in which the Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and the Recurrence Quantification Analysis - together with Zipf's law and approximate entropy - are adopted to characterize long-term correlations, regularities and recurrences in human and machine-produced texts. Results show several peculiarities and trends in terms of long-range correlations and recurrences in the last case. The synthesis phase, on the other hand, uses the complexity measures to build synthetic text descriptors - hence a suitable text embedding - which serve to constitute the features for feeding a machine learning system designed to operate feature selection through an evolutionary technique. Using multivariate analysis, it is then shown the grouping tendency of the three analyzed text types, allowing to place GTP-2 texts in between natural language texts and computer codes. Similarly, the classification task demonstrates that, given the high accuracy obtained in the automatic discrimination of text classes, the proposed set of complexity measures is highly informative. These interesting results allow us to add another piece to the theoretical understanding of the surprising results obtained by NLG systems based on deep learning and let us to improve the design of new informetrics or text mining systems for text classification, fake news detection, or even plagiarism detection.

Measurement insights and error analysis of electronic parameters for ultrasonic transducers

Abstract Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers with the function of energy conversation, as well as their numerous advantages in high-power density, quick response, flexible design, and service reliability, are involved in wide applications of industrial processing, precision driving, smart sensing, and medical services. The electromechanical equivalent circuit and Kirchhoff’s law indicate that mechatronics parameters are essential for performance evaluation, reliability analysis, and fault diagnosis of ultrasonic transducers. Importantly, the ultrasonic transducer is a time-variant system, data of one single parameter collected from a certain test cannot match with the data of another single parameter acquired from a different test. So, a synchronous and precise online measurement of electronic parameters is encouraged for performance evaluation and optimization design of ultrasonic transducers. With the combination of virtual instrument technology, an asynchronous measurement system of electrical excitation parameters for the ultrasonic transducers of linear driving motors was established in this study. Furthermore, the systematic measurement methods and error theory were illustrated, including the calculation methods and measuring circuits of electric signals. Experimental results proved that the proposed system and methods for measuring the input electronic power of ultrasonic transducer (e.g. effective value method for voltage and current, energy moment method for frequency, and spectrum analysis method for phase difference) are highly precise, quickly responsive, robust, and reliable for ultrasonic transducers. The findings of this study provide valuable references and suggestions for efficient, accurate, and online performance evaluation of ultrasonic transducers, particularly for piezoelectric transducers utilizing ultrasonic high-voltage exciting signals.

Co to jest chaosmotechnika?

This article considers the problem of the scale of locality as a matter of placing technology in an (alter)cosmological perspective. It engages in a dialogue with two Simondon-inspired projects: on the one hand, Yuk Hui’s concept of cosmotechnics, and on the other, the transductive theory of systems outlined in the Deleuzoguattarian Thousand Plateaus. A new reading of a marginal thread of the latter, i.e., the universe of technical objects associated with the nomadism of the Great Steppe of the Bronze and Iron Ages, leads to the crystallization of the concept of chaosmotechnics, according to which the substrate of technical activities is the contingency of the cosmos. Answering the question of locality, the chaosmotechnic perspective allows for the untimely emergence of an alternative cosmology of the contemporary digital image from nomadic metal technical objects. Key-words: cosmos, technology, art, digital image, Witold Gombrowicz, Yuk Hui, Gilbert Simondon, Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari, Laura U. Marks

Microscopic Derivation of Transition-state Theory for Complex Quantum Systems

Microscopic Derivation of Transition-state Theory for Complex Quantum Systems

To Pair or not to Pair? Machine-Learned Explicitly-Correlated Electronic Structure for NaCl in Water.

The extent of ion pairing in solution is an important phenomenon to rationalize transport and thermodynamic properties of electrolytes. A fundamental measure of this pairing is the potential of mean force (PMF) between solvated ions. The relative stabilities of the paired and solvent shared states in the PMF and the barrier between them are highly sensitive to the underlying potential energy surface. However, direct application of accurate electronic structure methods is challenging, since long simulations are required. We develop wave function based machine learning potentials with the random phase approximation (RPA) and second order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory for the prototypical system of Na and Cl ions in water. We show both methods in agreement, predicting the paired and solvent shared states to have similar energies (within 0.2 kcal/mol). We also provide the same benchmarks for different DFT functionals as well as insight into the PMF based on simple analyses of the interactions in the system.

Reporting Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis in a Hybrid Media Environment: How Citizen Journalists and Traditional Media Collaborate and Compete

ABSTRACT This study examined how Cameroonian legacy media and citizen journalists have collaborated or competed to report on the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon since October 2016. Using Chadwick’s hybrid media system theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 Cameroonian legacy media reporters, editors and citizen journalists. The results show that when reporting on political crises, new relationships are established between legacy media and citizen journalists that grow into formalised collaborations. Mainstream media reporters and citizen journalists either collaborate or compete to report on the crisis. Some citizen journalists both cooperate with traditional media and run their own reporting platforms, while professional journalists working for established media outlets create platforms of their own to freely report issues that would otherwise be censored on traditional media outlets. The findings reveal professional journalists acknowledge the important role of citizen journalists but are cautious about fully collaborating with them at every stage of the news production chain.

Seeing the forest for the trees: An ecological systems theory approach to addressing emergent issues in psychedelic-assisted therapy research

AbstractDespite growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) research, there remains a lack of consensus about key issues relevant to difficulties in predicting acute drug effects, and the role of therapeutic support in clinical trials. In the absence of a clear theoretical model to conceptualize multifaceted components in PAT research, dialogue across contexts (e.g., popular media, peer reviewed journals, conference settings) is becoming increasingly polarized and siloed. This has even contributed to somewhat unusual recommendations by the FDA and others that removing critical aspects of psychological and medical safety could enhance our ability to investigate the impact of these drugs on clinical outcomes. Considering the importance of determining and maximizing safety in ongoing PAT research, this commentary suggests that an ecological systems theory (EST) approach provides a structure to make contextual and practical factors a more explicit and testable component of research. Utilizing systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s EST approach adapted for healthcare settings, we propose that a more detailed conceptual model in PAT research would enable more explicit consideration of contextual factors informing and influencing outcomes. This commentary is accompanied by a custom figure that illustrates application of this model for psychedelic research and highlights the limitations of current measurement of acute subjective experience.

Principal Spectral Theory of Time-Periodic Nonlocal Dispersal Cooperative Systems and Applications

Principal Spectral Theory of Time-Periodic Nonlocal Dispersal Cooperative Systems and Applications

The psychosocial experiences of internally displaced children due to armed conflict in the case of north east Ethiopia: Implications for intervention

AbstractThe repercussions of internally induced armed conflict appear to vary for different groups of people. The physical and economic consequences of armed conflict have been investigated and documented by researchers. However, the psychosocial impact of IDPs on children has not yet been explored in detail. The main objective of this study was to investigate how internal displacement due to armed conflict affected the psychosocial well‐being of children in Southern Wollo, Ethiopia. A sample of 25 children was purposely selected and interviewed about their psychosocial experience following displacement because of armed conflict. Ten parents/caregivers were also selected purposely to describe the situation of internally displaced children. To explain the study, system and attachment theories were mainly employed. Using qualitative methods of analysis, each child's psychosocial experiences were documented, analyzed, and compared to capture the essence (theme) of the problem. From 35 transcripts and observation checklists, three emerging themes were developed and explained. The findings showed that there existed feelings of separation, lack of hope in schooling, psychological distress, loneliness, insecurity, and depression among children affected by displacement due to war. Children's exposure and witness of the horrifying situation during displacement traumatized and disturbed them a lot. Based on the results, it is possible to imply that government and nongovernment organizations that have a stake in children should design appropriate intervention mechanics to support children affected by internal displacement due to armed conflict.

Intimate partner violence and Bowen family systems theory: promoting safety and expanding capacity of families

AbstractFamily violence is becoming increasingly visible in Australia, with many state and federal governments taking on more responsibility to address family violence and its impacts on those affected. Current efforts are focused on practice frameworks, identifying and responding to risk factors, and social justice frameworks including legislating against family violence in a range of jurisdictions and addressing more broadly the structural and cultural forces that perpetuate violence and further oppress those victimised. Family violence is not unique to Australia, with prevalence rates internationally suggesting family violence occurs irrespective of country, race, age, culture, effectiveness of social policies or socioeconomic status. This paper explores relevant foundational concepts of Bowen family systems theory (BFST) as it relates to family violence and explores opportunities to evolve practice in this area. BFST offers a unique contribution towards addressing family violence, particularly in relation to the public health challenge of addressing family polyvictimisation. The paper also explores how BFST conceptualises family violence and the role of the professional in working with the family as a single emotional unit. The unique focus of BFST on observing and defining self within the emotional family unit through observation of the underlying multigenerational emotional patterns of functioning provides unique opportunities to evolve and develop both the capacity of clinicians and responses to families who are navigating the serious and challenging impacts of family violence.

Water and Sanitation Practices and performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, Kenya

Water and sanitation provision practices are established with the intention to enhance performance, provision on clean water and enhanced sanitation services. However, globally, not all Water & Sanitation Companies are able to achieve their core mandate of provision of adequate clean water and sanitation services. All Water and Sanitation Companies adopt water and sanitation practices however the extent to which they affect performance of water and sanitation companies is has attracted divergent views while other scholar found a negative affect others found a positive effect and hence a dilemma exist as to what is the exact effect of water and sanitation practices on the performance of water and sanitation companies. At Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, very few studies exist that have been conducted on the subject matter and yet its performance is not optimal and the hence the reason as to why this study was conducted at the Water and Sanitation Company. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of water and sanitation practices on performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company in Bomet County, Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to establish how resources influences performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company, to find out the extent to which stakeholder engagement effects performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company, to determine the effects of governance on the performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company and to examine the influence of information communication technology on the performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company. Theories adopted were; Resource Based View Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Stewardship Theory, Systems Theory and Balance scorecard Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 170 respondents drawn from commercial, technical and administration department. The sample size was 34 staffs selected using stratified random sampling technique. A pilot study was conducted to test the effectiveness and reliability of the research tool. The study used both primary and secondary data sources. Data was analyzed using quantitative approach which involved the use of descriptive statistics that entailed percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistic adopted was regression analysis was used to establish existing relationships between water and sanitation provision practices and performance of Bomet Water and Sanitation Company. Results were as follows; resources had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO of (β=-0.229, p < 0.05). Stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.231, p < 0.05). Governance had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.451, p < 0.05). ICT had a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO (β=0.343, p < 0.05). The study concluded that resources, stakeholder engagement, governance and ICT have a positive and significant effect on performance of BOMWASCO. The study recommended that physical resources should used sufficiently and correctly to enhance equitable water supply all residents. The community should continue to be engaged in all water supply and solid waste collection practices in the County. BOMWASCO board structure should effectively represent diverse stakeholder interests. Current software solutions should continue being used in a manner that effectively meets organizational needs and requirements. The study recommends further studies should be conducted on Water and sanitation practices and performance of other water and sanitation companies in Kenya.

Effectiveness of Sports-Based Intervention Programs for At-Risk Youth

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sports- based intervention programs for at-risk youth. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effectiveness of sports- based intervention programs for at-risk youth. Preliminary empirical review revealed that improvements in physical health, psychosocial well-being, academic achievement, and prosocial behavior among participants. Key conclusions underscored the importance of thoughtful program design, culturally tailored approaches, and comprehensive evaluation strategies to maximize effectiveness. Moreover, targeted interventions addressing diverse needs and experiences were found essential for inclusivity and equity within programs. While promising, further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and contextual influences. Overall, these findings emphasize the significant impact of sports-based interventions in supporting the well-being and success of at-risk youth. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Learning Theory, Positive Youth Development and Ecological Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effectiveness of sports- based intervention programs for at-risk youth. The study yielded recommendations that contributed significantly to theory, practice, and policy. It advised researchers to delve deeper into the mechanisms through which sports participation influences youth well-being. Practitioners were urged to design participant-centered programs tailored to the diverse needs of at-risk youth, emphasizing safe and inclusive environments and mentorship. Policy implications highlighted the need for increased funding and integration of sports-based interventions into existing youth development initiatives. Collaboration among stakeholders was recommended to enhance program reach and effectiveness, while ongoing monitoring and evaluation were deemed essential for assessing program impacts. Advocacy efforts were also emphasized to raise awareness and mobilize support for youth development initiatives.

The Interactions between Ionic Liquids and Lithium Polysulfides in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: A Systematic Density Functional Theory Study.

Ionic liquids (ILs) based on hybrid anions have recently garnered attention as beguiling alternative electrolytes for energy storage devices. This attention stems from the potential of these asymmetric anions to reduce the melting point of ILs and impede the crystallization of ILs. Furthermore, they uphold the advantages associated with their more conventional symmetric counterparts. In this study, we employed dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) calculations to scrutinize the interplay between two hybrid anions found in ionic liquids [FTFSA]- and [MCTFSA]- and the [C4mpyr]+ cation, as well as in lithium polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries. For comparison, we also examined the corresponding ILs containing symmetric anions, [TFSA]- and [FSA]-. We found that the hybrid anion [MCTFSA]- and its ionic liquid exhibited exceptional stability and interaction strength. Additionally, our investigation unveiled a remarkably consistent interaction between ionic liquids (ILs) and anions with lithium polysulfides (and S8) during the transition from octathiocane (S8) to the liquid long-chain Li2Sn (4 ≤ n ≤ 8). This contrasts with the gradual alignment observed between cations and lithium polysulfides during the intermediate state from Li2S4 to the solid short-chain Li2S2 and Li2S1. We thoroughly analyzed the interaction mechanism of ionic liquids composed of different symmetry anions and their interactions with lithium polysulfides.

Socioeconomic Status and Its Impact on Language Development in Preschool Children in South Sudan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the socioeconomic status and its impact on language development in preschool children. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Socioeconomic status significantly influences language development in preschool children, with higher SES linked to better language skills. Disadvantaged backgrounds often correlate with delayed language acquisition and poorer linguistic abilities. Factors like access to resources and parental education impact language outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social interactionist theory, the theory of cultural capital & the ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on socioeconomic status and its impact on language development in preschool children. Provide professional development opportunities for educators and caregivers to enhance their understanding of the impact of socioeconomic factors on language development and equip them with effective strategies for addressing language disparities in diverse preschool settings. Advocate for policies that prioritize equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and childcare services, including targeted funding initiatives aimed at improving resources and staffing ratios in preschools serving low-income communities.

Men of Letters: Perspectives on Multisensory Environments in the Hall-McLuhan Correspondence, 1961–1977

Abstract This paper introduces critical elements in the substantial, albeit mostly unpublished, correspondence between cultural anthropologist Edward T. Hall and media theorist Marshall McLuhan related to artistic practice with emerging media technologies in the 1960s. It contextualizes their exchange within the broader theoretical discourses and artistic practices surrounding systems theory and media technology and highlights intersections between Hall and McLuhan’s theoretical frameworks related to concepts of indeterminism, systems theory, and cybernetics in technology-based, kinesthetic, multisensory mediated environments in the 1960s. It particularly focuses on overlapping conceptual approaches toward the interrelation between the individual, the socio-cultural environment, and the emerging media-technological ecosystem.

Evaluation and Spatial–Temporal Pattern Evolution of Synergy Degree of Emergency Management for Urban Flood Disasters from the Perspective of Sustainable Development—The Case of Henan, China

The management of urban flood disasters is a systematic engineering project that requires a great amount of manpower, material resources, and financial resources, and the interaction and coordination degrees of various elements in the system deeply affect the efficiency of the final governance. According to the theories of synergy, composite systems, and sustainable development, this research first established an evaluation index system to determine the synergy degree of urban flood disaster emergency management from the four dimensions of prevention and preparation, monitoring and early warning, response and rescue, and recovery and reconstruction. Then, the synergy degree was explored by using the developed composite system synergy degree model on the basis of the panel data of 18 prefecture-level cities in Henan Province from 2013 to 2021, and synergy level change characteristics were analyzed from the perspectives of time and space. Finally, the obstacle degree model was applied to explore the obstacle factors affecting synergy degree development. The results showed that the overall level of the urban flood disaster emergency management coordination degree in Henan Province was relatively low, and there were significant differences in synergy among cities. Among them, 12 cities presented mild synergy, and 6 cities showed mild nonsynergy. The spatial correlation of the synergy degree was not stable, which revealed a lack of mature coordination mechanisms for flood disaster emergency management among cities. The analysis of obstacle factors showed that recovery and reconstruction subsystems were the main obstacle systems that affected the synergy degree.

Lyapunov Stability Theory for Caputo Fractional Order Systems: The System Comparison Method

Lyapunov Stability Theory for Caputo Fractional Order Systems: The System Comparison Method

“A chain of interlocking rings”: Preschool teachers’ experiences regarding home-school collaboration with a focus on children with special needs and their parents in inclusive education

The aim of the current study was to explore and describe preschool teachers’ experiences regarding home-school collaboration with a focus on children with special needs and their parents in inclusive education. We depended on descriptive phenomenological qualitative research and conducted focus group discussions with 24 preschool teachers. Theoretical thematic analyses have yielded five themes: (1) the components of home-school collaboration, (2) the vital role of parent and teacher involvement, (3) the contributions of collaboration, (4) the challenges from microsystem to macrosystem, and (5) suggestions and solutions. An effective home-school collaboration contributes significantly to the development and learning of children with special needs. However, many challenges still await solutions for a quality collaboration which has complex nature. The bioecological systems theory is a well-known theory that can guide the collaborative practice of many professionals and policy makers.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nurses and an Ecological System Theory-Based Strategy for Reducing This Impact in the Future

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant burnout among nurses, resulting in a shortage of nursing staff. Issues related to nursing work have received significant attention recently, and only healthy nurses are capable of providing good quality patient care. The authors employed Bronfenbrenner's Ecological System Theory to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses and proposed specific strategies and recommendations to enhance the nursing workplace. Under the Ecological System Theory, several factors, including inadequate preparedness, dangerous working environment, work-family conflicts, discrimination due to public panic, and health damage, contribute to nurse burnout. Whether during or after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to provide education programs to enhance the professional abilities of nurses, foster policies that promote a positive practice work environment, implement a triage system based on the severity of patients,elevate theimage of the nursing profession, monitor the health of nurses, and advocate for transformational leadership. The nursing workplace should help nurses gain greater confidence and improve their ability to handle various workplace challenges. In the future, medical institutions should provide a better work environment for nurses and expect the public to pay more attention to the development of the nursing profession.

Cortical and Subcortical Mechanisms of Orthographic Word-form Learning.

We examined the initial stages of orthographic learning in real time as literate adults learned spellings for spoken pseudowords during fMRI scanning. Participants were required to learn and store orthographic word forms because the pseudoword spellings were not uniquely predictable from sound to letter mappings. With eight learning trials per word form, we observed changes in the brain's response as learning was taking place. Accuracy was evaluated during learning, immediately after scanning, and 1 week later. We found evidence of two distinct learning systems-hippocampal and neocortical-operating during orthographic learning, consistent with the predictions of dual systems theories of learning/memory such as the complementary learning systems framework [McClelland, J. L., McNaughton, B. L., & O'Reilly, R. C. Why there are complementary learning systems in the hippocampus and neocortex: Insights from the successes and failures of connectionist models of learning and memory. Psychological Review, 102, 419-457, 1995]. The bilateral hippocampus and the visual word form area (VWFA) showed significant BOLD response changes over learning, with the former exhibiting a rising pattern and the latter exhibiting a falling pattern. Moreover, greater BOLD signal increase in the hippocampus was associated with better postscan recall. In addition, we identified two distinct bilateral brain networks that mirrored the rising and falling patterns of the hippocampus and VWFA. Functional connectivity analysis revealed that regions within each network were internally synchronized. These novel findings highlight, for the first time, the relevance of multiple learning systems in orthographic learning and provide a paradigm that can be used to address critical gaps in our understanding of the neural bases of orthographic learning in general and orthographic word-form learning specifically.