Systems Theory Research Articles

Realization of topological Bragg and locally resonant interface states in one-dimensional metamaterial beam-resonator-foundation system

Abstract In this study, the one-dimensional (1D) metamaterial beam-foundation system is innovatively improved into a metamaterial beam-resonator-foundation system by inserting resonators into the elastic foundation for ultra-low frequency vibration attenuation and enhanced topological energy trapping. Abundant band gap characteristics are obtained including quasi-static band gap starting from 0 Hz, Bragg scattering band gaps (BSBGs), and local resonance band gaps (LRBGs). Five band folding points are obtained through the band folding mechanism which can be opened by tuning inner and outer resonance parameters. However, only three band folding induced band gaps support mode inversion and Zak phase transition, including one BSBG and two LRBGs. The topological inversion in LRBGs is rarely reported in the 1D mechanical system, which can induce topological locally resonant interface states. The underlying physical mechanism of the topological phase transition in LRBG is revealed, which results from the topological inversion band gap transition from an initial BSBG to a LRBG with resonance parameters changes. Different from conventional 1D topological metamaterials that merely utilize local resonance to lower the band frequency and achieve subwavelength topological states in BSBGs, the topological interface states in LRBGs can localize wave energy to fewer unit cells near the interface, exhibiting enhanced energy localization capacity. The topologically protected interface states are validated with defective cases, demonstrating the potential of topological metamaterials for robust energy harvesting. This study provides new insights into the topological theory of 1D mechanical systems and contributes to the development and implementation of multi-functional devices integrating vibration attenuation and energy trapping.

On thermally driven fluid flows arising in astrophysics

We investigate a potential model for an unbounded celestial bodies of finite mass composed of a solid core and a gaseous atmosphere. The system is governed by the Navier–Stokes–Fourier–Poisson equations, incorporating no-slip boundary conditions for velocity and a specified temperature distribution on the surface of the solid core. Additionally, a positive far-field condition is imposed on the temperature. This manuscript extends the mathematical theory of open fluid systems to unbounded exterior domains addressing these physically motivated yet highly challenging combination of boundary conditions. Notably, we establish the existence of global-in-time weak solutions and demonstrate the weak-strong uniqueness principle

Robust Linear Discrete Control for a Hexacopter: Experimental Results

This paper presents a discrete-time robust linear control method for tracking a hexacopter's trajectory in the presence of external disturbances. The control of multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has gained considerable attention recently due to their various applications, such as crop spraying in precision agriculture. The control of UAVs requires robustness to reject disturbances and accommodate dynamic uncertainties. To achieve this goal, the robust discrete-time control action is designed in two stages. The first stage utilizes the solution of a difference Riccati-equation to guarantee system stability in an optimal sense. The second stage provides system robustness against external disturbances and uncertain dynamics. Furthermore, the Lyapunov stability theory for discrete linear systems is used to derive system asymptotic stability. Finally, experimental results of the hexacopter flight are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented control law.

Curriculum and program evaluation in medical education: a short systematic literature review.

Medical education is constantly evolving worldwide and facing various challenges. To cope with these, continuous and fruitful evaluation of an educational program is the need of the day. This study aims to know the purpose of evaluation, various theories related to program evaluation, and different models of curriculum and program evaluation. This will help educationists evaluate their programs fruitfully and effectively according to their needs and objectives. Different search engines including Medline's PubMed interface, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Review databases using keywords, curriculum evaluation, evaluation models, and evaluation strategies in education, were searched without any date restrictions, and 20 full-text articles were selected for review and data extraction. While reviewing the literature it was found that most of the modern educational program and curriculum evaluation models are based on the reductionist, system, and complexity theories of evaluation. The experimental/quasi-experimental model is based majorly on the linear approach and reductionism, but its drawback is that it is impractical for the whole curriculum and sometimes ethically unfavorable. Kirkpatrick's model, Philips' model, the CIPP model, and the logic model are based on the system and complexity theory and are more practical in medical education. Each of these models has its advantages and limitations. In this review, the authors discussed the important distinctive features of these evaluation theories and models and their applicability and usefulness in evaluating different programs and curricula.

Fostering TBL Success at Alfaisal University: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach.

This study explores the implementation of Team-Based Learning (TBL) at Alfaisal University's College of Medicine through the lens of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory. The research question investigates how the application of CAS principles can enhance the implementation and effectiveness of TBL in medical education. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods longitudinal design, integrating quantitative performance metrics and qualitative themes. Quantitative analysis revealed modest improvements in individual and team-based learning scores, with a promising trend of students moving from the lower to the higher quartiles over time. Qualitative insights aligned with CAS principles, highlighting the adaptive implementation, emergent outcomes, self-organization, positive feedback loops, and depth of learning facilitated by TBL. The findings demonstrate the value of a CAS-informed approach in navigating the complexities of educational change and fostering a more resilient and adaptive educational model. The study contributes to the understanding of how CAS theory can guide the successful implementation of innovative pedagogies like TBL in medical education.

The Impact of Caregiver Affiliate Stigma on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Caregivers of Individuals with Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Background. Caregiver affiliate stigma concerning neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) profoundly affects caregivers' well-being, though its full impact remains to be fully elucidated. Objectives. This scoping review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on caregiver affiliate stigma related to NDDs, explore its connection to caregiver psychosocial well-being, and pinpoint the gaps in the existing research. Methods. Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search of five databases was conducted for peer-reviewed, English language studies focusing on caregiver-affiliated stigma in relation to NDDs. Results. The initial search yielded 9033 articles, with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was employed to analyze various stigma conceptualizations, including public, courtesy, affiliate, and family stigma. Analysis revealed a correlation between elevated levels of affiliate stigma and increased caregiver burden, deteriorated mental health outcomes, and diminished quality of life. The internalization of stigma was found to vary across demographic groups, influenced by factors such as education level and social support. The review also highlighted the mediating role of coping strategies and the protective function of social support against stigma internalization. Conclusions, These findings underscore the necessity for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions that address caregiver affiliate stigma across multiple ecological levels. This review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of caregiver affiliate stigma in relation to NDDs, laying the groundwork for future research and intervention development aimed at enhancing caregiver well-being in diverse cultural contexts.

Will Fun and Care Prevent Gig Workers' Withdrawal? A Moderated Mediation Model

ABSTRACTThis study investigates how gig work challenges influence job withdrawal, mediated by stressors and perceived job insecurity, while considering the moderating effects of playful work design and a caring organizational ethical climate. Drawing on Cognitive–Emotional Systems Theory and the job demands–resources model, data were gathered from 516 Chinese gig workers. Results show that gig work challenges positively impact job withdrawal by triggering stressors and job insecurity. Notably, playful work design moderates this relationship, mitigating the impact of gig work challenges as hedonic job crafting levels increase. However, the caring ethical climate does not significantly influence the relationship between stressors and perceived job insecurity in the gig work context. The findings suggest that promoting playful work design can be an effective strategy to alleviate the negative effects of gig work challenges, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and retention in the gig economy. This study also provides a new perspective on understanding the mechanisms behind gig workers' workplace withdrawal behaviors, deepening the application of the Cognitive–Emotional Systems Theory and the Job Demands–Resources Model in the gig economy.

Reasons and root causes: Conventional characterizations of doctoral engineering attrition obscure underlying structural issues

AbstractBackgroundAlthough most engineering graduate students are funded and usually complete their degrees faster than other disciplines, attrition remains a problem in engineering. Existing research has explored the psychological and sociological factors contributing to attrition but not the structural factors impacting attrition.Purpose/HypothesisUsing systems theory, this study seeks to understand nuance in how underlying structural causes affect engineering graduate students' attrition experiences in ways that may differ from their official reasons for departure.Design/MethodsData were collected through semi‐structured interviews with seven departing or already departed engineering doctoral students from R1 graduate programs across the United States. Using thematic analysis, root cause analyses were conducted to understand participants' attrition experiences to explore how structures influence causes of departure.ResultsThe ways participants discuss root causes of their departure indicate differences in formal reasons for departure and underlying causes of departure. We highlight the role of informal and formal policy as root causes of a different attrition rationale often passed off as interpersonal issues. When interpreted as evidence of structural issues, the causes of departure show ways in which action–inaction, policy–“null” policy serve as structural features governing student attrition decision processes. We also highlight a form of benign neglect toward struggling graduate students.ConclusionThis study reveals important nuances underlying face‐value reasons of attrition indicating foundational structural issues contributing to engineering graduate student attrition. Coaching faculty in team management and encouraging close revision of departmental policies could help mitigate students' negative graduate experiences and decrease unnecessary attrition.

Conceptualizing the Influence of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging on Professional Identity in Nursing.

Professional identity in nursing (PIN) is a multifaceted construct that evolves throughout one's nursing career. As new knowledge about PIN emerges, the influence of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) becomes increasingly vital in shaping a nurse's identity. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory is used to illustrate the complex, reciprocal, and intersecting influences of DEIB in the transformational process of becoming a nurse. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the nexus of DEIB and PIN conceptual model, examine reciprocal relationships between DEIB and the individual and collective PIN, offer a detailed case study for the application of DEIB and PIN, and make recommendations for implementing the conceptual model. The model may be used to integrate DEIB and PIN by nurses in all settings. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(10):493-499.].

Tipping prediction of a class of large-scale radial-ring neural networks

Understanding the emergence and evolution of collective dynamics in large-scale neural networks remains a complex challenge. This paper seeks to address this gap by applying dynamical systems theory, with a particular focus on tipping mechanisms. First, we introduce a novel (n+mn)-scale radial-ring neural network and employ Coates’ flow graph topological approach to derive the characteristic equation of the linearized network. Second, through deriving stability conditions and predicting the tipping point using an algebraic approach based on the integral element concept, we identify critical factors such as the synaptic transmission delay, the self-feedback coefficient, and the network topology. Finally, we validate the methodology’s effectiveness in predicting the tipping point. The findings reveal that increased synaptic transmission delay can induce and amplify periodic oscillations. Additionally, the self-feedback coefficient and the network topology influence the onset of tipping points. Moreover, the selection of activation function impacts both the number of equilibrium solutions and the convergence speed of the neural network. Lastly, we demonstrate that the proposed large-scale radial-ring neural network exhibits stronger robustness compared to lower-scale networks with a single topology. The results provide a comprehensive depiction of the dynamics observed in large-scale neural networks under the influence of various factor combinations.

The Implementation of the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support Policy to Manage and Support Teaching and Learning Processes in KwaZulu-Natal

The Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy was developed to enable South African schools to respond systemically to diverse needs within an inclusive education (IE) system. This study explored teachers’ role as case managers with the implementation of the SIAS policy in inclusive education in three schools in the Pinetown District of KwaZulu-Natal. One departmental head and one principal from each of the selected schools were interviewed while two focus group discussions per school consisting of six teachers were conducted. The researcher used a reflective journal during the research process to ensure that the study was conducted rigorously as this improves the quality of the study. This qualitative study was grounded by Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Systems Theory. The findings revealed that teachers lack adequate knowledge of the SIAS policy, leading to insecurity in its implementation. Overcrowded classes also pose a challenge, hindering teachers’ ability to provide individual support. The research aimed to contribute to a greater understanding of teachers’ challenges in understanding SIAS policy and the effective implementation of inclusive education. This study discusses the inadequate knowledge, understanding, and skills of teachers in implementing the SIAS policy effectively. To remedy this, regular workshops should be provided to teachers, which should explain the SIAS process or protocol, provide information on the responsibilities of all stakeholders, and inform teachers about their roles and responsibilities as case managers. Additionally, collaboration between the DBST, SBST, parents, and teachers is essential for the successful implementation of the policy, as it aims to provide teachers with the necessary support and resources. Keywords: Inclusive Education, District Based Support Team, Case Managers, School-Based Support Team, Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support

Why Do Some Depressive Patients Have Suicidal Ideation but Others Not? Suicidal Ideation From the Perspective of Affective Neuroscience Personality Traits.

Although major depression is the disorder most frequently associated with suicidal behavior, it is unclear that major depressive disorder patients may develop suicidal ideation. Basic affective system theory may provide a novel and beneficial viewpoint in this field. The goal of this study was to investigate the basic affective system in relation to suicidal ideation in individuals with depression. The study population comprised 160 participants who had been formally diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether they had suicide ideation (depression with suicide [DS]) (N=93) or not (depression with no suicidal ideation [DNS]) (N=67). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS) were applied. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 24 and the SPSS macroprocess, which were specifically developed for assessing complex models including serial mediators, were used to analyze the data. The mean age of all participants was 31.1±11 years, and most of them were female (65%). The DS group had a higher family history of psychiatric medication use and suicidal attempts. In addition, BDI, BHS, and SPS total scores were higher, as well as ANGER subscale scores were higher in the DS group. In mediation analysis, the ANGER subscale significantly predicted the presence of suicide ideation. We observed a direct effect of the ANGER subscale score on suicide ideation as well as an indirect effect of the ANGER subscale score on suicidal ideation via depression severity. Higher scores on ANGER are associated with suicidal ideation. Neurobiological correlates, including the ANGER system, may be promising in understanding suicidal behaviors.

Suggested metatheory for positive psychology: The organismic systems theory

Positive psychology has been criticized among other things for its lack of a metatheory that would explicate its underlying philosophical assumptions and epistemology as well as give direction for methodology and the forming of constructs, models and theories. This article sets out to suggest a metatheory for positive psychology, combining the systems approach (systems-informed positive psychology, Kern et al., 2019) together with the organismic theory inherent in philosophy of science, biology, neurology and psychology. The suggested metatheory is called organismic systems theory (OST), explicating the following assumptions for PP: 1) active individual (actualizing tendency), 2) functional tendency, 3) integration, 4) emergence, 5) dynamism, 6) self-organization, 7) interconnectedness, 8) holism, 9) subjectivity, 10) boundaries, and 11) adaptation. The systems approach is considered compatible with the organismic approach with their combination suggested to provide the field with a good theory that combines psychological-level inquiry with more general systems-level inquiry. The epistemology and implications of this metatheory for positive psychology are discussed.

Practical Teaching Mode Structure for Ideological and Political Theory Course Based on Fuzzy System Theory

The application of graph theory is instrumental in the construction of a practical teaching mode structure for an ideological and political theory (IPE) course rooted in fuzzy system theory. In recent years, IPE education has received more and more attention. System theory can well construct the IPE teaching mode, so we need to have a good grasp of system theory. This paper starts with the significance of system theory in the practical teaching of IPE, finds the IPE curriculum that conforms to system theory, and constructs the basic mode of practical teaching of IPE on this basis. Using the idea of a multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to quantify teachers’ teaching quality, this paper establishes an algorithm model to quantitatively measure teachers’ teaching quality fuzzy.

Application of STPA for Comprehensive Risk Analysis of Naphtha Explosion Hazards

Chemical accidents always result in significant losses due to the flammable, explosive, and toxic characteristics of hazardous chemicals. Analysis of process safety parameters is an effective way to prevent hazardous chemical accidents and reduce losses. System-theoretic process analysis (STPA) is a newer hazard analysis technique that is based on systems theory. It has been shown to be effective in identifying hazards in other industries, but its application in oil and gas plants is still rare and limited due to systems complexities and other challenges. This paper aims to apply the STPA method to a complex system “column C-63” at the Skikda RA1K refinery to prevent the explosion scenario of naphtha. The results show that STPA was able to identify the root causes of the explosion scenario, which is important for preventing chemical risks.

Family system and problematic technology usage

Abstract Technology plays a dual role in human life, offering both beneficial and adverse effects. McDaniel and Coyne defined “technoference” as recurring interruptions in relationships due to technology use, leading to conflicts, decreased relationship and life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. Systems theory suggests that technology fundamentally alters family dynamics, shifting from personal connections to isolation within households. The structural family perspective notes that technology often lacks established roles and boundaries. Approximately three out of four families seeking help at tertiary care centers report interpersonal issues related to technology use. This paper uses a case illustration to apply family systems theory in conceptualizing and planning interventions for problematic technology usage. It emphasizes that many effective intervention packages, primarily developed in Western contexts, can be adapted to foster healthy technology use and improve interpersonal relationships in Indian families.

Bifurcation, chaotic behaviors and solitary wave solutions for the fractional Twin-Core couplers with Kerr law non-linearity

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the bifurcation, chaotic behaviors, and solitary wave solutions of the fractional Twin-Core couplers with Kerr law non-linearity by using the planar dynamical system method. This equation has profound physical significance and application value in the areas of optics and optical communication. Firstly, the traveling wave transformation is applied to convert the beta-derivative Twin-Core couplers with Kerr law non-linearity into the ordinary differential equations. Secondly, phase portraits and Poincaré sections of two-dimensional dynamical system and its perturbation system are plotted by using mathematical software. For different initial values, the planar phase diagram and three-dimensional phase diagram in red and blue are plotted, respectively. Finally, the solitary wave solutions of the fractional Twin-Core couplers with Kerr law non-linearity are obtained by using theory of planar dynamical system. In addition, three-dimensional graphs, two-dimensional graphs, and the contour graphs of the solitary wave solutions are drawn.

A three-dimensional discrete fractional-order HIV-1 model related to cancer cells, dynamical analysis and chaos control

In this paper, we study a three-dimensional discrete-time model to describe the behavior of cancer cells in the presence of healthy cells and HIV-infected cells. Based on the Caputo-like difference operator, we construct the fractional-order biological system. This study's significance lies in developing a new approach to presenting a biological dynamical system. Since the qualitative analysis related to existence, uniqueness, and stability is almost the same as can be found in numerous existing papers, and comparing this study to other research, constructing a biological discrete system using the Caputo difference operator can be particularly important. Using powerful tools of nonlinear theory such as phase plots, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, and the 0-1 test, we establish that the proposed system can exhibit different biological states, including stable, periodic, and chaotic behaviors. Here, the route leading to chaos is period-doubling bifurcation. Furthermore, the level of chaos in the system is quantified using $C_{0}$ complexity and approximate entropy algorithms. The stabilization or suppression of chaotic motions in the fractional-order system is presented, where an efficient controller is designed based on the stability theory of the discrete-time fractional-order systems. Numerical simulations are provided to validate the theoretical results derived in this research paper.

К совершенствованию технологии планирования транспортных процессов взаимодействия железнодорожных линий различных категорий

Purpose: increasing the efficiency of the transport network based on the developed balanced system of indicators for the interaction of railway lines of various categories. Methods: methods of control theory, system analysis, synthesis and mathematical modeling, theory of transport processes and systems, and transport planning methods are used. Results: a set of indicators that influence the interaction of railway lines of various categories is substantiated, based on a balanced system of indicators, which makes it possible to develop corrective measures to optimize the transportation process. Practical significance the implementation of the proposed solutions allows us to develop and specify a program to increase the efficiency of operation of low-intensity public railway lines and adjust scheduled transportation on these lines.

Active Inference in Psychology and Psychiatry: Progress to Date?

The free energy principle is a formal theory of adaptive self-organising systems that emerged from statistical thermodynamics, machine learning and theoretical neuroscience and has since been translated into biologically plausible ‘process theories’ of cognition and behaviour, which fall under the banner of ‘active inference’. Despite the promise this theory holds for theorising, research and practical applications in psychology and psychiatry, its impact on these disciplines has only now begun to bear fruit. The aim of this treatment is to consider the extent to which active inference has informed theoretical progress in psychology, before exploring its contributions to our understanding and treatment of psychopathology. Despite facing persistent translational obstacles, progress suggests that active inference has the potential to become a new paradigm that promises to unite psychology’s subdisciplines, while readily incorporating the traditionally competing paradigms of evolutionary and developmental psychology. To date, however, progress towards this end has been slow. Meanwhile, the main outstanding question is whether this theory will make a positive difference through applications in clinical psychology, and its sister discipline of psychiatry.