Systems Theory Research Articles

Holistic support framework for doctors training as rural and remote general practitioners: a realist evaluation of the RVTS model.

To develop theory about how and why the supervision and support model used by the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) addresses the professional and non-professional needs of doctors (including many international medical graduates) who are training towards general practice or rural generalist fellowship while based in the same rural or remote practice. We conducted a realist evaluation based on the RAMESES II protocol. The initial theory was based on situated learning theory, networked ecological systems theory, cultural theory and geographical narcissism theory. The theory was developed by collecting empirical data through interviews with 27 RVTS stakeholders, including supervisors, participants and RVTS staff. The theory was refined using a project reference and a stakeholder advisory group and confirmed using individual meetings with experts. Theory about how the contexts of person, place and program interacted to address professional and non-professional needs. The RVTS program offers remote access to knowledgeable and caring supervisors, real-time tailored advice, quality resources and regular professional networking opportunities, including breaks from the community. It worked well because it triggered five mechanisms: comfort, confidence, competence, belonging and bonding. These mechanisms collectively fostered resilience, skills, professional identity and improved status; they effectively counteracted the potential effects of complex and relatively isolated work settings. This theory depicts how a remotely delivered supervision and support model addresses the place and practice challenges faced by different doctors, meeting their professional and non-professional needs. The participants felt valued as part of a special professional group delivering essential primary health care services in challenging locations. The theory could be adapted and applied to support other rural and remote doctors.

The Role of Complex Systems in Predictive Analytics for E-Commerce Innovations in Business Management

This review explores the incorporation of complex systems theory into predictive analytics in the e-commerce sector, particularly emphasizing recent advancements in business management. By analyzing the intersection of these two domains, the review emphasizes the potential of complex systems models—including agent-based modeling and network theory—to improve the precision and efficacy of predictive analytics. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of emergent predictive analytics techniques and tools, including real-time data analysis and machine learning, in inventory optimization, dynamic pricing, and personalization of customer experiences. In addition, this review will suggest future research directions to advance the discipline and address the technical, ethical, and practical challenges encountered during this integration phase.

COVID-19 and (the health-related promotion of) physical activity. The situation before, during and after the pandemic

ABSTRACT Building on the sociological discussion of sports and its reflections through Luhmann’s systems theory, this article explores the question: ‘How has the (health-related) promotion of physical activity been perceived before/during/after the COVID-19 pandemic?’ Our findings reveal differences across the three periods studied: (1) before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2020), physical activity was generally perceived, inter alia, as a means to prevent chronic illness. Despite being driven by different logics, both the sport and health systems competed in promoting physical activity. (2) During the height of the pandemic (2020–2022), most forms of physical activity were considered potential vectors for spreading the virus. While the health system prioritized pandemic control, the sports system faced significant limitations in engaging the population. (3) In the post-pandemic years 2022–2024, while a societal shift re-established the pre-pandemic status quo, several social changes become integral to our daily life. These changes present both risks and opportunities for physical activity. If the previously systemic coupling between the sports and health systems fails to re-consolidate, there may be an increased need for individual initiative and new inter-systemic interactions to keep people physically active. The conclusions highlight this issue as part of rising social inequality.

Robust finite-time output feedback stabilisation for a class of uncertain planar systems with asymmetric output constraints

This paper considers the finite-time output feedback stabilisation (FTOFS) problem for a class of uncertain planar systems with asymmetric output constraints. The presence of unknown control coefficients, unknown measurement sensitivity and asymmetric output constraints makes the system under consideration essentially different from those in the existing related works. By constructing a new barrier Lyapunov function and applying homogeneous system theory, a simple proportional-derivative like finite-time output feedback controller is explicitly constructed, which only utilises the output information. A rigorous proof demonstrates that not only the closed-loop system is finite time stable, but also the requirement of asymmetric output constraint can be achieved. The novelty of the control approach lies in that it is capable to handle the FTOFS problem for uncertain planar systems with or without asymmetric output constraints in a unified manner, without changing the control structure. The efficiency of the proposed theoretical results are confirmed by simulation results.

Narratives from Staff at an LGBTQIA+ Shelter: Applying Ecological Systems Theory to a Homelessness Intervention in Cape Town, South Africa

Internationally, LGBTQIA+ people are at increased risk of homelessness and housing instability. Literature on this topic emerging from the Global South has been less prominent. This article explores LGBTQIA+ homelessness in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is a unique local context, given the post-apartheid political landscape and prevalent negative attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa. Grounded in the ecological systems theory, this article explores staff perspectives about emergency shelter interventions with the population of LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness. An international team of scholars coordinated this research effort to interview staff at an LGBTQIA+ focused shelter in Cape Town. Interview data were analysed using narrative analysis strategies. Results show that the shelter seeks to provide a safe and structured environment for LGBTQIA+ people who may have experienced family rejection, educational or economic challenges and mental health concerns. Researchers recommend that there be a shift in focus to macro socio-economic forces when considering LGBTQIA+ homelessness. Researchers also discuss the need for more robust social work training for staff of shelters who serve this vulnerable and resilient population.

Inverse system based decoupling design and control strategy for crude oil heat exchanger networks

This work focuses on a decoupling control approach for the crude oil heat exchanger network to improve the energy efficiency and achieve continuous energy saving. The desired control variables are identified by the signed directed graph (SDG) model based on the complex network theory. Then the principal component analysis (PCA) method and the evaluation index are employed to construct the initial controller as well as the control variables pairing. The presented system is a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control system where the coupling problems are considered, and a decoupling control strategy based on the inverse system theory of neural network is proposed. The existence of the inverse system is proved by the reversibility derivation, and the original system is decoupled into two second-order subsystems. Consequently, the proposed decoupling control system is tested on the example of heat exchanger network (HEN) belonging to Crude Distillation Unit. The fluctuating value of temperature is reduced averagely by 57.1% compared with the non-decoupling control strategy and the mean absolute percentage error is within 0.02 under different operating conditions. The results show that the proposed decoupling control method has excellent decoupling performance and can improve the control performance of the system.

Исследование многоуровневых моделей управления вагонопотоками в адрес припортовых станций с применением теории дифференциальных уравнений

Purpose: To consider the issue of sustainability of multi-level control systems for car flows to port railway stations in the conditions of intellectualization of transportation management processes. To assess the influence of three-level and two-level control systems for the operational work of port roads on the quality of planning the supply of trains to port stations under various modes of operational operation of railways. Determine the conditions for the stability of the car flow control system by constructing and studying the corresponding hard and soft mathematical models described by autonomous systems of ordinary linear differential equations. Methods: In this study, the methods of the theory of stability of solutions of differential equations, as well as the theory of control and dynamical systems are used. A phase space is used in a visual representation, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the behavior of phase trajectories in it is performed, corresponding to undisturbed and perturbed solutions of systems of differential equations describing the constructed models of control systems. Results: A comparison of the characteristics of multistage car traffic control systems is given. A study of the stability of multilevel models of car traffic management in the context of the intellectualization of management functions is proposed. In the environment of the analytical computing system, the conditions of asymptotic stability in time of a two-level wagon traffic control system are found and studied. Practical importance: The results obtained by computational experiment make it possible to assess the stability of the functioning of port-side transport and technological systems in the context of changes in the organization of production and the intellectualization of transportation management processes. Computer mathematics systems make it possible to implement the heuristic component of research and obtain theoretically sound and visual solutions to problems of optimizing cargo and wagon traffic control modes.

Data-Driven Control Method Based on Koopman Operator for Suspension System of Maglev Train

The suspension system of the Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) maglev train is crucial for ensuring safe operation. This article focuses on data-driven modeling and control optimization of the suspension system. By the Extended Dynamic Mode Decomposition (EDMD) method based on the Koopman theory, the state and input data of the suspension system are collected to construct a high-dimensional linearized model of the system without detailed parameters of the system, preserving the nonlinear characteristics. With the data-driven model, the LQR controller and Extended State Observer (ESO) are applied to optimize the suspension control. Compared with baseline feedback methods, the optimization control with data-driven modeling reduces the maximum system fluctuation by 75.0% in total. Furthermore, considering the high-speed operating environment and vertical dynamic response of the maglev train, a rolling-update modeling method is proposed to achieve online modeling optimization of the suspension system. The simulation results show that this method reduces the maximum fluctuation amplitude of the suspension system by 40.0% and the vibration acceleration of the vehicle body by 46.8%, achieving significant optimization of the suspension control.

Non-Bloch band theory for time-modulated discrete mechanical systems

This study establishes a non-Bloch band theory for time-modulated discrete mechanical systems. We consider simple mass–spring chains whose stiffness is periodically modulated in time. Using the temporal Floquet theory, the system is characterized by linear algebraic equations in terms of Fourier coefficients. This allows us to employ a standard linear eigenvalue analysis. Unlike non-modulated linear systems, the time modulation makes the coefficient matrix non-Hermitian, which gives rise to, for example, parametric resonance, non-reciprocal wave transmission, and non-Hermitian skin effects. In particular, we study finite-length chains consisting of spatially periodic mass–spring units and show that the standard Bloch band theory is not valid for estimating their eigenvalue distribution. To remedy this, we propose a non-Bloch band theory based on a generalized Brillouin zone. This novel approach, the combination of the temporal Floquet theory for time-modulated systems and generalized Brillouin zone, enables the prediction of eigenvalue distribution under open boundary conditions and also quantitative characterization of non-Hermitian skin modes. The proposed theory is verified by some numerical experiments.

Finite-size corrections to the energy spectra of gapless one-dimensional systems in the presence of boundaries

We present the finite-size scaling theory of one-dimensional quantum critical systems in the presence of boundaries. While the finite-size spectrum in the conformal limit, namely of a conformal field theory with conformally invariant boundary conditions, is related to the dimensions of boundary operators by Cardy, the actual spectra of lattice models are affected by both bulk and boundary perturbations and contain non-universal boundary energies. We obtain a general expression of the finite-size energy levels in the presence of bulk and boundary perturbations. In particular, a generic boundary perturbation related to the energy-momentum tensor gives rise to a renormalization of the effective system size. We verify our field-theory formulation by comparing the results with the exact solution of the critical transverse-field Ising chain and with accurate numerical results on the critical three-state Potts chain obtained by Density-Matrix Renormalization Group.

Barriers to effective learning for students with visual impairments at an inclusive‐education university in Nigeria

AbstractThe research investigated the obstacles faced by undergraduates with visual impairments while studying at a Nigerian university striving to establish an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. The aim was to generate empirical evidence that can inform policies at the university and other similar institutions. The research is anchored in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, and a qualitative descriptive research design was employed. Using purposive sampling, 11 (male = 7; female = 4) undergraduate students living with blindness were recruited. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and subjected to inductive data analysis. It was found that students encounter various challenges, emanating from peers, lecturers, the university and their families. The results demonstrate how different contexts influence the learning outcomes of students with visual impairments, warranting more comprehensive intervention programmes.

Challenges and Approaches in the Study of Neural Entrainment.

When exposed to rhythmic stimulation, the human brain displays rhythmic activity across sensory modalities and regions. Given the ubiquity of this phenomenon, how sensory rhythms are transformed into neural rhythms remains surprisingly inconclusive. An influential model posits that endogenous oscillations entrain to external rhythms, thereby encoding environmental dynamics and shaping perception. However, research on neural entrainment faces multiple challenges, from ambiguous definitions to methodological difficulties when endogenous oscillations need to be identified and disentangled from other stimulus-related mechanisms that can lead to similar phase-locked responses. Yet, recent years have seen novel approaches to overcome these challenges, including computational modeling, insights from dynamical systems theory, sophisticated stimulus designs, and study of neuropsychological impairments. This review outlines key challenges in neural entrainment research, delineates state-of-the-art approaches, and integrates findings from human and animal neurophysiology to provide a broad perspective on the usefulness, validity, and constraints of oscillatory models in brain-environment interaction.

Introduction: A Special Issue on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory and law

Combating corruption, ordering business practices and regulating the use of artificial intelligence are but some of the challenges of today’s society that socio-legal research engages with. These challenges are often transnational in their character, calling for an analytical toolbox fit to examine phenomena that transcend space and time. Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory offers such a toolbox to examine complicated communicative practices in today’s globalised world. This Special Issue brings together junior and senior socio-legal researchers from the Global South and the Global North who illustrate and exemplify how Luhmann’s systems theoretical framework can be applied and theoretically discussed with the purpose of analysing socio-legal issues of relevance for the world of today. This article first introduces the motivation and aim of the Special Issue. Then, the article introduces key concepts of Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory and sociology of law, followed by a presentation of the articles that constitute the Special Issue.

Risk Analysis on Autonomous Vessels based on Systems Theory – Application of NET-HARMS method

Abstract The shift towards Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships is a significant development in the maritime logistics industry, with the potential to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. However, the integration of autonomous systems also presents new challenges and risks, particularly in the absence of empirical data for traditional risk assessment methodologies. This research tackles this problem by utilizing the Net-worked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net-HARMS) method, a systems thinking method that hasn’t been previously employed in examining MASS. The method analyses the risks associated with the EC-funded, H2020, MOSES Project, which included a concept for automating the manoeuvring and docking processes with autonomous tugboats. The Net-HARMS method offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to risk assessment, overcoming the limitations of conventional probabilistic models. By constructing a Hierarchical Task Analysis and a task network, the research maps the system’s operational framework and explores task interdependencies. The use of a risk mode taxonomy allows for the identification of task-specific and emergent risks, which are then assessed by utilising the risk matrix of the Risk-Based Assessment Tool developed by DNV, to assess the final risk as a function of the effectiveness of each risk mitigation layer and the severity of the identified task consequences. The findings provide valuable insights into critical tasks requiring enhanced risk control measures and contribute to the development of safety constraints necessary for the successful implementation of autonomous shipping technologies. By applying Net-HARMS method to the realm of autonomous ships, this research not only fills a significant gap in maritime risk analysis but also sets a precedent for future studies in this rapidly evolving field.

Swedish trade unions and in-work poverty

This article aims to exemplify how Swedish social partners, especially trade unions, have addressed the issue of in-work poverty in relation to recent and influential changes of the Swedish Employment Protection Act. Applying a methodology where Luhmann’s systems theory is used as a framework of analysis, whereby social partners and trade unions are viewed as organisations that contribute to the production of communication within the autopoietic system of industrial relations. The empirical material analysed for the article, therefore, consists of written communications from Swedish social partners and trade unions, produced during the process of changing and adapting the new the legislation. The analysis shows that Swedish trade unions could be more ambitious and direct in addressing the issue of in-work poverty and that further research on this topic would be useful to assist the trade unions in formulating relevant strategies for the future.

The Use Of System Theory In National System With Reference To The Behaviour Of Any Country In Crisis: (A Study Of Libya)

Considering the development of an all-inclusive and abstract theory as unattainable by empirical methods, political scientists have adopted the limited perspective of systems theory. The Political Systems Theory according to Easton’s Model Analysis represents interdisciplinary nature of modern political science (Jones 1977). System concepts make empirical and comparative study possible; even of those political institutions, apart from the states, such as international political system, city political party, etc. This wider and in-depth perspective of system approach is suitable to look into the Libyan crisis. The work is going to analyze the political behaviour of Libya based on the four major components of System theory; Demands and Supports as “Inputs”, decisions on Demands and Supports as “Outputs”, application of policy as “Outcomes”, and response to new policy as “Feedback” (Lambert 1968). Lastly, we observe the break down and dysfunction of the Libyan political system that has brought social unrest. The study analysis covers the political system under Muammar Gaddafi’s regime

Systemic Perspective on Companies and the Digital Transformation: A Prototypical Methodological Approach as a Solution to Complex Business Problems

Due to changing market conditions, customer needs and environmental influences, organisations are facing increased pressure to transform in today’s world. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have made many organisations aware of the importance of digital transformation in order to remain successful even in times of disruptive change. However, the pandemic has also shown how connected and complex the world is. The aim of this work is to answer the question of what a possible systematic method for dealing with complex business problems might look like. Dealing with complexity is a critical factor for any organisation and determines how resilient it can position itself in the face of dynamic environmental influences. To answer the research question, a prototype was first developed based on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory, from which a systematic method was derived. The prototypes were then further developed and validated in qualitative expert interviews. A systems theory approach was chosen because it claims to construct a holistic picture of the company as a social system and thus to capture the interactions of all system components. Qualitative interviews based on a semi-standardised approach were used to test the prototypes for comprehensibility, applicability, and validity. German experts in the fields of system technology, change management and digital transformation were interviewed.

Corruption in unlikely places

Corruption, defined as the “misuse of public position for private gain”, represents an act of deviance from official duties in the interest of self-enrichment. Denmark is ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Danish court records, however, show that corruption cases have appeared in the 21st century. Using Luhmann’s systems theory and Foucault’s method of genealogy, this article asks how this has happened. I argue that understanding corruption in Denmark may go back to changes in public administration ideas and practices since the 1990. New Public Management reform has increased the complexity in public administration where meaning horizons of communication related to different functional systems – especially the sub-systems of law and economy – clashes. I theorise and illustrate using court cases how the coexistence of different codes creates an environment for public employees that in some circumstances – however still rare – result in corruption.

A Weierstrass approach to the analysis of rarefaction solitary waves in tensegrity mass-spring systems

Abstract The Weierstrass‘ theory of one-dimensional Lagrangian systems and a quasi-continuum approach are employed to study the propagation of solitary waves in tensegrity mass-spring chains, which exhibit softening-type elastic response in the large displacement regime and are subject to external pre-compression. The presented study analytically derives the shape of the traveling rarefaction pulses, and limiting values of the speeds of such pulses. Use is made of a tensegrity-like interaction potential that captures the main features of the real force-displacement response of the examined units. The Weierstrass approach is validated through numerical applications that establish comparisons between the theory developed in the present work and previous results available in literature.

Accumulation sequence and exploration domain of continental whole petroleum system in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the oil and gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin, combined with data such as seismic, logging and geochemistry, the basic geological conditions, hydrocarbon types, hydrocarbon distribution characteristics, source- reservoir relationship and accumulation model of the Upper Triassic–Jurassic continental whole petroleum system in the basin are systematically analyzed. The continental whole petroleum system in the Sichuan Basin develops multiple sets of gas-bearing strata, forming a whole petroleum system centered on the Triassic Xujiahe Formation source rocks. The thick and high-quality source rocks in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation provide sufficient gas source basis for the continental whole petroleum system in the basin. The development of conventional-unconventional reservoirs provides favorable space for hydrocarbon accumulation. The coupling of faults and sandbodies provides a high-quality transport system for gas migration. Source rocks and reservoirs are overlapped vertically, and there are obvious differences in sedimentary environment, reservoir lithology and physical properties, which lead to the orderly development of inner-source shale gas, near-source tight gas, and far-source tight–conventional gas in the Upper Triassic–Jurassic, from bottom to top. The orderly change of geological conditions such as burial depth, reservoir physical properties, formation pressure and hydrocarbon generation intensity in zones controlled the formation of the whole petroleum system consisting of structural gas reservoir in thrust zone, shale gas-tight gas reservoir in depression zone, tight gas reservoir in slope zone, and tight gas–conventional gas reservoir in uplift zone on the plane. Based on the theory and concept of the whole petroleum system, the continental shale gas and tight gas resources in the Sichuan Basin have great potential, especially in the central and western parts with abundant unconventional resources.