Systems Theory Research Articles

Difficulties and Solutions in Caring for Cognitive Disorders in Elderly People with Dementia from the Perspective of Social-ecological System Theory

With the deepening of population aging, the increasing population of cognitively impaired older adults in China has put forward an urgent demand for professional cognitive care. In the context of long-term care insurance policy, this paper will take R agency as an example and construct an analysis framework based on the social-ecological system theory at three levels: micro-system, meso-system, and macro-system. It will analyze the physiology and psychology of dementia elderly from inside to outside, how the sentinel care agency collaborates with the sentinel assessment agency, family, and community, how the LTCI policy support and financial support affect the cognitive intervention for cognitively impaired elderly, to promote the healthy operation of the care ecosystem, analyze the dilemma, summarise and put forward the optimization strategy, and provide the experience of providing care services for other aged care service agencies.

The Components of Multilevel Engagement Theory

This article presents the components (i.e., assumptions, concepts, and propositions) of the Multilevel Engagement Theory. Raza provided specific examples to describe the components of the theory and discussed these components in relation to the existing literature. The components of Multilevel Engagement Theory are also discussed in relation to three contemporary theories (i.e., family systems theory, feminist theory, and social exchange theory) to demonstrate similarities and differences between the Multilevel Engagement Theory and the other theories used in mainstream research. The author provided examples from his graduate level course assignments to further explain the componets of Multilevel Engagement Theory and demonstrate the use and application of this theory. The Multilevel Engagement Theory considers culture and diversity as the central aspects to the understanding of family relationships and functioning and provides researchers with a comprehensive conceptual framework to conduct research on contemporary families, understand multilevel phenomena, and explain complex real-life situations.

Теоретические основы оценки эффективности сложной информационной системы

In the aspect of solving the problem of inefficiency of a complex information system of public finance management, the necessity of developing a methodology for system analysis and modeling of a complex information system (IS) is considered. Based on the synthesis of the provisions of systems theory, organization theory, decision theory and management theory, the main definitions of a separate theory, its axioms and the basic principles of evaluating the effectiveness of the system were proposed. The key feature of the management of the system is adaptation, the qualitative adjustment of which can enhance the beneficial effect of a complex system by developing a system-wide management strategy. The given conceptual descriptions of the adaptive management process indicate the need for continuous modeling of the system, the creation of models for managing the functioning and development of the complex IS as a complex ecosystem, where priority in decision-making should be focused on the synergetic effect of benchmarking, integration and centralization. Due to the expansion of scientific knowledge about the category of effectiveness of complex IS, the results of the study will further allow in practice to resolve some difficulties and contradictions in managing the development of a complex IS for public finance management.

Barriers for exiting sex work: an exploration on female sex workers (FSW) in Puducherry, India

Exit is not an easy task for a sex worker. Academic investigations of the reasons and barriers to exit from the sex industry are lacking heavily. Sex work is a stigmatised profession, even though the workers find it difficult to exit the same. The current study attempted to understand the barriers faced by female sex workers in Puducherry, a union territory in the southeast part of India, to exit from sex work. The participants comprise 19 female sex workers (FSW) who work in Puducherry. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. All of the participants had thoughts about quitting. The barriers to exit were identified. The barriers were recognised at the individual, interpersonal (microsystem), and structural (macro system) levels within the framework of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which are discussed in detail in the paper. The study also identified a lack of support systems for the targeted population.

Exploring systemic design practices in public sector innovation

Many societal challenges need to be resolved through innovative solutions at system level. Previous scholars have argued that it may be wise to combine design practice and system theory to form a management method for public sector innovation. However, it appears that few scholars have developed innovation management methods based on that combination. The aim of this article is therefore to contribute with new knowledge about how design practice and system theory can be combined in order to drive public sector innovation. The article proposes the development of a previously proposed systemic design management model and presents a toolbox with twelve innovation management tools. Although there is a logic in using the tools in a certain order, this article emphasizes the need for a flexible use of the tools and to be open to moving back and forth between different tools. The results also indicate that an initial key tool is to ensure that the right people become involved in the different phases of the innovation process. It is more important to involve the right people in different phases than to follow a specific pre-designed process model. In order to successfully create and implement innovative solutions at system level, the innovation processes need to engage different human resources for different tools. Different resources that understand the needs can contribute with new perspectives and also possess the mandate to make systemic changes.

Decentralised finance, regulation, and systems theory

Cryptocurrency has sparked expressions of concern from regulators – though sometimes coupled with expressions of interest in state-backed alternatives. This paradoxical situation neatly encapsulates the conundrum confronting regulators as they seek to come to terms with the new world opened up by blockchain and leading ultimately perhaps to decentralised finance. How do we best understand this confusing situation? This paper looks for answers by attempting to conceptualise the phenomenon of decentralised finance in autopoietic systems terms. Insofar as a plausible argument can be made for the proposition that finance represents an example of the internal differentiation of the economy, does decentralised finance in some sense constitute an intensified internal differentiation? Alternatively, and paradoxically, insofar as what we are concerned with is decentralised finance, does it instead in some sense represent an example of dedifferentiation? Answers to these questions will have relevance for efforts to regulate this emerging phenomenon. They will also help to shed light on whether state and central bank experiments in this space will produce positive effects or bring their own challenges. La criptomoneda ha suscitado la preocupación de los reguladores, aunque a veces ha ido acompañada del interés expresado sobre algunas alternativas respaldadas por el Estado. Esta paradójica situación resume a la perfección el enigma al que se enfrentan los reguladores cuando tratan de aceptar el nuevo mundo abierto por la cadena de bloques y que, en última instancia, quizá conduzca a unas finanzas descentralizadas. ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de entender esta confusa situación? Este artículo busca respuestas intentando conceptualizar el fenómeno de las finanzas descentralizadas en términos de sistemas autopoiéticos. En la medida en que se puede argumentar de forma plausible que las finanzas representan un ejemplo de la diferenciación interna de la economía, ¿constituyen las finanzas descentralizadas, en cierto sentido, una diferenciación interna intensificada? Por otra parte, y paradójicamente, en la medida en que tratamos sobre finanzas descentralizadas, ¿representan en cierto sentido un ejemplo de desdiferenciación? Las respuestas a estas preguntas serán relevantes para los esfuerzos por regular este fenómeno emergente. También ayudarán a arrojar luz sobre si los experimentos del Estado y los bancos centrales en este espacio producirán efectos positivos o nuevos desafíos.

Compensation of Budeanu’s Reactive and Complemented Reactive Currents in Extended Budeanu Theory in 3-Phase 4-Wire Systems Powered by Symmetrical Nonsinusoidal Voltage Source

The result of continuous efforts in the development of power theory, Budeanu’s power theory was successfully extended. The mathematical description that has been proposed is based on another concept, namely the Currents’ Physical Components (CPC) theory. With CPC theory, it was possible to describe, in the original Budeanu theory, the components of the load current, including the Budeanu distortion current. The Budeanu distortion current can have a maximum of five components associated with different physical phenomena and related to the equivalent parameters of the load. This article discusses passive compensation, which provides compensation for the Budeanu reactive current and the Budeanu complemented reactive current due to the known equivalent load parameters associated with the reactance elements. In addition, the article refers to a very important aspect when determining the parameters of a passive compensator, i.e., choosing parameters in such a way that the compensator simultaneously compensates for the reactive current and the unbalanced current. The article presents five methods relating to the determination of compensator parameters. Two methods are related to the reactive current compensation only for the first harmonic without affecting the unbalanced current. The next three methods relate to the compensation of the Budeanu reactive current and the consideration of the unbalanced current. Calculations and simulations were performed for all five methods, the results of which are presented and analyzed in this publication. The Matlab/Simulink R2023a environment was used as the calculation and simulation software.

Conformal and Non-Minimal Couplings in Fractional Cosmology

Fractional differential calculus is a mathematical tool that has found applications in the study of social and physical behaviors considered “anomalous”. It is often used when traditional integer derivatives models fail to represent cases where the power law is observed accurately. Fractional calculus must reflect non-local, frequency- and history-dependent properties of power-law phenomena. This tool has various important applications, such as fractional mass conservation, electrochemical analysis, groundwater flow problems, and fractional spatiotemporal diffusion equations. It can also be used in cosmology to explain late-time cosmic acceleration without the need for dark energy. We review some models using fractional differential equations. We look at the Einstein–Hilbert action, which is based on a fractional derivative action, and add a scalar field, ϕ, to create a non-minimal interaction theory with the coupling, ξRϕ2, between gravity and the scalar field, where ξ is the interaction constant. By employing various mathematical approaches, we can offer precise schemes to find analytical and numerical approximations of the solutions. Moreover, we comprehensively study the modified cosmological equations and analyze the solution space using the theory of dynamical systems and asymptotic expansion methods. This enables us to provide a qualitative description of cosmologies with a scalar field based on fractional calculus formalism.

Dynamics of a Quantum System Interacting with White Non-Gaussian Baths: Poisson Noise Master Equation.

Quantum systems are unavoidably open to their surrounding degrees of freedom. The theory of open quantum systems is thus crucial to understanding the fluctuations, dissipation, and decoherence of a quantum system of interest. Typically, the bath is modeled as an ensemble of harmonic oscillators, which yields Gaussian statistics of the bath influence on the quantum systems. However, there are also phenomena in which the bath consists of two-state systems, spins, or anharmonic oscillators; therefore, the non-Gaussian properties of the bath become important. Nevertheless, a theoretical framework to describe quantum systems under the influence of such non-Gaussian baths is not well established. Here, we develop a theory to describe quantum dissipative systems affected by Poisson noise properties of the bath, because the Lévi-Itô decomposition theorem asserts that Poisson noise is fundamental in describing arbitrary white noise beyond Gaussian properties. We introduce a quantum bath model that allows for the consistent description of dissipative quantum systems. The obtained master equation reveals non-Gaussian bath effects in the white noise regime, and provides an essential step toward describing open quantum dynamics under the influence of generic baths.

Representations of Solutions of Time-Fractional Multi-Order Systems of Differential-Operator Equations

This paper is devoted to the general theory of systems of linear time-fractional differential-operator equations. The representation formulas for solutions of systems of ordinary differential equations with single (commensurate) fractional order is known through the matrix-valued Mittag-Leffler function. Multi-order (incommensurate) systems with rational components can be reduced to single-order systems, and, hence, representation formulas are also known. However, for arbitrary fractional multi-order (not necessarily with rational components) systems of differential equations, the representation formulas are still unknown, even in the case of fractional-order ordinary differential equations. In this paper, we obtain representation formulas for the solutions of arbitrary fractional multi-order systems of differential-operator equations. The existence and uniqueness theorems in appropriate topological vector spaces are also provided. Moreover, we introduce vector-indexed Mittag-Leffler functions and prove some of their properties.

MODERN APPROACHES TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS

The article examines the essence and features of conflicts. Conflicts should be understood as a complex phenomenon that can be caused by various circumstances, contradictions between two or more parties, and is accompanied by mutual actions or disagreements and can have various consequences. The main features of conflict are given, which include: contradiction, mutual disagreement, interaction, tension, desire for influence and the need for a solution. The existing conflict theories were studied, in particular within the framework of systems theory (conflicts arise as a result of disagreements and imbalances in systems, in particular social, political and economic), functionalist theory (conflicts are considered as a normal and necessary part of social life) and social-psychological theory (conflicts arise as a result of disagreements interests (individual, group and intergroup). The main advantages and disadvantages of the considered theories are given. With the development of the theory of conflicts, their essence and meaning were rethought and considered from different points of view. It should be noted that until the 20th century, conflict was considered as an exclusively negative phenomenon, however , after the 20th century, views on its essence have changed, and it is considered from the point of view of positive content, which contributes not only to problems in the activities of organizations, but also to their development. Conflicts between guests and employees result in the form of various complaints, which are divided into the following categories: complaints about service, complaints about cleanliness and hygiene, complaints about technical problems, complaints about the quality of food in the establishment, complaints about accommodation and comfort, etc. The article lists the main conflict generators by manifestation and behavior (negative attitude, condescending attitude, boastful attitude, mentoring relationships, dishonesty and insincerity, ethical violations, regressive behavior) and by the field of manifestation (social, economic, political, cultural, psychological). The article describes the peculiarities of conflict management in the hotel and restaurant business, which are caused by a large number of interested parties, emotional tension, a variety of cultures and communications, and the presence of guests.

Application of Grey Prediction Models for Efficient Traffic Flow Prediction

Traffic flow prediction is crucial in transportation management and optimizing control strategies and infrastructure planning. However, traditional prediction methods often need help handling traffic data's inherent uncertainty and complexity. This paper explores the application of Grey prediction models as a promising approach for efficient traffic flow prediction. Grey prediction models, rooted in Grey systems theory, offer a robust framework for modelling systems with incomplete and uncertain information. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of Grey prediction models, including the Grey Verhulst, Grey-Markov, and Grey differential equation models. It discusses the process of data collection, pre-processing, and model application in traffic flow prediction. Case studies and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of Grey prediction models in accurately forecasting traffic flow patterns. Despite challenges such as data sparsity and model complexity, Grey prediction models offer significant advantages over traditional methods, including improved prediction accuracy and adaptability to dynamic traffic conditions. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners and researchers interested in leveraging Grey prediction models for efficient traffic management.

СИСТЕМНИЙ АНАЛІЗ МЕТАЛУРГІЙНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА ЯК ПІДҐРУНТТЯ ФОРМУВАННЯ СИСТЕМИ КОМПЛАЄНС

The purpose of the study is to determine modern approaches to the strategy of applying the compliance system at metallurgical enterprises. From the standpoint of the theory of hypercomplex dynamic systems, the components of the metallurgical enterprise are considered. Hypercomplexity is provided by the variety of sub-sectors included in the research object. The system properties of metallurgical production are highlighted, in particular, hypercomplexity (S1), dynamism (S2) and structurality (S3). It is shown that one of the latest global scientific developments regarding the procedure for compliance with obligations in the financial and industrial spheres is the theoretical concept of Compliance. It is advisable to provide advisory functions to the Compliance system at the enterprise, when the final decision on the implementation of its recommendations is taken by the management of the enterprise at the appropriate level. It is shown that common to all theories of Compliance is finding a balance between such categories as "compliance" with established requirements and "risks" from inappropriate fulfillment of obligations. The ratio of financial risks and the probability of compliance with these risks of business entities is given. It is shown that Compliance should acquire the status of not only a controlling body, but also take into account the elements of psychology in the implementation of its activities.

Functional Discourse Analysis of Queen Elizabeth II’s Speech in 2020

Based on Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics, this thesis analyzes Elizabeth II’s 2020 Christmas speech and studies how the Queen uses language skills to obtain the support of the audience. Through the method of functional discourse analysis, this paper explores the performance of the three metafunctions of language in discourse. A comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Christmas speeches shows the operability and applicability of systemic functional linguistics theory in explaining political discourse, which is of practical significance. In addition, representative and contemporary political discourses are selected, and the analysis results are more practical.

Grammar, cohesion and the co-ordination of the ‘self’ in a current psychotherapeutic technique

Abstract This paper aims to show how concepts and analytical methods of systemic functional linguistics can work congruently with other human practices to improve outcomes for those undergoing the suffering around loss of meaning and the absence of purposeful, self-directed experience. Based on a two-decade collaboration between linguists and psychotherapists in Sydney, Australia, and using the tools of text linguistics as developed by Michael A. K. Halliday and Ruqaiya Hasan in systemic functional theory, the paper presents an indicative selection of intense exchanges between traumatized persons and therapists (centrally the experience of ‘Ruth’). The level by level linguistic descriptions of these exchanges offer opportunities for understanding how progress in the clinical interaction might be achieved. The descriptions can also be evaluated against the theoretical claims of psychotherapy in psychiatry – in particular, the emphasis of the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy developed in England and Australia by Robert Hobson and Russell Meares, whose characterization of disorders involves an emphasis on ‘co-ordination’ and ‘cohesion’ within frontal lobe activity of traumatized patients. In this way the paper also explores conceptual parallels and intellectual antecedents shared between the Conversational Model and Systemic Functional Linguistics, contributing to the broader intellectual history of the human sciences.

Superconductivity in CH4 and [formula omitted] containing compounds derived from the high-pressure superhydrides

Inspired by the synthesis of the high-pressure Fm3̄m LaH10 superconducting superhydride, systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study ternaries that could be derived from it by replacing two of the hydrogen atoms with boron or carbon and varying the identity of the electropositive element. Though many of the resulting alkali-metal and alkaline-earth MC2H8 phases are predicted to be dynamically stable at mild pressures, their superconducting critical temperatures (Tcs) are low because their metallicity results from the filling of an electride-like band. Substitution with a trivalent element leads to phases with substantial metal d-character at the Fermi level whose Tcs are typically above 40 K. Among the MB2H8 phases examined, KB2H8, RbB2H8 and CsB2H8 are predicted to be dynamically stable at very mild pressures, and their stability is rationalized by a DFT-Chemical Pressure analysis that elucidates the role of the M atom size. Quantum anharmonic effects strongly affect the properties of KB2H8, the highest predicted Tc compound, near 10 GPa, but molecular dynamics simulations reveal it would decompose below its Tc at this pressure. Nonetheless, at ca. 50 GPa KB2H8 is predicted to be thermally stable with a superconducting figure of merit surpassing that of the recently synthesized LaBeH8.

The influence of social exclusion on prosocial behavior of college students: the role of relational need threat and regulatory focus.

The present study investigated the impact of social exclusion on prosocial behavior, examining the roles of relational need threat and regulatory focus. Utilizing a questionnaire study with 483 participants (Study 1) and an experimental study with 100 participants (Study 2), we found that (1) social exclusion negatively predicted prosocial behavior; (2) relational need threat fully mediated the relationship between social exclusion and prosocial behavior; and (3) regulatory focus, categorized as either promotion or prevention, moderated this relationship in opposite directions. In conclusion, our findings reveal that social exclusion does indeed trigger prosocial behavior. Meanwhile, relational need threat and regulatory focus have a co-action impact on this process. These findings have been carefully discussed within the frameworks of the temporal need-threat model and the cognitive-affective personality system theory.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Endemic and Epidemic Diseases on Livestock Production Systems in Tanzania

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. 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: The study revealed that endemic diseases such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) pose ongoing challenges to livestock health, productivity, and household livelihoods. Epidemic diseases like avian influenza and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) can cause sudden outbreaks, leading to acute disruptions in production and trade. These disease outbreaks result in various socio-economic consequences, including decreased livestock productivity, loss of income for farmers, increased veterinary and containment costs, and disruptions in domestic and international trade. Additionally, diseases can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity among rural communities reliant on livestock for sustenance and income generation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Economic theory of disease control & social-ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. Building technical capacity at the grassroots level empowers communities to implement effective disease management strategies and adopt biosecurity measures. Establishing community-based disease surveillance systems that empower local communities to monitor and report disease outbreaks in livestock populations. Providing financial support and risk-sharing mechanisms mitigate economic losses and encourage proactive disease management practices. Establish data-sharing mechanisms and surveillance networks that facilitate real-time exchange of information on disease outbreaks, epidemiological trends, and economic impacts.

Democratic innovations beyond the deliberative paradigm: a re-conceptualization based on Luhmann’s systems theory

ABSTRACT The current research on deliberative-participatory democratic innovations conducted by state administration agencies exhibits empirical eclecticism and is dominated by a deliberative paradigm. However, this paradigm tends to conflate normative prescription with analytical description. In contrast, this article proposes a comprehensive re-conceptualization of such innovations, drawing from Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory. It outlines the specific problem these innovations address (function), how they operate in tackling this problem (functioning) and the problems they inevitably raise (dysfunctions). In addition, my re-conceptualization retains the possibility to critically compare these (and other) experiments regarding their capability to address emerging challenges within the modern democratic political system.

Restoration of gender inequalities through anti-abortion reforms: Can Teubner’s “anonymous matrix of communications” help feminists?

Abstract This article is a response to the new wave of legal changes restricting access to abortion in several countries across the world, which have substantially undermined the global advances in the field of reproductive rights observed in recent years. To address this problem, the article derives insights from two important bodies of literature that are usually perceived as theoretically and ideologically counterposed, namely feminist legal studies and systems theory. In juxtaposing two important academic literatures, the article exposes gaps in both, and it demonstrates the conceptual potentials inherent in this juxtaposition. The article engages with the work of Drucilla Cornell and Gunther Teubner, who – despite their very different intellectual backgrounds – provided progressive interpretations of systems theory. It further critically examines whether societal constitutionalism can help feminists explain the recent developments in abortion law across the world. It engages critically with Teubner’s arguments concerning the role that human rights play in constraining the expansive tendencies of social systems, such as politics and religion, revealing the limitations of Teubner’s arguments in relation to reproductive rights and justice. At the same time, the article helps restate the contemporary relevance of systems-theoretical approaches in atypical fields like reproductive justice and gender studies.