Systems Theory Research Articles

Reduction and reconstruction procedure of a family of polynomial Hamiltonians in 1:1:2 and 1:1:-2 resonances

We study the dynamics near the origin of a family of autonomous Hamiltonian systems associated with the polynomial function H = 1 2 ( x 2 + X 2 ) + 1 2 ( y 2 + Y 2 ) + δ ( z 2 + Z 2 ) + [ α ( x 4 + y 4 + z 4 ) + β ( x 2 y 2 + x 2 z 2 + y 2 z 2 ) ] + H ∗ , where δ = ± 1 , that is, in 1:1:2 or 1:1: − 2 resonance and depending on α, β real parameters, and H ∗ is any polynomial function of degree greater than four. The flow of the Hamiltonian vector field is reconstructed using normal forms and applying singular reduction theory, obtaining the reduced Hamiltonian defined on the orbit space. From critical points of the reduced Hamiltonian, we prove the existence of periodic solutions together with their linear stability using the averaging theory for Hamiltonian systems. In fact, in the case of resonance 1:1:2 there are at most seven families of periodic solutions for every energy level h>0, while in the case 1:1: − 2 there are at most six families of periodic solutions for every energy level h>0 and one family for every h<0. Moreover, the bifurcations of periodic solutions are characterized in terms of the parameters. Also, we determine KAM 3-tori encasing the linearly stable periodic solutions. For the integrable case ( β = 0 ), we can apply our analysis. In fact, we get three periodic solutions for δ = 1 , two periodic solutions for δ = − 1 and KAM tori. During the work, we highlight the important differences intrinsic to the resonances 1:1:δ and 1:1: 2 δ on the reduced space with the appropriated symplectic coordinates.

The continuing significance of Oliver Cox’s Caste, Class, and Race

Abstract Despite being a major study that compares India’s caste system to the system of racial stratification in the United States, Oliver C. Cox’s Caste, Class, and Race continues to be largely under-appreciated and under-explored by scholars of both systems. This article re-evaluates Cox’s contributions to social theory by putting him into conversation with Isabel Wilkerson, Bhimrao Ambedkar, and Gunnar Myrdal. Cox, like Ambedkar, concluded that, despite occasional similarities, caste and racial systems were products of two distinct pasts with distinct objectives. Whereas the caste system emerged from a variant of an estate society akin to European feudalism, the modern racial system is an outgrowth of capitalism, according to Cox. However, what Cox failed to consider in his theory of the caste system is the degree to which its expansion and institutionalization over the Indian subcontinent were also modern phenomena.

Exploring the Routines from Fear of Missing Out to Cyberchondria via a Dual System Perspective

Drawing on the dual system theory, a configuration model for cyberchondria was proposed to explore the complex interplay between the individual characteristics, socioemotional system, and cognitive control system in causing cyberchondria. A questionnaire was distributed to users who have searched for health information on social media platforms. A total of 320 valid responses were collected. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was employed to analyse the data. Four equifinal configurations leading to cyberchondria were identified, with fear of missing out, perceived information overload, and perceived communication overload as core conditions. Additionally, one configuration leading to the absence of cyberchondria was identified. We further explored the configurations for the four sub-dimensions of cyberchondria. The results revealed four configurations for excessiveness, two for distress, one for compulsion, and three for reassurance. Four theoretical propositions leading to cyberchondria and its sub-dimensions are proposed. This provides a dual system perspective into how fear of missing out can evolve into cyberchondria and explains the complexities of cyberchondria between different individuals.

Exploring the Interplay Between Multiagency Security Challenges and Economic Security in Lamu County, Kenya

The article underscored challenges arising from multi agency security approach and economic security in Lamu County-Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of multi-agency security strategies adopted in enhancing economic security in Lamu County, Kenya. Various literatures were reviewed in a funnel shape from the global, continental, regional, national and then to area of study. The study was guided by system theory. It adopted descriptive research design since it was a mixed research approach. Purposive and snowballing sampling technique was utilized to reach respondents. Additionally, fishers formula was embraced to derive the sample size of 384 respondents since the target population was more than 10, 000 people from Lamu County, which has a total population of 143,920 persons according to Kenya 2019 census report. The data was analyzed by use of triangulation method of analysis whereby, content analysis, thematic analysis and verbatim quotations were used. The research article found out that lack of coordination and communication among security agencies significantly hampers multi-agency efforts to enhance economic security in Lamu County. Additionally, it emerged that, fragmented initiatives and resource limitations impede swift responses to evolving threats. Moreover, the research article concludes that; socio-political intolerance disrupts collaboration, fosters divided loyalties, and politicizes security efforts, undermining community trust and the impartiality of security measures. Therefore, the research article recommends that; in order to promote inclusivity and impartiality in security policies, ensuring measures are seen as fair and non-partisan, continuous training programs are essential for updating skills, particularly in technological and collaborative aspects of security.

Existence theory for a fractional order system governed by the Hadamard-Caputo derivative

Existence theory for a fractional order system governed by the Hadamard-Caputo derivative

Blended Learning Dependability and Perceived Usefulness: The Mediating Role of Organisational Commitment

To survive in the tight global higher education markets, universities must embrace new technological changes which can transform their education. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become an integral part and a driver of the development agenda of many universities. Blended learning (BL), integrating face-to-face instruction with online components using Learning Management Systems (LMS), has emerged as a prominent educational model, offering flexibility and enhanced learning experiences in higher education settings. This study reports the adoption of BL among academics at the University of Botswana (UB) before the arrival of COVID-19. Even though technological changes such as BL are recognized as strategic tools used by many organizations, including universities, not much attention has been given to attitudinal behaviours such as Organizational Commitment (OC) despite their contribution to the successful technological adoption. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to explore the perceived usefulness of BL mediated by OC among academics at the UB. The study uses Socio- Technical Systems theory (STS), positing that instructors’ perceptions of the usefulness of blended learning are influenced by both individual factors and organizational contexts. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, involving a quantitative phase in which data was collected using a questionnaire in an online survey, followed by a qualitative case study that involved semi-structured face-to-face interviews. A multiple regression model for determining the mediating role of OC was developed. In the mediation model, OC fully mediated the relationships between Learning Management System Dependability (LMSD) and Perceived Personal Usefulness (PPU) and Perceived Usefulness to Students (PUS). The study used SPSS for its quantitative data analysis and adopted thematic analysis for its qualitative strand as a comprehensive process that allows for identification of numerous cross-references between the data and the research’s evolving themes. The study contributes to the limited body of knowledge about the perceptions of BL of academic staff in a middle-income country, Botswana.

Using socio-technical systems theory to study the health information management workforce in Australian acute hospitals

Using socio-technical systems theory to study the health information management workforce in Australian acute hospitals

Study on Impact Mechanisms of Resident Adaptability in Old Communities Based on Complex Adaptive System Theory: Theoretical Construction and Empirical Analysis of Xuzhou City Center

Confronted with both internal environmental degradation and external economic transformation, the internal environment of old residential communities has become increasingly complex. Enhancing resident adaptability is crucial for communities to address multiple urban crises and align with community development and evolution. Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory provides an excellent analytical framework for this study, emphasizing that the adaptability of agents contributes to system complexity. The complex adaptability issues faced by old residential communities essentially involve mismatches among resident adaptive capacities, pathways, and objectives amid changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions. This study focuses on residents of 15 old residential communities in the central urban area of Xuzhou. Utilizing CAS theory, a structural equation model is constructed to explore the mechanisms influencing resident adaptability. The results indicate that the following: ① The perceived built environment and social environment have significant positive impacts on resident adaptability. ② Mediation analysis reveals that the perceived built environment plays a positive mediating role in the relationship between the objective built environment and resident adaptability, as well as between the social environment and resident adaptability. The objective built environment also serves as a positive mediator when the social environment affects resident adaptability. ③ Among the control variables examined, income, family structure, and housing tenure significantly impact resident adaptability. This study not only deepens the theoretical understanding of adaptability issues in old residential communities, providing a more nuanced perspective for understanding residents’ adaptive behaviors in complex environments, but also offers specific strategic recommendations for community renewal and enhancing resident adaptability, thus holding significant theoretical and practical value.

General Three-Body Problem in Conformal-Euclidean Space: New Properties of a Low-Dimensional Dynamical System

Despite the huge number of studies of the three-body problem in physics and mathematics, the study of this problem remains relevant due to both its wide practical application and taking into account its fundamental importance for the theory of dynamical systems. In addition, one often has to answer the cognitive question: is irreversibility fundamental for the description of the classical world? To answer this question, we considered a reference classical dynamical system, the general three-body problem, formulating it in conformal Euclidean space and rigorously proving its equivalence to the Newtonian three-body problem. It has been proven that a curved configuration space with a local coordinate system reveals new hidden symmetries of the internal motion of a dynamical system, which makes it possible to reduce the problem to a sixth-order system instead of the eighth order. An important consequence of the developed representation is that the chronologizing parameter of the motion of a system of bodies, which we call internal time, differs significantly from ordinary time in its properties. In particular, it more accurately describes the irreversible nature of multichannel scattering in a three-body system and other chaotic properties of a dynamical system. The paper derives an equation describing the evolution of the flow of geodesic trajectories, with the help of which the entropy of the system is constructed. New criteria for assessing the complexity of a low-dimensional dynamical system and the dimension of stochastic fractal structures arising in three-dimensional space are obtained. An effective mathematical algorithm is developed for the numerical simulation of the general three-body problem, which is traditionally a difficult-to-solve system of stiff ordinary differential equations.

Hydrogen Trapping at Fe/Cu Interfaces.

Copper (Cu) in steel production can be a residual element, causing challenges during steel processing, as well as an alloying element, improving corrosion resistance and providing hardenability by nanosized precipitates. For the transition toward a green economy, increased recycling rates in steel production and alternative energy carriers, such as hydrogen, are of vital importance. As hydrogen is known for its embrittling effect on high-strength steels, this work sought to explore possible mitigation strategies for hydrogen embrittlement (HE) with the help of Cu precipitates. Hydrogen trapping at Cu/Fe interfaces following the complex phase transformations in the Cu precipitation sequence from body-centered cubic (bcc) to the so-called 9R structure to face-centered cubic (fcc) was addressed by a series of systematic density functional theory calculations. In combination with thermodynamic calculations, the pressing question regarding which of the precipitate structures was most desirable for the tackling of HE was alluded to. We found that hydrogen trapping at the Cu/Fe interfaces increased from -0.05 to -0.18 eV following the precipitation sequence. Despite this relatively weak hydrogen trapping, which was in the range of dislocations, we showed through thermodynamic calculations that fcc Cu precipitates could still contribute to lowering the risk of triggering the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP) mechanism of HE.

A phantom study on the applicability of a detectability index in ultrasound imaging

The assessment of clinical image quality on ultrasound is currently often subjective. While image quality factors such as contrast response or depth of penetration can be evaluated semi-automatically, the evaluation of high contrast resolution requires test objects with specific inserts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of image quality metrics which were derived from Linear System Theory in the field of medical ultrasound imaging. Modular Transfer Function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS) were determined on four phantoms. Image quality was assessed using a detectability index for different diameters. One phantom contained a cylinder filled with water, which appears as a circle in the US images. The other three phantoms were homogeneous and consisted of three different materials all based on PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The basic phantom material was a 10% PVA hydrogel. The two other materials included microplastic spheres and starch to increase echogeneity. NPS and the MTF were determined using MATLAB routines. Two linear US transducers with bandwidths of 2.4–10 and 4–15 MHz were used to show the dependence of the index on the principal frequency of the US wave. The results show that for all phantom materials and object sizes (1–10 mm diameter), the detectability indices decreased with increasing penetration depth (from 6 to 10 cm). In addition, all indices of the higher frequency transducer were higher than those of the lower frequency transducer. When comparing the different phantom materials (PVA, PVA with starch and PVA with microspheres), different mean pixel value (MPV) were found, while the standard deviations for the materials were similar. This enabled us to evaluate the detectability index at different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Measures of image homogeneity (coefficient of the variance and variation) showed no significant difference to a commercial phantom (p-values ranging from 0.16 to 1, average p-value 0.5). These results suggest that the concept of a detectability index can also be applied to US imaging.

A Phenomenological Variant Ecological Systems Theory Approach for Exploring Racial Stress, and Campus Engagement Among Black Male College Students

Studies show that a nexus exists between racialized campus experiences, racial-ethnic identity, and engagement in campus activities for Black college men and shapes their perceptions about an institution's commitment to support the communities they represent. Yet, there is limited knowledge about how this nexus may unfold ecologically for this student population during their undergraduate experience. Using the Phenomenological Variant Ecological System Theory, this qualitative study describes how 31 Black college males leveraged their identities to manage self and societal appraisals, cope with stress experienced in university programs, and navigate feelings of marginalization and sense of belonging during their undergraduate experience.

Canadian educators' post-pandemic recovery and students’ unmet needs: Who is left behind?

We investigated post-pandemic recovery in education sector employees by role in 2024. The frameworks of the job demands-resources model and ecological systems theory were employed. Canadian educators (N = 243) completed surveys exploring their mental health (well-being, resilience, recovery), intention to leave their jobs, and their perceptions of students' current and post-pandemic needs. Quantitative findings revealed educators who intended to leave their jobs had poorer levels of mental health. Also, they were not meeting their students’ needs adequately. The qualitative data showed that students with complex needs were disproportionally under-served. Theoretical, practical, and policy implications on equitable education are discussed.

Career Choices Among Individuals with Disabilities in the Gulf Region: Cultural, Religious, Policy, and Socio-Economic Influences: A Literature Review

This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing career decisions among individuals with disabilities (IWDs) in the Gulf region, emphasizing the interplay between health and cultural/religious contexts. To examine these complex influences, this review adopts Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a guiding framework. This theoretical lens facilitates an in-depth analysis of how personal attributes, religious and cultural beliefs, disability-specific challenges, systemic and environmental barriers, gender-related issues, social networks, transition and teachers’ attitudes, work environment, and government policies interact across multiple levels to shape career choices for IWDs in the Gulf region. Cultural and religious beliefs critically shape both the perceptions and opportunities available to IWDs, reflecting the broader macrosystem influences. By applying this multi-layered approach, this review highlights the need to integrate religious and spiritual considerations into support frameworks to enhance the mental and physical well-being of IWDs as they navigate their career paths. The findings suggest actionable implications for policymakers and practitioners dedicated to improving inclusion and equity in the workforce for individuals with disabilities.

Will Food Safety Incidents Stimulate the Public's Desire for Food Safety Governance?

This paper, grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model and event system theory, examines the mechanisms through which public recognition-specifically novel, disruptive, and critical recognition-of the intensity of food safety incidents influences willingness to engage in food safety governance. Risk perception is identified as a mediating variable, while risk communication serves as a moderating variable. Based on survey data, the study found that various forms of public recognition significantly impact governance willingness. Furthermore, risk perception plays a crucial mediating role, and risk communication has a notable moderating effect on the relationship between risk perception and food safety governance willingness. These findings illuminate the intrinsic connection between public recognition of food safety incidents and governance willingness, offering robust theoretical support and practical guidance for enhancing food safety governance. This research contributes to the ongoing improvement and optimization of food safety governance systems.

Negative-imaginary systems theory-based output feedback control for satellite rendezvous

This article presents the development of a dynamic output feedback controller designed for a benchmark model of a satellite rendezvous system that has both uncertainties and external perturbations. The investigated method renders the controller-synthesised closed-loop rendezvous system into an α-strictly negative-imaginary system. The demonstration of robust stability for the satellite rendezvous system in the presence of uncertainties is achieved by employing the DC loop gain condition associated with negative-imaginary systems theory. Moreover, the closed-loop system, synthesised with negative-imaginary characteristics, demonstrates noteworthy time-domain performance. The simulation results of the article show the effectiveness of the output feedback control method in satellite rendezvous.

The chaos theory of careers in career education

Approaches to career education in schools continue to be dominated by a focus on school to work or further or higher education transition planning. It is argued that as a consequence of this, the emphasis is on identifying relatively stable and singular vocational goals or outcomes. Furthermore the theories, techniques and models that support this focus characterise the world as largely stable and predictable. It is argued that these assumptions about the world and careers are increasingly questionable and this calls into question the theories and models used to support the short-term vision of transition. The Chaos Theory of Careers is introduced as a dynamical systems theory alternative and contemporary model of career development that emphasises continual, uncertain and non-linear change, complexity of influences, and emergent fractal patterns in career. The application of this approach to career education is adumbrated challenging traditional notions of career planning and goal setting, and highlighting the importance of creativity, reinvention and resilience as important outcomes of contemporary career education.

Lcs4Foam – An OpenFOAM Function Object to Compute Lagrangian Coherent Structures

To facilitate the understanding and to quantitatively assess the material transport in fluids, a modern characterisation method has emerged in fluid dynamics in the last decades that is based on dynamical systems theory. It allows to examine the most influential material lines which are called Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) and order the material transport into dynamically distinct regions at large scales which resist diffusion or mixing. LCS reveal the robust skeleton of material surfaces and are essential to assess material transport in time-dependent flows quantitatively. Candidates of LCS can be estimated and visualised from finite-time stretching and folding fields by calculating the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE). In this contribution, we provide a function object to compute FTLE during CFD simulation by coupling OpenFOAM to the third-party library libcfd2lcs. This enables the OpenFOAM community to assess the geometry of the material transport in any flow quantitatively on-the-fly using virtually any OpenFOAM flow solver.

A Multi-Faceted Analysis of the Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Career Aspirations: Recommendations for Policy

ABSTRACT This study explored factors influencing high school students’ career aspirations in Qatar, using the Systems Theory Framework to examine the interplay of intrapersonal, social and environmental factors. A newly-developed online survey, completed by 1,640 students, underwent rigorous validation through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which resulted in seven factor loadings. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) supported the model’s fit, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed significant career pathways. This study offers a nuanced understanding of these influences, and provides insights with important implications for educational policy and early intervention initiatives.

Debates in Sociology

This paper focuses on the theoretical debates in sociology that acted as the driving force in its course of development drawing heavily from the thinking of Alvin Gouldner. Revolutionary transformation in the French society in late eighteenth century and the subsequent social disorder created the background of the development of positivism by Comte with the advocacy of restoring social order. Intermingling of different theories also took place as in the case of positivism furnishing the context for the emergence of structural functionalism. Interpretative sociology brought new dimension to the understanding of social phenomena by highlighting the perspective of the actors instead of the observer. In this vein it also discusses the emergence of intersubjectivity, ethnomethodology and related theoretical views. For obvious reason the paper deals elaborately with the perspective of Marxism. It underlines that structural functionalism presents society as an interwoven equilibrium while Marxism views the same as a conflicting whole with the effect of domination by the ruling class. This paper elaborates on the basic tenets of historical materialism as couched in Marxism. However, Marxist prognosis faltered in advanced capitalist countries of the Western hemisphere calling for new theoretical insight. Within Marxism it happened by examining the causal background of the continuation of capitalist countries, elaborated in this paper in the section on structural Marxism. The premise of sociology also necessitated the emergence of Durkheim and Weber who argued for different perspectives for the understanding of social order. The contributions of system theory and interactionism are duly acknowledged in this paper to weave a comprehensive intellectual tapestry being linked with debates and argumentation. The parallelism of system and individual brought dualism in sociological theory and Anthony Giddens took up attempt to draw a conflation between the two, unfolding a new dimension in the debate ridden sociological theories. The paper concluded with the discussion of Derrida and Lyotard to unfold the novel approach of post-modernism in challenging the claim of universality of modern theories.