Complex Systems Theory Research Articles

Optical Solitons for the Fokas-Lenells Equation with Beta and M-Truncated Derivatives

The Fokas-Lenells equation (FLE) including the M-truncated derivative or beta derivative is examined. Using the modified mapping method, new elliptic, hyperbolic, rational, and trigonometric solutions are created. Also, we extend some previous results. Since the FLE has various applications in telecommunication modes, quantum field theory, quantum mechanics, and complex system theory, the solutions produced may be used to interpret a broad variety of important physical process. We present some of 3D and 2D diagrams to illustrate how M-truncated derivative and the beta derivative influence the exact solutions of the FLE. We demonstrate that when the derivative order decreases, the beta derivative pushes the surface to the left, whereas the M-truncated derivative pushes the surface to the right.

복잡계 이론을 적용한 2022 대입제도 개편 정책결정과정 분석

Objectives This study attempted to analyze the policy-making process of reorganizing the 2022 college admis-sion system by applying the perspective of complex system theory and derive implications. Methods To this end, the analysis framework was devised by reviewing complex system theories and concepts, and the literature on the policy-making process of reorganizing the 2022 college admission system was analyzed, and the characteristics of the complex system were examined by dividing the policy-making process into four stages. Results As a result of the analysis, the Ministry of Education's reform plan for the 2021 school year due to the launch of the government led to nonlinearity, which is an unstable situation of deferring the reorganization of the college entrance examination. Through the critical point of transferring the reform plan to the newly established National Education Council, the result of public debate, deliberation and feedback through various interactions were repeated, and a new order, the reform plan for the 2022 college entrance examination system, was announced. Since then, a new, partially self-organized order has emerged as a way to strengthen fairness in the college en-trance system. Conclusions The 2022 college entrance system reform policy decision process showed the characteristics and processes of the complex system, and suggested the need for continuous management of feedback and feed-back for future policy development.

A person‐centered approach in developmental science: Why this is the future and how to get there

AbstractThis paper argues for a person‐centered approach in developmental science and presents theoretical and empirical techniques to help shift the focus to the individual. The need for a person‐centered approach is urgent, because of widespread nonergodicity in developmental psychology: traditional between‐individual, group‐level statistics often cannot be used to understand individuals over time. Evidence for nonergodicity has been gathered in domains such as personality, emotions, identity, performance and intelligence. This highlights a mismatch between our typical research methods—group‐level analyses—and a core aim of developmental science: understanding the development of individuals. The implications are profound. Without insights into within‐individual processes, our understanding of development remains incomplete and perhaps even incorrect, which could hinder the design of effective interventions. Many of our developmental theories might need to be adjusted to accurately capture individual‐level development. The theory of complex dynamic systems and person‐centered simulations offer promising avenues to do this. In addition, many promising person‐centered analysis techniques, that typically use long time series of data, are available to enhance our understanding of individual‐level development. Together, these person‐centered theoretical and empirical tools have the potential to help shift developmental science towards an understanding of development that genuinely reflects individual processes.Highlights The problem of nonergodicity in psychological science is widespread, this highlights a need for a person‐centered approach to development. Creating individual‐level theoretical models is a difficult challenge, but complex dynamic systems theory and simulations can help. Person‐centered analytical techniques presented in this paper can answer questions on individual development, by investigating the shape of individual trajectories, within‐individual dynamics and nonlinear developments.

Past, Present, and Future of Complex Systems Theory in Archaeology

Past, Present, and Future of Complex Systems Theory in Archaeology

Relationship between homework time and academic and non‐academic performance in China: A preliminary test of the nonlinear hypothesis

AbstractInspired by complex system theory, this study adopts a multilevel piecewise regression model to examine the relationship between homework time and the development of students in different grades using a large‐scale testing database in China. The results indicate that the relationship between homework time and students’ performance is positive when homework time is less than the cut‐off values and becomes negative when homework time is greater than the cut‐off values. For different dependent variables, the cut‐off values of homework time differ but are all within a range (1–1.2 h for grade 4 and 1.7–2 h for grade 8). The reasons for the difference in cut‐off values among students in different grades are discussed.

Creating inclusive educational spaces: assessing assessment in a post-pandemic world

ABSTRACT This article traces the shutdown of large-scale assessment in two countries – the United States and Denmark – as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These two countries, which have complicated histories with large-scale assessment and inclusion of diverse students, were forced to adjust their testing agendas during 2020. This article seeks to explore what divergent and convergent pathways Denmark and the United States could take in regard to large-scale assessment, particularly in regard to educational inclusion and diversity. Large-scale assessment regimes at once delimit the imaginary of inclusion and actively promote segregation and ability-based tracking, but at the same time represent a space for conceptual inclusion in educational achievement. Given these complexities, we provide policy scenarios on assessments in a post-pandemic world that could hold the potential of transcending the paradoxes presented by the alignment of the elitist educational agendas of assessments on the one hand, and the agenda of inclusion on the other hand. To do so, we chronicle this recent history and then evaluate four future scenarios for the two countries through the lens of educational values and complex systems theory.

Multiple time scales investor sentiment impact the stock market index fluctuation: From margin trading business perspective

The stock market is viewed as a complex dynamic system, and investor sentiment has an important impact on index fluctuation. This study constructs investor sentiment from margin trading business perspective and investigates its impact on the Chinese stock market index fluctuation in multiple time scales. First, we utilize 12 indicators and two-stage PCA to construct a composite investor sentiment index of the margin trading business(ISMT). Second, based on TEI@I complex system theory, we use the VMD algorithm to decompose and reconstruct the ISMT, Shanghai Securities Composite Index(SSEC), and Shenzhen Securities Component Index(SZI), and obtain multiple time scale measurement sequences that reflect short-term, medium-term, and long-term fluctuation of each index, respectively. We provide evidence that the ISMT has an asymmetric impact on stock market index fluctuations. Specifically, for long-term trend, the ISMT has a significant positive impact on the SSEC, and a significant negative impact on the SZI. For medium and short-term trends, the ISMT has a significant positive impact on both the fluctuations of SSEC and SZI, and the impact degree on SSEC is greater than SZI. We also find that the impact degree of ISMT on SSEC and SZI decreases from short to long-term trend. In addition, we measure the fluctuation periodicity of ISMT in multiple time scales based on Fast Fourier Transformation, investigate the impact result during the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the impact of ISMT on the other nine indexes commonly used in the Chinese stock market, and evaluate the predictive power of ISMT for 11 stock market index returns. This paper takes a new perspective and technology to investor sentiment research, and the results enrich relevant financial theories. The findings are crucial for investor decision-making and financial department regulation.

A retrodictive qualitative modeling study of complex and dynamic language learning motivation viewed as control, value and truth effectiveness

The dynamics of second language learning motivation (L2 motivation), which depends on multiple intra-personal and contextual influences, is increasingly examined. As part of this research trend, we explore the usefulness of a global view of motivation – covering control, value and truth effectiveness – for tracing English majors’ motivational development spanning their entire learning histories. Viewing L2 motivation as a complex system, we employ complex dynamic systems theory and retrodictive qualitative modeling. We created a “blueprint” integrating diverse motivational forces under the three types of effectiveness. Control emerged as crucial as, in interaction with the others, it pushed the motivational system into qualitatively different states, particularly through feedback on progress and the (non-)compatibility of goal foci (promotion/prevention) with learning strategies (eager/vigilant). The motivational development of seven learners representing different learner archetypes was captured in (1) a common motivational base in the form of slow motivational evolution (for one learner this was exhaustive), and (2) distinct signature dynamics, i.e. developmental patterns, which involved periodic attractor states (for four learners whose motivation was fluctuating considerably) and fixed point attractor states (for two learners whose motivation was strong, with just one major fall/change). Pedagogy-wise, we recommend that teachers foster success experiences, communicate/discuss teaching goals, consider individualized instruction, and use/teach (meta-)motivational strategies highlighting the control, value and truth effectiveness types, promotion/prevention goal foci, and eager/vigilant strategies.

Tissue Biology: In Search of a New Paradigm.

Animal tissues are made up of multiple cell types that are increasingly well-characterized, yet our understanding of the core principles that govern tissue organization is still incomplete. This is in part because many observable tissue characteristics, such as cellular composition and spatial patterns, are emergent properties, and as such, they cannot be explained through the knowledge of individual cells alone. Here we propose a complex systems theory perspective to address this fundamental gap in our understanding of tissue biology. We introduce the concept of cell categories, which is based on cell relations rather than cell identity. Based on these notions we then discuss common principles of tissue modularity, introducing compositional, structural, and functional tissue modules. Cell diversity and cell relations provide a basis for a new perspective on the underlying principles of tissue organization in health and disease.

Advance Care Planning in Primary Care: A Step toward Normalizing the Conversation.

Despite the number of advance care planning (ACP) conversation guides and tools, ACP conversations are not common in healthcare. In this quality improvement project, we took a different approach and applied complex adaptive systems theory to develop an intervention that emerged from the users (family physicians) themselves - a standardized e-form with prompts. By listening to the users, we were able to integrate ACP best practices, including shifting the focus of ACP conversations from treatment decisions to patient values, in a way that met both users' and patients' needs, addressed barriers and will help normalize ACP conversations in primary care. The intervention was designed for any patient and family physician and may have utility for other family practice groups.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURAL DISPROPORTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

Topicality. In the economy of Ukraine, there are macroeconomic, inter- and intra-sectoral, regional disparities, the appearance of which is due to the existing structure of the economy, the focus on raw material exports, low-tech production, uneven inter-sectoral development, the discrepancy between the needs of the regions and their returns, and many other reasons. The presence of these disparities not only slows down the development of the economy, but also threatens the economic security of Ukraine.Aim and tasks. Taking into account the specified strategic directions, the following tasks are set in the work: to determine the factors influencing the economy and its sectors, which lead to the emergence of structural disparities, to determine the peculiarities inherent in the agro-industrial sector, to identify and systematize the influencing factors in order to develop a strategy and management system based on resilience, to develop methodological approaches to identifying structural disparities in the agri-food sector of the economy.Materials and Methods. Identification of structural disparities, assessment of their effect and depth was carried out using methods of analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction and statistical grouping, which made it possible to analyze the nature of the process of formation of disparities, to determine the most persistent violations of proportionality at all levels of development of the agro-food sector with the aim of targeted application of preventive prevention measures their negative impact and constructive way out of crisis situations.Research results. From the point of view of the axiomatic of the theory of complex systems, the mechanism of the emergence of structural disparities has been clarified, as a response to a high level of complexity, a rapid change in influencing factors that determine the dynamics of the development of the agro-food sector of the economy, and numerical risks caused by uncertainty, which provokes the emergence of conflict between individual subsystems of the agricultural sector. Priority zones of disproportionality were determined by studying the structure of the population according to individual characteristics.Conclusion. Ensuring sustainable development of the country and its economic security is achieved by the ability to resist the action of external and internal factors, existing and newly created at any economic level of disparities. The peculiarities of the strategy for the development of economic sectors on the basis of resilience are determined. It is shown that the implementation of such a strategy, for any sector of the economy, is based on a well-founded objective and the conclusions of the analysis of modern challenges and the intersection of the interests of market players.

The contribution of a complex systems-based approach to progressive social resilience.

The use of resilience in social practice has evolved from a theoretical framework at the intersection between individuals and their social ecology. Critics argue this theory still results in policies and practices that are too individualised, with the potential for negative social consequences. This paper further critiques contemporary understanding of resilience theory and its application. It juxtaposes complex systems theory with a social inequalities oriented resilience practice. This provides a paradoxical approach. It is acknowledged that state and public policy decisions and actions can be anti-resilient, undermining community and social resilience that already exists in the form of social relationships, self-organisation and co-production. Nevertheless, collective social resilience also illustrates the potential of local and service user organisations to contribute to an overall transformational change process.

The influence of classroom context on AAC device use for nonspeaking school-aged autistic children

Purpose: Language learning, including on a speech-generating device (SGD), relies on having communication opportunities to use language. Yet, children who use SGDs do not consistently use their devices throughout the day. As a first step towards increasing device use, it is important to determine how the numerous contexts (e.g. recess, lunch, academic) that exist throughout the school day impact the frequency and type of communication opportunities that children have. Within this study, we used complex adaptive systems theory to investigate whether there were differences in how frequently nonspeaking autistic children classified as emerging communicators (i.e. children who do not consistently produce two-word utterances independently and do not communicate for a variety of communicative functions) used their SGDs to communicate and the type of communication they produced (i.e. spontaneous, prompted, or imitation) across different classroom contexts. Method: Fourteen autistic children who use an SGD as their primary mode of communication were videotaped up to nine times throughout different school days. The videos were coded for the type of device use (i.e. whether the child’s use of the device was spontaneous, prompted, or imitation) and classroom context, which were categorised by the inherent level of support and directiveness. Result: There was a significant difference in SGD use across classroom contexts. Overall, the children communicated more and engaged in more spontaneous, prompted, and imitated communication in classroom contexts with high levels of structure (e.g. tabletop work) compared to contexts with low levels of structure and directiveness (e.g. free play). Conclusion: This study highlights the need to increase communication opportunities across all school contexts. Creating appropriate communication opportunities in all contexts, especially those with less structure, will help ensure that communication does not become context-bound.

Organoids as complex (bio)systems.

Organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that mimic the organization and function of specific organs, making them valuable tools for studying complex systems in biology. This paper explores the application of complex systems theory to understand and characterize organoids as exemplars of intricate biological systems. By identifying and analyzing common design principles observed across diverse natural, technological, and social complex systems, we can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms governing organoid behavior and function. This review outlines general design principles found in complex systems and demonstrates how these principles manifest within organoids. By acknowledging organoids as representations of complex systems, we can illuminate our understanding of their normal physiological behavior and gain valuable insights into the alterations that can lead to disease. Therefore, incorporating complex systems theory into the study of organoids may foster novel perspectives in biology and pave the way for new avenues of research and therapeutic interventions to improve human health and wellbeing.

Similarity and vibration signal prediction of planetary gear transmission system based on hierarchy analysis

Large high-power gear transmission systems, especially complex gear systems, have problems such as high processing costs, long manufacturing cycles, and difficult testing, resulting in the inability to implement performance evaluation and structural optimization of gear systems. To solve this problem, the similarity and vibration signal prediction method of planetary gear transmission system (PGTS) is studied based on hierarchical analysis. The similarity relationship analysis is completed based on the similarity theory of complex systems. According to the hierarchical idea, the PGTS can be divided into subsystems at different levels from top to bottom, which can be divided into the component layer at least. The concepts of functional similarity and structural similarity are proposed, and the similarity conditions of each subsystem are formulated. Based on the equation analysis method, the dynamic similarity relationship of the PGTS is deduced. Furthermore, the parameter design and working condition design of the scale model is completed. The scale model can predict the time and frequency domain curves of each vibration signal of the prototype. Under different working conditions, the scale model can accurately predict the vibration signal and floating amount of the prototype. The similarity analysis method applicable to PGTSs has been verified.

Complexity Theory and Child Protection and Welfare: A Tool of Hindsight and/or a Tool to Assist Improved Decision Making in Child Protection and Welfare Work

Abstract Child abuse and neglect is a ‘wicked problem’ (Devaney, J. and Spratt, T. (2009) ‘Child abuse as a complex and wicked problem: Reflecting on policy developments in the United Kingdom in working with children and families with multiple problems’, Children and Youth Services Review, 31(6), pp. 635–41.). Child Protection and Welfare (CPW) systems are open systems in which a wide variety of practitioners and families themselves contribute to outcomes. Small interacting changes in one part of a CPW system can lead to unpredictable and systemic effects so linear, technocratic solutions are not sufficient in addressing this complexity. Whilst CPW systems may aim to make clear roles and responsibilities, steered by legislation and regulatory guidance, complex systems do not behave as system designers expect. Recent literature has demonstrated a turn to complexity theory and systems theory concepts for understanding and working in the world of child protection. This article suggests a practice framework based on complexity theory concepts of self-organisation/emergence/adaptation, path-dependency and bifurcation. The utility of the framework is tested by its application to a fictionalised case study built on a thematic analysis of five National Review Panel published case reviews in the Irish child protection context (2019–2020). We argue that complexity theory may be a useful tool for both post hoc analytics as well as providing a proactive tool for application to practice to assist decision making in CPW systems, services and organisations.

“Indulge in a Little Chaos”: Assistant Language Teachers’ Cognition and Pedagogical Knowledge Development Through the Lens of Complex Dynamic System Theory

Teacher cognition has been a major topic of interest in applied linguistics as researchers have worked toward “better understanding the fullness of the work of teaching, a fullness that has proved complex and problematic” (Burns et al., 2015, p. 585). This qualitative study draws upon participant interview data in order to analyze and understand language teacher cognition and pedagogical knowledge development of an under-represented cohort—foreign assistant language teachers (ALTs) in Japan. Participants (n=35) were current or former ALTs with 1 to 19 years of experience working as team teachers in Japan. Interview data was transcribed and coded according to six common features of complex dynamic systems: initial condition, unpredictability, nested structure, non-hierarchic networks, feedback loops, and self-organization (Kiss, 2012). Findings show that ALTs’ ability to acquire and operationalize pedagogical knowledge is highly dependent on the maneuver that they must undergo in working within the local Japanese contexts—as opposed to those in their home countries—and in relation to their colleagues who have a variety of individual traits, pedagogical beliefs, and team-teaching practices. This article serves as evidence that language teacher cognition regarding pedagogical knowledge development can be aptly understood through the lens of complex systems theory.

“Moving in more closely”: Using Q methodology to explore preservice teacher identity formation as a complex dynamic system

This article describes the development and implementation of a complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) study of Preservice Teacher (PST) professional identity development. I align conceptual conceptual frameworks of CDST to Q Methodological assumptions in order to explore the utility of Q in service of CDST aims. What started as an exploration of a small cohort (n=6) of PSTs evolved into an up-close exploration of one dimension of student-centered teacher: teacher activism. The study revealed that Q is an excellent tool for uncovering the complex dynamical structures–namely the tensions and harmonies– consistent with CDS assumptions about PST developmental processes. Factor analytical results suggested that multiple dimensions exist within a PST's emerging role identity. I conclude by suggesting that Q methodology has singular relevance for complexity researchers and identity researchers in teacher education, and social science researchers across higher education.

Complex Natural Systems for Language

In this paper we want to show how complex systems theory can inform the theoretical development in natural phonology. This development leads us to propose complex natural systems modelling for language. We explain how complex systems help us understand both theoretical concepts from natural phonology, for example the concept of preference, as well as variation in language data, for example in English vowel realizations and Polish consonant clusters. We select from our respective research areas those exemplifications which clearly demonstrate substantial variation in language use.

Synchronization between Attractors: Genomic Mechanism of Cell-Fate Change.

Herein, we provide a brief overview of complex systems theory approaches to investigate the genomic mechanism of cell-fate changes. Cell trajectories across the epigenetic landscape, whether in development, environmental responses, or disease progression, are controlled by extensively coordinated genome-wide gene expression changes. The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying these coherent expression changes is of fundamental importance in cell biology and for paving the road to new therapeutic approaches. In previous studies, we pointed at dynamic criticality as a plausible characteristic of genome-wide transition dynamics guiding cell fate. Whole-genome expression develops an engine-like organization (genome engine) in order to establish an autonomous dynamical system, capable of both homeostasis and transition behaviors. A critical set of genes behaves as a critical point (CP) that serves as the organizing center of cell-fate change. When the system is pushed away from homeostasis, the state change that occurs at the CP makes local perturbation spread over the genome, demonstrating self-organized critical (SOC) control of genome expression. Oscillating-Mode genes (which normally keep genome expression on pace with microenvironment fluctuations), when in the presence of an effective perturbative stimulus, drive the dynamics of synchronization, and thus guide the cell-fate transition.