Systems Theory Research Articles

Applying Family Theories to the Field of Child Life

The following manuscript explores the application of family science theories to the field of child life. Ecological systems theory, family systems theory, and conflict theory will be presented and applied to child life. These theories explain the responsibilities and experiences of the specialist, their relationship with patients and families, and their own challenges in the work environment. The discussion section details the strengths and limitations of the selected theories, along with an explanation of why other theories were excluded from this analysis. Implications will be addressed.

The analysis of traveling wave solutions and dynamical behavior for the stochastic coupled Maccari's system via Brownian motion

The stochastic coupled Maccari's system (MS) is a kind of important nonlinear partial differential equations to describe fluid flow, plasma physics, nonlinear optics and so on. In this article, the dynamical behavior and some new exact traveling wave solutions of the system are investigated. By means of complex traveling wave transformation, the system is transformed into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The dynamical behavior of the system as well as its perturbation case are illustrated by bifurcation theory. And then, some new stochastic traveling wave solutions of the system are extracted based on the theory of polynomial complete discrimination system. To show the effect of stochastic factor on the solutions, their structures under different Brownian motion amplitudes are compared by several sets of graphs. The results obtained in this paper have supplemented the study of the system, and the technique used to exploit the traveling wave solutions are effective.

A physics-informed neural SDE network for learning cellular dynamics from time-series scRNA-seq data.

Learning cellular dynamics through reconstruction of the underlying cellular potential energy landscape (aka Waddington landscape) from time-series single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data is a current challenge. Prevailing data-driven computational methods can be hampered by the lack of physical principles to guide learning from complex data, resulting in reduced prediction accuracy and interpretability when applied to infer cell population dynamics. Here, we propose PI-SDE, a physics-informed neural stochastic differential equation (SDE) framework that combines the Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) equation and neural SDE to learn cellular dynamics. Grounded in potential energy theory of biological systems, PI-SDE integrates the principle of least action by enforcing the HJ equation when reconstructing cellular potential energy function. This approach not only facilitates accurate predictions, but also improves interpretability, especially in the reconstructed potential energy landscape. Through benchmarking on two real scRNA-seq datasets, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating the HJ regularization term in dynamic inference, especially in predicting gene expression at held-out time points. Meanwhile, the learned potential energy landscape provides biologically interpretable insights into the process of cell differentiation. Our framework enhances model performance, while maintaining robustness and stability. PI-SDE software is available at https://github.com/QiJiang-QJ/PI-SDE.

Topological phases in population dynamics with rock-paper-scissors interactions.

Topological phases have arisen great interests of physicists. Though most works focus on quantum systems, topological phases can also be found in nonquantum systems. In this work, we study an antisymmetric Lotka-Volterra dynamics defined on a chain of two-site cells with open boundary conditions. We find two edge-localization states, left edge-localization state, and right edge-localization state. In an edge-localization state, there exists a boundary region in which mass distribution displays an exponential decay with the distance away from the boundary. The two edge-localization states are connected by a sharp transition. To comprehend the edge-localization states, we transform the population dynamics into a non-Hermitian quantum system. Based on the generalized topological band theory of the non-Hermitian system with periodic boundary conditions, we use winding number to distinguish the left and the right edge-localization states, and the transition between these two states is identified to be a topological one.

Leveraging normalizing flows for orbital-free density functional theory

Abstract Orbital-free density functional theory (OF-DFT) for real-space systems has historically depended on Lagrange optimization techniques, primarily due to the inability of previously proposed electron density approaches to ensure the normalization constraint. This study illustrates how leveraging contemporary generative models, notably normalizing flows (NFs), can surmount this challenge. We develop a Lagrangian-free optimization framework by employing these machine learning models for the electron density. This diverse approach also integrates cutting-edge variational inference techniques and equivariant deep learning models, offering an innovative reformulation to the OF-DFT problem. We demonstrate the versatility of our framework by simulating a one-dimensional diatomic system, LiH, and comprehensive simulations of hydrogen, lithium hydride, water, and four hydrocarbon molecules. The inherent flexibility of NFs facilitates initialization with promolecular densities, markedly enhancing the efficiency of the optimization process.

Pressure ulcer prevention for people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs) who self-manage care and live at home

AimTo develop a Theory of Change (ToC) pathway to facilitate the development of a multi-component intervention package supporting pressure Ulcer (PU) risk identification and management, in partnership with people with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNC) who self-manage care and live at home, their informal carers and PAs. MethodsA participatory approach, with extensive input from those whose lives are the focus of the research, was used throughout the 4 interlinked work packages (WP):•WP1 – Development of two co-operative Inquiry Groups (CIGs)•WP2 - Semi-structured interviews and/or app participation•WP3– Professional and strategic stakeholder engagement•WP4–Systems mapping and Theory of Change (ToC pathway developmentIterative data analysis was undertaken with emerging findings from each WP informing subsequent stages of the study. FindingsOverall, 74 participants contributed across the 4 WPs, incorporating 31 Service Users (SU), 8 carers, 9 Personal Assistants (PAs) and 26 professional stakeholders. We identified 8 key themes related to PU prevention, incorporating, learning, safe routines, third sector and peer support, navigating complex systems, adapting and reacting to change, perceptions of risk, risk negotiation and supporting roles. The findings indicate systemic and professional barriers which hamper people's ability to self-care and seek help. ConclusionsThe study highlights the complexities and impact of managing PU prevention activities at home for people with LTNC and areas of learning for health professionals and systems. By understanding these complexities we developed a systems map, identified resource requirements and illustrated a Theory of Change (ToC) pathway, to underpin future work to develop and user test an interactive, multi-component intervention.

Finite-Time Fault-Tolerant Control via Fully Actuated System Approaches.

In this article, a finite-time fault-tolerant controller based on the fully actuated system (FAS) theory is presented to realize system stabilization and trajectory tracking. Paralleling to first-order nonlinear state space theory, the high-order FAS (HOFAS) theory contains rich controller design approaches. The existing FAS approaches can only give general global asymptotic stability results. In order to enhance the applicability of FAS approaches in fast control systems, a parameterized FAS stabilization controller based on the homogeneity principle is established for global finite-time stability. Moreover, a finite-time FAS tracking controller based on a finite-time observer is proposed for a HOFAS model with process faults. The proposed observer can yield zero-value convergence of state estimation error and fault estimation error in a finite time, and the proposed fault-tolerant controller can yield zero-value convergence of tracking error in a finite time. The main results are proved theoretically and illustrated experimentally.

Combining and Defining Auteur Film and Film Auteurism

This paper provides a concise overview of the history of film as a dynamic visual medium, analyzing European cinema of the nineteenth century and Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s. It argues that early films cannot be classified as auteur films due to the lack of a systematic auteur theory guiding their creation. Furthermore, it highlights that although Alfred Hitchcock is widely recognized as the first auteur director of Hollywood cinema, his relationship with producers at the time was notably strained. The paper concludes that the concept of auteur film necessitates that the director is entirely responsible for the artistic achievements of the film and consistently reflects their worldview and philosophy of life in their work. Additionally, auteur theory serves as a logical framework for directors to create films and as a methodology for critics to retrospectively analyze a director’s creative style and interpret their films.

The Role of Department Chair through the Lenses of Family Systems Theory and Family Strengths Perspective

As middle managers in higher education, department chairs play a critical role in the university structure while operating in an ambiguous location between faculty and senior administration. This paper will take a closer look at the role of department chair, how chairs are selected and prepared for the position, what the job entails, qualities of an effective chair, and challenges within the position. Then, after brief descriptions of family systems theory and family strengths perspective, the benefit of each as a useful lens for enacting the position of department chair will be explored. Sample applications of each will be provided.

Research on positioning accuracy of the swivel head of milling and turning complex machining center

Abstract This article focuses on the swivel head of a milling-turning complex machining center and establishes a geometric error model between the rotary axes based on the multi-body system theory and the homogeneous coordinate transformation method. The double ball bar (DBB) is used to identify the geometric errors of the machine tool swivel head position-independent by measuring circular trajectories. The impact of PIGEs on the measurement trajectory is simulated. The swivel head is rotated at four angles (B0°, B45°, B90°, B-15°), and the laser tracker is used to analyze and study the linear axis straightness, perpendicularity, and the center coordinates and plane errors of the swivel head movement along the XZ plane. A swivel head rotation accuracy test fixture is designed to correct the positioning accuracy of a swivel head with a 45° inclination of the rotation axis. The research results show that the fluctuation of the center plane degree of freedom of the swivel head moving along the XZ plane is small, and the maximum value is 0.0086mm. Under the 45° angle posture of the swivel head, both the center coordinate error value and the plane error value are the largest. The simulation results of the swivel head position error are fairly consistent with the center coordinate error of the swivel head plane movement. A backward tilt displacement of 0.01mm~0.015mm of the machine column during assembly can reduce the influence of the weight of the swivel head on the perpendicularity and straightness of the vertical reciprocating motion, and adding auxiliary support near the base of the swivel head zero position can reduce machine straightness error.

A Developmental Psychobiologist's Commentary on the Future of Affective Science.

A developmental psychobiologist commented on the role of dynamic systems theory in the future of affective science and proposed an alternative paradigm.

Child Life through the Lens of Family Stress Theory and Family Systems Theory

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are an integral part of the healthcare team, who address children and families’ psychosocial needs and help children and families cope throughout their healthcare experiences. The history of child life, description of the interventions provided by Certified Child Life Specialists, and educational preparation needed for child life certification will be discussed. Certified Child Life Specialists use family science theories in their interventions with patients and families. Two of the family science theories that influence assessments and interventions are family stress theory (Boss, 1988; Hill, 1949; McCubbin & Patterson, 1983) and family systems theory (Smith & Hamon, 2022). Certified Child Life Specialists utilize these theories to provide support to families and create resources for positive coping and adjustment to their hospital experience. These theories will be discussed, and case studies will be examined to illustrate how Certified Child Life Specialists integrate these theories into their practice.

A review on the pathogenesis theory of cancerous toxin from the viewpoint of system theory

A review on the pathogenesis theory of cancerous toxin from the viewpoint of system theory

Stable attractors for neural networks classification via ordinary differential equations (SA-nODE)

Abstract A novel approach for supervised classification is presented which sits at the intersection of machine learning and dynamical systems theory. At variance with other methodologies that employ ordinary differential equations for classification purposes, the untrained model is a priori constructed to accommodate for a set of pre-assigned stationary stable attractors. Classifying amounts to steer the dynamics towards one of the planted attractors, depending on the specificity of the processed item supplied as an input. Asymptotically the system will hence converge on a specific point of the explored multi-dimensional space, flagging the category of the object to be eventually classified. Working in this context, the inherent ability to perform classification, as acquired ex post by the trained model, is ultimately reflected in the shaped basin of attractions associated to each of the target stable attractors. The performance of the proposed method is here challenged against simple toy models crafted for the purpose, as well as by resorting to well established reference standards. More precisely, we achieved an accuracy of 98.06 % on the MNIST test set and 88.21% on the Fashion MNIST test set. Although this method does not reach the performance of state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms, it illustrates that continuous dynamical systems with closed analytical interaction terms can serve as high-performance classifiers.

Perception of emotional facial expressions in aggression and psychopathy.

Altered affective state recognition is assumed to be a root cause of aggressive behavior, a hallmark of psychopathologies such as psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder. However, the two most influential models make markedly different predictions regarding the underlying mechanism. According to the integrated emotion system theory (IES), aggression reflects impaired processing of social distress cues such as fearful faces. In contrast, the hostile attribution bias (HAB) model explains aggression with a bias to interpret ambiguous expressions as angry. In a set of four experiments, we measured processing of fearful and angry facial expressions (compared to neutral and other expressions) in a sample of 65 male imprisoned violent offenders rated using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R, Hare, R. D. (1991). The psychopathy checklist-revised. Toronto, ON: Multi-Health Systems) and in 60 age-matched control participants. There was no evidence for a fear deficit in violent offenders or for an association of psychopathy or aggression with impaired processing of fearful faces. Similarly, there was no evidence for a perceptual bias for angry faces linked to psychopathy or aggression. However, using highly ambiguous stimuli and requiring explicit labeling of emotions, violent offenders showed a categorization bias for anger and this anger bias correlated with self-reported trait aggression (but not with psychopathy). These results add to a growing literature casting doubt on the notion that fear processing is impaired in aggressive individuals and in psychopathy and provide support for the idea that aggression is related to a hostile attribution bias that emerges from later cognitive, post-perceptual processing stages.

Adaptive backstepping sliding mode control for single-inductor double-output boost converter

To reduce the cross-regulation and improve the dynamic response performance of a single-inductor double-output Boost converter, an adaptive backstepping sliding mode control (ABSMC) strategy is proposed in this paper. The nonlinear mathematical model of the converter is established, an output function satisfying the exact feedback linearization (EFL) is constructed based on the inverse system theory, and the linearization and decoupling of the model are implemented. Meanwhile, the problem of EFL heavily relying on an exact model is solved by combining backstepping control with sliding mode control. Furthermore, an adaptive reaching law is proposed to adjust the gain of the switching function, and the chattering phenomenon of sliding mode control is reduced. The stability of the system is proven according to the Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, compared with the existing control methods, both the simulation results and experimental results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed ABSMC strategy.

Analysis of Intellectual Property Rights as an Object of Fiduciary Guarantee on Banking Credit

This writing aims to analyze Intellectual Property Rights as an object of fiduciary guarantee, which until now cannot be said to be maximal, because banks and guarantee institutions have not been able to accept copyright patent rights as fiduciary collateral. There are no clear methods and regulations regarding the basis of Intellectual Property Rights themselves, one of which is regarding the value of the rights attached to intellectual property. This paper discusses the issue of intellectual property rights as an object of fiduciary collateral for credit in banking and how in the future patents and copyrights can be used as objects of fiduciary collateral in banking properly. The theories used in analyzing the problem are legal system theory, ownership theory and fiduciary guarantee theory. The method used in this research is normative legal research which was carried out as an effort to obtain the data needed for the problem. The data used is secondary data and tertiary legal materials. The primary data is used as supporting secondary legal material. And data analysis was carried out using qualitative juridical analysis methods. From the results of this research, it can be seen how the position of patents and copyrights as intangible assets should be used as objects of fiduciary guarantees in banking, by adding the words Intellectual Property Rights regarding guarantees to the Bank Indonesia Regulations (PBI). And what is the concept of examination and assessment of the economic value of intellectual property rights, especially patents and copyrights, which will be used as a reference in calculating financial and legal risks for collateral recipients in future implementation.

Utilizing Family Theories to Maximize Early Intervention Work: An Examination and Application of Family Systems Theory and Bioecological Theory

The field of early intervention is rapidly expanding. Individuals trained in Human Development and Family Science programs are uniquely situated for work in this setting, due to their diverse understanding of human development, from birth through death, and the role of the family system in influencing development. More specifically, individuals from this academic discipline can employ a family systems theory and bioecological theory perspectives to inform their intervention work. The unique insight these theories provide to enhance early intervention work will be discussed and then applied using an actual case study. Though family systems theory and bioecological theory do have limitations in this field, namely their inability to explain a behavioral change and non-linear orientation, the authors feel the benefits of both these theoretical perspectives for explaining family contexts outweigh the limitations.

“Crisis situations of the recovery period” represent a feature of the legal regulation of the transition from the wartime period to the provision of military security during the wartime period

One of the postulates of systems theory is the tendency of any system to seek a stable state and avoid chaos. Stability is associated with overcoming crises, which are considered obstacles to development. Crises can serve various functions: destructive, threatening the viability of the system; destructive, leading to further development; and crises that are merely disruptions of equilibrium. In the context of transitioning from repelling armed aggression to ensuring military security in the post-war period, it is appropriate to describe the crisis phenomena and situations of the recovery period, which encompass the real crises of the recovery period. Special attention should be paid to the classification of crises, modeling their development, establishing crisis communications and decision- making in crisis conditions, developing state policy and crisis response strategies, as well as devising methods for crisis prevention. Situation centers play a key role in forecasting the security situation, preparing stabilization operations, and coordinating the actions of various security and defense structures. Their tasks include conveying decisions to personnel and the local population, organizing management and interaction, informing about the development of events, and controlling the execution of decisions. The centers also collect and analyze operational information for timely response to crisis situations. In legal science, the concept of a “crisis of the recovery period” is not widespread, but it may be useful for describing emergencies in the post-war period. The definition of such crises should consider the specific impacts of hazardous factors on national interests. The modern concept of national security of Ukraine envisages the integration of various security sectors, including economic, political, social, and legal aspects. According to legislation, the national security system in the recovery period should be an organized set of entities united by common goals and tasks regarding the protection of national interests. These entities participate in military-civil relations, coordinate their actions, and develop crisis response strategies.

Applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model in Family Court

he work of Urie Bronfenbrenner is a key framework in Family Science, yet there are many areas where it has seldom been applied, including in the processes experienced by divorcing families in Family Court. Acknowledging the paucity of scholarship applying ecological systems theory to these topics, the paper offers instructive interpretations of personal practice experience in these roles. Described are two of several career roles in Family Court available to professionals trained in family science and how Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model of development is applicable in that work. Careers described are providing training and consultation for attorneys and judges and conducting custody evaluations. Bronfenbrenner’s model affords consistent and useful principles for both roles. The processes of separation and divorce are described as a series of ecological transitions that affect not only family structure, but the relationships that make up the family system, as well as family members’ participation in other ecosystems. Changes in relationships and ecosystems affect development by requiring individuals to adapt. Family Court itself is an ecosystem with roles, activities and macrosystem beliefs that are often stressful for family members and that may increase risks to family relationships and development. Discussion considers areas where Family Scientists can use Bronfenbrenner’s model to contribute to improved research and practice for divorcing families.