bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF SEQUENTIAL DATA
Authors: NICOLAS PATRICE‐LOUIS
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with research of patterns and structures in a sequence of data with a finite number of states. After preliminary estimates, two optimization criteria are presented, which based on a schema of referential probabilities enable the construction of a vocabulary of patterns, or basic morphological units. The determination of structures, which may link these patterns is subsequently discussed, first from a morphological viewpoint, then from a generative viewpoint. Morphological structures may be constructed from classical schema of Markov chains or from graph theory; the identification of generative structures is based on the definition of a set of normed transformations on the vocabulary, which leads to various numerical estimates.
ROBOTICS, THE LAST DECADE AND THE NEXT DECADE
Authors: ENGELBERGER J.F.
Published: February 2008

This paper is largely a gauntlet thrown before more likely contributors to Kybernetes. An effort is made first to summarize what is commercially available in an industrial robot and then to conjecture on what could reasonably be expected as the fruits of research and development in the decade ahead. By 1984, robots will have shrugged off the demeaning adjective “industrial,” if during the next decade avant‐garde roboticists warm to the tasks defined.
A FORMULATION OF FUZZY DECISION PROBLEMS AND ITS APPLICATION TO AN INVESTMENT PROBLEM
Authors: TANAKA HIDEO , OKUDA TETSUJI , ASAI KIYOJI
Published: February 2008

Although the decision‐making problem at the lower level is generally well‐defined, the decision‐making problem at the higher level would not contain the detail. Much of decision‐making at the higher level might take place in a fuzzy environment, so that it is only necessary to decide roughly what actions, what states and what parameters should be considered. This paper deals with the higher level problem in which we can regard the elements‐states of nature, feasible actions and available information‐as fuzzy objects. Since the uncertainty of meaning of objects is represented by the fuzzy sets and the uncertainty of occurrence of objects is defined by the probability, a specific formulation of the higher level decision problem can be defined by the probability of fuzzy events. From the same aspect, the definitions of worth, entropy and quantity concerning fuzzy information are given in this paper, and we have tried to extend some of the statistical decision theory to the fuzzy decision problem. To explain our formulation, an investment problem is presented as an example.
APPLIED CYBERNETICS: ITS ROLE IN MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS
Authors: GHOSAL A.
Published: February 2008

The paper presents modelling techniques for various situations in management decision problems, when a problem is considered as a cybernetic system. The following aspects of modelling have been discussed: (i) identification of isomorphic systems (particularly restricted isomorphic systems), (ii) cybernetic stochastic systems with applications in queueing and storage problems, (iii) forecasting problems, (iv) marketing problems, and (v) problems in planning and economic dynamics. Some examples are given.
SIMPLE EVALUATION FUNCTION
Authors: ZIELIŃSKI G.
Published: February 2008

The quality of chess programs is based on tree searching; this limits computer chess development. Modern improvements are possible mainly by applying new concepts in a heuristic evaluation of a chess position. While seeking optimal partial solutions to obtain general solutions, one is led to huge programs that solve only a small part of a chess problem. It seems that an optimistic approach is to look for a conceptionally simple and general evaluation function which can be improved by using a computer.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF REQUISITE VARIETY:
Authors: LOWE E.A. , TINKER A.M.
Published: February 2008

In the first part of this article the authors constructed an empirical model of the management control problem using cybernetics and general systems theory to “order” a variety of literature from management science and organization theory. This second part extends the empirical model to consider propositions relating to the design of information‐for‐control systems of socio‐economic enterprises. The paper concludes by transforming the empirical model into a set of “observables” that involve a range of measuring instruments.
ANTICIPATING FATE: BEYOND FEEDBACK TO FEEDFORWARD BY PROCESS PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: NEVITT BARRINGTON
Published: February 2008

Having substituted abstract Nature for actual existence, we vainly strive to reduce percepts to concepts and the simultaneous harmonies of living to the sequential logic of thinking. Our feedback controls can only react to common denominators derived from past stabilities. When change itself becomes the new norm, the old ground‐rules and controls alike break down. Only by using all our common senses can we recognize the new process patterns of the present situation. We can then feed these patterns forward to bypass their hitherto inevitable consequences. Today, freedom is the anticipation of necessity.
STRUCTURAL PECULIARITIES OF SYNAPSES AND CALCULATION OF CONDITIONS OF POTENTIAL PROPAGATION
Authors: KOTOVA A. , ASRAROV I. , ANTOMONOV Yu.
Published: February 2008

The system of integrated equations was simplified for the stationary conditions of ion movement velocity. Several values of the synapse diameters have been chosen for the calculation. For each synapse diameter several values of exciting and inhibiting potentials have been taken. Graphic dependences of a change of the monosynaptic potential with respect to the length of the membrane are constructed. Calculation results enable one to coordinate on a sound basis the known experimental electrophysiological data of values of monosynaptic potentials with structural parameters of the membrane and synapses.
A MODEL OF LEARNING BASED ON FUZZY INFORMATION
Authors: SUGENO M. , TERANO T.
Published: February 2008

Using fuzzy measures and fuzzy integrals, the paper presents a mathematical model of learning which is able to learn through fuzzy information. The characteristics of the model are studied theoretically and in numerical examples, where the model is compared with an ordinary Bayesian learning model. The problem of seeking an extremum of multimodel objective function is given as an example.
ON PROGRAMMING WITH FUZZY CONSTRAINT SETS
Authors: ORLOVSKY S.A.
Published: February 2008

Two solution concepts for a FMP problem are suggested. The first one makes use of level sets of the fuzzy set of feasible alternatives. The second solution is based on the concept of Pareto maximum in vector optimization. It is shown that both solutions are equivalent in a sense that they give the same fuzzy value of a function maximized. It is suggested that if a decision‐maker is to choose a single element, then his choice must be based not only on the membership value of this element in the solution fuzzy set but also on the corresponding value of the function maximized. In this respect the situation is similar to that typical for vector optimization. The approach suggested in this paper is further used for analysing games with fuzzy sets of strategies of the players. A fuzzy equilibrium solution is introduced, which can provide a base for an agreement between the players.
FUZZY SET SIMULATION MODELS IN A SYSTEMS DYNAMICS PERSPECTIVE
Authors: WENSTØP F.
Published: February 2008

This paper introduces and discusses the concept of verbally formulated simulation models. Such models can operate with linguistic values as “high,” “rather high,” “low” and “not low,” etc. as inputs. The output will be similarly verbally formulated. The simulation procedure is based on a fuzzy set‐theoretic semantic model of a fragment of the English language, which converts verbal expressions into numerical quantities. The paper applies one particular semantical model in a simulation example.
ON THE CONVERGENCE OF ENTROPY MEASURES OF A FUZZY SET
Authors: DE LUCA ALDO , TERMINI SETTIMO
Published: February 2008

Entropy measures of a fuzzy set defined on a denumerable support are studied. A necessary and sufficient condition for the convergence of the logarithmic entropy is given. Some properties of more general measures are studied and a necessary condition for their convergence is given. Further, some propositions relating the convergence of these measures with the logarithmic one are proved.
ON STRATEGIES OF CYBERNETIC MODEL‐BUILDING
Authors: NURMI H.
Published: February 2008

Starting from the ordinary (i.e., not model‐theoretic) model concept, the basic notions of the model‐reality relationship are discussed. In particular, the functional and behavioural equivalence is studied. It is argued that although analytically fertile, the distinction between functional and behavioural equivalence overlooks problems of crucial methodological importance. From a methodological stand‐point the knowledge hierarchy of B. Zeigler seems promising. However, Zeigler's approach contains some important ontological commitments which should be given due attention in the process of model building and model validation. Som remarks of model building in economics are used as illustrations for Zeigler's method and the limitations contained therein.
Contemporary Cybernetics
Authors: Rudall B.H.
Published: February 2008

COMPARISON OF COMPUTERS One of the real problems of the day for the research worker, who wishes to acquire a new computing facility, is the problem of the evaluation and testing of computing systems. Obviously the best method of comparison of software or hardware is via the Formal Description. Languages of formal description have been developed for programming and also for computer architectual comparisons. Such a notation, ISP, was developed to formalize the information normally given in basic machine manuals and to supplement and, possibly replace programming reference manuals. This notation was introduced for descriptive purposes by Bell and Newell (Computer Structures, McGraw Hill, New York) in 1971. For actual use it was revised and renamed ISPL, with further developments during the mid and late seventies. In a project at the Carnegie‐Mellon University, Drs. Barbacci and Siewiorek used Formal Computer Descriptions for the evaluation of test programs. The formal language ISPL was used to define the architecture of a computer. The description compiles into an intermediate form that can be linked to and interpreted by a simulator. A symbolic translator converts assembler‐generated outputs of test programs into commands that initialize the simulator. After execution of the test program a post‐processor summarizes the dynamic behaviour. This is surely the first time that the architectures of commercially viable computers have been described in formal language, descriptions compiled and then used to drive a simulator executing benchmarks, and diagnostic machine language programs.
CYBERNETIC STUDY OF SOCIETAL SYSTEMS (Part 2)
Authors: RASTOGI P.N.
Published: February 2008

The second part of this paper reports the results of application of the theory and methodology to the analysis of Indian society in the current decade. It explains the nature of retrodictive confirmation and predictive inference obtainable from the present approach. A methodological realization of the concept of a performance panel for societal systems is demonstrated.
FUZZY RELATIONS IN A CONTROL SETTING
Authors: BRAAE M. , RUTHERFORD D.A.
Published: February 2008

This brief paper considers the various possible mathematical operations on fuzzy sets that are required to implement a set of control rules as a fuzzy logic control element. The influence that these operations have on the characteristics of the final control element is a factor that is used to select those operations most suitable in the control context.
ADAPTIVE SEARCH USING A REPRODUCTIVE META‐PLAN
Authors: MERCER R.E. , SAMPSON J.R.
Published: February 2008

A reproductive plan is a type of adaptive procedure devised by Holland which embodies many principles found in the adaptation of natural systems through evolution. This study develops a reproductive meta‐plan, an adaptive procedure that controls the modification of parameter values in a reproductive plan. After a brief review of Holland's formalization of reproductive plans, a non‐reproductive meta‐plan devised by Cavicchio is discussed. In response to some of the limitations of Cavicchio's approach, a reproductive meta‐plan is developed. Experiments with computer implementations of both meta‐plans show improvement in a reproductive plan's utility gain when the reproductive meta‐plan is used.
A GOAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF GREECE
Authors: PAPAGEORGIOU J.C.
Published: February 2008

There are several factors which account for the inefficiencies observed in the educational system of a less developed country. Some of these factors, with particular reference to the educational system of Greece, are briefly mentioned in this paper. However, the main objective of the paper is to show how the application of goal programming could be of assistance to the educational administrators in the country with respect to determining: (1) how to allocate the available resources among the different subsystems of the educational system and among the different components within each subsystem; (2) the quality level of education that the country can afford; and (3) the financial sacrifices necessary for different levels of improvement.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF PHARMACOKINETIC SYSTEMS
Authors: BENDALL M. , GRAY D.C.
Published: February 2008

The analyses of experimental results which are necessary in the determination of the structure and rate constants of pharmacokinetic systems are frequently subject to considerable errors. These errors, resulting from assay techniques and from physiological mechanisms within the test subject, make interpretation of results difficult. This may lead to problems in distinguishing between various feasible models and can result in a need to employ over‐simplified models for subsequent work. A technique is proposed which may help to reduce the effects of such errors. The technique is applied to simulations of experiments and results are presented which allow comparison of the accuracy of the parameter estimates with those obtained by methods which are more normally employed.
ANALYSIS OF AN INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM USING THE THEORY OF RELATIVELY CLOSED SYSTEMS
Authors: ANDERSSON HÅKAN
Published: February 2008

The theory of relatively closed systems first appeared in Kybernetes as two consecutive papers by Grubbström This work was a development of studies in cybernetic modelling performed by Lange and Klir and Valach. This paper deals with an application taken from the field of inventory control. The purpose is to show how the theory of relatively closed systems can be used to formulate models, analyse stability conditions and compute equilibrium values for the variables involved.
M2/G2/l/∞ QUEUEING SYSTEM WITH A PRE‐EMPTIVE PRIORITY AND READJUSTMENT
Authors: DANIELIAN E. , GEOKCHIAN A.
Published: February 2008

In this paper the M2/G2/l/∞ queueing system with a pre‐emptive repeat and pre‐emptive resume priorities and readjustment is considered. A method is suggested here, which yields the virtual waiting time in M/G/l/∞ queueing systems.
CYBERNETICS AND GENERAL SYSTEMS—A UNITARY SCIENCE?
Authors: STANLEY‐JONES D.
Published: February 2008

Cybernetics is unique in that it is the only calculus that is applicable to both material and immaterial systems. Provided only that two elements of a system can be linked by feedback, then that system may be examined in terms of cybernetics. Cybernetics is of universal validity. It is the method of choice for the general analysis of any system. Many instances are given in support of this. In every case, the critical step was the discovery of two processes that were related by feedback. As a scientific method for the unifying of all General Systems, Cybernetics has no equal.
CYBERNETIC MODELLING THROUGH HIERARCHICAL MULTILEVEL SYSTEMS AND ADAPTIVE CONTROL
Authors: CARLSSON C.
Published: February 2008

A cybernetic model is one which greatly reduces the variety of the world situation that should be represented by the model, but the variety is reduced in a way which will allow at least some of the variety to be represented later. The aim of this paper is to give an outline of an approach to operationalize Beer's principles of cybernetic modelling. This approach is based on the concept of a system that represents a multilevel system of hierarchical structure with a considerable potential for latent variety, and the principles for adaptive and multigoal control. We do not aim at producing a unified theory, but at presenting a few ideas that could well be worth some research effort if we want to know how to deal with the complexes of means, ends and inter‐influences we often enough try to consider in a cybernetic model.
OBJECTIVE ELECTROCEREBRAL CORRELATES OF EXPECTANCY AND GUESSING IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: GREY WALTER W.
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The history of computer applications to the problems of Neuro‐Cybernetics is a chequered one. Certainly, some problems that would have taken literally months—even to define—ten years ago, can now be solved in seconds; but other difficulties have emerged.
FLEETING MOMENTS
Authors: HELVEY C.T.
Published: February 2008

These three little essays were written with a degree of licentia poeticae, and I hope they do not offend those few, mentioned herein, who are still with us. The purpose for writing these quasi‐reminiscences was to offer a glimpse into the atmosphere when these great minds try to talk and relax. These light‐hearted forays contain a very incomplete list of those who worked in and significantly contributed to the realm of “informatics” and “astronautics”, the two pylons of science in the 20th Century. Because my life is teaching, I could not miss the opportunity to indulge in some didactic excursions.
APPLICATIONS OF ULTRASTABILITY
Authors: WALLACE M.R.
Published: February 2008

Ross Ashby's concept of ultrastability in a cybernetic system is shown to have certain mathematical properties of considerable importance for workers in operational research and allied fields. One application is in the study of centralization vs. de‐centralization within an organization.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF HUMAN THOUGHT‐ITS PERSPECTIVES AND CONSTRAINTS
Authors: SZYMANSKI A.
Published: February 2008

Perspectives and constraints of computer simulation of human thought depend on the concept of human thinking. For computer simulation purposes thinking is defined as the process of symbolizing events and then manipulating the symbols by various logical and illogical inferences. It seems to be reasonable to consider the concept of thinking in connection with some philosophical system, since concepts formation, judgments, reasoning and problem‐solving are philosophical issues. In this paper various solutions of the problem under consideration that arise from the most significant philosophical systems are discussed.
ON CERTAIN MODELS OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION PROBLEMS
Authors: WE¸GLARZ J.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a general model of resource allocation problems based on the concept of the system of the complex of operations type. Using the terminology of this model two wide classes of models of allocation problems has been described and compared. In the first class, resource requirements of activities concern amounts of resources belonging to given finite sets, while in the second they refer to given intervals. Attention has been paid to the interpretation of assumptions made in these models. Some desirable directions of further development in the theory and application of the considered problems have been indicated.
ELEMENTS OF A CYBERNETIC THEORY OF PURPOSIVENESS
Authors: LOCKER A.
Published: February 2008

Only the elements of a theory of purposiveness are presented in this paper, the two main items being the effectiveness of a purpose with respect to a system and the generation of a purpose by a system. The author then gives some preliminary definitions and studies the PPG‐concept. The role of the body‐machine in the actualization of the PPG‐concept is discussed, the latter serving as a model of the theory of purposiveness. The paper concludes with a proposal concerning a system's systematization on the basis of its ability to passively follow or to actively select goals for itself. A normative theory has to be considered as a presupposition of the theory of purposiveness.
MATHEMATICAL METHODS AS COGNITIVE PROBLEM‐SOLVERS
Authors: CHYTIL M.K.
Published: February 2008

The applications of mathematics to the solving of factual problems should run in a certain prescribed form called a mathematical method. Whereas a mathematical method is an only scheme that is a set of mathematical means, rules, hints, procedures, etc. how to solve a factual problem on some body of data, it becomes a Cognitive Problem‐Solver after its implementation on an appropriate computer which is able to solve, if need be, by the help of man, a class of special cognitive problems corresponding to the method arising out of their background and initial knowledge. Computer and man can act here in a symbiotic manner as intelligent agents, realizing each alternately the sequence of conceptual operations prescribed by the given method. The incidental difference between the routine and creative actions of the single agents is discussed, as well as the advantages of natural and artificial intelligence in automatic problem‐solving and automatic cognition.
DEFINING STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTIONS
Authors: BAUER M.A.
Published: February 2008

A formalism for representing descriptions based upon labelled directed graphs is presented. Node and edge labels are assumed to lie in lattice‐like structures which capture certain semantic relationships between object classes and predicates, respectively. With this as a framework, the problem of inferring descriptions of a concept from examples is defined. In particular, the problem of constructing a more general description can be viewed as a process of iverting transformations used to generate instances of a description. Several examples are given and some problems are cited.
MODELLING CONTROLLERS USING FUZZY RELATIONS
Authors: BALDWIN J.F. , GUILD N.C.F.
Published: February 2008

An established method of modelling a controller using a fuzzy relation is examined in the light of recent criticisms. An alternative formulation of the fuzzy relation is described and use of the fuzzy relation as a synthesis tool is discussed. A new approach to tuning such controllers is proposed.
THE DECOMPOSITION OF TOLERANCE AUTOMATA
Authors: MUIR A. , WARNER M.W.
Published: February 2008

Tolerance automata are defined and a decomposition theory for such entities is sought. It is shown that two major procedures of the classical algebraic theory produce difficulties in the tolerance case. A weaker approach, employing the idea of inertial tolerance, is presented. Finally, an explicit example is given which illustrates both the difficulties encountered and the theorems proved in the text.
WHITHER CYBERNETICS: PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: ANDERTON R.H.
Published: February 2008

Cybernetics, the attempt to recreate mental phenomena in terms of physical action, is considered in three stages corresponding to the three decades since 1948. The first decade, based on ideas of information and the closed loop, showed parallels between biology and engineering and led to rapid development. The second decade saw a reaction against the apparent attempt to reduce and mechanise living forms, and some identified cybernetics with potentially oppressive technology. Most recently, considerations of self‐reference and the logic of living systems have led to ideas such as autopoiesis which promise a new role for cybernetics in clarifying mental life.
WHITHER CYBERNETICS: PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: ANDREW A.M.
Published: February 2008

The meaning and connotations of cybernetics are reviewed with the conclusion that complex adaptive systems are the central theme. Formal and informal approaches are contrasted and shown to be compatible. The most spectacular achievements of cybernetics are in the area of artificial intelligence, but current work under that heading is subject to a fundamental limitation. Simulation of non‐verbal thought processes can only be achieved by studying the transition from non‐succinct to succinct information representation in cybernetic systems. Attention must be given to the evolution and operation of the meta‐goal of succinct representation of information.
A MODEL OF WORD MEMORY BASED ON DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING IN A CELLULAR NETWORK
Authors: FAIRHURST M.C. , PULLEN I.R.
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a model of word memory based on an interconnected network of simple neuron‐like computational cells. Major features of the model are the ease of implementation using currently available hardware, and the fact that the principles underlying its operation may be extended to a comprehensive information processing system based on a hierarchy of such networks. The concepts of distributed data storage, the establishing of logical relations between stored items, and the construction of an integrated data structure are characterised in terms of the patterns of activity of the network.
FUZZINESS AND STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Authors: KELEMEN M.
Published: February 2008

The paper suggests a connexion between fuzziness and structural stability. This is illustrated by a classical decision model, viewed from the standpoint of the Catastrophe Theory.
A HEURISTIC SEARCH FOR THE BEST HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE
Authors: STEFAŃSKI J.
Published: February 2008

Systems with hierarchical structures consisting of controlled elements are considered. The elements are described by exponential functions. The objective function is the sum of outputs of the elements without successors. The problem is stated as follows: for a given set of controlled elements find a structure of a system, for which the objective function reaches its maximum. The paper presents a heuristic method for solving the problem. The efficiency of the method is considered and computational results are presented.
STABILITY OF ORBITS IN AUTOMATA AND CONTROL THEORIES
Authors: WARNER M.W.
Published: February 2008

The rapprochement suggested by Arbib between continuity in control theory and tolerance in the theory of automata is discussed with reference to orbits, and in particular to the proof of Takens' version of Zeeman's tolerance stability conjecture. The corresponding result for tolerance automata is established.
BEAGLE—A DARWINIAN APPROACH TO PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: FORSYTH RICHARD
Published: February 2008

BEAGLE (Biological Evolutionary Algorithm Generating Logical Expressions) is a computer package for producing decision‐rules by induction from a database. It works on the principle of “Naturalistic Selection” whereby rules that fit the data badly are “killed off” and replaced by “mutations” of better rules or by new rules created by “mating” two better adapted rules. The rules are Boolean expressions represented by tree structures. The software consists of two Pascal programs, HERB (Heuristic Evolutionary Rule Breeder) and LEAF (Logical Evaluator And Forecaster). HERB improves a given starting set of rules by running over several simulated generations. LEAF uses the rules to classify samples from a database where the correct membership may not be known. Preliminary tests on three different databases have been carried out—on hospital admissions (classing heart patients as deaths or survivors), on athletic physique (classing Olympic finalists as long‐distance runners or sprinters) and on football results (categorizing games into draws and non‐draws). It appears from the tests that the method works better than the standard discriminant analysis technique based on a linear discriminant function, and hence that this long‐neglected approach warrants further investigation.
Contemporary Cybernetics
Authors: RUDALL B.H.
Published: February 2008

ADA DEVELOPMENTS The ADA programming language project, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Defence, will have far reaching effects on both the programming and the design of future computers. Its original objects were to cater for the production of reliable, readable programs for communicating with computer systems. There was to be a formality of language definition and even simplicity in its concept. Whether these aims have been achieved at the design level is, as discussed in Kybernetes (10(3), 156, 1981), still the subject of controversy. Certainly Prof. C. A. R. Hoare (Oxford University, U.K.) has reservations.
CYBERNETICS AND SYSTEM CONCEPTS IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES
Authors: ANDREW A.M.
Published: February 2008

The aims of cybernetics and of system research are shown to embody a strong bias towards biological studies. Cybernetics subsumes the ideas of “experimental epistemology”, a study which attempts to explain mental processes over the whole range of viewpoints from the single‐cell recordings of the neurophysiologist to concept‐formation and representation of knowledge. Studies which are more restricted in scope have been of practical value; “experimental epistemology” is a long way from achieving its goal. It has, however, provided useful stimulation and has an interesting bearing on viable systems other than nervous systems.
INFORMATION OBTAINED BY MEANS OF AN OBSERVATION PROCESS SUBJECT TO RANDOM FLUCTUATIONS
Authors: PADET COLETTE
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we propose to analyse the incidence of the limitations inherent to a process of observation τ on the entropy of a statistical continuous set of events observed by means of τ. We present here a study of a particular case when τ is submitted only to fluctuations (the sensitivity and the accuracy of the apparatus are assumed to be perfect). In this case, τ is characterized by its “reliability limit”.
CURRENT SOCIAL PROBLEMS ANALYSED BY CONTROL AND SYSTEMS THEORY
Authors: BRIX V.H.
Published: February 2008

A cybernetic model of the interaction between two systems deals in more detail with the concept of interdependence of the first paper. Applications of the model are then reviewed. Human “failings” such as jealousy, sycophancy, etc. can be seen as systemic or situational phenomena. The continuous drift of power towards the controlling elite in bureaucracies is seen to be coupled with the increasing dependence of those lower down on those above. Industrial and political strife appears to originate within this dependence gradient. Trade unions and left wing organisations can be seen therefore as systemic means to reduce the everwidening dependence gap between those lower in the social hierarchies and those in the controlling positions.
A STUDY OF THE CAUSES OF PLANNING FAILURES
Authors: MATSUDA TAKEHIKO , HIRANO MASAAKI
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we first explain our hypothesis describing the planning behaviour of an individual and an organization, which we have postulated elsewhere, in reference with the model of so called “rational” decision‐making, as well as seven dimensions to be considered when evaluating each planning alternative. Of eight possible causes of planning failures obtained from our model, the ambiguity in the utility functions, the wrong forecast of the alternatives, and the wrong forecast of planning alternatives are identified as important and crucial. Some supplementary considerations on the above identified causes, as well as brief discussion on the relation between the status of our model and this study follow.
SHOULD A RELIABLE INFORMATION PROCESSOR BE CHAOTIC?
Authors: NICOLIS JOHN S.
Published: February 2008

Brain‐like structures have evolved by performing signal processing initially by minimizing “tracking errors” on a competitive basis. Such systems are highly complex and at the same time notoriously “disordered”. The functional trace of the cerebral cortex of the (human) brain is a good example. The Electroencephalogram (E.E.G) appears particularly fragmented during the execution of mental tasks, as well as during the recurrent episodes of R.E.M. sleep. A stochastically regular or a highly synchronized E.E.G on the other hand, characterises a drowsy (relaxing) or epileptic subject respectively and indicates—in both cases—a very incompetent information processor. We suggest that such behavioral changeovers are produced via bifurcations which trigger the thalamocortical non‐linear pacemaking oscillator to switch from an unstable limit cycle to a strange attractor regime (i.e. to chaos), or vice versa. Our analysis aims to show that the E.E.G's characteristics are not accidental but inevitable and even necessary and, therefore, functionally significant.
BINARY ANSWERS TO IMPRECISE QUESTIONS
Authors: YAGER RONALD R.
Published: February 2008

In constructing intelligent machines we must at times include the capability to perform precise actions in the face of imprecise information. Using fuzzy subset theory we show how to build algorithms to meet this task.
DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF THE GAME OF CHICKEN
Authors: NICOLIS JOHN S. , MILIAS‐ARGITIS JOHN , CARABALIS D.
Published: February 2008

The evolution of the conflict of “blackmail” between two individuals is dealt with—both for symmetric and asymmetric contests. State—space diagrams are presented illustrating the dynamical coevolution of the cooperathe propensities of the partners when the games are played inductively—and learning takes place via storing the result of the previous outcome. By changing the three parameters of the game α, č, k (the probability of yield— “chicken”—the tempting factor and the coefficient of mutual loss, respectively) we can modify drastically the probability of “locking‐in” at the cooperative state as well as the dynamical repertoire for each contestant (i.e. the number of states between which his strategy undergoes transitions as well as the probabilities of these transitions). Finally, we study the result of additive white noise on the trajectories of the cooperative propensities, both in the symmetric and the asymmetric case.
A MODEL FOR CHANGING THE MINDS OF CYBERNETICIANS
Authors: ENGLAND BRUCE
Published: February 2008

Second‐order cybernetics, as developed by Foerster, has shown that the perceived environment is our invention. Cyberneticians also need to realize that this invented environment occurs within a particular operational state of the nervous system in humans, and that a basic modification of this state creates another operational state. In the first state, cybernetic operations create an experienced reality of differentiated duality. The second state is noncybernetic because information creation does not occur, thus it has no content and is experienced as undifferentiated unity. The transition between states depends upon the shifting of attention away and back to from content creation. Awareness of the duality‐unity model creates a framework for a cybernetic theory of reality recomputation in which the content experience of duality is impacted and changed by the no‐content experience of unity. This theory within cyberneticians can be based upon the experience of others or upon personal experience.
INFORMATION AND NOISE IN THE NEURONAL CIRCUITRY
Authors: NELSON P.P.
Published: February 2008

The informative capacity of a neuronal line is limited by the bandwidth and the noise of the cell mechanisms. We specify the nature of these phenomena and we estimate their magnitude. They explain many of the anatomical and physiological properties of sensorial and muscular circuits.
RESOLUTION OF AMBIGUITIES IN CARTOONS AS AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE ROLE OF PRAGMATICS IN NATURAL LANGUAGE UNDERSTANDING BY COMPUTERS
Authors: MAZLACK L.J. , PAZ N.M.
Published: February 2008

Newspaper cartoons can graphically display the results of ambiguity in human speech; the result can be unexpected and funny. Likewise, computer analysis of natural language statements also needs to successfully resolve ambiguous situations. Computer techniques already developed use restricted world knowledge in resolving ambiguous language use. This paper illustrates how these techniques can be used in resolving ambiguous situations arising in cartoons.
PRESUPPOSITION IN BINARY AND FUZZY LOGICS
Authors: YAGER RONALD R.
Published: February 2008

We introduce a four‐valued logic that includes, in addition to true and false, the values unknown and non‐existent. We introduce the idea of presupposition in fuzzy logic and then use this to relate this four valued logic to the binary logic.
GLOBAL SINGLE SPECIES POPULATION DYNAMICS
Authors: ENGEL ALEJANDRO B.
Published: February 2008

The possibilities that a general autonomous and deterministic dynamical system offers as a model for a single species population is explored in detail. As an application of the algorithm derived from this study, the model is successfully adapted to several concrete situations.
COMBINATORY SPACES—AN APPROACH TO PATTERN ANALYSIS
Authors: DROZEN V.
Published: February 2008

In a static memory a crude representation of a field of stimuli can be based on the evaluation of the total occurrence of single stimuli, their pairs, triples, etc., respectively. This leads to the concept of combinatory spaces of various orders and their sequences, with generalized pseudometrics or metrics. This concept may be of relevance in the fields of general systems and artificial intelligence.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUILIBRIUM UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors: TAKATSU SHINZO
Published: February 2008

Organizational equilibrium theory is a theory of an inducements‐contributions balance within organizations; i.e. it ultimately aims to find conditions for organizational survival. Based on the Simon‐Smithburg‐Thompson postulates for the organizational equilibrium theory, an organizational equilibrium model under uncertainty is constructed. Using a multiple objective satisficing problem formulation, the survival conditions (i.e. existence conditions of viable solutions) are studied. The existence of uniformly better solutions than a given viable solution is also shown. Then, a unique solution (i.e. viable Pareto solution) is defined, and a problem whose solutions are viable Pareto solutions is specified. Finally, several organizational factors involved with the organizational equilibrium concept are discussed.
CAN SOCIAL CHANGE BE SUPPORTED BY INQUIRY?
Authors: DE ZEEUW GERARD
Published: February 2008

It is proposed to see society as epiphenomenal to a process, the political process. Various actors contribute, with different aims, resources, constraints—and usually without control over the overall effect of their contributions. Organized research is one of the actors. The question is what type of organizational or paradigmatic design will empower the research actor to direct social change in a direction with improvements for many or all other actors. The control paradigm turns out not to be helpful for research to become a strong actor in this respect. A paradigm able to become more supportive is described.
LIMITS TO SOCIETAL SELF‐STEERING: LESSONS FROM AN ACTOR‐ORIENTED SYSTEMS APPROACH TO INFLATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SWITZERLAND
Authors: BAUMGARTNER THOMAS
Published: February 2008

The actor‐oriented systems approach, developed by the author and others, is applied to a comparative analysis of inflation and anti‐inflationary policies in Great Britain and Switzerland. Inflation is viewed as a systemic phenomenon, the result of a structure of linked decision settings. The devaluation‐inflation loop characterizing the British situation is then compared with the revaluation‐low inflation loop occurring in the Swiss case, while criticism is directed at the prevailing economic models which do not allow adequate forecasts because they do not incorporate self‐steering human actors.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: MANDERSCHEID RONALD W.
Published: February 2008

The U.S. mental health service delivery system consists of a broad array of inpatient and ambulatory services operated under governmental, corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial auspices. Granted this complex mixture of control patterns, a primary question to be addressed by this paper is the degree to which this set of services can be conceptualized as a system at any level of social organization beyond a single control point for a subset of services. This paper will also explore the utility of systems formulations, including cybernetic processes, for addressing the question of whether mental health services can be controlled and directed to such a degree that they act in concert across different control points. Reference will be made to exogenous systems, such as public and private reimbursement programs, that may influence control processes. Some directions for future research will also be explored.
GENERALIZED PRINCIPLE OF OPTIMALITY IN PANSYSTEMS NETWORK ANALYSIS
Authors: SHOUZHI WU , XUEMOU WU
Published: February 2008

The optimization of a panweight network is studied. A generalized concept summary of optimality is established, which unifies various related principles. This may be viewed as a sort of complement and extension of Bellman's work. Some of its applications in dynamic programming are discussed. A sufficient condition and three necessary conditions are given under which Bellman's principle holds.
LACK OF RESPONSE TO A DRUG: A SYSTEM THEORY APPROACH
Authors: BERNARD‐WEIL E.
Published: February 2008

It seems necessary to consider the functioning of biological systems on the basis of agonistic and antagonistic actions of a couple of elements. Here, the adrenal postpituitary system is considered. We show how such a view allowed us to give an account of diverse phenomena, noticeably the lack of response to Cortisol. It gave also rise to “paradoxical” therapies in the sense that both hormones had to be administered in case of an imbalance. A mathematical model helps one to become accustomed to these notions and, perhaps, is able to directly improve therapeutical strategies.
BANG‐BANG CONTROL OF A SECOND ORDER NONLINEAR UNSTABLE PLANT WITH FOURTH ORDER NONLINEARITY
Authors: BALACHANDRAN K.
Published: February 2008

In this paper the design of a controller for a relay controlled second order nonlinear unstable plant with fourth order nonlinearity is considered. The task of the controller is the simultaneous reduction of output and output derivative to zero with the input being at zero. It is established that, if the initial values of error and error derivative fall in a “controllable region”, it is possible to reduce error and error derivative to zero simultaneously and in the shortest possible time with at most one switching reversal of the relay. It is also shown that, through simple transformation of error and error derivative, the equation of the switching curve can be made independent of the constant gain of the plant, as well as the coefficient of the nonlinear term.
SOME PANSYSTEMS MODELS OF GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM IN ECONOMICS
Authors: BEIFANG CHEN , XUEMOU WU
Published: February 2008

Equilibrium is an important problem in mathematical economics. The paper deals with the problem by establishing pansystems models of equilibrium and introducing ε‐equilibrium solutions. Under the framework of these models, we discuss the existence of equilibrium solution and the ranges where prices, demand and supply commodities vary, respectively.
INTRODUCTION TO OPTIMAL CONTROL THEORY
Authors: CHERRUAULT Y. , GALLEGO J.
Published: February 2008

Optimal Control theory is concerned with the problem of how to govern systems. Its purpose is to determine the best actions by which a given system can reach or maintain a particular state, these control actions being submitted to particular conditions called “constraints”. Mathematical formulations of such a problem may be very general, and then, the analysis and the results of this mathematical problem may be applied to numerous and varied concrete situations, from industrial processes to biology and medicine.
CHAOTIC DYNAMICS OF INFORMATION PROCESSING WITH RELEVANCE TO COGNITIVE BRAIN FUNCTIONS
Authors: Nicolis John S.
Published: February 2008

The human mind possesses the unique capability of “mapping” the external (as well as part of the organism's internal) world i.e. it “compresses” long and complex strings of impinging environmental stimuli (“observations”) and then uses these “minimal length algorithms” in order to simulate physical phenomena‐thereby revealing the “laws of nature”. In this paper we theorize that this process of “Self”‐organization and category formation is implimented via a set of coexisting (strange) attractors in the cognizant apparatus each one of which attracts (and therefore compresses) whole subsets of “initial conditions” the sum‐total of which constitute the set of external stimuli. This set of the initial conditions forms the “Basin” of the attractors and the processes of partition and category formation in the mind involves the topology of the separatrixes amongst the individual subsets of the Basin. We examine in particular how the information processing is mediated by the thalamocortical pacemaker of the brain and, therefore, what might be the role of E.E.G (which is measurable on a routine basis) in Cognition.
A GENERAL MODEL OF SKELETAL MUSCULAR CONTRACTION
Authors: VALENTINI Fr. A. , NELSON P.P.
Published: February 2008

The proposed mathematical model describes in a simple and universal way the calcium turnover during muscular contraction; it realizes a synthesis between fragmentary and dissimilar results published elsewhere. Our main and original contribution in this model is to demonstrate that diffusion involving a sink obeys to Fick's law with an effective diffusion coefficient smaller than the real one. Electrical release, delayed diffusion (owing to the sink existence) and reuptake of the Ca2+ ions unite to supply a simple model the equations of which are solved. We show that the computed results fit well with the known experimental ones. In addition, we attempt to make a plausible hypothesis about the biological nature of the sink. This model conduces to a better understanding of the electrocalcic coupling. It appears as a tool necessary to the modelization of the control of the muscular force; indeed it allows to connect the nervous order to the generated force.
A GENERAL MODEL OF SKELETAL MUSCULAR CONTRACTION
Authors: VALENTINI Fr.A. , NELSON P.P.
Published: February 2008

We propose a comprehensive model of skeletal muscular contraction which connects the nervous control to the force generated by a given muscle during motion. We introduce a contractile proteins activation probability into A. F. Huxley's sliding filament theory, and we deduce this probability from the calcium turnover study described in part I. This modelization implies a discussion of the experimental determination and the published values of some constants concerning the calcium turnover (calcium concentration at rest, affinity constant for the specific sites of troponin C, rate constant for the release of calcium from the non‐specific sites of troponin C). We show that the troponin C non‐specific cationic sites are unambigously related to the calcium‐magnesium antagonism. We conclude with a numerical simulation for the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the cat.
FREQUENCY RESOLUTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOUR ENTROPY METHODS
Authors: KATSAKOS‐MAVROMICHALIS N.A. , TZANNES M.A. , TZANNES N.S.
Published: February 2008

Four entropy methods (MESA, SMESA, MCESA and SMCESA) are reviewed and then used in the problem of resolving two sinusoids in the presence of additive white and 1/f noise. SMCESA appears to have the overall edge in this study. The frequency resolution problem is, of course, an example in communications, radar, etc.