bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A COMPUTERIZED APPROACH FOR ASSIGNING WORKER SKILLS TO TASK REQUIREMENTS
Authors: RAOUF A. , MANNEY W.
Published: February 2008

Casual inexcused absenteeism is considered to be one of the major contributing factors for increased operating costs for companies which have work flowing through a group of workers, each worker performing an operation on it and then passing it on to the next. Many researchers have indicated that in most of the cases, workers are not assigned to perform the tasks for which they have the requisite capabilities. The resulting stress on the worker is considered to be a major factor causing the worker to absent from work. Psychologists have developed many measures of human skills. Industrial Engineers and others concerned with the prediction of human performance have developed predetermined motion time systems. Well tested skill tests, i.e., eye‐hand coordination, finger dexterity, decision making, etc. (a battery of twelve such tests), and breaking down manual tasks into different categories such as amount of control needed over motions, precision required, manipulation of material involved, etc. (a total of thirty‐two job requirements), have resulted in a general scheme of “scoring.” A computer program has been developed to match the worker capabilities to the task requirements. It is hoped that such a scheme, in addition to minimizing absenteeism, may result in improved product quality.
TOWARD A SYSTEMS THEORY OF UNEQUAL EXCHANGE, UNEVEN DEVELOPMENT AND DEPENDENCY RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: BAUMGARTNER THOMAS , BUCKLEY WALTER , BURNS TOM R.
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a systems framework for the analysis of economic exchange and development. Exchange is examined in the context of a social system in which actors have differential control over resources and different action opportunities and positions in a structure of social relationships. Exchange activities in a social system have ramifications in different spheres (economic and non‐economic) of social life. We focus on those ramifications which relate to social differentiation in terms of power‐unequal or differentiated action capabilities and different structural positions of actors in the social system of interaction. This perspective on exchange leads to the consideration of factors important to the emergence and maintenance of systemic, uneven development of action capabilities and to unequal dependency relationships among actors in a social system. In sum, what we wish to do in this paper is to develop a more systematic model that indicates the mechanisms whereby initial imbalances of the sort mentioned above generate social processes‐non‐economic as well as economic‐which tend to institutionalize the imbalances and perpetuate them in a self‐reinforcing manner.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF REQUISITE VARIETY:
Authors: LOWE E.A. , TINKER A.M.
Published: February 2008

Cybernetics and general systems theory have fundamentally affected the character of the major theoretical structures employed in social science in recent years. However, in general, theorists have under‐utilized the capacity of these subjects to provide a degree of coherence and unity to social science. In the first of a two‐part paper the authors use a cybernetic framework in constructing an empirical model of a socio‐economic enterprise from a range of literature in organization theory and management science.
CYBERNETIC STUDY OF SOCIETAL SYSTEMS (Part 1)
Authors: RASTOGI P.N.
Published: February 2008

This study is divided into two parts: The first part outlines the theory and methodology of investigation developed by the author; the second part describes the results obtained for the progress of Indian society from 1970 to 1980 and then deals with the issues for an intelligent management of societal systems. This paper i.e., the first part, delineates a universal model of the macro‐level dynamics of total society systems. The methodology describes two procedures for estimating the viability of a societal system; both yield the same results. One of the procedures is a simulation algorithm that makes possible the predictive inference and retrodictive confirmation of the course of system behaviour. The other procedure computes societal viability (Z) by integrating the viability measures (λ) of the ‘essential’ performance variables of the system.
ANALYTICAL THEORY OF SENSORI‐MOTOR SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: TRAILL ROBERT R.
Published: February 2008

This paper develops more specific details on how natural mental‐function might evolve within a wholly‐material brain system, depending entirely on “self‐organization” operating within á reasonably consistent environment. It is assumed that mental development can, in principle, be explained in detailed mechanistic terms. The attempt is then made to give the outlines of such an explanation, drawing on existing physiological knowledge, and considerations of the practical “design” difficulties which such a system would necessarily have to face. RNA‐likecodeable strings are seen as the basic memory elements (rather than adaptable synapses). “Concepts” are explained as Piagetian mental models, built up in explained stages due to interaction with the real object, and encoded on the linear elements. Coordination between these elements is seen as biochemical but with the added available intermediary of electrically mediated signals, allowing coordination at a distance. The likelihood that subsequent developmental periods may recapitulate the same overall strategy is considered.
QUASILINEAR ADAPTION IN NON‐LINEAR MODEL CONTROL
Authors: McCORKELL C. , SWANICK B.H.
Published: February 2008

A linear‐model‐based adaptive control system is developed. Alternative identification techniques are combined with a suboptimal controller. Iterative and recursive algorithms are applied to produce minimum norm estimates of multivariable models, adequate over a range of plant operation. Parameter estimates are used to update the stage‐by‐stage suboptimal control algorithm. The techniques are applied to control a non‐linear chemical reactor model.
A JUSTIFICATION FOR INFORMATION FUNCTION AS A MEASURE OF DETECTIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: CHENG M.C.
Published: February 2008

Willmer has suggested earlier to use the information function or a combination of information functions as an alternative measure for the detective performance to replace the traditional measure, the clear‐up rate. This note gives a justification for the new measure.
EXPERIMENTAL AND PRAGMATIC APPROACHES TO PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: BATCHELOR B.G.
Published: February 2008

A purely theoretical approach has been found to be of limited value in the solution of practical Pattern Recognition problems. Difficulties arise when relating infinite mathematics to reality, e.g. “algorithmic convergence” must be replaced by a vaguer notion of “satisfactory performance”. Experimentation has been used to study this and related problems: a) Learning in noise; b) Similarity of classifiers; c) Instability of classifiers; d) Relating infinite‐sample analysis to finite data sets (reference to pdf estimation). Finally, the system requirements for effective experimentation are discussed.
CYBERNETICS AND GENERAL SYSTEMS—A UNITARY SCIENCE?
Authors: STEVE COUNELIS JAMES
Published: February 2008

Man has the propensity to seek, design, impose and maintain unities. These unities are at the interstice where man and his environment intersect. These unities are information. Hence, information (I) is defined as the goal‐directed (V−1) communicational intersect between a person (P) and his environment (E). That is: I = fV−1(P ∩ E). There are four generic information systems: (1) Symbolic Records; (2) Languages; (3) Disciplines; (4) Societal Knowledges. In the context of generic information systems, both general systems theory and cybernetic function as meta‐science (V−1). In effect these can produce equifinally identical science, thus inferring that general systems theory and cybernetics are unitary.
CYBERNETICS AND GENERAL SYSTEMS—A UNITARY SCIENCE?
Authors: MAYNE A.J.
Published: February 2008

Some basic concepts of general systems theory are outlined. Some fundamental ideas of “unified concept philosophy” are presented, as a proposed new conceptual framework and metatheory for integrating knowledge in general and cybernetics and general systems in particular. It is shown how these ideas can provide unified approaches to the problems facing mankind and lead to the development of a new synthesis, bringing together into a whole the fundamental ideas of philosophy, science, religion, personal experience, ethics and the arts in a way that is relevant to the human situation and to practical living.
FUZZY SETS AT U.C.L.A.
Authors: GOGUEN J.A. , SHAKET E.S.
Published: February 2008

This paper is a brief summary of work on fuzzy sets being conducted at UCLA, with an emphasis on work from Goguen's Fuzzy Robot Users Group. There is a brief summary of earlier work upon which present work is based, a section of Fuzzy Robot Users Group results, a section on other work at UCLA, and a summary of work now in progress.
CYBERNETIC FORMULA DETERMINATION AND VERIFICATION
Authors: JONES BUSH , WALLER W.G.
Published: February 2008

The systematic determination and verification of formulas is considered in this paper. The approach is independent of theoretical considerations in a particular discipline, and the techniques are amenable to man—machine interaction.
SOFTWARE FEATURES FOR INTELLIGENT INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS
Authors: CORTI P. , GINI G. , GINI M.
Published: February 2008

The automation of complex handling and assembly operations can be achieved by the introduction of industrial robots, computer‐controlled and equipped with simple tactic sensors. A difficult problem in such robots are emergency situations when a defective component part is encountered. The lack of the capability for an automatic emergency recovery is a serious limitation of the present industrial robots. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and illustrate these emergency situations and the problem of emergency recovery, and to propose a solution by suitable software. It is also pointed out that some features of Artificial Intelligence programming languages are suitable for solving this problem in an industrial robot. The problem of suitable software for such robots is then approached on the basis of the obtained results implemented on a UNIVAC 1108 computer, by simulating the behaviour of a SIGMA robot.
COALITION ANALYSIS WITH FUZZY SETS
Authors: SPILLMAN B. , BEZDEK J. , SPILLMAN R.
Published: February 2008

After noting several limiting features and procedural disadvantages of typical game theoretic studies of coalition formation, a new measurement procedure based on fuzzy set theory is described. A generalized Tanimoto coefficient measuring attitudinal similarity provides the fundamental basis for location and analysis of potential coalitions in a group decision‐making task. The results of a pilot study using fuzzy preference matrices and α‐level sets to determine the existence and structural evolution of coalitions over time are presented. Finally, some conjectures concerning the definition and future study of coalitions are advanced.
NOTES ON REGULATION AND CONTROL
Authors: AULIN‐AHMAVAARA A.Y.
Published: February 2008

After some critical notes on the long‐term regulation, requisite structure and requisite constitution as discussed by D. Sahal (Kybernetes 7, No. 1, 19–24, 1978), it is pointed out that W. Ross Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety implies a Principle of Variable Structure. Hereafter, a mathematical theory of amplifying regulation is given, and a new Law of Requisite Hierarchy is formulated. It is suggested to be fundamental in the theory of social organization.
A PLAN FORMATION SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLY ROBOTS
Authors: GUIDA G. , RIVERA P.
Published: February 2008

This paper is devoted to a manipulation theory for industrial robots. The proposed knowledge representation model is based on a simple algebraic formalism and is shown to be adequate and suitable for actual applications in the field of assembly robots and manipulators. A FORTRAN system is illustrated which supports the proposed model and is implemented on a LABEN 70 minicomputer used for on‐line control of the SUPERSIGMA multipurpose assembly robot developed at the Milan Polytechnic Artificial Intelligence Project. The experimental work done is reported.
THE LAW OF REQUISITE HIERARCHY
Authors: AULIN‐AHMAVAARA A.Y.
Published: February 2008

A cybernetic theory of hierarchical social systems is given, starting from an extension of Ashby's general theory of regulation and control to amplifying regulation. Regulation and control in human society are then discussed and the conditions for the existence of social classes and social hierarchy examined.
MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING WITH FUZZY CONSTRAINTS AND A PREFERENCE ON THE OBJECTIVE
Authors: YAGER R.R.
Published: February 2008

We investigated a fuzzy programming problem in which the constraints are a fuzzy subset over the alternatives and the objective is in the form of a linear ordering. A fuzzy subset is developed which reflects the objects ranking information in terms of grades of membership of the constraints. These two fuzzy subsets then are combined via intersection operation to form a fuzzy decision function.
PARALLEL COMPUTING AND THE SOLUTION OF Ax = b
Authors: MICKLE M.H. , VOGT W.G.
Published: February 2008

Classical numerical techniques are used to incorporate parallel processing in a fast method for solving simultaneous linear equations, Ax = b. The results show a tradeoff of computation time for processors. In the limiting case, general sets of n linear simultaneous equations can be solved in time proportional to a function of n log n.
AUTOMATIC SOLUTION OF SORITES
Authors: ALFONSECA M.
Published: February 2008

A classical theory of syllogisms is shown that reduces to three‐set theoretical inference rules, which have been used as the basis to produce a sorites (chain argument) solving programs.
THE BEHAVIOR OF TONIC NEURONS AS PREDICTED BY THE RASHEVSKY‐HILL MODEL
Authors: ENGEL A.B.
Published: February 2008

A phasic‐like behavior for tonic neurons is predicted by the classical Rashevsky‐Hill Model. The definition of a tonic neuron arises naturally in a clear mathematical way from this model. A simple experiment is proposed in order to verify the prediction of the Rashevsky‐Hill theory; should this experiment turn out to be positive, a revision of the biological concept of tonic neurons must follow.
GENERAL INPUT‐OUTPUT RELATIONS FOR THE ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOUR OF NEURONS
Authors: NELSON P.P.
Published: February 2008

Assuming that all neurons are built from the same molecular materials, as was discussed in a previous paper, we show that the electrical behaviour of each neuron can be characterized by only three parameters. A systematic discussion allows us to define six categories of neurons. Every one is well described by a typical numerical example. For each category, very useful input‐output relations are furnished, including, if required, an adaptive feedback.
A SYSTEM‐THEORETICAL APPROACH TO DATABASE SYSTEMS
Authors: TJOA A.M. , WAGNER R.R.
Published: February 2008

The various aspects of database systems are formalized. An information base is described as a projection of the real world which follows certain semantical constraints. The concepts of the external, conceptual and internal model of a database are integrated in this theory. Furthermore, interactions (query, update, add and delete) on databases are defined exactly with the help of this generalized concept.
MULTISTAGE ACQUISITION OF INTELLIGENT BEHAVIOUR
Authors: JOSEPHSON B.D. , HAUSER H.M.
Published: February 2008

Human skills are acquired not by a single uniform process, but in a series of stages, as Piaget has shown. We have investigated such a sequential process by taking as an illustrative example the game of table tennis. The aims in each stage of learning are qualitatively different, and we show in detail how knowledge gained during one stage provides essential information for subsequent stages. Conclusions are drawn which may be important for artificial intelligence work generally. The question of practical implementation of a system such as discussed is considered briefly.
CONTRIBUTION A L'ETUDE DE L'ISOMORPHISME DANS LES SYSTEMES COMPLEXES, A PARTIR DES SYSTEMES BIOLOGIQUES ET DES CARACTERES EXTRAITS PAR FORRESTER
Authors: HUET B.
Published: February 2008

Life is an open system; moreover, it is classically admitted as being a complex system. Isomorphism in complex systems is examined by comparison between structural and behaviour features drawn by Forrester and the living's features. The study of the features of homologies in complex system should lead to formal laws.
ON TOLERATING AUTOMATA
Authors: WARNER M.W.
Published: February 2008

Suitable ways of putting tolerance structures onto automata are sought. Inertial tolerance on the state set is discussed, but for black box automata an observed or even inertial tolerance on the output set is thought to be more appropriate. Tolerance inductions and coinductions are used to tolerate the remaining two sets in each case. A general definition of a tolerance automaton is suggested and the morphisms of the category defined. The particular case of an (M‐R) automaton is considered and required to yield a stable tolerance structure. Some illustrative examples are given.
INTRODUCTION TO CYBERNETIC PHYSICS
Authors: BOGDANSKI C.
Published: February 2008

An attempt at unification of different groups of physical phenomena by use of cybernetic methodology in order to avoid a dualism in the formalism of Natural Self‐Regulating Systems (NRS) in now being carried out simultaneously by physics and cybernetics. A proposal is made of a unitary elaboration within a framework of cybernetic physics, which should concern not only events belonging to micro‐ and macro‐physics, but also those which are placed intermediately on the size scale, especially systems organized by the biogenesis phenomena and subjected to the laws of a “Meso‐physics”. The systems that result from this evolutively lend themselves to treatment within the framework of an organic branch, which would be a physics of systems endowed with a multihierarchized architecture and ultra‐complex structure.
BIOCYBERNETICS—SOME REFLEXIONS
Authors: JAMES D.B.
Published: February 2008

Cybernetics has an important application in Biology, particularly in explaining how the brain might work. The brain can best be considered as two organs and not one, grey matter and white matter, with different theories to explain the function of each. The current “living transistor theory” seems inadequate to explain the function of neurons which individually appear to feel pleasure and pain and might, therefore, obey some principle of selection of appropriate behaviour similar to that of evolution by natural selection. Finally, any consideration of how the brain treats knowledge demands some clear idea of what knowledge is and how it may be coded in chemical terms.
EVOLUTIONARY ASPECTS OF THINKING
Authors: KIOUSTELIDIS JOHN B.
Published: February 2008

Associative memory mechanisms allow an explanation of the brains ability of intuition, i.e., its ability to relate phenomena, which, seemingly, are logically independent, and hence to work heuristically in a very effective way.
VIA MEDIA WITH MARSHALL McLUHAN
Authors: NEVITT BARRINGTON
Published: February 2008

Marshall McLuhan devoted much of his life to exploring hitherto ignored psychological and social effects of technological innovation, the giant omission of Western civilization. Comprehensively aware of the power of models and metaphors, like language itself, to transform one kind of being into another, he used them playfully to organize ignorance for continuing discovery and invention rather than to categorize knowledge by establishing new concepts and theories. McLuhan demonstrated how to perceive hidden process patterns of new environments engendered by human artifacts as communication media; and he invited us to create a multi‐sensory epistemology of human experience in a new unity of thought and feeling that can anticipate the human consequences of innovation in our media ecology.
EXISTENCE OF SATISFICING SOLUTIONS
Authors: MATSUDA T. , TAKATSU S.
Published: February 2008

As pointed out by Simon, the “satisficing” decision criterion is one of the most fundamental principles which describe human behaviors. Its mathematical representation i.e., a “satisficing” (decision) problem, is specified by Mesarovic as follows. “Find a decision alternative whose performance is equal to or greater than a given aspiration level for each uncertainty.” Of the results already published about such “satisficing” problems, Mesarovic and Takahara's existence theorem of ‘satisficing’ solutions is most important. However, it requires relatively tight assumptions. Hence, the objective of this paper is to generalize it, in order to enhance its applicability. This is fulfilled by the application of the Teichmüller and Tukey Lemma.
SKETCH FOR A DYNAMIC THEORY OF LANGUAGE
Authors: NICOLIS J.S.
Published: February 2008

One important issue that modern communication theory does not deal with is the physical substratum of information. We advance here the thesis that information is generated by the ever increasing complexity of a “self”‐organizing hierarchical system—which evolves via cascading bifurcations giving rise to broken symmetry. We call “Language” the process which reveals that information, namely the cognitive gadget which “compresses” the complexity generated by broken symmetry‐thereby providing “minimal length” algorithms for triggering an “internal representation” or the replication of the physical system involved. This compressibility has an obvious “survival value” since it allows the possessor of language to reduce and predict a rapidly changing environment. In characterizing language, like any open system far from equilibrium, the usual concept of free energy mediating a conflict between internal energy and entropy—is not only irrelevant but also wrong. The concepts of “complexity” and organization seem here more pertinent.
MIND, BRAIN, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Authors: ALEKSANDER I.
Published: February 2008

To a certain extent this paper is a reassessment of the above statement. The reassessment consists of a deeper specification of the type of problem which one encounters when trying to formalise not only the nature of a state structure associated with the brain, but also the origins of this state structure. The paper first defines in broad terms the nature of the Structure/Function problem, and then goes on to separate out those parts of a structure which lead to the variational and adaptive nature of the state structure. It argues that the relationship between the structure that leads to adaptation and its embedding in an external environment are crucial areas for further study.
USER‐COMPUTING SYSTEM INTERACTION IN A TIME‐SHARING NETWORK
Authors: SITHARAMA IYENGAR S. , O'NEILL PAUL , O'NEILL AVIS
Published: February 2008

The last decade has witnessed a growing concern among computer scientists to understand the complex interactions between humans and computer hardware. The work described in this paper is an experimental study of a user‐computer interaction on a time‐sharing computer terminal network over a period of 1 year. The user‐system interaction described in this paper refers to a university environment. The user‐system performance variables considered are arrival patterns of jobs, inter‐arrival time, connect time, cpu time and think time. The users of the systems are grouped into on‐ and off‐campus users; a two‐way analysis of variance without replications established that arrival volume depended upon the weekday but not upon the user group. The pattern of arrivals throughout one day required an empirical distribution. Coefficient of variation indicated hyper‐exponential distributions for inter‐arrival time, connect time and cpu time, but an exponential distribution for think time. Furthermore, the experimental research described in this paper supports the fact that a hypothesis to characterize the interaction between the user and the computing system can be developed for an efficient use of the system.
ALGORITHMS FOR FINDING CHOMSKY AND GREIBACH NORMAL FORMS FOR A FUZZY CONTEXT‐FREE GRAMMAR USING AN ALGEBRAIC APPROACH
Authors: LEE EDWARD T.
Published: February 2008

Algorithms for the construction of the Chomsky and Greibach normal forms for a fuzzy context‐free grammar using the algebraic approach are presented and illustrated by examples. The results obtained in this paper may have useful applications in fuzzy languages, pattern recognition, information storage and retrieval, artificial intelligence, database and pictorial information systems.
PLANNING AND FORECASTING WITH ROBUST DYNAMIC MODELS
Authors: NEGOITA CONSTANTIN V.
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with a defuzzification technique for dynamic models formulated with linguistic variables. The theorem of representation is applied in order to obtain a family of crisp models. This technique is particularly suitable for dynamic linear programming models, where the coefficients are fuzzy sets or fuzzy numbers.
A FIVE‐STAGE MODEL FOR DEVELOPING MANAGERS AND COUNTRIES: A SOCIAL SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: SMITH A.W. , KEFALAS A.G.
Published: February 2008

This paper attempts to present a general theory to explain evaluation and development of management practices in various social systems, organizations, cultures and countries. This theory proposes that there are five stages and levels of sophistication in management. It is also possible to link management‐level in an organization and the type of leadership that goes with it. At higher management levels, more systemic and strategic management is required, also as evidenced in recent international studies by Jaques. Management in developing countries can be enhanced by understanding these stages and levels advanced in international management and administration references.
CONVERSATION THEORY
Authors: OGBORN J.M. , JOHNSON L.
Published: February 2008

A conversation is the minimum architecture which Pask claims that an entity must have for it to be able to think and learn autonomously. An understanding of this architecture is developed through a consideration of the limitations of simple systems. Conversation Theory is shown to have three dimensions: It is a theory of cognition, a theory of experimentation and a heuristics for the design of experiments. These three dimensions are discussed in turn, suggesting several respects in which Conversation Theory may have value.
PHYSICAL RECORD CLUSTERING IN DATABASES
Authors: BELL DAVID A
Published: February 2008

The NP‐complete problem of optimally placing tuples on a hierarchy of secondary storage devices is considered using a heuristic approach. From load specification details captured at database design time, those tuples associated with queries which merit tailored, “set‐in‐concrete”, physical access paths are placed using a two‐level graph partitioning algorithm. Experiments are reported with the pages and cylinders as the two hierarchical levels of storage for a centralised database, but the technique is applicable to an n‐Ievel storage hierarchy—as up to the “different sites” level for distributed databases. The results show up to 39% improvement over single‐level partitioning algorithms for the database considered.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF CYBERNETICS TO THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Authors: CLIFFE MICHAEL J.
Published: February 2008

The interest of the pioneers of cybernetics in psychopathology is illustrated. Examples are given of the application of cybernetics to psychopathology, from Wiener onwards. It is argued that cybernetics raises the possibility of a laboratory science of psychopathology. The computer modelling of psychopathological processes is examined, as is the relevance of channel capacity. Some cybernetic approaches to psychosis are reviewed. It is argued that cybernetics provides potential alternative diagnostic methods, based not on static diagnostic entities but on process, and suggests science‐based treatment possibilities.
A MODEL OF DECISION‐MAKING IN A FUZZY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: PEDRYCZ WITOLD
Published: February 2008

The paper deals with a model of decision‐making given in a form of a fuzzy relational equation with relationships between imprecisely defined goals and constraints modelled by means of a fuzzy relation. The usefulness of the model and its novelty is clearly pointed out. Some basic problems concerned, e.g. with a construction of the relation of the model and ordering of goals and constraints with respect to their importance (viz. their influence on a fuzzy decision), are also discussed in a detailed manner.
THE SOCIOCYBERNETIC PARADOX: A SHORT INTRODUCTION
Authors: VAN DER ZOUWEN JOHANNES , GEYER FELIX
Published: February 2008

The rapidly increasing complexity of modern society has given rise to a host of societal crises and problems. Efforts to solve such problems have, more often than not, demonstrated the non‐governability of the social processes concerned: Inflation, the arms race, etc. Cybernetics and GST have recently claimed that they can contribute to the analysis and solution of large‐scale social problems—as demonstrated by the often ambitious themes of conferences in these fields. In the following, “social cybernetics” is the general term that will be used for applications of general systems theory and cybernetics to the analysis of social processes, problems and structures. One should, however, realize that these applications have, over the past decade, had a feedback effect on GST and cybernetics themselves, and have caused the emergence of what is now often called the new cybernetics. “Sociocybernetics” is the term that will be specifically reserved for the applications of this new cybernetics to the above mentioned analysis.
STEERING SOCIETIES?
Authors: MASUCH MICHAEL
Published: February 2008

A survey of political philosophy from Antiquity to present times, and of more recent efforts to create a thoroughly planned society, leads to the conclusion that history does not give an unambiguous answer to the question whether or not macro‐social planning is possible. From an analytical rather than a historical viewpoint, the concept of planning turns out to be ill‐defined and to have many implicit surplus‐meanings that are supposed to distinguish it from similar decision‐related activities, but do not really do so. The planning paradox is inescapable: Perfect planning implies perfect prediction, which in turn implies a deterministic universe that leaves no room for planning. While the cost‐benefit ratio of planning efforts increases during periods of rapid social change, for reasons that are explained, the author nevertheless concludes that a tenacious pro‐steering bias exists as a result of human cognitive dispositions towards balanced thinking, linear thinking, asymmetric attribution of success and satisficing.
THE THIRD POSITION—BEYOND ARTIFICIAL AND AUTOPOIETIC REDUCTION
Authors: BRÅTEN STEIN
Published: February 2008

The meaning of cybernetics of sociocultural systems is discussed in terms of two rival traditions. Both are reductionistic with respect to cognitive interaction: One seeks a reduction to (A) the Artificial Gestalt of symbolic representations; the other to (B) the Biological Gestalt of cellular reproduction. Cultural Gestalt‐switches and other irreducible properties, such as intersubjectivity and capacity for consciousness, call for a third position in terms of (D) Dialogue and Dualities, which comprises and transcends the complementarity of (A) and (B). Conditions are indicated for shifts between modes conforming to both, and for the prevalence and resolution of model monopoly. Examples are given from small group studies and socioeconomic planning in Norway.
PREPROCESSING AND SOCIETAL CONTROL: NEGLECTED COMPONENT OF SOCIOCYBERNETICS
Authors: BENIGER JAMES R. , NASS CLIFFORD I.
Published: February 2008

Recent doubts about whether social systems can be controlled in a cybernetic sense depend upon a view of cybernetics that overemphasizes communication, information processing and feedback at the expense of what computer scientists call preprocessing: the conscious selection and structuring of information to facilitate its processing. Much as rationalization was a complement to bureaucratic control in Max Weber's time, the preprocessing of information, prior to its processing by computer, serves societal control today. Indeed, phenomena like rationalization and symbolization can be viewed as forms of preprocessing; they facilitate the crucial control function of self‐referencing. US census data show a monotonic increase in the percentage of the work force engaged in preprocessing relative to the other informational activities: synthesizing, programming and processing.
SIMPLE MODELS, CATASTROPHES AND CYCLES
Authors: CASTI J.L.
Published: February 2008

It is often observed in practice that the essential behavior of mathematical models involving many variables can be captured by a much smaller model involving only a few variables. Further, the simpler model very often displays oscillatory behavior of some sort, especially when critical problem parameters are varied in certain ranges. This paper attempts to supply arguments from the theory of dynamical systems for why oscillatory behavior is so frequently observed and to show how such behavior emerges as a natural consequence of focusing attention upon so‐called “essential” variables in the process of model simplification. The relationship of model simplification and oscillatory behavior is shown to be inextricably intertwined with the problems of bifurcation and catastrophe in that the oscillations emerge when critical system parameters, i.e. those retained in the simple model, pass through critical regions. The importance of the simplification, oscillation and bifurcation pattern is demonstrated here by consideration of several examples from the environmental, economic and urban areas.
FUZZY REASONING UNDER NEW COMPOSITIONAL RULES OF INFERENCE
Authors: MIZUMOTO MASAHARU
Published: February 2008

This paper indicates that most of fuzzy translating rules for a fuzzy conditional proposition “If x is A then y is B” with A and B being fuzzy concepts can lead to very reasonable consequences which fit our intuition with respect to several criteria such as modus ponens and modus tollens. Moreover, it is shown that a syllogism holds for most of the methods under the new compositions, though they do not always satisfy the syllogism under the max‐min composition.
AN AETIOPATHOGENETIC HYPOTHESIS OF CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF TINNITUS
Authors: DACQUINO G.F. , MÜLLER A.E. , PISSARELLO M.
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with a new hypothesis concerning the genesis of tinnitus. This disease has been investigated by many researchers but its origin and mechanisms involved are still unknown. This can be mainly due to the way the problem has been always faced by not considering the system as a whole, but instead by searching for specific system components and specific causes. The new way of dealing with the problem consists in taking into account the complete auditory system and to assume that tinnitus is due to an instability of a feedback loop in the system. A mathematical model has been built in order to justify this assumption and some interesting conclusions are drawn about tinnitus therapy.
APPROXIMATION OF TANDEM QUEUES VIA ISOMORPHS
Authors: GHOSAL A. , SHIMSHAK D.G. , GUJARIA S.C.
Published: February 2008

It is analytically difficult to derive the probability distribution function of waiting (or delay) time at the second or third queue in series of tandem queues. This paper presents a method by which approximation is done through a quasi‐isomorphic system which resembles the second queue in respect of one output, viz delay time. Through extensive simulation experiments these isomorphs have been derived. The procedure of getting a simple system to represent a part of a complex system is practised in cybernetics; this approach appears to have potentiality in studying intractable problems in communications and industrial management.
ON THE MECHANISMS OF INFORMATION TRANSFER IN ISOTOPIC BIOLOGY
Authors: BEREZIN ALEXANDER A.
Published: February 2008

A regular crystal structure in which the lattice sites are occupied by the various isotopes of the same chemical element has enormous potential for the storage of information. Based on this idea, a model of an alternative genetic code is discussed in which elementary codons are represented by the various spatial combinations of different isotopes. In crystals with relatively large unit cell (e.g. boron) a single unit cell may play a role of an elementary isotopic codon. Some mechanisms of information transfer in such “isotopic biology” may involve localized electronic and vibrational states as well as isotopic variations of the diffusivity. Some possibilities of experimental testing of the proposed hypothesis are indicated.
ALGEBRAIC COMPUTATION AND THE DECOMPOSITION METHOD
Authors: ADOMIAN G. , RACH R.
Published: February 2008

The decomposition method of Adomian, which was developed to solve nonlinear stochastic differential equations, has recently been generalized in a number of directions and is now applicable to wide classes of linear and nonlinear, deterministic and stochastic differential, partial differential, and differential delay equations as well as algebraic equations of all types including polynomial equations, matrix equations, equations with negative or nonintegral powers, and random algebraic equations. This paper will demonstrate applicability to transcendental equations as well. The decomposition method basically considers operator equations of the form Fu = g where g may be a number, a function, or even a stochastic process. F is an operator which in general is nonlinear. (If it involves stochastic processes as well, we use a script letter F). The operator F may be a differential or algebraic operator. In this paper we will concentrate on the latter. The authors have thus developed a useful system for realistic solutions of real‐world problems.
A STUDY OF INFORMATIONAL LOAD AND TASK DIFFICULTY
Authors: RAOUF ABDUL , JOSEPH T.K.
Published: February 2008

This paper reports the findings of an experimental study in which the effect of informational load, direction of move and task difficulty on performance time were investigated. A mathematical model based on the empirical findings is presented.
A COMPARISON OF A NEW MEASURE OF LOGICAL COMPLEXITY OF PROGRAMS WITH THE HALSTEAD AND McCABE METHODS
Authors: SITHARAMA IYENGAR S. , FULLER JOHN , AMBARDAR SIDARTH , PARAMESWARAN N.
Published: February 2008

A comparison of the Halstead and McCabe methods of measuring program complexity with a recently proposed metric, which is based on the analysis of dependency computations using a data flowgraph model, is presented. The sensitivity of the metric to changes in the data structure is discussed. Comments and criticisms of the measures are included.
AN INTERACTIVE FUZZY SATISFICING METHOD USING CONSTRAINT PROBLEMS AND ITS APPLICATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING
Authors: SAKAWA MASATOSHI , YANO HITOSHI
Published: February 2008

This paper presents an interactive fuzzy satisfying method by assuming that the decision maker (DM) has fuzzy goals for each of the objective functions in multiobjective nonlinear programming problems. The fuzzy goals of the DM are quantified by eliciting the corresponding membership functions through the interaction with the DM. After determining the membership functions for each of the objective functions, in order to generate a candidate for the satisficing solution which is also a Pareto optimal, the DM selects an appropriate standing membership function and specifies his/her aspiration levels of achievement of the other membership functions, called constraint membership values. For the DM's constraint membership values, the corresponding constraint problem is solved and the DM is supplied with the Pareto optima] solution together with the trade‐off rates between a standing membership function and each of the other membership functions. Then by considering the current values of the membership functions as well as the trade‐off rates, the DM acts on this solution by updating his/her constraint membership values. In this way, the satisficing solution for the DM can be derived efficiently from among a Pareto optimal solution set by updating his/her constraint membership values. On the basis of the proposed method, a time‐sharing computer program is written and an application to regional planning is demonstrated along with the corresponding computer outputs.
SEQUENCING CONTROL OF PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL PROCESSES
Authors: WAJS W.
Published: February 2008

The paper deals with a problem of control of a mixed, discrete‐continuous dynamic process. The set of input data for such a process is finite. Control of such a process is very difficult due to the non‐polynomial computational complexity of the used algorithm. The paper suggests a formulation of the optimization problem as well as a method for its solution. The described method is applied to an industrial process, and particularly to the system conditioned by time for which the set of control operations changes according to the realization of the production process.
NEWS IDEAS FOR SOLVING OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS RELATED TO OPTIMAL THERAPEUTICS
Authors: CHERRUAULT Y. , PROST J.F.
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with mathematical and numerical methods for defining optimal therapeutics associated with drugs action models. To obtain the optimal control corresponding to some criteria analytical and numerical methods are proposed. An original optimization technique giving the global optimum will be described and used. It is based on a space filling curve idea. A new variant of the dynamic programming method is also proposed, this leads to a simple optimization problem.
THINKING AND FEELING IN THE NUCLEAR AGE
Authors: NEVITT BARRINGTON
Published: February 2008

What is new about the Nuclear Age is the total incompatibility of current thinking with the increasing scope and accelerating speed of electronic technology. Hitherto sequent events now approach simultaneity, as the new nuclear embrace merges friend with foe. Once dominant concepts and ground rules yield to new percepts and process patterns by electric speedup. But the cause of the problem also provides means for its solution, by learning to use all our faculties with their technological extensions not merely as specialists, but with comprehensive awareness as human beings.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF FUZZY LINEAR PROGRAMS: AN APPROACH TO PARAMETRIC INTERDEPENDENCE
Authors: Östermark Ralf
Published: February 2008

The study focuses on the problem of parametric interdependence in fuzzy linear programs. The relevance of the research issue stems from the fact that in real world problems, the mathematically best parameter combination with nonexistent interdependence is not necessarily feasible under more restricting conditions. One way to control the parameter combinations entering the LP is to assume some mathematical relations between the fuzzy numbers of the model. The study suggests one approach for extracting combinations of parameters in the fuzzy LP while explicitly recognizing their interdependence (the position vector method). With a strictly convex or concave membership function uniqueness of parameter combinations is secured.
TWO DIMENSIONAL GRAMMARS FOR GENERATING SQUARES AND RHOMBUSES
Authors: LEE EDWARD T. , CHU P.
Published: February 2008

A two‐dimensional grammar for generating 45 degree right‐angled triangles in a plane consisting of unit squares was presented by Kirsch. In this note, two dimensional grammars for generating squares and rhombus are presented.
SOME FUNDAMENTAL RESULTS ABOUT HARMONIC SYSTEMS
Authors: MA YONGHAO , LIN YI
Published: February 2008

The concept of harmonic systems is introduced from a standpoint of a model of general systems. Systems might be compatible in some respects and incompatible in others; this depends on the purpose for which the systems are introduced as well as the environmental factors. Two fundamental principles are given in different optimal situations with respect to a given environment. Some tests of applications are discussed. Moreover, one kind of an invariant harmonic systems principle is proved.
THE MANAGERIAL VIEWPOINT IN INTERACTIVE PROGRAMMING WITH MULTIPLE OBJECTIVES
Authors: KASANEN E. , ÖSTERMARK R.
Published: February 2008

An interactive multiple criteria method for managerial decision support is presented. The approach used is aimed at meeting some of the key requirements placed on multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) tools by a “soft” systems view on managerial reality. This is based on two concepts: similarity of aspirations and the graphical conflict zones, and solves some of the reported difficulties in directional search methods.
A General Approach for Complex Systems
Authors: Adomian G.
Published: February 2008

A new unique methodology for accurate and realistic solution of dynamical systems is presented which does not require linearisation and restrictive “smallness” assumptions. It has distinct advantages over perturbative or hierarchy methods and the commonly employed methods of numerical analysis. Applicability has been shown in various publications to a very wide class of equations arising in the modelling of a complex system even where stochastic parameters are involved.
Convergence of Adomian's Method
Authors: Cherruault Yves
Published: February 2008

Adomian has developed a numerical technique using special kinds of polynomials for solving non‐linear functional equations. General conditions and a new formulation are proposed for proving the convergence of Adomian's method for the numerical resolution of non‐linear functional equations depending on one or several variables. The methods proposed are applicable to a very wide class of problems.
A VLSI Systolic Implementation of a String Pattern Matcher — Part I
Authors: Evans D.J. , Ghanemi S.
Published: February 2008

In Part I of this article, surveys of the architectural concepts involved in designing special‐purpose VLSI computing structures are given. This leads to a discussion of systolic array, wavefront array, WARP and CHiP architectures and their applications. The INMOS transputer chip design and the parallel language OCCAM are introduced. The authors believe that together they form a modular hardware/software component of the type which is essential in the construction of highly parallel computer systems. (Part II of this article will consider the soft simulation of systolic algorithms via OCCAM and the systolisaion of the pattern matching problem).
A VLSI Systolic Implementation of a String Pattern Matcher — Part II
Authors: Evans D.J. , Ghanemi S.
Published: February 2008

In Part I surveys of the architectural concepts involved in designing special purpose VLSI computing structures and systolic array, WARP and CHIP architectures and their applications were discussed. The INMOS transputer chip and the parallel language OCCAM were also introduced. In Part II the soft simulation of systolic algorithms via OCCAM programs is considered with particular reference to their constraints and classification. Finally, the systolisation of the pattern matching problem is discussed together with various soft systolic string matcher chip designs and their simulation.
Communications
Authors: Nicolau Edmond , Murgan A.T. , Pascadi M.A. , Pascadi M.V.
Published: February 2008

This communication highlights the study of the properties of a general second‐order nonlinear multistable system. Particular attention is directed to fixed points analysis and phase portrait representation. Some examples and computer simulations are also included.