bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ethics of human systems
Authors: Smothers Norman P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractC. West Churchman in ‘Churchman's Conversations’ in Systems Research journal defines systems research as ‘research into the ethics of human systems’ [2]. The methodological research problem with ethical or human systems questions is that there is no commonly agreed criterion of ultimate validity. Systems researchers who wish to abide by C. West Churchman's exhortations to investigate the ethics of our human systems will undoubtedly meet with resistance to their ideas from the scientific community on methodological grounds. To those researchers, this discussion of Michael Polanyi's arguments and observations may be relevant in putting such criticisms in a larger perspective. As an example, the dialectical tension between two ethical principles (tolerance and doubt) is argued to be a historical and philosophical foundation of the system of science. The case study of science is used to illustrate that unprovable ethics permeate even our most rationalized human systems. Paradoxically the study of ethics is somewhat beyond the range of science. Hence, a model for systems research into the ethics of human systems is proposed based on work by Joseph Campbell.
The prolog language: Artificial intelligence applications, relevance to the systems community, and a review of seven texts, by James L. Snell, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, U.S.A.
Authors: Snell James L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractProlog is a relatively new computer programming language, developed for Artificial Intelligence, that provides automatic inference from given facts and rules. Prolog is of interest to the Systems community, since it is suited to modeling complex qualitative relationships involving uncertainty, continual change, and self‐modification. This article includes a description of Prolog, some of its present applications, its relevance to Systems research, a brief tutorial, and comparative reviews of seven books on the language.
A systems approach to culture
Authors: Cohen Bernice 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a short overview of my research project on systems thinking in culture studies. The paper objective is to discuss the findings in terms of established systems concepts to illustrate the pivotal role of systems concepts in the notion of ‘culture as system’. A global systems philosophy was the overriding criterion adopted for the research. This involved a complementary recourse to systems analysis and cybernetic ideas set within a holistic framework. The invariant features that are known to characterize complex open systems were also considered as contributory to a fuller understanding of culture as a system.
The self‐referential conceptual system: Towards an operational definition of subjectivity
Authors: Katakis Charis 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe operational definition of the proposed concept which was called the Self‐Referential Conceptual System (SRCS) aims at contributing to the search for unifying key concepts on the basis of which the functioning and malfunctioning of purposeful, self‐regulated biopsychosocial living systems can be described.The concept is based on the notion of self‐reference, a central idea in the context of cognitive science. It describes the way a particular individual, family or any other social group perceives itself in relation to its environment and its total life situation. It is argued that these subjective and emotionally loaded conceptions determine, to a large degree, choices, actions and interactions and are therefore directly connected to the degree of functioning and malfunctioning of particular living systems (individuals, families and other social groups).A particular entity's SRCS is viewed as a constellation of symbolic representations which are hierarchically‐ordered conceptual categories and metacategories expressing the subjective evaluation of its self‐defined identity and purpose (who am I, where am I going and why). The model described consists of two hierarchies. One which is formed by the hierarchically‐ordered conceptual categories and metacategories and the other of the corresponding hierarchically‐ordered concrete living systems.
System gradients and a reassessment of ‘system’
Authors: Cohen Bernice 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a brief account of my research on systems that followed from my research findings on a systems‐based framework for human culture. By applying systems thinking to culture I had to reassess my perception of ‘system’, a topic that is discussed here as it may interest readers of Systems Research. The paper objective is to consider the unifying potential of systems science for the unity of the fragmented human sciences and as a unifying principle that spans a broad range of natural, human and chaotic phenomena. It is well known that the term ‘system’ spans a vast range of unrelated entities; the concept of two systems gradients, which arises from the meta‐classificatory nature of systems, forms a theoretical framework to explore the possible links between various classes of systems. The gradients move away from rigid divisions of systems along static lines to form one theoretical construct that reflects the dynamics of continuous process change and evolution according to the Big Bang origin of the Universe.
Expectation and strategy in a nonlinear world
Authors: Dyke C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe ‘new sciences of complexity’, as they approach maturity, afford promising resources for policy and decision making. They also demand changes in the way we approach prediction and control. I spell out some of the consequences through a contrast of potential new conceptualizations with well entrenched ‘classical’ conceptions from Popper and Sociocybernetics.
The defense acquisition system: A meta‐organizational analysis
Authors: Burgess Gregg M. , Clark Thomas D. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA meta‐organizational system is one made up of several independent organizations working toward a common set of objectives. The independent organizations may have competing interests in the pursuit of the common goals. Such systems are becoming more evident as industry and government become closer, organizations enter into cooperative agreements and in the internationalization of business. The research presented in this paper illustrates a method for the study of such systems using a recursive causal modeling approach. The example system is the one employed by the United States to acquire its weapons. Conclusions about the nature and behavior of that system are employed to develop propositions about the characteristics of such structures and research into them.
Correspondence: Speculation on the relationship between organizational structure, entropy, and organizational function
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Breiner Jonathan , Darcy Troy , Mcfarland Michael , Oates Michael 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMeasures of entropy and efficiency were calculated for four simple organizational structures. Based on these results, it was speculated that organizational configuration can play a role in organizational function since information flow and the concomitant order and disorder are affected.
The missing dimension of specialization
Authors: Hildum Donald C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper suggests that the contrast between specialization and socialization may oversimplify the operation of social systems. It proposes instead a three‐factor developmental model in which socialization remains as the second stage (identity), and specialization is split into two, status (the first stage) and diversity (the third stage). One feature of such a model is that the diversity relation implies greater system‐consciousness than does the status relation.
Language and the intuition of meaning
Authors: Badalamenti Anthony F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractProposed concepts on the nature language and the intuition of meaning are presented here using existential and mathematical primitives. Topologically exact results are given for the structure of human memory, for the inner nature of a meaning, and for some of the psychic principles which give rise to language. These results follow from a linguistic model which so defines a verb that all other linguistic elements become special cases of it. Both the topological and clinical results on the emergence of language and the perception of meaning support this position. Some results are also given on the structure and formation of non‐verbal meaning.
Fundamental Mathematical Model for AOD Process. Part I: Derivation of the Model
Authors: Järvinen Mika P. , Pisilä Sauli , Kärnä Aki , Ikäheimonen Topi , Kupari Pentti , Fabritius Timo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a new simulation model for the AOD process that takes the local variations into account but is still computationally efficient. The new idea here was to model AOD reactor as a combination of a plug flow reactor for the plume zone and a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the bath and surface slag. This approach adopted has many advantages compared with the previous models. At first, it offers an effective method for considering the locally varying conditions as the gas bubbles rise in the plume. The model can be built computationally very effective compared to CFD due to significantly smaller amount of variables. The validation of the model is also easier as it has features that can be experimentally determined. The model is based on the simultaneous solution of conservation equations of mass, species and energy in all the vertical cells of the plug flow reactor, and a single volume in bath and surface slag. A novel method was developed and used for solving the rates in a mass transfer controlled multi‐component reaction system. In this Part I of this paper, the model is presented and its features discussed by few illustrative examples. In the following Part II, the model is broadly validated with new full scale industrial AOD process measurements for carbon release rate, melt composition, slag composition and bath temperature rise during final stages of carbon removal.
Resistance of Trip 800 Steels in a Sour Environment Containing H2S
Authors: Sojka J. , Vodárek V. , Váňová P. , Schindler I. , Kander L. , Wenglorzová A. , Filuš F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe have evaluated the resistance of two samples of TRIP 800 steel prepared under laboratory conditions at the Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (FMME) VŠB (Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic) in a sour environment containing H2S. The first steel investigated had a C–Mn–Si composition, and the second steel had a C–Mn–Si–Al composition. Both TRIP steels were characterized using the yield strength in the range 420 to 450 MPa and tensile strength in the range 880 to 900 MPa. The TRIP steel samples were in the form of sheets with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The residual austenite content was 11% and 13%, respectively, in the two steels studied. The resistance to hydrogen embrittlement was evaluated in a sour environment that contained hydrogen sulphide using hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC) and sulphide stress cracking (SSC) tests performed in accordance with NACE standards. Both TRIP 800 steels showed a high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, and no SSC cracks were observed. Some cracking arising from HIC was observed in both steels. The measured parameters showed some variation; in some cases they were lower than recommended limits, but in other cases the measured parameters were higher (e.g., the crack length ratio was up to 70%). The cracks initiated preferentially at non‐metallic inclusions, either at elongated manganese sulphide particles, or at oxide stringers that were rich in Al.
“Die Raupe” – eine bewegliche Brückenkonstruktion
Authors: Kleiser Michael , Foller Gerald , Pommer Herbert 
Published: January 2011

AbstractFür einen Brückenwettbewerb in Wien wurde ein Konzept einer beweglichen Brücke in Form eines Fischbauchträgers entwickelt, das neben seiner strengen Funktionalität und der materiellen Effizienz über einen innovativen Hebemechanismus verfügt. Die Idee des Hebevorgangs basiert auf einer Verkürzung des Trägeruntergurts durch Seile und zwei zwischengeschalteten hydraulischen Zylindern. Die Anhebung der Brücke zur Freihaltung des geforderten Lichtraumprofils erfolgt asymmetrisch, was ein raupenähnliches Verkrümmen zur Folge hat. Des Weiteren wurde die Deckplatte dahingehend optimiert, dass unter Verwendung hochfester Stähle die große Verformung über das elastische Werkstoffverhalten aufgenommen und so auf wartungsintensive Gelenke verzichtet werden kann. Durch das gewählte statische System mit dem applizierten Hebemechanismus kann die Einleitung großer Horizontalkräfte in den Boden vermieden und dadurch die Kosten deutlich gesenkt werden. Das Konzept wurde für eine Spannweite von ca. 60 m entwickelt, kann jedoch auch für andere Spannweiten adaptiert und so vielerorts eingesetzt werden.“The Caterpillar” – A moving bridge structure. For a design competition for a bridge in Vienna, a concept for a moving bridge in the form of a lenticular girder was developed which, in addition to its strict functionality and material efficiency, features an innovative lifting mechanism. The lifting principle is based on shortening the lower chord of the girder with the help of cables and two intermediate hydraulic cylinders. In order to create the required clearance profile, the bridge is lifted asymmetrically, which results in a deformation of the shape which is reminiscent of a caterpillar. In addition, the upper deck was designed using hightensile steel so that the considerable deformation could be absorbed by the elasticity of the material, which means that maintenance‐intensive hinges could be omitted. This structural system with its lifting mechanism makes it possible to significantly lower costs as there are no large horizontal forces to be transferred to the ground. The concept was developed for a span of approx. 60 m but can also be adapted to spans of different sizes and is therefore suitable for many situations.
Ertüchtigung der genieteten Stahlbrücken am Beispiel von zwei Straßenbrücken über den Fluss Marosch in Rumänien
Authors: Petzek Edward , Băncilă Radu 
Published: January 2011

AbstractGenietete Stahlbrücken sind heute beinahe nur noch als Eisenbahnbrücken im Einsatz. Es gibt eine relativ geringe Anzahl an genieteten Straßenbrücken, die auf Nebenstraßen in Betrieb sind. Sie sind i. A. in schlechtem technischem Zustand. Dieser Aufsatz ist ein Plädoyer für die Ertüchtigung und Erhaltung dieser Bauwerke als Zeugen einer vergangenen technischen Kultur und Beispiel für eine ansehnliche Stahlkonstruktion. Es werden zwei Fallstudien präsentiert: eine Fachwerkbrücke mit vier Spannweiten von 40 m und ein Fachwerkgerberträger mit einer Gesamtlänge von L = 185,4 m.Maintenance of riveted steel bridges exemplary shown with two highway bridges across the river Marosch in Romania. Riveted steel structures are in present mainly railway bridges. There is a small number of existing highway bridges, generally in bad technical condition. The paper is a speech for the maintenance of these structures as technical monuments and witnesses of the past. Two case studies are presented: a truss girder bridge with fore spans of 40 m and a cantilever truss girder bridge with a total length of 185.4 m.
Neubau der Langen Brücke in Potsdam
Authors: Klähne Thomas , Einhäuser Oliver , Ripke Henry , Löser‐Fimmel Ramona 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIm vorliegenden Beitrag wird über den Entwurf und die Bauausführung des Neubaus der Langen Brücke in Potsdam berichtet. Im Zuge der verkehrlichen Neugestaltung der Potsdamer Mitte im Zusammenhang mit dem Wiederaufbau des Stadtschlosses wurde dieser Brückenzug in Form zweier sprengwerkartiger Rahmentragwerke als Siegerentwurf eines Wettbewerbes entworfen. Im Ergebnis einer sehr konstruktiven und sympathischen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Ingenieur und Architekt weist der Entwurf ein symbiotisches Gleichgewicht auf zwischen einer technisch innovativen Lösung als integrales Bauwerk mit großer Schlankheit und seiner formalen Ausdrucksweise, die modern ist und zugleich den historischen Bezug herstellt.New building of the Lange Brücke in Potsdam, Germany. The following article describes the construction and conceptual design of the newly built Lange Brücke in Potsdam. The design, which consists of two strutted frame bridges, won first prize in the architecture competition attached to the remodelling of the traffic routing in central Potsdam together with the reconstruction of the Potsdam City Palace. A happy outcome of a constructive and congenial collaboration between engineer and architect, the design succeeds in establishing a symbiotic balance between a technically innovative solution, marked by an exceedingly slender, integral‐type bridge, with a formal mode of expression that, although modern, retains a historical sensitivity.
Die neue Ruhrbrücke in Wetter – Eine Stahlverbundbrücke mit luftdicht verschweißten Kästen
Authors: Hagedorn Stefan , Neumann Winfried , Schmitz Christoph , Siebers Karl‐Josef , Weyer Ulrich 
Published: January 2011

AbstractVon Mai 2008 bis Dezember 2010 wurde in Wetter eine neue Ruhrbrücke gebaut. Die exponierte Lage des Bauwerkes im Ruhrtal mit der Nähe zur Stadt Wetter begründete entsprechende Ansprüche an eine ausgewogene Gestaltung. Im Rahmen der Vorplanung wurden unter Beteiligung eines Architekturbüros zunächst umfangreiche Studien zur Auswahl eines geeigneten Brückensystems entwickelt. Der weiteren Planung und der Bauausführung zugrunde gelegt wurde eine etwa 361 m lange Deckbrücke in Stahlverbundbauweise mit luftdicht verschweißten Stahlkästen, mit einer maximalen Stützweite von fast 84 m und einer etwa 9 m hohen Voute über dem Pfeiler am Ruhrufer. Die Voute wurde durch Druckstreben aufgelöst und die Konstruktion dadurch gegliedert. Im Bereich der durch eine senkrechte Strukturschalung gestalteten Pfeiler wurde der Brückenüberbau parallelgurtig ausgebildet.The new Ruhr Bridge in Wetter, Germany – An air‐proof welded steel box girders. From May 2008 to December 2010 a new bridge over the Ruhr River was built in Wetter in Germany. The exposed location of the bridge over the Ruhr valley close to the city of Wetter requires a deliberate designed structure. Within the preliminary plannings, comprehensive studies about reasonable bridge construction systems were carried out, supported by an architecture office. Planned and realised has been a 361 m long bridge with air‐proof welded steel box girders and a concrete deck. The maximum span is nearly 84 m and the inclined haunch above the pier is about 9 m high. The inclined haunch has been formed with two diagonal struts to dissolve the construction. In the area of the vertical structured piers outside the Ruhr the bridge superstructure has been constructed with parallel chords.
Using a computerized concept mapping program to assess preservice teachers' thinking about effective teaching
Authors: Beyerbach Barbara A. , Smith Joyce M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractConcept mapping with Learning Tool, a computerized mapping program, was used to assess changes in the content and organization of 17 preservice teachers' concept maps for the topic of effective teaching. Preservice teachers in their senior year of an early childhood teacher education program constructed and revised concept maps with a partner. They entered reflections on each mapping experience into their reflective journals, developing implications for teaching. Analysis of the concept maps revealed that these students had a primary concern with classroom management throughout the year, linking diverse information to that concept. They evidenced detailed and diverse understandings under the labels of knowledge and organization. Professionalism was a common item, though it was less well developed. Their reflective journals indicated that these students moved from describing emotional reactions to using the computer program as a basis for reflection on the teaching/learning process. This study illustrates how concept mapping can be useful in describing students' evolving constructions of knowledge in a particular subject area, and in promoting reflection.
The concept map as a research tool: Exploring conceptual change in biology
Authors: Wallace Josephine D. , Mintzes Joel J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study examined the concurrent validity of concept maps as vehicles for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology. Students (N = 91) who enrolled in an elementary science methods course were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Subjects in both groups were administered a multiple‐choice/free‐response inventory which assayed their knowledge of “Life Zones in the Ocean,” and then were asked to construct a concept map on the same topic. Those in the experimental group subsequently received 45 minutes of computer‐assisted instruction on marine life zones, while those in the control (“placebo”) group received an equivalent exposure to an unrelated topic (“Body Defenses”). Upon completing the instructional sequence, subjects were again administered the “Life Zones” inventory and asked to develop a postinstruction concept map on marine life zones. The data analysis employed a split plot factorial design with repeated measures. Differences among treatment groups were documented by analysis of variance and chi‐square procedures. Subjects in the experimental group showed evidence of significant and substantial changes in the complexity and prepositional structure of the knowledge base, as revealed in concept maps. No such changes were found in the control group. Results suggest that concept mapping offers a valid and potentially useful technique for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology.
Prenatal evaluation of the position of the fetal conus medullaris
Authors: Hoopmann M. , Abele H. , Yazdi B. , Schuhmann M. U. , Kagan K. O. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the position of the fetal conus medullaris during pregnancy in relation to the last vertebral body and to examine its use in detecting skin‐covered spinal dysraphism.MethodsThis was a retrospective study involving 300 consecutive ultrasound examinations between 15 weeks of gestation and term. Two operators independently assessed images of the spine to determine whether the conus medullaris and the last vertebral body could be visualized in a single image in a midsagittal plane. The distance between these two landmarks (the conus distance) was measured twice by both operators who were not aware of any previous measurements. Intra‐ and interobserver variability was assessed by 95% limits of agreement. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relevant contributors to the conus distance and a normal range was computed based on the best‐fit model. The normal results were compared with five cases of prenatally detected skin‐covered spinal dysraphism.ResultsIn 84.7% of the 300 cases, both operators were able to visualize the conus medullaris and the last vertebral body. Ninety‐five percent limits of agreement for the intraobserver variability in measurement of conus distance were ± 1.9 mm. For the interobserver variability, they were − 3.7 and 2.5 mm. We found a linear relationship between conus distance and gestational age, biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference. The strongest relationship was observed for femur length (conusdistance = − 8.2 + femur length (mm)). In the five abnormal cases, conus distance was well below the 5th percentile.ConclusionsDetermination of conus distance allows for an objective and feasible assessment of the conus medullaris position. This parameter promises to be useful in the prenatal detection of skin‐covered spinal dysraphism. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.