What Are Cybernetics and Systems Science?
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Existing Cybernetics Foundations - B
SYSTEMS SCIENCE AND CYBERNETICS – Vol. III - Existing Cybernetics Foundations - B. M. Vladimirski EXISTING CYBERNETICS FOUNDATIONS B. M. Vladimirski Rostov State University, Russia Keywords: Cybernetics, system, control, black box, entropy, information theory, mathematical modeling, feedback, homeostasis, hierarchy. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Organization 2.1 Systems and Complexity 2.2 Organizability 2.3 Black Box 3. Modeling 4. Information 4.1 Notion of Information 4.2 Generalized Communication System 4.3 Information Theory 4.4 Principle of Necessary Variety 5. Control 5.1 Essence of Control 5.2 Structure and Functions of a Control System 5.3 Feedback and Homeostasis 6. Conclusions Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary Cybernetics is a science that studies systems of any nature that are capable of perceiving, storing, and processing information, as well as of using it for control and regulation. UNESCO – EOLSS The second title of the Norbert Wiener’s book “Cybernetics” reads “Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine”. However, it is not recognition of the external similaritySAMPLE between the functions of animalsCHAPTERS and machines that Norbert Wiener is credited with. That had been done well before and can be traced back to La Mettrie and Descartes. Nor is it his contribution that he introduced the notion of feedback; that has been known since the times of the creation of the first irrigation systems in ancient Babylon. His distinctive contribution lies in demonstrating that both animals and machines can be combined into a new, wider class of objects which is characterized by the presence of control systems; furthermore, living organisms, including humans and machines, can be talked about in the same language that is suitable for a description of any teleological (goal-directed) systems. -
Living Systems Theory (Under Construction)
Calhoun: The NPS Institutional Archive Faculty and Researcher Publications Faculty and Researcher Publications 2008-06-30 Living Systems Theory (under construction) Bradley, Gordon http://hdl.handle.net/10945/38246 Living Systems Theory (under construction) Agranoff, B. W. (2003). Obituaries: James Grier Miller. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from University of Michigan: The University Record Online: http://www.ur.umich.edu/0203/Feb03_03/obits.shtml Bertalanffy, Ludwig von. (1968). General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. New York: George Braziller. Crawford, Raymond R. (1981). An Application of Living Systems Theory to Combat Models. Master’s Thesis. Monterey, CA: Naval Postgraduate School. http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA101103 Duncan, Daniel M. (1972). James G. Miller's Living Systems Theory: Issues for Management Thought and Practice. The Academy of Management Journal, 15:4, 513-523. http://www.jstor.org/stable/255145?seq=1 Kuhn, Alfred. (1979). Differences vs. Similarities in Living Systems. Contemporary Sociology, 8:5, 691- 696. http://www.jstor.org/sici?sici=0094- 3061(197909)8%3A5%3C691%3ADVSILS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-4 Miller, James Grier. (1979). Response to the Reviewers of Living Systems. Contemporary Sociology, 8:5, 705-715. http://www.jstor.org/sici?sici=0094- 3061(197909)8%3A5%3C705%3ARTTROL%3E2.0.CO%3B2-8 Miller, James Grier. (1995). Living Systems. Niwot: University of Colorado. (out of print) Oliva, Terence A. and R. Eric Reidenbach. (1981). General Living Systems Theory and Marketing: A Framework for Analysis. Journal of Marketing, 45:4, 30-37. http://www.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022- 2429(198123)45%3A4%3C30%3AGLSTAM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-R Parent, Elaine. -
Introduction to Cybernetics and the Design of Systems
Introduction to Cybernetics and the Design of Systems © Hugh Dubberly & Paul Pangaro 2004 Cybernetics named From Greek ‘kubernetes’ — same root as ‘steering’ — becomes ‘governor’ in Latin Steering wind or tide course set Steering wind or tide course set Steering wind or tide course set Steering wind or tide course set correction of error Steering wind or tide course set correction of error Steering wind or tide course set correction of error correction of error Steering wind or tide course set correction of error correction of error Steering wind or tide course set correction of error correction of error Cybernetics named From Greek ‘kubernetes’ — same root as ‘steering’ — becomes ‘governor’ in Latin Cybernetic point-of-view - system has goal - system acts, aims toward the goal - environment affects aim - information returns to system — ‘feedback’ - system measures difference between state and goal — detects ‘error’ - system corrects action to aim toward goal - repeat Steering as a feedback loop compares heading with goal of reaching port adjusts rudder to correct heading ship’s heading Steering as a feedback loop detection of error compares heading with goal of reaching port adjusts rudder feedback to correct heading correction of error ship’s heading Automation of feedback thermostat heater temperature of room air Automation of feedback thermostat compares to setpoint and, if below, activates measured by heater raises temperature of room air The feedback loop ‘Cybernetics introduces for the first time — and not only by saying it, but -
Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (Sebok) Version 1.3
Guide to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) version 1.3 Released May 30, 2014 Part 2: Systems Please note that this is a PDF extraction of the content from www.sebokwiki.org Copyright and Licensing A compilation copyright to the SEBoK is held by The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology ©2014 (“Stevens”) and copyright to most of the content within the SEBoK is also held by Stevens. Prominently noted throughout the SEBoK are other items of content for which the copyright is held by a third party. These items consist mainly of tables and figures. In each case of third party content, such content is used by Stevens with permission and its use by third parties is limited. Stevens is publishing those portions of the SEBoK to which it holds copyright under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en_US for details about what this license allows. This license does not permit use of third party material but gives rights to the systems engineering community to freely use the remainder of the SEBoK within the terms of the license. Stevens is publishing the SEBoK as a compilation including the third party material under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ for details about what this license allows. This license will permit very limited noncommercial use of the third party content included within the SEBoK and only as part of the SEBoK compilation. -
Collection System Manager
CITY OF DALY CITY JOB SPECIFICATION EXEMPT POSITION COLLECTION SYSTEM MANAGER DEFINITION Under the general direction of the Director of Water and Wastewater Resources or authorized representative, supervises all activities of the Collection System Maintenance Division, including wastewater collection and recycled water systems, and performs other duties as assigned. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Manage, supervise, schedule, and review the work of maintenance personnel in the maintenance, inspection and repair of wastewater collection and recycled water distribution systems in the Collection System Maintenance Division of the Department of Water and Wastewater Resources; ensure safe, efficient and effective compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and industrial practices. Implement City, Department and Division Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures and practices. Ensure that required records are accurately maintained. Oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance program of facilities. Ensure that supervisors conduct regular safety training and maintain a safe work environment. Develop and maintain training programs for employees; ensure that employees maintain required certification. Formally evaluate or ensure the evaluation and satisfactory job performance of assigned employees. Manage crews in support of City departments in maintenance operations, such as the storm drain collection system maintenance and construction program. Work to complete Department and Division goals and objectives. Prepare and manage the Division budget; propose, develop and manage capital projects and manage contracts for the Division. Prepare reports, and make presentations to the City Manager, City Council or others as required. When required, maintain 24-hour availability to address Division emergencies. Develop and maintain good working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, elected officials, professional peer groups and the public. -
What Can Architecture Learn from Ecological Systems?
Interweaving Architecture and Ecology – A Theoretical Perspective Or: What can architecture learn from ecological systems? Batel Dinur Abstract This paper is part of an on-going research which attempts to reveal whether an analogy between ecology and architecture can benefit architectural design and if so, then in what ways. The analogy is done through an interpretation of three ecological principles which define the organization of living systems and then attempts to reveal how these three ecological principles may be implemented in architecture. The paper firstly describes the problem at hand and the need for a new model for architecture which may be better informed by the study of ecological systems. It then elaborates on the definition of the three ecological principles (fluctuations, stratification, and interdependence) which were chosen for investigation because they define the organization of living systems and therefore may be relevant as a basis for an analogy between ecology and architecture. The paper then presents brief examples of the current and possible further realization of these ecological principles in architecture. Keywords: ecology, architecture, living systems’ organization, process, fluctuations, stratification, interdependence. Introduction In this paper I will try to illuminate how an ecological understanding of systems may contribute to architectural design. An ‘ecological understanding of systems’ means to understand how the components of a living system function together and make the system what it is. My question is whether a better understanding of these living processes may move architecture away from a perceived obsession with the static object, and into a more dynamic system? My argument is that a truly environmental architecture cannot be reached through the refinement of the static object alone, but must address complex interactions, and that these might be best informed through a study of ecology. -
Rocket D3 Database Management System
datasheet Rocket® D3 Database Management System Delivering Proven Multidimensional Technology to the Evolving Enterprise Ecient Performance: C#, and C++. In addition, Java developers can access Delivers high performance via Proven Technology the D3 data files using its Java API. The MVS Toolkit ecient le management For over 30 years, the Pick Universal Data Model (Pick provides access to data and business processes via that requires minimal system UDM) has been synonymous with performance and and memory resources both SOAP and RESTful Web Services. reliability; providing the flexible multidimensional Scalability and Flexibility: database infrastructure to develop critical transac- Scales with your enterprise, tional and analytical business applications. Based on from one to thousands of Why Developers the Pick UDM, the Rocket® D3 Database Manage- users ment System offers enterprise-level scalability and Choose D3 D3 is the choice of more than a thousand applica- Seamless Interoperability: efficiency to support the dynamic growth of any tion developers world-wide—serving top industries Interoperates with varied organization. databases and host including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, environments through government, retail, and other vertical markets. connectivity tools Rapid application development and application Rocket D3 database-centric development environ- customization requires an underlying data structure Data Security: ment provides software developers with all the that can respond effectively to ever-changing Provides secure, simultaneous necessary tools to quickly adapt to changes and access to the database from business requirements. Rocket D3 is simplistic in its build critical business applications in a fraction of the remote or disparate locations structure, yet allows for complex definitions of data time as compared to other databases; without worldwide structures and program logic. -
Information Systems Foundations Theory, Representation and Reality
Information Systems Foundations Theory, Representation and Reality Information Systems Foundations Theory, Representation and Reality Dennis N. Hart and Shirley D. Gregor (Editors) Workshop Chair Shirley D. Gregor ANU Program Chairs Dennis N. Hart ANU Shirley D. Gregor ANU Program Committee Bob Colomb University of Queensland Walter Fernandez ANU Steven Fraser ANU Sigi Goode ANU Peter Green University of Queensland Robert Johnston University of Melbourne Sumit Lodhia ANU Mike Metcalfe University of South Australia Graham Pervan Curtin University of Technology Michael Rosemann Queensland University of Technology Graeme Shanks University of Melbourne Tim Turner Australian Defence Force Academy Leoni Warne Defence Science and Technology Organisation David Wilson University of Technology, Sydney Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at: http://epress.anu.edu.au/info_systems02_citation.html National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Information systems foundations : theory, representation and reality Bibliography. ISBN 9781921313134 (pbk.) ISBN 9781921313141 (online) 1. Management information systems–Congresses. 2. Information resources management–Congresses. 658.4038 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design by Brendon McKinley with logo by Michael Gregor Authors’ photographs on back cover: ANU Photography Printed by University Printing Services, ANU This edition © 2007 ANU E Press Table of Contents Preface vii The Papers ix Theory Designing for Mutability in Information Systems Artifacts, Shirley Gregor and Juhani Iivari 3 The Eect of the Application Domain in IS Problem Solving: A Theoretical Analysis, Iris Vessey 25 Towards a Unied Theory of Fit: Task, Technology and Individual, Michael J. -
Lessons from Living Systems Governance Pierre Bricage
Education for sustainability: lessons from living systems governance Pierre Bricage To cite this version: Pierre Bricage. Education for sustainability: lessons from living systems governance. 3rd IASCYS international meeting ”Research Development and Education of Systems Science and Cybernetics”, International Academy for Systems and Cybernetic Sciences, Oct 2017, Chengdu, China. halshs- 01705968 HAL Id: halshs-01705968 https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-01705968 Submitted on 10 Feb 2018 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Public Domain Education for sustainability: lessons from living systems governance. Pierre BRICAGE AFSCET, the French Society for Systems and Cybernetic Sciences, ENSAM, Paris, France, IASCYS, the International Academy for Systems and Cybernetic Sciences, IRSEEM, ESIGELEC, technopôle du Madrillet, 76801 St-Étienne du Rouvray, France E-mail: [email protected] Abstract To survive that is 'to eat and not to be eaten'. Whatever its spatial and temporal level of organisation, every living system, to survive and 'to itself survive its self', owns 7 invariant capacities: the gauge invariance paradigm (figure 1). Emerging by embedments and juxtapositions of previous systems, every living system-of-systems (figure 2) is both dependent and independent from its new global level of organisation (endophysiotope) and past and present local situations of emergence (ecoexotope). -
Molecules, Information and the Origin of Life: What Is Next?
molecules Perspective Molecules, Information and the Origin of Life: What Is Next? Salvatore Chirumbolo 1,* and Antonio Vella 2 1 Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy 2 Verona-Unit of Immunology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37134 Verona, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-0458027645 Abstract: How life did originate and what is life, in its deepest foundation? The texture of life is known to be held by molecules and their chemical-physical laws, yet a thorough elucidation of the aforementioned questions still stands as a puzzling challenge for science. Focusing solely on molecules and their laws has indirectly consolidated, in the scientific knowledge, a mechanistic (reductionist) perspective of biology and medicine. This occurred throughout the long historical path of experimental science, affecting subsequently the onset of the many theses and speculations about the origin of life and its maintenance. Actually, defining what is life, asks for a novel epistemology, a ground on which living systems’ organization, whose origin is still questioned via chemistry, physics and even philosophy, may provide a new key to focus onto the complex nature of the human being. In this scenario, many issues, such as the role of information and water structure, have been long time neglected from the theoretical basis on the origin of life and marginalized as a kind of scenic backstage. On the contrary, applied science and technology went ahead on considering molecules as the sole leading components in the scenery. Water physics and information dynamics may have a role in living systems much more fundamental than ever expected. -
What Is a Complex System?
What is a Complex System? James Ladyman, James Lambert Department of Philosophy, University of Bristol, U.K. Karoline Wiesner Department of Mathematics and Centre for Complexity Sciences, University of Bristol, U.K. (Dated: March 8, 2012) Complex systems research is becoming ever more important in both the natural and social sciences. It is commonly implied that there is such a thing as a complex system, different examples of which are studied across many disciplines. However, there is no concise definition of a complex system, let alone a definition on which all scientists agree. We review various attempts to characterize a complex system, and consider a core set of features that are widely associated with complex systems in the literature and by those in the field. We argue that some of these features are neither necessary nor sufficient for complexity, and that some of them are too vague or confused to be of any analytical use. In order to bring mathematical rigour to the issue we then review some standard measures of complexity from the scientific literature, and offer a taxonomy for them, before arguing that the one that best captures the qualitative notion of the order produced by complex systems is that of the Statistical Complexity. Finally, we offer our own list of necessary conditions as a characterization of complexity. These conditions are qualitative and may not be jointly sufficient for complexity. We close with some suggestions for future work. I. INTRODUCTION The idea of complexity is sometimes said to be part of a new unifying framework for science, and a revolution in our understanding of systems the behaviour of which has proved difficult to predict and control thus far, such as the human brain and the world economy. -
Are Living Systems the Key to Sustainable Lunar Exploration? R
2009 Annual Meeting of LEAG (2009) 2045.pdf Are Living Systems the Key to Sustainable Lunar Exploration? R. R. Zimmerman, Symbiotek Systems (Portola Valley, CA; [email protected]) Introduction: Elements of sustainability in planners to reduce risks and costs while defining science, operations and politics, should be incorporated systems requirements for future missions. Space into long range planning for Lunar Exploration [1]. Biology holds the key to space based living systems. Before lunar exploration (on, of, and from the Moon) can enter a sustainable phase it must first experience a Biology: growth phase. Alternative definitions for Space Biology: Biology (Human - effects & sustainability, models and metrics for sustainability, countermeasures, cellular or plant systems used in a and a survey of analogs should be acquired, analyzed closed ecological environmental support system and synthesized. - leading to recommendations for (CELSS)) may hold the key to sustainable lunar further research and a timeline for refinement. exploration - both in terms of public support and Exploration in the national interest [2, 3] also offers a operational efficiencies for life support. It is still an broad set of development perspectives with the insight open question as to whether humans can truly live on of greater payback from longer duration or more other worlds [5] – not merely for days, weeks of intensively populated missions. The issues of Living months but for extended duration missions of years – Systems and Sustainable Exploration span the possible much less permanently in long term settlements. The mission option space – whether to enable a lunar base, transportation logistics and costs imply that long Mars mission or other missions with long duration duration stays are attractive, yet the risk mitigation is cruise phases [Augustine] with lower crew risk and not well understood.