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Purpose – Urban digital transformation has become a key strategy in global countries. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of the intrinsic traits associated with urban digital transformation, in order to yield detailed insights that can contribute to the formulation of well-informed decisions and strategies in the field of urban development initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – Through analysis of parallels between urban digital transformation and gyroscope motion in physics, the study developed the urban digital transformation gyroscope model (UDTGM), which comprises of seven core elements. With the balanced panel dataset from 268 cities at and above the prefecture level in China, we validate the dynamic mechanism of this model. Findings – The findings of this study underscore that the collaboration among infrastructure development, knowledge-driven forces and economic operations markedly bolsters the urban digital transformation gyroscope’s efficacy. Practical implications – This research introduces a groundbreaking framework for comprehending urban digital transformation, potentially facilitating its balanced and systemic practical implementation. Originality/value – This study pioneers the UDTGM theoretically and verifies the dynamic mechanism of this model with real data.

Copyright of Tabayyun is the property of Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a hematophagous ectoparasite that was a common pest in poultry farms through the 1960s. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and organophosphates eradicated most infestations, but concurrent with their global resurgence as human ectoparasites, infestations of bed bugs have been reappearing in poultry farms. Although the impact of bed bugs on chicken health has not been quantified, frequent biting and blood-feeding are expected to cause stress, infections and even anemia in birds. Bed bug control options are limited due to the sensitive nature of the poultry environment, limited products labeled for bed bug control and resistance of bed bug populations to a broad spectrum of active ingredients. Veterinary drugs are commonly used to control endo- and ectoparasites in animals. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two common veterinary drugs on bed bugs by treating the host with systemic antiparasitic drugs. Methods We conducted dose–response studies of ivermectin and fluralaner against several bed bug strains using a membrane feeding system. Also, different doses of these drugs were given to chickens and two delivery methods (topical treatment and ingestion) were used to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin and fluralaner on bed bug mortality. Results Using an artificial feeding system, both ivermectin and fluralaner caused high mortality in insecticide-susceptible bed bugs, and fluralaner was found to be effective on pyrethroid- and fipronil-resistant bed bugs. Ivermectin was ineffective in chickens either by the topical treatment or ingestion, whereas bed bugs that fed on chickens which had ingested fluralaner suffered high mortality when feeding on these chickens for up to 28 days post treatment. Conclusions These findings suggest that systemic ectoparasitic drugs have great potential for practical use to control bed bug infestations in poultry farms. These findings also demonstrate the efficacy of fluralaner (and potentially other isoxazolines) as a potent new active ingredient for bed bug control. Graphical Abstract

Broadly speaking, models are representations of something concrete or not. In science, models have always a purpose related to understanding and explaining phenomena. This requires focus and selecting what to represent and what not to represent and how to represent, among other things. Thus, a side effect of developing the scientific method is the development of a well-structured modelling paradigm. Starting from phenomena and objects, I discuss many decision-abstraction steps in the modelling process that leads to models of phenomena expressed mathematically or computationally, highlighting underlining contexts and procedures. This discourse is undertaken centred on a cross- and trans-disciplinary system science perspective. It grounds on a personal perspective and may be considered as a model of the modelling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory disease affecting over 20% of the pediatric population, with 85% of cases presenting before the age of five. Recently, therapeutic options in pediatric patients have evolved rapidly, following extensive development in adult treatments. This review will encompass relevant molecular drivers, along with an overlook on treatment modalities in pediatric AD, as well as a summary of pipeline treatments in clinical trials for pediatric patients from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov up to July 2022. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay for AD flares in adults and children. Topical approved agents in pediatric AD are calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborolecrisaborole, and ruxolitinib. Dupilumab is the only FDA approved biologic for patients with AD from six months of age. A Janus kinase inhibitor, upadacitinib, is a systemic treatment approved for pediatric AD patients (age >12 years). Systemic immunosuppressants used in pediatric AD include methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporinecyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. Data regarding disease prevention are conflicting, however, an abundance of research has transpired regarding amelioration of symptoms and induction of disease clearance by targeting numerous pathological mechanisms. Understanding the pediatric AD phenotype will further advance the field and the development of improved therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease seen in children. It is a heterogeneous disorder, with a variety of associated manifestations and symptoms. Cases may range from mild to severe. As a result, a spectrum of prescription and nonprescription therapies may be utilized when managing this condition. This article provides an extensive overview of these therapies, with equal consideration provided to current, emerging, and alternative options used in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common bed bug, Cimexlectularius L., is a hematophagous ectoparasite that was a common pest in poultry farms through the 1960s. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and organophosphates eradicated most infestations, but concurrent with their global resurgence as human ectoparasites, infestations of bed bugs have been reappearing in poultry farms. Although the impact of bed bugs on chicken health has not been quantified, frequent biting and blood-feeding are expected to cause stress, infections and even anemia in birds. Bed bug control options are limited due to the sensitive nature of the poultry environment, limited products labeled for bed bug control and resistance of bed bug populations to a broad spectrum of active ingredients. Veterinary drugs are commonly used to control endo- and ectoparasites in animals. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two common veterinary drugs on bed bugs by treating the host with systemic antiparasitic drugs. Methods: We conducted dose–response studies of ivermectin and fluralaner against several bed bug strains using a membrane feeding system. Also, different doses of these drugs were given to chickens and two delivery methods (topical treatment and ingestion) were used to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin and fluralaner on bed bug mortality. Results: Using an artificial feeding system, both ivermectin and fluralaner caused high mortality in insecticide-susceptible bed bugs, and fluralaner was found to be effective on pyrethroid- and fipronil-resistant bed bugs. Ivermectin was ineffective in chickens either by the topical treatment or ingestion, whereas bed bugs that fed on chickens which had ingested fluralaner suffered high mortality when feeding on these chickens for up to 28 days post treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that systemic ectoparasitic drugs have great potential for practical use to control bed bug infestations in poultry farms. These findings also demonstrate the efficacy of fluralaner (and potentially other isoxazolines) as a potent new active ingredient for bed bug control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has begun to illustrate a favorable efficacy and side-effect profile for many systemic agents used in pediatric dermatological conditions (i.e. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, alopecia areata, chronic spontaneous urticaria, autoimmune blistering disorders, and hidradenitis suppurativa) despite not having extensive randomized clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to summarize the available data on the treatment regiments, safety, and efficacy of systemic immunosuppressants, including the newer biologics, focusing on the most up-to-date systematic reviews or randomized clinical trials. The review demonstrates that many of the present studies lack data on long-term efficacy and consist of small patient populations. Further research into the long-term safety of these systemic medications is of vital importance especially due to the chronic nature of most pediatric dermatological conditions that require the use of systemic agents.

Stochastic integrals, random sums, random contractions, and selfdecomposable random variables constitute fundamental concepts of probability theory with significant applications in several areas of systemics. The main results of the paper are a characterization of a selfdecomposable distribution and a formulation of a Poisson random sum of power contractions. These results are established by incorporating a type of stochastic integral for a continuous in probability, homogeneous stochastic process with independent increments, and the same type of stochastic integral for a compound Poisson stochastic process with positive jumps. Interpretations of the results in treatment of risks threatening various systems are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to renew the comparative approach to neighbouring languages, in particular Romance languages. Without denying the achievements of comparative grammar of languages and the scientific advances of research in language typology, it aims to establish new linguistic principles which place diachrony and synchrony on the same level within the framework of a linguistic systemics largely inspired by Gustave Guillaume's psychomechanics of language, especially for the notions of system and deflexivity. This approach also makes it possible to integrate sociolinguistic approaches with the concept of "micro-diachrony" which makes it possible to describe a linguistic system as a system in perpetual unstable balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After briefly describing the issue of definition of religion and examining the theoretical positions of philosophy of religion in different dimensions of ontology/metaphysics, epistemology/subjectivity-theory, and religious sciences/phenomenology, and eventually the historical process of philosophy of religion, this article starts especially from the fundamental relationship between it and other related disciplines, that is, the relationship between philosophy of religion, theology and religious sciences, and explores its feasible operational definitions/meanings. Then it discusses systematically, historically and hermeneutically the current various positions, types and approaches of philosophy of religion, in order to point out their problems and the theoretical demand for hermeneutic turn. It will be classified typologically into the traditional metaphysics, Criticism of religion, romanticism, historicism, comparative study of religions, social science study of religion, analytical and linguistic philosophy of religion, phenomenology of religion and hermeneutics of religion, etc., and finally the necessity of the systemic hermeneutic of religion will be presented. In the end, the open conclusion reveals a kind of transformation from the metaphysical dualism of Western traditional philosophy to the systemic-hermeneutic philosophy of language as the medium and intermediary between the dimension of spirit and material, which can integrate as the various types of philosophy of religion into a systemic typology of religious studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis severity categories have been important tools for clinicians to use in treatment decisions as well as to determine eligibility criteria for clinical studies. However, owing to the heterogeneity of severity classifications and their lack of consideration for the impact of psoriasis involvement of special areas or past treatment history, patients may be miscategorized, which can lead to undertreatment of psoriasis.Objective: To develop a consensus statement on the classification of psoriasis severity.Methods: A modified Delphi approach was developed by the International Psoriasis Council to define psoriasis severity.Results: After completion of the exercise, 7 severity definitions were preferentially ranked. This most preferred statement rejects the mild, moderate, and severe categories in favor of a dichotomous definition: Psoriasis patients should be classified as either candidates for topical therapy or candidates for systemic therapy; the latter are patients who meet at least one of the following criteria: (1) body surface area >10%, (2) disease involving special areas, and (3) failure of topical therapy.Limitations: This effort might have suffered from a lack of representation by all relevant stakeholders, including patients.Conclusion: The consensus statement describes 2 categories of psoriasis severity, while accounting for special circumstances where patients may require systemic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is ongoing development of new therapies for psoriasis, including biologic and systemic agents such as interleukin-17, interleukin-23, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. The development of these agents has changed the landscape of psoriasis treatment options. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of newer biologic and systemic agents approved by June 2016 on patient outcomes. We sought to evaluate and compare biologic users and nonbiologic systemic users with respect to their treatment awareness and satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a national Canadian survey from July to September 2016 on adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis using biologic agents or nonbiologic systemic agents as their current primary treatment modality. Patients were asked to evaluate their overall satisfaction with their treatment agent and their awareness of other treatment options. Responses from biologic and nonbiologic systemic users were compared. Results: Overall, 343 participants were included (biologic users: n = 218; nonbiologic users: n = 125). Treatment satisfaction: Biologic users had a higher overall satisfaction score than nonbiologic users (P < .001). Among nonbiologic agents, apremilast (62%) was associated with the highest satisfaction proportion. Among biologic agents, ustekinumab (77%) and adalimumab (72%) were associated with the highest proportions of satisfaction. With respect to treatment awareness, 30% of nonbiologic patients did not have enough information to form an opinion about biologics. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the greater treatment satisfaction of biologic users compared with nonbiologic users for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Given that nearly one-third of nonbiologic users did not have enough information to form an opinion about biologic agents, physicians may consider counselling these patients on the use of biologic agents for psoriasis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Reformation has just celebrated its Five Hundredth Anniversary, the discussion of its impact on Europe, Western culture and even the history of the world is currently full of enthusiasm, but this essay will explore a unique line of thought in this regard, namely the relationship between the Reformation and contemporary hermeneutic philosophy. This will be performed in the following way: First of all, it deals with the general context of the process of the occidental classical philosophy through the Reformation to the turn of the philosophical hermeneutics, thus the paradigm shift from the ancient greek avrch.-philosophy to the Germanic-mysticistical theological philosophizing, from which the doubled hermeneutic turn arises. One is the turning of Western philosophy to hermeneutic philosophizing, the other the turning of Western hermeneutics to philosophical hermeneutics. Thereafter it treats with the twofold key in the history of the genesis and development of contemporary German hermeneutics: the hermeneutic turn that is originated from Heidegger and executed through Gadamer, especially their original ideas and the resulting controversy of Europeancontinental hermeneutics. Finally, this controversy shall be resolved by the innovative conception of systemic hermeneutics, which can transform such hermeneutic disputes into reciprocally complementary hermeneutical ways of thinking, modes, and approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development represents a shared aspiration, the priority of which is widely recognised worldwide by scientists, decision-makers and public opinion alike. It became a topic for reflection and an endeavour for initiatives taken by local communities, businesses, regions, states and international organisations. The subject of sustainability is interdisciplinary and involves a complex thinking that recently led to the emergence of a new discipline, namely sustainability science. The systems approach (systemics) is deemed to offer a set of concepts and methods that enable the elaboration of visions, as well as the steering of the process of sustainable development in real contexts. Within this framework, the main strength of this approach consists in its capacity to overcome the reductionism peculiar to conventional perspectives on sustainability as being limited to greening and environmentalism. The alternative perspective proposed by systemics is based on taking stock of the knowledge pertaining to the complex interdependencies between nature, society (including the economy), technology and the built environment. In short, systemics offers a background that is both pertinent and pragmatic and which enables the understanding of complex problems and the design of their solutions. One peculiarity of this approach resides in its capacity to foster the coining of new, meaning-rich concepts, usable in further theoretical and practical undertakings. Examples of such concepts include systemography, complexification, syntegrity, and co-opetition. This paper proposes a new such concept, that is sitesynthesis, rooted in the spirit of a given place and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systemic view of second-order science emphasizes the interaction of observer and observed, but tacitly assumes a single observer, or at least a unity of observer perspective. But experience in multiple domains, including software engineering, decision science, health sciences, co-creation and Living Labs, knowledge management, community development and government policy has emphasized the multiplicity of goals and perspectives across stakeholders. We look at the issues that arise when multiple views are incorporated, and propose a toolkit for addressing those issues.

Our study provides a comparison of the diachronic evolution of French and Italian in order to bring out the points of convergence and the most characteristic differences in particular a typological point of view. Our approach is based on the systemic diachronic as well as the fundamental concept of déflexivité. It analyzes the reference to the personal sphere in the noun phrase (especially regarding the article and the demonstrative) and the expression of the person in the verb phrase) and shows a typological evolution "neo-insulating" for French and inflected for Italian.

In supply chains, domestic and global, a producer must decide on an optimal quantity of items to order from suppliers and at what inventory level to place this order (the EOQ problem). We discuss how to modify the EOQ in the face of failures and recoveries by the supplier. This is the EOQ with disruption problem (EOQD). The supplier makes transitions between being capable and not being capable of filling an order in a Markov failure and recovery process. The producer adjusts the reorder point and the inventories to provide a margin of safety. Numerical solutions to the EOQD problem have been developed. In addition, a closed-form approximate solution has been developed for the zero inventory option (ZIO), where the inventory level on reordering is set to be zero. This paper develops a closed-form approximate solution for the EOQD problem when the reorder point can be non-zero, obtaining for that situation an optimal reorder quantity and optimal reorder point that represents an improvement on the optimal ZIO solution. The paper also supplies numerical examples demonstrating the cost savings against the ZIO situation, as well as the accuracy of the approximation technique.

This essay chooses the idea of Trinitarian Dao (or the Unity of Three Dimensions in one Way, Three Talents and One Way) in the I Ching (Yijing, Classics of Changes) often regarded as the universal canon in Chinese spiritual culture on the one hand set alongside the doctrine of the Trinity as the fundamental spirit of Christian theology on the other hand, with the idea of trying to create a preliminary conceptualization of intercultural dialogue for a preliminary intercultural dialogue. Regarding the methodological and ontological dimensions, this dialogue will proceed in the way of thinking by means of the so-called systemic hermeneutics. Thereafter, from the point of view of its three trialectical models of ground-structure theory, the intercultural impact of both paradigms will be exposed. Finally in the dialectic of cultural transformation, cultural contextualization and cultural fusion or cultural creation, the mutual exchange, amalgamation and innovation shall be envisaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a complex, lifelong condition requiring effective treatment and management. Conventional treatment options have been beneficial and continue to be part of any treatment rationale. New and emerging drug treatment options are proving useful, but some serious side effects and adverse events result in poor compliance and poor adherence to the treatment regimen. Complementary and alternative-medicine therapies, and natural remedies such as herbal medicines, may be favoured by some patients who want to adopt a holistic approach to managing their symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology makes its appearance as a science that seeks epistemological bases different from those of conventional science. However, literature has not been reviewed nor have theoretical reflections been written that explicitly establish the alternatives proposed in agroecology. The objective of this essay was to determine the principal epistemological bases of agroecological theory identified as alternatives to conventional science. Within agroecology, emphasis is placed on alternatives to disciplinarity, epistemological monism and the principle of simplicity, although the reflection and construction of alternative bases for these is still diffuse and shallow. Therefore, more theoretical development in this aspect is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies carried out on the mole concept emphasize that students show significant difficulties in learning this concept. The aim of our research was to analyze those difficulties that students, who have their first contact with chemistry in school, encounter, and also to examine the usefulness of systemics as a graphical way of knowledge representation. The sample of the study included seventh grade students from a primary school in Novi Sad, Serbia. Based on the results of the pre-test, students were divided into three main groups: "excellent", "good" and "acceptable", which all consisted of two subgroups: experimental and control. Students in the experimental subgroup were learning by applying systemics, while the students in the control subgroup were taught by traditional method. The final results show that systemics is convenient in overcoming the difficulties in the case of "excellent" and "acceptable" groups of students, while the same cannot be concluded for the students characterized as "good". Systemics has not proved to be adequate for them. The following question remains a topic for the future research: Is there any way that the group of students characterized as "good" still benefits from learning with systemics? In addition, new research on a larger number of students should be conducted, in order to statistically confirm these results, or to discuss new ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to measure the effects of spirotetramat on life stages of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), and a primary parasitoid, Aphytis melinus DeBach. Organophosphate-resistant and -susceptible populations responded similarly to spirotetramat, suggesting there is no cross-resistance between these insecticide classes. First and second instar male and female A. aurantii were 10- and 32-fold more susceptible to spirotetramat (LC50 = 0.1-0.2 ppm) compared with early third (LC50 = 1.5 ppm) and late third instar females (LC50 = 5.3 ppm). The LC99 value indicated that late stage third instar females would not be fully controlled by a field rate of spirotetramat; however, spirotetramat would reduce their fecundity by 89%. Field applications of spirotetramat in two water volumes and using two adjuvants (oil and a nonionic spray adjuvant) showed similar reduction in A. aurantii numbers, even though the higher water volume demonstrated more complete coverage. These data suggest that this foliarly applied systemic insecticide can be applied in as little as 2,340 liters/ha of water volume, minimizing application costs, and that the two adjuvants acted similarly. The endoparasitoid, A. melinus, was unaffected by the field rate of spirotetramat when it was applied to the host when the parasitoid was in the egg or larval stage. Adult A. melinus showed 2 wk of moderate reductions in survival when exposed to leaves with field-weathered residues. Spirotetramat is an integrated pest management compatible insecticide, effective in reducing A. aurantii stages and allowing survival of its primary parasitoid A. melinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studii de Ştiintă şi Cultură is the property of Studii de Stiinta si Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Royal Palm, Roystonia regia (Kunth) O. F. Cook, is a quintessential tree in South Florida landscapes and has relatively few pests. However, it can be severely damaged by non-predictable population flare-ups of the Royal Palm Bug (RPB), Xylastodoris luteolus Barber. Damage appears as frizzled new growth that reduces aesthetics and may affect photosynthetic ability. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of soil-applied neonicotinoid systemic insecticides. All 3 active ingredients tested, Merit 2F (imidacloprid), Safari 2 G and Safari 20 SG (dinotefuran) and Arena 50 WDG (clothianidin) provided excellent RPB control 30 and 75 d after treatment. ELISA analysis of palm foliage showed dinotefuran translocated fastest, followed by imidacloprid and then clothianidin. Soil application of insecticides is preferred in urban landscapes over foliar treatments due to elimination of drift and reduction in environmental concerns. To protect the appearance of the popular Royal Palm, it is advantageous to apply a systemic neonicotinoid at the first symptom of an infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the phylogeny and taxonomy of certain species of carnivorous plants. They include the Droseraceae, which is popular for their representations in the temperate zone, the monotypic family of Cephalotaceae which is endemic to southwest Australia, and the Sarraceniaceae which is known to be a purely U.S. family of high homogeneity.

The idea, that more general theories are preferred over more specialized theories, lies at the heart of systems science. The systemic approaches of the becoming / change and of the progress lack consistency in the absence of a wholly system of concepts about systems to allow a thorough knowledge and a humanist type orientation of the change, meant for turning the progress into a fundamental process of the Universe / Multiverse. The paper presents by the following contributions: integrative definition of the main concepts of systemics; stressing the fundamental role of the clustering and clusters in the systems change (progress / stagnation / regress) in Universe / Multiverse; functional-structural definition and characterization of clusters, clustering and inoclusters; elaboration of a model for the universal cycle of the systems change which emphasizes the essence of progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper will be presented to the reader how systemics and cybernetics are useful to structure a Systemic-Cybernetic Theory of Law (SCTL). By means of SCTL it will be possible to give an answer to diverse Philosophy of Law's questions, obtaining in this way a more complete vision of Law in comparison with others that have been offered. It will be exposed how the methodology and the systemic and cybernetic epistemologies enter into the juridical world, then there will be enumerated some characteristics of a possible SCTL and the answer that this new vision of Law offers for the juridical questions. The SCTL will constitute - we expect - the paradigm that the complexity of the topics and systems of (national, international, transnational, etc.) law requires to confront the crisis of its practical operation and of its scientific and philosophical researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural systems provide unique examples of computation in a form very different from contemporary computer architectures. Biology also demonstrates capabilities such as adaptation, self-repair and self-organisation that are becoming increasingly desirable for our technology. To address these issues a new computer model and architecture with natural characteristics is presented. Systemic computation is Turing Complete; it is designed to support biological algorithms such as neural networks, evolutionary algorithms and models of development, and shares the desirable capabilities of biology not found in conventional architectures. Systemic computation may also be implemented using natural systems, enabling the potential for future computational analysis and control of biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The history of psychiatry comprises various levels of analysis. Confronted with the new technics (cybernetics and informatics) psychiatry has developped new trends, which the epistemologic and methodologic analysis, and the limits allow precision of the points of encounter and of divergence. Criteriology, which originates from informatics, intends to be pragmatic and atheoretic. In an objective way, it partitions the mental disturbances into items distributed among several axes, and in this way it accentuates the mecanistic character of the psychic functioning. It builds authority by trying to diminish the divergences among the classical Schools, thus facilitating communication and research, but it neglects the functional integration of the psychic system. Systemics, influenced by cybernetics, directs itself towards the totality of psychic functioning and removes all reductionism, favouring a constructivist conception of the disturbances in a network, giving priviledge to holism at the expense of the local determinisms. The systemal approach integrates cybernetics and informatics and considers the whole system as well as the local determinisms. It is based on the clinic, from which it tries to extract the great invariants, that permit a virtual reconstitution of the disturbances. It does this by means of logical-mathematical matrices, both holistic and categorical, which assure the validity and the progress of the systemal approach. A synoptic picture reuniting the salient traits of these trends exhibits their differences and concordances and shows the underlying structures at several levels of reality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the most significant and enduring ideas associated with the systems initiatives at Hawkesbury has been the interconnections that were made there between systemic acts of development in the ‘concrete world’ and the abstract ‘epistemic developments’ of the actors who participate in them. Each is seen to be constitutive of the other in a profoundly systemic manner, with ‘concrete events’ being both influenced by and an influence on ‘abstract ideas’. The embrace of critical experiential strategies, which themselves are regarded as essentially systemic and reflexive in nature, has been a central feature of the pedagogies, research processes, and engagement strategies that have been designed to better facilitate this interconnection. As calls for more sustainable and equitable forms of development gather momentum across the globe, and the citizenry become increasingly engaged with issues that are seen to pose significant systemic global risks, the need for collective, communicative experiential strategies in the form of systemic discourse becomes evident. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main issues in Systems Biology is to deal with semantic data integration. Previously, we examined the requirements for a reference conceptual model to guide semantic integration based on the systemic principles. In the present paper, we examine the usefulness of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to describe and specify biological systems and processes. This makes unambiguous representations of biological systems, which would be suitable for translation into mathematical and computational formalisms, enabling analysis, simulation and prediction of these systems behaviours. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A model, Syntegrity-4, for competence development in small and medium-seized enterprises (SMEs) is designed. Syntegrity-4 builds on the assumptions that competence development is a continuous activity that is best undertaken in a network with cooperation between different types of actors. Further, it is presumed that systemics and informatics have much to provide in increasing the skills of individual workers as well as the workforce as a whole. In working with the employees in a number of enterprises those assumptions have at large proven to be correct. However, the methodology in its present form is not good enough. No drastic and long-lasting positive effects could be observed in the cooperating enterprises. Hence, a group of further steps for improving and complementing Syntegrity-4 are identified. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teleonics is a systemic approach for the study and management of complex living systems, such as human beings, families, communities, business organisations and even countries and international relationships. The approach and its applications have been described in several publications, quoted in the paper. The units of teleonics are teleons, viz, end‐related, autonomous process systems. An indication of malfunction in teleons is a high level of telentropy that can be caused by many factors, among which the most common are the lack of well defined goals, inefficient governance, inappropriate interference and undeclared sharing of subsystems between teleons. These factors, as well as other modes of telentropy generation and transfer are described, together with some suggestions about ways to avoid them. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Social relations in organizations give rise to numerous research. Two antinomies models gradually introduce: the “interactionism” which applied the utilitarian relations of interest that rules liberal economy to the social field; the “culturalism” that based social cohesion on self identification to standards and values. We will show how, the “systemic” approach could connect these two different but complementary models within common reality. This article ends on an attempt to imagine a volunteer and conscious action for social relations practiced by organization leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]