Kybernetes

Requisitely holistic ethics planning as pre-condition for enterprise ethical behaviour : Table of Contents

Jernej Belak, Mojca Duh, Matjaž Mulej, Tjaša Štrukelj — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Ethical behaviour of enterprises can be attained only by planning of ethics. The purpose of this paper is to show the need for the business ethics planning, to disclose the need for the requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics, and to offer the concept of the requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics. Design/methodology/approach – The research cognitions on the importance of ethical core values, enterprise culture, ethical climate and informal as well as formal measures of business ethics are discussed and argued in application of the dialectical systems theory. The various research insights are used and applied in concluding concept of requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics. Findings – For successful implementation of the ethics program or plan, it is important that the program is internalized by all enterprise's stakeholders. The paper shows that credibility and ethical behaviour of an enterprise can be achieved only through requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics. Practical implications – This paper gives us the insights in the state of the importance and interconnection between ethical core values, culture and ethical climate as well as informal and formal measures of business ethics in relation to enterprise ethics implementation. The present research paper also has important practical implications since it shows the importance of the requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics in a sense of sustainable development of enterprises as well as enterprises' long-term success. Originality/value – The available literature does not provide for a similar research or concept of requisitely holistic planning of enterprise ethics. The paper also models the interconnection between core values, culture, climate and informal as well as formal measures of business ethics in order to understand the importance of enterprise ethics.

A new supplier performance evaluation model: A case study of integrated circuit (IC) packaging companies : Table of Contents

He-Yau Kang, Amy H.I. Lee — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Most industries have become increasingly competitive nowadays, and a good supply chain relationship is essential for a company to survive and to acquire reasonable profit. Therefore, supplier selection is very important. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel model for evaluating the performance of suppliers. Design/methodology/approach – A supplier performance evaluation model based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) is constructed. DEA is applied first to evaluate quantitative factors, and the results are transformed into pairwise comparison values for AHP analysis. Qualitative factors are also evaluated through AHP analysis, and a final ranking of suppliers can be obtained by combining the quantitative and qualitative results. Findings – The proposed model can be applied to evaluate and select the most appropriate integrated circuit packaging company for outsourcing. With the incorporation of experts' opinions and the consideration of qualitative and quantitative factors, the model can provide a both subjective and objective supplier performance ranking. Practical implications – The proposed model can be tailored and applied to supplier evaluation and selection in other industries. Originality/value – Although many models are available for supplier evaluation, this paper considers both the subjective and objective performance characteristics simultaneously in the evaluation process.

On generative morphological diversity of elementary cellular automata : Table of Contents

Andrew Adamatzky, Genaro J. Martinez — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Studies in complexity of cellular automata do usually deal with measures taken on integral dynamics or statistical measures of space-time configurations. No one has tried to analyze a generative power of cellular-automaton machines. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap and develop a basis for future studies in generative complexity of large-scale spatially extended systems. Design/methodology/approach – Let all but one cell be in alike state in initial configuration of a one-dimensional cellular automaton. A generative morphological diversity of the cellular automaton is a number of different three-by-three cell blocks occurred in the automaton's space-time configuration. Findings – The paper builds a hierarchy of generative diversity of one-dimensional cellular automata with binary cell-states and ternary neighborhoods, discusses necessary conditions for a cell-state transition rule to be on top of the hierarchy, and studies stability of the hierarchy to initial conditions. Research limitations/implications – The method developed will be used – in conjunction with other complexity measures – to built a complete complexity maps of one- and two-dimensional cellular automata, and to select and breed local transition functions with highest degree of generative morphological complexity. Originality/value – The hierarchy built presents the first ever approach to formally characterize generative potential of cellular automata.

Interaction between civilizations : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Bailey Forrest — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply the general thinking logic and methodology of the systemic yoyo model to provide novel resolutions for some of the very important questions studied in the research of history and civilizations. Design/methodology/approach – To lay the foundation for brand new results and conclusions, laboratory observations, such as the dishpan experiments, the theory of the general systemic yoyo model, and calculus-based differential equations were combined into an organic whole of reasoning. What is obtained in this paper surely proves the merit of this approach. Findings – By modeling the world of civilizations using systemic yoyos, the paper provides novel and convincing answers to such important questions as who we are, asked in search for identities, and whether or not the appearance of the global identity crisis in the 1990s is an indicator for the USA to cease its global dominance as the sole superpower. By using the figurative analysis, naturally available along with the systemic yoyo model, the paper analyzes external pressures each civilization experiences and when and why a prosperous civilization would possibly choose to isolate itself from the rest of the world. By introducing the concepts of stirring energies and stirring momentum, it will be possible to study three-ringed circulations and explore the human desire for stability out of a universe of permanent instabilities. Originality/value – Instead of using statistics, this paper is among the first of its kind in the study of civilizations that collectively applies rigorous mathematics, the systems research and laboratory experiments in the study of social phenomena. So, when compared to other studies in the area of civilizations that are either language or statistics based using short time-series data, this work brings forward more affirmative conclusions without involving any chance or guess work.

Innovation approach to detect the faults in multidimensional dynamic systems : Table of Contents

Chingiz Hajiyev, Ali Okatan — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design the fault detection algorithm for multidimensional dynamic systems using a new approach for checking the statistical characteristics of Kalman filter innovation sequence. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach is based on given statistics for the mathematical expectation of the spectral norm of the normalized innovation matrix of the Kalman filter. Findings – The longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft as an example is considered, and detection of various sensor faults affecting the mean and variance of the innovation sequence is examined. Research limitations/implications – A real-time detection of sensor faults affecting the mean and variance of the innovation sequence, applied to the linearized aircraft longitudinal dynamics, is examined. The non-linear longitudinal dynamics model of an aircraft is linearized. Faults affecting the covariances of the innovation sequence are not considered in the paper. Originality/value – The proposed approach permits simultaneous real-time checking of the expected value and the variance of the innovation sequence and does not need a priori information about statistical characteristics of this sequence in the failure case.

The physical structure of atoms: a new model : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a systemic yoyo model-based explanation for the internal structure of atoms, which is totally different of the conventional ones. Design/methodology/approach – The spin fields of systemic yoyos are used to explain the interactions between electric and magnetic fields and between elementary particles. Findings – The concepts of potential pits (traps) and ramparts for electrons and those of nuclear, atomic, and molecular bonds are introduced. These concepts are employed successfully to describe the topological structure of atoms. Originality/value – Other than providing a brand new model for the internal structure of atoms, this paper establishes a deeper understanding of the general systemic yoyo mode.

Quantitative properties of the general systemic yoyo model : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish quantitative properties for the general systemic yoyo model so that this model can be readily employed to study problems from various disciplines of knowledge, be they from natural science or social science. Design/methodology/approach – Figurative analysis combined with calculus-based methods is applied in this research, in order to achieve the goal that whatever is obtained theoretically, here can be practically used in various applications. Findings – The paper introduces the concepts of gravitation, potential energy, and yoyo potentials for general spinning yoyos and look at the structure of yoyo fields with relevant quantitative representations developed for practical computation purposes. The paper shows how the spin field of a yoyo can be decomposed into eddy and meridian fields and why spinning yoyos have the tendency to line up in such a way that their axes of spin are parallel to each other and their like polarities face the same direction. When looking at yoyo flows and resistances, the Kirchhoff Junction and Loop Laws are generalized to the most general case of systemic yoyos. By considering the concept of yoyo fluxes, it is possible to rewrite the Gauss's law in the relevant most general language. Originality/value – This work is the first of its kind to develop quantitative methods for studying various properties of systems on a unified footing: the general systemic yoyo model. As shown in this special issue, the results of this work have been and will continue to be applied to address many difficult problems that have been encountering scholars in the areas of modern science and humanities.

Quantitative representations of spinning yoyo fields : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish the relevant quantitative methods for the investigation of the eddy and meridian fields of the general systemic yoyo model. Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of established systemic yoyo models for electrons and positrons, flows of negative yoyo charges are naturally identified with electric currents so that use of the well-developed quantitative methods can be made in electromagnetic theory to investigate the relationship between eddy and meridian fields of the general systemic yoyo model. Findings – A general method is established on how to compute the intensity of the magnetic yoyo fields accompanying a moving yoyo charge or a canal of yoyo flow. A quantitative representation for magnetic yoyo fields is provided. And, the well-known Ampere's law of electricity is generalized to the case of general yoyo flows. Originality/value – By establishing an adequate quantitative method for the general systemic yoyo model, it should be possible to know more about the yoyo model and gain additional potential to successfully employ this model in various areas of learning, as proposed by Lin.

Potentials and potential energies of systemic yoyos : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the quantitative properties of systemic yoyos both with and without their internal structures. Design/methodology/approach – This entire paper is based on the idea of the infinitesimals so that some of the well-developed concepts and methods of calculus can be adequately employed to address some of the local properties of spinning yoyos. Findings – The concepts of potential energies and yoyo potentials of both particle yoyos and general systemic yoyos are introduced and investigated. Originality/value – This work is expected to pave the necessary ground for further deepened studies along the idea of rotational kinetic energies and rotational momentums.

Feedback-linearization and fuzzy controllers for trajectory tracking of wheeled mobile robots : Table of Contents

Jafar Keighobadi, Mohammad B. Menhaj, Mansour Kabganian — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on perfect trajectory tracking control of 2 DOF non-holonomic mobile robots in which the guidance and control commands are imposed through independent driver wheels. Model-based nonlinear controllers for these robots with unknown parameters require estimation of a specified set of the robot parameters. The effects of the proposed model dynamics in both local and global coordinate systems are fully examined on the parameter estimation and tracking performance. Design/methodology/approach – Design of suitable feedback linearization (FL) controllers for trajectory tracking control of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) is first reviewed. A FL controller whose parameters are tuned using fuzzy computations (fuzzy if-then rules) is then developed. In the line of the other contributions of the paper, a pure fuzzy controller that is merely based on fuzzy if-then rules is proposed to trajectory tracking control of the mobile robots. Findings – Use of global dynamics for designing a suitable FL control system leads to a perfect compensation for initial off-tracks. Furthermore, the estimated parameters are unbiased because the corresponding regressor/signal matrix indicates a high rank of persistent excitation. Fuzzy tuning of the controller instead of keeping the gains fixed makes the overall system more robust against measurement noises while upper bounds and fluctuations of the input torques are both remarkably reduced. The pure fuzzy controller is naturally independent of the robot dynamics and therefore, the necessity of parameter estimation algorithm is removed. Originality/value – The paper provides some new nonlinear controllers for WMRs, in order to make perfect trajectory tracking and initial off-tracks compensation.

The systemic yoyo model: an introduction : Table of Contents

Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the necessary background information and literature in order to make this special issue self-contained. Design/methodology/approach – The paper comprises: an Introduction; Section 2 outlines the origin of the yoyo structure by presenting a brief historical account and the concept of whole evolution of systems; Section 3 introduces the literature on applications of the systemic yoyo model in areas of natural science, social science, epistemology, and practical disastrous weather forecasts; and Section 4 outlines what is contained in this special issue. Findings – A personal account of aspects of a career in systems research and description of a personal ambition to introduce laws for social science and laws that make both natural and social sciences exact at the same time. Originality/value – With regard to the systemic yoyo model, this paper presents an introduction to what has been accomplished by using this model and what will be presented in this special issue in order to provide all interested colleagues with an overall picture in terms of where the paper stands in the relevant research activities.

Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: preprogrammed adaptive systems : Table of Contents

Helmut Nechansky — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate different cybernetic structures of simple adaptive systems and their cognitive and behavioral options. Design/methodology/approach – Using a functional approach, two basic forms of adaptive systems are constructed, which process data on one level respectively two hierarchical levels. Based on that complex combinations of such one-level and hierarchical structures are investigated. Findings – It is shown how different cybernetic structures enable simple forms of adaptive behavior. A basic blueprint for the controller structure of animal species is derived from them, with a simple “brain” and a unit for “motion control” as subsystems. Four paths of evolutionary growth are identified that allow a widely independent development of these subsystems. Practical implications – The paper provides a typology of simple adaptive systems and discusses the forms of behavior they can develop with preprogrammed – i.e. evolutionary given or technically programmed – decision-rules. It discusses the requirements that these decision-rules can form models enabling adaptive behavior. It is suggested that these requirements hold for the models of more complex adaptive systems, too. Originality/value – This paper is the first in a series of three on a cybernetic theory distinguishing systems able of preprogrammed adaptation, system-specific adaptation, and learning.

LC and LR networks of canals of yoyo flows : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how networks of canals with various parts, such as a battery, yoyo capacitor, inductor, and yoyo resistor, of yoyo flows could practically function. Design/methodology/approach – The characteristics of spin of the general systemic yoyo model, combined with the traditional analytic tools, are employed as the method and thinking logic for this work of quantitative representations. Findings – Formulae are developed for calculating the inductance, intensity of the magnetic field, the total magnetic yoyo flux, and induced magnetomotive force of a coil. For LC networks of canals of electric yoyos, by analyzing the relationship between the electric yoyo charge Q of the capacitor and the induced electric yoyo current I in the network, the following problem is addressed: when the switch of the network is turned on, what will be the reaction of the network? For LR networks of canals of electric yoyo flows, the problem considered is: when the switch is turned off, how would the electric yoyo current evolve? Analysis shows that at the moment of the time constant, the electric yoyo current drops to the level of about 37 percent of its initial strength. Originality/value – It is expected that some properties of the general systemic yoyo model can be reasonably expressed by using numbers and quantities so that good amount of the traditional quantitative analysis will become useful in the study of this general and intuitive systemic model. This end will become useful when this model is applied to investigate problems and phenomena considered in social science and humanities.

A new theory for modern electrical marbles : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the new theory on the general systemic yoyos can be plausibly employed to provide novel explanations for some of the well-known laboratory experiments of physics and how a different theory that is more refined than the currently accepted theories can be established for illustrating phenomena that have not been completely explainable by using the traditional theories. Design/methodology/approach – The general field structures of systemic yoyos, combined with some of the well-known laboratory observation of physics, are employed as the basic methodology for the current paper. Findings – Owing to the co-existence of magnetic fields and ring-shaped negative electric fields, all possible ways for an electromagneton to be fired into a stable, uniform-intensity magnetic field are investigated. How such an electromagneton could be traveling under the mutual influence of the fields is described with details. Originality/value – The value of this paper lies on the fact that it points out a brand new and practically applicable theory for looking at some of the well-recorded phenomena of electromagnetism.

Particle yoyos and their quark structures : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate such fundamental concepts as mass, charge, and quark structure of the general systemic yoyo model so that this model could be more widely applied in studies of various scientific disciplines. Design/methodology/approach – Laboratory experiments well documented in quantum mechanics and particle physics are employed as supporting evidence. Findings – A yoyo model explanation for Stern-Gerlach experiment is provided. The yoyo structures of an electron and a positron are established. Other than illustrating how a radioactive element is decayed, the paper provides an argument for why n-quark yoyos can theoretically exist in the physical world, for any natural number n. Originality/value – The paper shows how some properties of the general systemic yoyo model can be established and how some of these very properties can be employed to deepen the understanding of the elementary particles studied in particle physics.

The fields and their structures around systemic yoyos : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structure of the fields of the general systemic yoyo model and how these fields interact with each other. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative analysis and figurative reasoning, combined with calculus-based methods, are employed to enrich the analysis of how spinning yoyos interact with each other. Known laboratory observations in relevant studies, such as those in electromagnetic theory, are employed as the basis of the investigation, while brand new understandings of these observations are derived. Findings – Some well-known facts of magnetism are shown to hold true with the general systemic yoyo model. Originality/value – It is shown that general systems also satisfy such important properties of magnets and electricity as the following: like poles attract and opposite poles repel; field intensities can be superpositioned over each other; systems can potentially become yoyo dipoles when influenced by external systems; etc.

Motional meridian motive forces : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate yoyo potential difference and induction of electric yoyo flows by using the general systemic yoyo model and available quantitative tools. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical laws and well-known laboratory experiments of physics are revisited in light of the spinning yoyo method and thinking logic. When appropriate, relevant quantitative methods are established. Findings – By generalizing the concept of electromotive force, the paper introduces that of meridian motive forces (MMF). By considering two possible cases when electric yoyo flows can be induced within a return circuit, the paper uses specific examples to compute yoyo potential differences, the forces needed to pull a conductive wire in a magnetic yoyo field, and the total flux of magnetic yoyo field passing through a return circuit. When the paper tries to address the questions of how an electric yoyo current in a circuit is produced and what force could get around the resistance of metals to make electric yoyo charges move around inside return circuits, the paper successfully establishes a theoretical explanation for why Lenz's law about the direction of induced electric currents holds true. At the end, the paper develops a quantitative formula for practically calculating desired MMF. Originality/value – This paper provides the first ever theoretical explanation for why Lenz's law could be true. It is expected that this explanation would be equally applicable in the study of social systems.

Ring-shaped composite fields : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reach two goals: one is to generalize the well-studied theories of electricity and magnetism to the enrichment of deepened understanding of the general systemic yoyo model, and the other is to employ the established yoyo model to provide more refined explanations for some of the known experimental observations in physics. Design/methodology/approach – The general structure and the field characteristics of the general systemic yoyo model are employed as the basis of our exploration in this paper. Then, methods of quantitative analysis are introduced to address some of the problems encountered. Findings – Among several new results, many important concepts, such as ring-shaped electric fields, cylinders of equal potential intensities, yoyo resistances, yoyo capacitors, etc. are introduced and studied in some detail. Several important Laws in electromagnetic theory, such as Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, etc. are generalized to the case of the general systemic yoyo model. The refined theory is applied to provide theoretical explanations for some laboratory-observed phenomena that cannot be well illustrated by either Faraday's theory of electromagnetic induction or Lenz's law. Originality/value – Phenomena related to electricity and magnetism are explained the first time in history by using a unified model: the systemic yoyo model. At the same time, some well established Laws in physics are generalized to scenarios of this general mode with the hope that these new Laws can be applied equally well to natural and social sciences in the coming years.

The state of a civilization : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Bailey Forrest — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism underlying many inexplicable phenomena observed in social organizations and human history by using the general systemic yoyo model. Design/methodology/approach – Such traditional tools as laboratory experiments, calculus-based methods, quantitative reasoning of microeconomics, and set-theoretical logic are collectively employed to present a brand new method for the study of many unsettled problems in the research of civilizations. Findings – Among a whole series of open problems, novel explanations are provided for important questions like: how do civilizations or cultures form? Why did Western democracy not originate in Eastern Asian or other parts of the world? Why does each blown-up that it bridges a transition between organizational expansion and contraction represents a weakest link in the evolution of a social entity? Why are there nation states within a civilization? Why is the Western civilization having multiple centers or core states, while the Sinic civilization has one core state and the Islamic civilization does not seem to have any core states? How can policy makers separate civilizations from each other? Originality/value – This work presents how systems science in general and the systemic yoyo model in particular can bring forward tangible results in social science with solid scientific merits. Owing to the novelty of reasoning and sound conclusions derived on solid scientific foundations, it is expected that this work will produce such results that can be truly useful for policy makers at national and international levels.

The life form of civilizations : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Bailey Forrest — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism underlying three fascinating problems that have been investigated by many first class scholars in sociology throughout history. Design/methodology/approach – The thinking logic and figurative method of the general systemic yoyo model, combined with laboratory experiments, are collectively employed to present a brand new methodology for the study of three unsettled problems in the research of civilizations. Findings – The paper provides novel explanations for such fascinating but unsettled problems as: what factors determine whether a civilization is to live or die? What brings prosperity to a specific geographic region? How does a new emerging or reviving civilization adopt elements of existing or other civilizations to build or reconstruct its own organizational structure? Originality/value – This paper presents how laws and conclusions developed in systems science in general and the systemic yoyo model in particular can bring forward tangible results in social science with solid scientific merits. Considering the importance of the conclusions drawn in this paper, it is expected that this paper will produce results that can be truly useful for policy makers at national and international levels.

Lovelock interview, cybernetics sources, torture : Table of Contents

Alex M. Andrew — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review a variety of developments during the summer of 2009, with the most significant being an interview with James Lovelock in which he discusses dire predictions that appear in his latest book. Others refer to definitions and educational material on cybernetics. Comments are made on a debate about torture, on which cybernetics theory has been brought to bear. An appreciative comment on the early work of Vallée is noted, as is the sad passing of Barbara Vogl of the American Society for Cybernetics. Design/methodology/approach – The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Findings – The main aim is to review significant items from ongoing discussions, sometimes with interpretation that is additional to the original material, especially in the torture context. Practical implications – The interview with Lovelock has important implications for management of the ecology. Originality/value – It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Cyberspace wars : Table of Contents

Alex M. Andrew — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the influence of the Conficker virus on the internet and show it to be still very much a cause for concern. Design/methodology/approach – The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Findings – Although a deadline of first of April 2009 has passed without apparent disruption, the virus continues to be active and dangerous. An impressive amount of ingenuity and expertise has been invested in it. Practical implications – Computer users must be vigilant and keep anti-virus software updated. The Conficker worm appears to be organising a worldwide network whose consequences are difficult to predict but likely to be serious. Originality/value – It is hoped this paper is a valuable periodic review.

The displacement currents of yoyos and Maxwell relationships : Table of Contents

Xiaoya He, Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize the most important quantitative representations of electric and magnetic yoyo fields obtained on the basis of the general systemic yoyo model. Design/methodology/approach – The traditional calculus-based methods are employed in reference with the qualitative analysis and reasoning of spinning yoyo flows. Findings – This paper presents an opportunity for us to see how theoretical and experimental results obtained in the conventional electromagnetic theory can be potentially generalized to the study of the general systemic yoyo model. Originality/value – This paper looks at the well-established laws of electromagnetic theory from the angle of systems studies with an eye on the possibility of first generalizing these laws to the situations of general systems, and second, the potential to employ these generalized laws to social science and humanity areas.

Systemic yoyo structures and dishpan experiments : Table of Contents

Yi Lin — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to systematically, but briefly, outline the theoretical and empirical foundations for the validity of the general systemic yoyo model in order to lay down a solid basis for future studies of this model and relevant applications in various traditional research areas as presented in this special issue. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is developed on the available theoretical knowledge from a wide range of areas, such as kinematics, fluid mechanics, vector analysis, quantitative representations of solenoidal rotations, geometry in curvature spaces, etc. and empirical facts from areas like quantum mechanics, astronomy, particle physics, meteorology, etc. The spirit of this work is truly systemic, where conclusions are drawn using cross-disciplinary syntheses of conclusions and observations. Findings – The paper develops a plausible and convincing series of evidence for the validity of the general systemic yoyo model and presents the relevant highlights of the dishpan experiment in order to pave the way for a follow-up and detailed study of this yoyo model and its applications in natural and social sciences. Originality/value – After the systemic yoyo model is initially proposed, this work is the first to develop the foundation of this useful model of systems research.

Manifestation of eddy and meridian fields of systems : Table of Contents

Yi Lin, Xiaoya He — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the general systemic yoyo model to illustrate why electric fields and magnetic fields can manifest each other and interact with each other. Design/methodology/approach – The coordinated interaction of eddy and meridian fields of spinning yoyos is employed as our methodology for the investigation in this paper. At the end, the First Law on State of Motion is beautifully utilized. Findings – Among many new theoretical discoveries, systemic yoyo models are provided to understand electric currents and the induced magnetic fields, which lead to a distinction between the yoyo structures of permanent magnets and those of the magnetic field induced by electric currents. It is theoretically shown why all fields in nature, such as electric, magnetic, universal, gravitational, and nuclear fields, have to exist in pairs of opposite polarities, even though one polarity might not be visible or recognizable with the current technology. Using the quark structures of spinning yoyos, an explanation is provided for why protons carry positive electric fields, while neutrons are electrically neutral. Originality/value – One of the originalities of this paper is about its unified theory underlying many observed phenomena of electric and magnetic fields.

Innovative applications of multidisciplinary researches : Table of Contents

B.H. Rudall, C.J.H. Mann — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to the next-generation technologies. Design/methodology/approach – A general review and survey of selected research and development topics is given, and considers some of the new challenges and applications of future technologies. Findings – This paper illustrates the multi- and trans-disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science, with a view to further research and development activity. Practical implications – The choice of reviews provides an awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour. Originality/value – The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.

Performance evaluation of iterative parallel algorithms : Table of Contents

Ivan Hanuliak, Peter Hanuliak — Mon Mar 22 02:05:22 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – With the availability of powerful personal computers (PCs), workstations and networking devices, the recent trend in parallel computing is to connect a number of individual workstations (PC and PC symmetric multiprocessor systems (SMP)) to solve computation-intensive tasks in parallel way on such clusters (networks of workstations (NOW), SMP and Grid). In this sense, it is not more true to consider traditionally evolved parallel computing and distributed computing as two separate research disciplines. Current trends in high performance computing are to use NOW (and SMP) as a cheaper alternative to traditionally used massively parallel multiprocessors or supercomputers and to profit from unifying of both mentioned disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to consider the individual workstations could be so single PC as parallel computers based on modern SMP implemented within workstation. Design/methodology/approach – Such parallel systems (NOW and SMP), are connected through widely used communication standard networks and co-operate to solve one large problem. Each workstation is threatened similarly to a processing element as in a conventional multiprocessor system. But, personal processors or multiprocessors as workstations are far more powerful and flexible than the processing elements in conventional multiprocessors. To make the whole system appear to the applications as a single parallel computing engine (a virtual parallel system), run-time environments such as OpenMP, Java (SMP), message passing interface, Java (NOW) are used to provide an extra layer of abstraction. Findings – To exploit the parallel processing capability of such cluster, the application program must be paralleled. The effective way how to do it for (parallelisation strategy) belongs to a most important step in developing effective parallel algorithm (optimisation). To behaviour analysis, all overheads that have the influence to performance of parallel algorithms (architecture, computation, communication, etc.) have to be taken into account. In this paper, such complex performance evaluation of iterative parallel algorithms (IPA) and their practical implementations are discussed (Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel iteration). On real application example, the various influences in process of modelling and performance evaluation and the consequences of their distributed parallel implementations are demonstrated. Originality/value – The paper usefully shows that better load balancing can be achieved among used network nodes (performance optimisation of parallel algorithm). Generally, it claims that the parallel algorithms or their parts (processes) with more communication (similar to analyzed Gauss-Seidel parallel algorithm) will have better speed-up values using modern SMP parallel system as its parallel implementation in NOW. For the algorithms or processes with small communication overheads (similar to analysed Jacobi parallel algorithm) the other network nodes can be used based on single processors.