Emerald | Kybernetes

A little known origin of cybernetics and some implications

Alex M. Andrew — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The author reminisces about an experience in the 1950s that revealed a much earlier plan to set up a research centre with aims close to what later came to be called cybernetics. That plan was thwarted by economic considerations but the general approach found expression in the later work of Warren McCulloch and of a group around him, the latter first in Chicago and then in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This paper aims to discuss the attempt to set up this research centre. Design/methodology/approach – The emphasis is on study of the brain and its modelling in mechanistic terms, and the limitations of various experimental techniques are discussed. Findings – Despite much very good work and technical developments, the detailed working of the brain is still mysterious, and quite fundamental aspects are still debatable. The suggestion that the 1990s would be the “Decade of the brain” was premature. Practical implications – Technical developments including scanning techniques, especially NMR, have aided the analysis of brain functioning and no doubt other developments will emerge. Modelling by methods of artificial intelligence is likely to be helpful, but must be seen as producing bold, and therefore tentative, hypotheses that workers should be ready to modify or abandon. Originality/value – The trip to Orange, New Jersey has been described and discussed previously but not in such detail.

Toward a cybernetic psychology

Bernard Scott — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the relationship between cybernetics and psychology. Design/methodology/approach – The paradigms of cybernetics are reviewed and then applied to psychology. Findings – Applying the paradigms of cybernetics to psychology provides a conceptually coherent account of what is a psychological individual. Originality/value – It is of value to bring conceptual coherence to the discipline of psychology, which, thus far in its history, has lacked it.

Diffusion of innovative behaviour with social responsibility

Zdenka Zenko, Matjaz Mulej — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Development or existence of human society depends on innovations and the end of one-sidedness of behavior. The complexity of innovative processes has been widely studied, yet the success rate is still low. The purpose of this paper is to identify by the dialectical systems approach how some concepts, important for development of inventions into innovations can better support requisitely holistic innovative behavior. Design/methodology/approach – System theory, theory of innovations and social responsibility are used to understand diffusion of innovations as part of the innovative processes. Findings – Many established theories, methods, procedures and standards support innovation management, but its economic success remains poor. Invention-innovation-diffusion processes (IIDP) remain poorly managed, especially the non-technological. The usual approach is too one-sided. Invention and innovation phases received more attention than the requisitely holistic consideration of the diffusion phase. Social responsibility can help. Research limitations/implications – The paper adds to requisite holism of IIDP management. It focuses on diffusion and its link with social responsibility. Practical implications – The new approach to IIDP is widely applicable for requisitely holistic rather than one-sided political or strategic decisions and actions. ISO 26000 can increase success of IIDP. Originality/value – The concepts presented here are not detected in literature and offer great value for further research and understanding, designing and managing of IIDP. The selected dialectical system of viewpoints is original.

Seeing a case study through a cybernetic epistemological lens

Raul Espejo — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the knowledge that Beer's viable system model helps when applied to the study of change processes in organisations. Design/methodology/approach – This paper develops a case study constructed on interviews and shared reflections by the author and a key player in the company. Aspects of the case study are then seen with an epistemological lens. Findings – While it is apparent that ideas, purposes, values or policies depend on resources to happen, this paper argues that it is necessary their embodying in effective relations to succeed creating and producing desirable meanings. Research limitations/implications – Some forms of embodiment are more effective than others. The viable system model offers embodiment criteria to increase the chances of a successful production of ideas, purposes, values and policies, and the case study shows that for this purpose a limitation is transforming long-established relationships. Originality/value – This paper uses a particular and unique situation to illustrate through the viable system model some of the general difficulties that organisations face in achieving desirable transformations.

Daisyworld and physiological rein control

Alex M. Andrew — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Daisyworld “parable” advanced by James Lovelock to account for the origin of global homeostasis, and to relate it to another type of model advanced in a physiological context. Design/methodology/approach – The relevance of the Daisyworld model is examined in more detail than in an earlier discussion, and the relationship to physiological rein control is considered. Findings – Both types of model exhibit effective and robust control and there is good reason to believe they usefully model forms of biological regulation. Practical implications – There are implications for theories of global homeostasis and for physiology. A computer program modelling Daisyworld is made available. Originality/value – The Javascript program that can be accessed online is new, though based on the earlier work of Lovelock and Watson. Much of the treatment depends on the work of Saunders et al.

Comparison of the Adomian decomposition method and the variational iteration method for solving the Lane-Emden equations of the first and second kinds

Abdul-Majid Wazwaz, Randolph Rach — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparison of the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) with the variational iteration method (VIM) for solving the Lane-Emden equations of the first and second kinds. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the theoretical framework of the Adomian decomposition method and compares it with the variational iteration method. The paper seeks to determine the relative merits and computational benefits of both the Adomian decomposition method and the variational iteration method in the context of the important physical models of the Lane-Emden equations of the first and second kinds. Findings – The Adomian decomposition method is shown to readily solve the Lane-Emden equations of both the first and second kinds for all positive real values of the system coefficient a and for all positive real values of the nonlinear exponent m. The decomposition series solution of these nonlinear differential equations requires the calculation of the Adomian polynomials appropriate to the particular system nonlinearity. The paper shows that the variational iteration method works effectively to solve the Lane-Emden equation of the first kind for system coefficient values a=1, 2, 3, 4 but only for positive integer values of the nonlinear exponent m. The successive approximations of the solution of these nonlinear differential equations require the determination of the appropriate Lagrange multipliers, which are established in this paper. These two methodologies overcome the singular behavior at the origin x=0. The paper shows that the variational iteration method is impractical for solving either the Lane-Emden equation of the first kind for non-integer values of the system exponent m or the Lane-Emden equations of the second kind. Indeed the Adomian decomposition method is shown to solve even the generalized Lane-Emden equation for any analytic nonlinearity and all positive values of the system coefficient a in a practical and straightforward manner. The conclusions are supported by several numerical examples. Originality/value – This paper presents an accurate comparison of the Adomian decomposition method with the variational iteration method for solving the Lane-Emden equations of the first and second kinds. The paper presents a new solution algorithm for the generalized Lane-Emden equation for any analytic system nonlinearity and for any model geometry as characterized by all possible positive real values of the system coefficient a.

Cosmic system dynamics: a cyberneticist's perspective on gravitation

Grahame Blackwell — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to present a novel perspective on the interplay of forces that govern the dynamics of the massively complex multi-body system that is our physical universe. It offers a consistent, coherent and complete rationale for the phenomenon referred to as “gravitation”. This includes notably, for the first time, an explanation for the mechanism by which “matter tells space how to curve and curved space tells matter how to move”, and also possible causal explanations for the various outcomes of Einstein's equivalence principle. Design/methodology/approach – Starting from the well-supported premise that elementary particles are formed from closed-loop electromagnetic energy flows, the likely impact of such constructs on the behaviour of large-scale dynamic systems is analysed from first principles. Findings – Gravitation is shown to be a natural consequence of such a construct. The warping of space in the presence of gravitating mass, consistent with the view presented by general relativity, is shown to relate to a clearly comprehensible physical structure with a well-defined causation. Possible explanations are offered for: gravitational time dilation; gravitational red shift; gravitational potential energy; and slowing and bending of light in a gravitational field. Research limitations/implications – This novel perspective opens a wide range of potential avenues of innovative research, both pure and applied. Practical implications – A variety of new technologies may prove to be open to development, notably in the aerospace field. Antigravity technologies, whilst amenable to investigation and possible development, may prove highly energy-intensive. Originality/value – This paper is totally original and of very significant potential value in various respects.

Foundations of a postmodern cybernetics based on Kabbalah

Gabriel Burstein, Constantin Virgil Negoita — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to lay the computational and mathematical foundations for a “postmodern cybernetics” based on ancient Kabbalah. This new Kabbalistic cybernetics is introduced to act as an unifying science addressing simultaneously, in a common language and framework the triple nature of human, psychological, social, economic, financial, political, cultural systems and their present multi-faceted crises and conflicts: cognitive objective level of attaining knowledge; subjective emotional level and physical action and behavioral level. Design/methodology/approach – Feedback, hierarchical control and other system and control theoretic features in the Tree of Life (TL) of Kabbalah were identified. These were used to develop a general system theoretic framework of a new type to address human and societal system dynamics, evolution, interaction and feedback control by simultaneously taking into account their triple nature. Findings – The postmodern cybernetics of the TL introduced here as a general system framework, exhibits feedback control with internal model principle, hierarchical control, system multi-valued logic, category theory pullback and pushout mechanisms, advanced knowledge engineering to aggregate, learn, evolve and solve problems and crises in an integrated way. Practical implications – “Kabbalistic postmodern cybernetics” proposed here for human and societal systems is the unified scientific framework to solve problems that led to or are just related to economic, financial, political, cultural, societal and human crises and conflicts by addressing their triple intertwined human nature. Originality/value – Computational foundations for a postmodern cybernetics based on Kabbalah are introduced, where the cognitive, emotional and behavioral and physical action facets of human systems are dealt with in a unified integrated framework to address global problems and crises.

Small and large projects: their dynamics and which ones to take

Yi Lin, Sifeng Liu — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate the roles of small and large projects in the development and evolution of a commercial company and why companies with a history of taking on large projects tend to eventually fail with large projects. Design/methodology/approach – In terms of small and large projects, analytic models are established to: describe investors' behaviors; depict the dynamics between CEOs and their boards of directors; and reveal how profit ceilings exist for large projects. Findings – After making the concepts of small and large projects precise, the paper establishes several analytic models for the investigation of the behaviors of various market participants. Then, it develops an explanation for why some decision makers like to take on large projects and why most new startups fail because of a lack of funds. A theory is given to show how investors value small projects more than large projects and why the current trend of moving manufacturing operations from industrialized nations to third world countries does not seem reversible in the foreseeable future, as long as international transportation costs stay low and the global economic system stays open and competitive. Among other results, it is also shown that: the higher the level the CEO's initial ability is, the more likely he would initiate and manage small projects, and the more labor effort he will devote to these projects; the CEO's additional effort spent on the small projects helps him gain non-pecuniary benefits, which he can use to gain additional bargaining power over the board; to realistically maximize his private utility, the CEO would spend more of his time and effort on small projects; each large project has a glass ceiling for its maximum level of profits; companies taking on large projects cannot afford to devote much of their scarce resources to expand their market share and appearance; and to increase their profit potential, these companies have to control their spending so that their profit can be maximized by lowering their unit selling price ps; for small projects, the profit potential for the company is unlimited. Originality/value – This work is the first to employ models of human behaviors to research the interactions and dynamics between projects of different scales. It provides a theoretically reliable distinction between small and large projects.

Brazilian highways from slime mold's point of view

Andrew Adamatzky, Pedro P.B. de Oliveira — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to develop experimental laboratory biological techniques for approximation of existing road networks, optimizing transport links, and designing alternative optimal solutions to current transport problems. It studies how slime mould of Physarum polycephalum approximate highway networks of Brazil. Design/methodology/approach – The 21 most populous urban areas in Brazil are considered and represented with source of nutrients placed in the positions of slime mould growing substrate corresponding to the areas. At the beginning of each experiment slime mould is inoculated in São Paulo area. Slime mould exhibits foraging behavior and spans sources of nutrients (which represent urban areas) with a network of protoplasmic tubes (which approximate vehicular transport networks). The structure of transport networks developed by slime mould are analyzed and compared with families of known proximity graphs. The paper also imitates slime-mould response to simulated disaster. Findings – It was found that the plasmodium of P. polycephalum develops a minimal approximation of a transport network spanning urban areas. Physarum-developed network matches man-made highway network very well. The high degree of similarity is preserved even when high-demand constraints are placed on repeatability of links in the experiments. Physarum approximates almost all major transport links. In response to a sudden disaster, gradually spreading from its epicenter, the Physarum transport networks react by abandoning transport links affected by disaster zone, enhancement of those unaffected directly by the disaster, massive sprouting from the epicenter, and increase of scouting activity in the regions distant to the epicenter of the disaster. Originality/value – Experimental methods and computer analysis techniques presented in the paper lay a foundation of novel biological laboratory approaches to imitation and prognostication of socio-economical developments.

What creates innovation in a globalized knowledge economy? A cybernetic point of view

Jon-Arild Johannessen, Bjørn Olsen — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to uncover processes and the corresponding social mechanisms promoting innovation in organisations. Design/methodology/approach – It is the integration of organisational learning, the internal knowledge base of the company and its external knowledge base, viewed in relation to innovations in organisations, which are the main elements discussed in this paper. In the present paper, it is the systemic angle of incidence which will be used. Findings – An increased focus on information, knowledge and organisational learning, has provided a deeper understanding of factors and processes conducive to innovation and eventually to sustainable competitive advantages. However, little attention has been given to social mechanisms triggering innovations, which are uncovered in this paper. Practical implications – A conceptual model, which represents a synthesis of the social mechanisms which influence those processes affecting innovation in social systems is presented. Originality/value – The idea is that when several knowledge domains (practical, theoretical, internal and external) are connected for one specific purpose, the inherent variety may release what is creatively new, igniting innovation in social systems.

Cryptography: A security pillar of privacy, integrity and authenticity of data communication

Bhushan Kapoor, Pramod Pandya, Joseph S. Sherif — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to advance research and strategies that lead to a heightened awareness of the need to protect data from disclosure, to guarantee the authenticity of data and messages, and to protect systems from network-based attacks. Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces the necessary mathematics of cryptography: integer and modular arithmetic, linear congruence, Euclidean and extended Euclidean algorithm, Fermat's theorem, and Elliptic curve. Findings – The results indicate that encryption has expanded beyond confidentiality concerns to include techniques for message integrity checking, sender/receiver identity authentication, digital signatures, interactive proofs, and secure computation. Practical implications – The results of this research show that all forms of e-commerce activities such as online credit card processing, purchasing stocks, and banking data processing, if compromised, would lead to businesses losing billions of dollars in lost revenues as well as losing confidence in e-commerce. In the last few years, it had been reported that organizations that store and maintain customers' private and confidential records were compromised on many occasions by hackers breaking into the data networks and stealing the records from the storage media. Originality/value – This paper tackles one of the most critical problems of securing data networks. Security problems arise among other things to resource and workload sharing; complexity of interconnected networks; authentication of users; fast expandability of networks; threats to networks such as wiretapping and violations of the seven pillars of security: authentication, authorization, privacy, integrity, non-repudiation, availability, and audit.

The complexities of business school alignment with the emerging globalisation of business education

Milan Jurše, Matjaž Mulej — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate key implications of globalisation for business schools, and to put structural alignment of academic structures with the Bologna Declaration in a broader strategic alignment with the needs of a knowledge-driven society and a socially sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis uses systems theory for analysing dynamic change in society and a synthesis of its influences on business education, as we see the Bologna Process is neither conceived nor implemented with sufficient care for holism in the European effort to become an innovative society. Findings – Business schools should extend their transformation effort beyond the Bologna Process and align their strategic model of operation with societal needs by integrating social requirements into their strategic framework. Research limitations/implications – Research focuses on key external developments in business education at a transnational level. Future research should focus on the exploration of the business school response to social change in a local context. Practical implications – A requisitely holistic picture of contextual change offers business school leaders deeper understanding of external implications for aligning schools with societal needs. Social implications – Emerging social challenges in Europe are taken as the starting point for realigning a strategic model of business school operation with societal needs and the business world with the aim to improve schools' accountability and their evolvement into socially engaged actors with innovative approaches. Originality/value – The paper presents a systemic and requisitely holistic view of social change for aligning the business school model of operation with the broader needs of a knowledge-driven society that stretches beyond the formal academic structures unification in the Bologna Process.

Bounds on the rate of convergence of learning processes based on random sets and set-valued probability

Minghu Ha, Jiqiang Chen, Witold Pedrycz, Lu Sun — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Bounds on the rate of convergence of learning processes based on random samples and probability are one of the essential components of statistical learning theory (SLT). The constructive distribution-independent bounds on generalization are the cornerstone of constructing support vector machines. Random sets and set-valued probability are important extensions of random variables and probability, respectively. The paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the bounds on the rate of convergence of learning processes based on random sets and set-valued probability are discussed. First, the Hoeffding inequality is enhanced based on random sets, and then making use of the key theorem the non-constructive distribution-dependent bounds of learning machines based on random sets in set-valued probability space are revisited. Second, some properties of random sets and set-valued probability are discussed. Findings – In the sequel, the concepts of the annealed entropy, the growth function, and VC dimension of a set of random sets are presented. Finally, the paper establishes the VC dimension theory of SLT based on random sets and set-valued probability, and then develops the constructive distribution-independent bounds on the rate of uniform convergence of learning processes. It shows that such bounds are important to the analysis of the generalization abilities of learning machines. Originality/value – SLT is considered at present as one of the fundamental theories about small statistical learning.

Interest models and applications in analyzing the rise and decline of Qing dynasty

Wenjun Wang, Yi Lin, Jubo Zhu — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the rise and decline of the Qing dynasty in Chinese history, and tries to explain the evolutionary phenomenon that when a dynasty became strong, it replaced the former established but deteriorating one, and then at the end of its development, it disappeared eventually by using interest models developed herein. Design/methodology/approach – Systemic interest models are introduced to the study of Chinese history quantitatively. First, by briefly going over the history of Qing, the reasons for its rise and fall are analyzed qualitatively. Second, the concept of interest is generalized under some proper assumptions so that several interest models are established. At the end, intriguing conclusions are drawn by analyzing the numerical solutions of these interest models. Findings – Comparing this paper's results of numerical solutions with the Qing's history, we can see that the stability of a country was essentially an external appearance of the conflict of interests between the ruling and ruled classes. Usually, the eventual social turbulence happened when the balance of interests deteriorated and was tilted excessively to one social class, and ended when the imbalance reached another state of equilibrium. Moreover, the stability of a country always appeared to be a cycle of “turbulence?peace?turbulence?c” which is similar to the evolutionary characteristics of general systems indicated by the systemic yoyo model. Furthermore, the cycle can be found in all the feudal dynasties throughout Chinese history. Practical implications – The interest models presented in this article can be applied to the study of other social problems, such as corporation governance, the analysis of the national economic relationships, and others. Originality/value – The concept of interest is generalized in this paper, and the relevant interest models provide good conclusions in our analysis of social and historical phenomena.

Determination of recruitment and transition strategies

Andrej Škraba, Miroljub Kljajic, Peter Papler, Davorin Kofjac, Mitja Obed — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the development and application of a manpower planning system for the Slovenian armed forces using a system approach, system dynamics (SD) and numerical optimization. Design/methodology/approach – The model of the hierarchical manpower system was developed by SD methodology and formulated in discrete time space. The problem of tracking the goal trajectories in the eight topmost ranks at the prescribed boundaries was solved by application of the quadratic performance index and finite automata (FA) which was used for classification of acceptable strategies. Genetic algorithms (GA) as well as pattern search were compared at the numeric optimization. Findings – Employing SD and a system approach increases the understanding of the system control. The definition of an optimum strategy, which would consider only target values for ranks within prescribed parameter boundaries, could provide an undesired oscillatory solution. Inclusion of rules by FA to determine acceptable strategies based on the time response of a strategy provided acceptable, nonoscillatory solutions. GA and pattern search were considered where pattern search was shown to be significantly more suitable for the task of control strategy determination. Practical implications – The developed system and methodology was applied by the Slovenian Armed Forces in the process of restructuring. Social implications – The developed approach permits a moderate transition to the new desired structure. Restructuring without a clear understanding of the system structure and dynamics might result in undesired social impacts such as strikes and riots. Originality/value – Provision of the systemic view of the hierarchical manpower system and application of FA to determine the proper control of a complex system.

Examples of admissible simplification of mathematical theories

Alena Aleksenko, Evgeny Lakshtanov — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is simplification of some mathematical theories for the needs of school education. Design/methodology/approach – This work is a result of long-lasting regular observations of extra-curriculum classes with primary school pupils. This research is based on some maxima given in a paper written by Zvonkin. Findings – This work gives examples of simplified math models that satisfy the claimed concept, accompanied with the set of problems attainable for primary school pupils. Originality/value – This work represents a set of criteria, with the guidance of which, any mathematician would be capable of creating a set of problems that would lead the pupils into the area of his research not as observers, but as participants.

Constructing a production exception handling system for the semiconductor manufacturing process

Tsu-Ming Yeh — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Facing keen worldwide competition, it is not enough for companies to pursue customer satisfaction; they must actively pursue customer delight. This paper seeks to design a work-in-process (WIP) exception handling system (WIPEHS) not simply measuring on-time delivery performance for managers to take necessary improvement activities. It helps managers detect abnormal WIP levels in advance, trigger rectifying actions and finally notify pertinent people to coordinate roots causes and preventive means. Design/methodology/approach – The structure of WIPEHS is proposed and then constructed with a soft package, Vigilance. A typical semiconductor factory is built and production data are simulated to evaluate the effectiveness of WIPEHS. Findings – Collecting and analyzing results from the simulated typical semiconductor factory, the paper finds that the proposed system can effectively improve on-time delivery performance; and that durations from a WIP exception detected a WIP exception back to normal and durations between two successive WIP exceptions significantly. Practical implications – It helps factories outperform due dates, achieving significantly higher performance than prior performance without the production exception handling system, which should greatly please customers. Originality/value – The proposed WIPEHS provide a total solution for undesirable production variations potentially harmful to due-date performance. It anticipates WIP exception, notifies pertinent recipients, tracks the progress of exception resolution, and provides a forum for discussion of the root causes.

Changing technology

B.H. Rudall — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review current research with particular reference to new research and development initiatives and examines some of the changes since 1971. Design/methodology/approach – A general review and survey of selected research and development topics is given and some new challenges and applications of future technologies are considered with particular reference to their impact and potential. Findings – The paper illustrates the multi- and trans-disciplinary nature of studies in cybernetics, systems and management sciences, with a view to further research and development activity. It comments on some of the changes that have occurred in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. Practical implications – The choice of review 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. With notes on the contribution of Kybernetes to communicating changes in technology.

Rare elements and ecology

Alex M. Andrew — 2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The paper seeks to review the undesirable side-effects of some measures to protect the environment, particularly the results of increased demand for certain metals used in hybrid cars and wind turbines, and for tantalum for mobile phones. The increased demands for indium and lithium due to technical developments are also discussed although they do not pose corresponding dilemmas. Design/methodology/approach – The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Findings – Undesirable side-effects need to be considered, though means of overcoming them are not always apparent. Practical implications – In the case of tantalum and mobile phones, attention has been given to ethical sourcing. The possibility of indium extraction in the UK is a welcome development. Originality/value – It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Cloud Computing: Principles, Systems and Applications

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Information Retrieval: Implementing and Evaluating Search Engines

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Routes of Learning: Highways, Pathways and Byways in the History of Mathematics

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Handbook of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

The Quest for Artificial Intelligence: A History of Ideas and Achievements

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Brilliant Web Design – What You Need to Know and How to Do It

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Special announcements

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

ASC Elections

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics (WOSC)

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

IMA Mathematics 2011 – Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications (IMA), London, UK, April 2011

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Editorial team profiles

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Forty years of Kybernetes

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Benoît Mandelbrot – further notes

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Announcements

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

International Academy for Systems and Cybernetics Sciences

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

American Society for Cybernetics

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Greetings from individual journal contributors

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Congratulations on your 40th anniversary

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

The Cybernetics Society

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

For Kybernetes 40th anniversary

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Greetings from Dr Bernard Scott (UK)

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Greetings from Professor Raul Espejo

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0

Steering into the future – personal greetings from Professor Ranulph Glanville

2011-10-18 00:00:00.0