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Author: Heinz Von Foerster
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9780306467523
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 158
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Book Description
How real is reality? Are our images of the world mere inventions, or does an external reality correspond to them? Is it possible to know the truth? These are questions that physicist and philosopher Heinz von Foerster and journalist Bernhard Poerksen debate about in their conversations. Together, they explore the borders of our capacity for knowledge. They discuss the seeming objectivity of our sensual perception, the consequences of "truth terrorism" and the connections between knowledge and ethics, sight and insight.
Author: Heinz Von Foerster
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9780306467523
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 158
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Book Description
How real is reality? Are our images of the world mere inventions, or does an external reality correspond to them? Is it possible to know the truth? These are questions that physicist and philosopher Heinz von Foerster and journalist Bernhard Poerksen debate about in their conversations. Together, they explore the borders of our capacity for knowledge. They discuss the seeming objectivity of our sensual perception, the consequences of "truth terrorism" and the connections between knowledge and ethics, sight and insight.
Author: George E. Mobus
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1493919202
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 782
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Book Description
This pioneering text provides a comprehensive introduction to systems structure, function, and modeling as applied in all fields of science and engineering. Systems understanding is increasingly recognized as a key to a more holistic education and greater problem solving skills, and is also reflected in the trend toward interdisciplinary approaches to research on complex phenomena. While the concepts and components of systems science will continue to be distributed throughout the various disciplines, undergraduate degree programs in systems science are also being developed, including at the authors’ own institutions. However, the subject is approached, systems science as a basis for understanding the components and drivers of phenomena at all scales should be viewed with the same importance as a traditional liberal arts education. Principles of Systems Science contains many graphs, illustrations, side bars, examples, and problems to enhance understanding. From basic principles of organization, complexity, abstract representations, and behavior (dynamics) to deeper aspects such as the relations between information, knowledge, computation, and system control, to higher order aspects such as auto-organization, emergence and evolution, the book provides an integrated perspective on the comprehensive nature of systems. It ends with practical aspects such as systems analysis, computer modeling, and systems engineering that demonstrate how the knowledge of systems can be used to solve problems in the real world. Each chapter is broken into parts beginning with qualitative descriptions that stand alone for students who have taken intermediate algebra. The second part presents quantitative descriptions that are based on pre-calculus and advanced algebra, providing a more formal treatment for students who have the necessary mathematical background. Numerous examples of systems from every realm of life, including the physical and biological sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, pre-med and pre-law, are based on the fundamental systems concepts of boundaries, components as subsystems, processes as flows of materials, energy, and messages, work accomplished, functions performed, hierarchical structures, and more. Understanding these basics enables further understanding both of how systems endure and how they may become increasingly complex and exhibit new properties or characteristics. Serves as a textbook for teaching systems fundamentals in any discipline or for use in an introductory course in systems science degree programs Addresses a wide range of audiences with different levels of mathematical sophistication Includes open-ended questions in special boxes intended to stimulate integrated thinking and class discussion Describes numerous examples of systems in science and society Captures the trend towards interdisciplinary research and problem solving
Author: Jamshid Ghaboussi
Publisher: #N/A
ISBN: 9813225971
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 255
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Book Description
Our book presents a unique and original viewpoint on natural and engineered systems. The authors' goal is to propose and explain core principles that govern the formation and function of simple and complex systems. Examples are drawn from a broad range of topics from common materials and manufactured structures to the behavior of cells, organisms and socio-economic organizations. We provide a technical discussion of key engineering principles without the use of mathematics so that we may describe for a general audience how the systems of daily life form, operate, and evolve. We use analogy and illustrations to show how the components self-organize and scale to form complex adaptive systems. In this way we hope to understand how those systems come to be, achieve stability, and suddenly transition to new equilibrium states, including the sudden onset of economic recessions, ecosystem collapse, the evolution of species, development of cancer, and other wide-ranging topics. The existential role of component variability in these processes is emphasized.This book targets engineering instructors and undergraduate students curious to explore the grand challenges facing society today so they might build productive and long-lasting careers in science and technology. The six essays can be used to frame classroom discussions on systems from a broad range of disciplines. The essays are designed to appeal to those with a basic science and engineering background as we illustrate many fundamental engineering concepts in our descriptions of system behavior. We also hope our book appeals to curious members of the general public who are interested in understanding foundational ideas.
Author: Ruth MacDonald
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128044853
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 373
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Book Description
Understanding Food Systems: Agriculture, Food Science, and Nutrition in the United States explores the complex and evolving system from which the United States gets its food. From farm, to home, and everything in-between, the authors use a scientific perspective that explains the fundamentals of agricultural production, food science, and human nutrition that will guide readers through the issues that shape our food system, including political, societal, environmental, economic, and ethical concerns. Presenting the role and impact of technology, from production to processing and safety, to cultural and consumer behavior perspectives, the book also explores the link between food systems and the history of nutrients and diet patterns, and how these influence disease occurrence. Current topics of concern and debate, including the correlations between food systems and diet-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes are explored, as are the history and current status of food insecurity and accessibility. Throughout the text, readers are exposed to current topics that play important roles in personal food choices and how they influence components of the food system. - Presents the evolution of the US food system, from historical beginnings, to current consumer and political roles and responsibilities - Provides farm to fork insights on production and consumption practices in the United States - Explores complex topics in call-out boxes throughout the text to help readers understand the various perspectives on controversial topics
Author: Simon Kingsley
Publisher: SciTech Publishing
ISBN: 9781891121050
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 394
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Book Description
What is radar? What systems are currently in use? How do they work? Understanding Radar Systems provides engineers and scientists with answers to these critical questions, focusing on actual radar systems in use today. It's the perfect resource for those just entering the field or a quick refresher for experienced practitioners. The book leads readers through the specialized language and calculations that comprise the complex world of modern radar engineering as seen in dozens of state-of-the-art radar systems. The authors stress practical concepts that apply to all radar, keeping math to a minimum. Most of the book is based on real radar systems rather than theoretical studies. The result is a valuable, easy-to-use guide that makes the difficult parts of the field easier and helps readers do performance calculations quickly and easily.
Author: William B. Rouse
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262027518
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 297
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Book Description
An argument that understanding healthcare delivery as a complex adaptive system will help us design a system that yields better health outcomes. Breakthroughs in medical science, innovations in medical technologies, and improvements in clinical practices occur today at an increasingly rapid rate. Yet because of a fragmented healthcare delivery system, many Americans are unable to benefit from these developments. How can we design a system that can provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for everyone? In this book, William Rouse and Nicoleta Serban introduce concepts, principles, models, and methods for understanding, and improving, healthcare delivery. Approaching the topic from the perspectives of engineering and statistics, they argue that understanding healthcare delivery as a complex adaptive system will help us design a system that is more efficient, effective, and equitable. The authors use multilevel simulation models as a quantitative tool for evaluating alternate ways of organizing healthcare delivery. They employ this approach, for example, in their discussions of affordability, a prevention and wellness program, chronic disease management, and primary care accessibility for children in the Medicaid program. They also consider possible benefits from a range of technologies, including electronic health records and telemedicine; data mining as an alternative to randomized trials; conceptual and analytical methodologies that address the complexity of the healthcare system; and how these principles, models, and methods can enable transformational change.
Author: Jack Golten
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Book Company Limited
ISBN: 9780077093204
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 315
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Book Description
Author: Andrew D. Chapman
Publisher: The Autodidact’s Toolkit
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218
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Book Description
At its core, systems theory is an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex and interconnected nature of various elements within a system. It transcends traditional approaches that focus on individual components, advocating for a holistic perspective. Systems theory examines how parts of a system interact, influence each other, and contribute to the system’s overall behavior and outcomes. This approach is crucial in today’s world, where challenges are increasingly complex and interlinked, requiring solutions that consider the entirety of the system. Understanding Systems Theory is tailored for a broad audience. It serves as an essential resource for students across disciplines such as business, engineering, social sciences, and environmental studies, providing a foundational understanding of systems thinking. For academics and researchers, it offers in-depth analyses and the latest developments in systems theory. Professionals and practitioners will find practical applications and strategies to address systemic challenges in their respective fields, from organizational management to environmental sustainability. This book demystifies systems theory, breaking it down into digestible concepts, illustrated with real-world examples and case studies. It systematically guides the reader through the key principles, methodologies, and applications of systems thinking. Each chapter is crafted to build upon the previous one, gradually deepening the reader’s understanding while maintaining clarity and accessibility. Understanding Systems Theory is organized into ten distinct but interconnected parts, each focusing on a different aspect of systems theory: Introduction to Systems Theory: Laying the foundational concepts and significance of systems thinking Foundations of Systems Theory: Delving into the core principles and elements that constitute systems System Modeling and Analysis: Exploring methodologies and tools for modeling and analyzing systems Systems in Various Domains: Applying systems theory across different sectors and disciplines Advanced Systems Theory Concepts: Discussing more complex and emerging ideas in systems theory Systems Thinking Tools and Techniques: Providing practical tools and techniques for implementing systems thinking Organizational Systems and Change: Focusing on the application of systems theory in organizational contexts Contemporary Issues in Systems Theory: Addressing modern challenges and the role of systems thinking in resolving them Systems Theory in Research and Education: Exploring the role of systems theory in academic research and educational curricula Applied Systems Theory: Demonstrating the practical applications of systems theory in various real-world scenarios Each part consists of carefully structured chapters that progress from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of systems theory and its vast applicability. We invite you on this journey through Understanding Systems Theory, confident that it will enrich your perspective and equip you with the tools to think and act systemically in an increasingly interconnected world.
Author: Josh Kaufman
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101446080
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 422
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Book Description
Master the fundamentals, hone your business instincts, and save a fortune in tuition. The consensus is clear: MBA programs are a waste of time and money. Even the elite schools offer outdated assembly-line educations about profit-and-loss statements and PowerPoint presentations. After two years poring over sanitized case studies, students are shuffled off into middle management to find out how business really works. Josh Kaufman has made a business out of distilling the core principles of business and delivering them quickly and concisely to people at all stages of their careers. His blog has introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to the best business books and most powerful business concepts of all time. In The Personal MBA, he shares the essentials of sales, marketing, negotiation, strategy, and much more. True leaders aren't made by business schools-they make themselves, seeking out the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed. Read this book and in one week you will learn the principles it takes most people a lifetime to master.
Author: Ida M. Flynn
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 488
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Book Description
UNDERSTANDING OPERATING SYSTEMS provides a basic understanding of operating systems theory, a comparison of the major operating systems in use, and a description of the technical and operational tradeoffs inherent in each. The effective two-part organization covers the theory of operating systems, their historical roots, and their conceptual basis (which does not change substantially), culminating with how these theories are applied in the specifics of five operating systems (which evolve constantly). The authors explain this technical subject in a not-so-technical manner, providing enough detail to illustrate the complexities of stand-alone and networked operating systems. UNDERSTANDING OPERATING SYSTEMS is written in a clear, conversational style with concrete examples and illustrations that readers easily grasp.
