Miguel Lloret-Climent

Coverage and invariability by structural functions

Based on some of the results and definitions provided in the article System linkage: Structural functions and hierarchies (Lloret et al. “System linkage: structural functions and hierarchies”, Cybern. Syst. Int. J., 29, pp. 35–46, 1998) and adding new definitions that are in keeping with the spirit of the same article, new results have been obtained that explore the utility of the structural input–output function (also transferable to the other structural functions) and that expand on studies conducted to date on variables (cells). Our approach is based principally on the application of graph theory to the study of relationships between variables (cells) using specific set theory concepts, introducing new definitions and adapting continuous function properties to our discrete environment. More specifically, we present two new concepts—coverage between sets and the invariant set—analysing their inter-relatedness from the perspective of structural functions, i.e. from the point of view of influences in the system. To date these concepts have been handled from a continuous point of view, and so the discrete approach described here will lay the foundations for new developments in this direction. Although the development of the concepts may, a priori, appear to very theoretical, they are, in fact, much more practical than would appear to be the case. A result such as the fact that A covers B, for example, can be interpreted in terms of the latter set being formed of direct influences from elements in the former set in relation to one or more than one relationships. Analogously, the invariant set concept may be interpreted as the set maintaining its structure and status, remaining constant with respect to any possible relationships.

Coverage, invariability and orbits by structural functions

Purpose – Based on some of the results and definitions provided in the paper “system linkage: structural functions and hierarchies” and adding new definitions that are in keeping with the spirit of the same paper, new results have been obtained that explore the utility of the structural input‐output function.Design/methodology/approach – Our approach is based principally on the application of graph theory to the study of relationships between variables using specific set theory concepts.Findings – A result such as the fact that A covers B, for example, can be interpreted in terms of the latter set being formed of direct influences from elements in the former set in relation to one or more than one relationships. Analogously, the invariant set concept may be interpreted as the set maintaining its structure and status, remaining constant with respect to any possible relationships.Originality/value – From a practical point of view, in the context of the study of networks within an ecosystem, authors (such as...

Causality in H -semiotic systems of ecosystems: Routes and tours

The influences (causes and effects) between the variables of an abstract system are considered from a theoretical point of view by authors such as Mesarovic and Takahara [(1989) Abstract Systems Theory (Springer, Berlin)], who employ two notions of causality--non-anticipation and past-determinancy--and by Caselles [(1993) Cybenetics and systems: An international Journal 24 , 305-323], who introduces the concepts of direct and indirect influence. From a practical point of view, in the context of the study of networks within an ecosystem, authors such as Patten et al. and Patten [(1982) Canadian Water Resource Journal 7 (1), 252-282; (1985) Contributions in Systems Ecology 65 , 271-284] have demonstrated that indirect effects between the variables of an ecosystem outweigh direct effects, while Higashi and Patten, Higashi and Burns and Higashi and Nakajima [(1989) The American Naturalist 133 , 288-302; (1991) Theoretical Studies of Ecosystems. The Network Perspective (Cambridge University Press, Oxford); (1995) Mathematical Biosciences 130 , 99-128] have studied indirect effects in ecological interaction networks by means of a chain rule, etc. Taking as a starting point the concept of system-linkage Lloret et al. [(1998) Cybernetics and systems: An international Journal 29 , 29-39] equivalent to Yangs definition [(1989) Cybernetics and Systems: An International Journal 20 , 67-76], the authors have developed a theory of the direct and indirect influences between variables with respect to paths and times in an H -semiotic systems or mathematical models of complex Reality.

Mythical systems: mathematic and logical theory

The process of elaboration of the symbolic universe leads to exciting insights regarding the search for human emotional security. The symbols end up as explanatory axes of universal reality and on them are constructed myths that form a superstructure for belief systems. Human society is a multi-level system with a material structure (society), an ideological superstructure (belief systems, values, etc.) and a super superstructure with two parts: mythical (origin and justification) and utopic (final goal). All mythical belief systems have a numinous-religious nature.

Complex impure systems: Sheaves, freeways, and chains

Fundamental to the approach of Complex Impure Systems is the definition of the concept of an s-impure set as a set of perceptual beliefs or denotative significances (relative beings) of material and/or energetic real objects (absolute beings). But any Subject not only the subject S perceives objects O as significances, and he perceives the existing relations between these significances or, alternatively, he infers them. The study of these relations, conceived not as a singular relation between singular objects, but as sheaves of relations in both directions and forming relational freeways, will be studied here. In this work, we approach the structure of the system, from a synchronous point of view, as a first approach to this class of systems. VC 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 000: 00–00, 2016

Ideological Complex Systems: Mathematical Theory

The goal of this article is to build an abstract mathematical theory rather than a computational one of the process of transmission of ideology. The basis of much of the argument is Pattens Environment Theory that characterizes a system with its double environment input or stimulus and output or response and the existing interactions among them. Ideological processes are semiotic processes, and if in Pattens theory, the two environments are physical, in this theory ideological processes are physical and semiotic, as are stimulus and response.

Measures of cellular change in systems theory

Considers that as a general rule metrics serve to compare elements in the same set, such as the Euclidean metric by means of which we can calculate the distance between points ℜ 2, ℜ3 etc. In practical applications such as in the biological sciences, it is necessary to compare cells which may have identical or different numbers of genes. Suggests that we may wish to compare different genes formed of finite sequences of four nucleotides. These are genes which may have the same or different numbers of bases. These and other questions are analysed from the viewpoint of general systems theory.

SYSTEMS APPROACH TO THE CONCEPT OF MUTATION

We hypothesize on the grave systemic consequences of malfunctions in the mechanisms of cell change, evidenced in biological systems in pathologies such as cancer. An internal mechanism of change is based on a wide diversity of structures. Such structures, just as in any large-scale system, incorporate hierarchies or different extents of aggregation.

Algorithm for qualitative analysis of a system's dependencies

Purpose – Based on knowledge of the variables of a link system and their interrelation, the purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to specify all the objects relating to dependency chains of a discrete system which are essential in systemic analysis of any system.Design/methodology/approach – An algorithm is designed based on previously developed theoretical concepts which enables the discovery of the aforementioned objects.Findings – A tool has been developed which is able to analyse any system with given variables and dependencies in a fast and economical manner.Practical implications – These results can be applied to a number of cases. For example, in the case of an ecosystem, the structural function associated with each species of the ecosystem can be determined, it could be ascertained whether a group of species covered another group of species, whether there is an invariant group of species can be determined, and the orbit of each species analysed.Originality/value – The algorithm prese...

Direct and indirect causality in living systems

Not all cells are equal: each tissue and organ has its own type of cell. Although the nucleus of each cell in a living system has the same genetic information, each one dispenses of the lions share of that information and only those genes that are necessary for carrying out the function of the particular organ or tissue to which they belong remain active. Despite the fact that in specific scientific fields, such as ecosystem studies, it is possible to measure the relationships between different variables and to compare the various direct and indirect effects they may have on one another, there has been no such development in the wider context of a General Systems Theory. This paper sets out to address the question of cellular change by interpreting processes such as direct and indirect causality, cellular meiosis and mutation of cells.