Conflict as a systems process: theory and management.
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Communication↗
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A glimpse of an IPA as a living system.
Independent practice association (IPA) model health maintenance organizations (HMO's) represent one of the fastest growing segments of managed care in the United States. IPA's have unique organizational characteristics which thwart efforts to function as a unified whole, particularly where quality of care programs are concerned. Living systems theory was employed as a method to identify subsystems and critical processes within an IPA model HMO in rural California. The application of living systems theory in this way provided insights into the quality of care program within the IPA, which could eventually lead to a redesign of critical processes within the entire system.
Health Maintenance Organizations↗
Bicycle drive system dynamics: theory and experimental validation.
Bicycle pedaling has been studied from both a motor control and an equipment setup and design perspective. In both cases, although the dynamics of the bicycle drive system may have an influence on the results, a thorough understanding of the dynamics has not been developed. This study pursued three objectives related to developing such an understanding. The first was to identify the limitations of the inertial/frictional drive system model commonly used in the literature. The second was to investigate the advantages of an inertial/frictional/compliant model. The final objective was to use these models to develop a methodology for configuring a laboratory ergometer to emulate the drive system dynamics of road riding. Experimental data collected from the resulting road-riding emulator and from a standard ergometer confirmed that the inertial/frictional model is adequate for most studies of road-riding mechanics or pedaling coordination. However, the compliant model was needed to reproduce the phase shift in crank angle variations observed experimentally when emulating the high inertia of road riding. This finding may be significant for equipment setup and design studies where crank kinematic variations are important or for motor control studies where fine control issues are of interest.
Bias↗
Changing traditional medicine in rural Swaziland: the effects of the global system.
Global systems theory provides a useful paradigm for understanding the evolution of traditional institutions in the modern world. More inclusive than the purely economic world systems theory, it is applied for the purpose of analyzing how the practice of traditional medicine in Swaziland has been transformed in response to political, economic, and cultural factors originating at national, regional, and global levels. Traditional practices at the local level have further been influenced by the interplay between global forces and local perceptions and needs. In particular, the impact of the cash economy and the emphasis on rural area development have implications for the manner in which healers are recruited and for the way their practices are conducted. Since many healers have moved beyond traditional categories and are currently forging new roles within the society, their activities no longer conform to models held by global actors in the field of health. The case studies provided in the article illustrate why healers may be disinterested in biomedical programs which attempt to foster cooperation between systems.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
Recursive causality in evolution: a model for epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development.
Interactions between adaptative and selective processes are illustrated in the model of recursive causality as defined in Rupert Riedl's systems theory of evolution. One of the main features of this theory also termed as theory of evolving complexity is the centrality of the notion of 'recursive' or 'feedback' causality - 'the idea that every biological effect in living systems, in some way, feeds back to its own cause'. Our hypothesis is that "recursive" or "feedback" causality provides a model for explaining the consequences of interacting genetic and epigenetic mechanisms which are known to play a key role in development of cancer. Epigenetics includes any process that alters gene activity without changes of the DNA sequence. The most important epigenetic mechanisms are DNA-methylation and chromatin remodeling. Hypomethylation of so-called oncogenes and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes appear to be critical determinants of cancer. Folic acid, vitamin B12 and other nutrients influence the function of enzymes that participate in various methylation processes by affecting the supply of methyl groups into a variety of molecules which may be directly or indirectly associated with cancerogenesis. We present an example from our own studies by showing that vitamin D3 has the potential to de-methylate the osteocalcin-promoter in MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Consequently, a stimulation of osteocalcin synthesis can be observed. The above mentioned enzymes also play a role in development and differentiation of cells and organisms and thus illustrate the close association between evolutionary and developmental mechanisms. This enabled new ways to understand the interaction between the genome and environment and may improve biomedical concepts including environmental health aspects where epigenetic and genetic modifications are closely associated. Recent observations showed that methylated nucleotides in the gene promoter may serve as a target for solar UV-induced mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. This illustrates the close interaction of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cancerogenesis resulting from changes in transcriptional regulation and its contribution to a phenotype at the micro- or macroevolutionary level. Above-mentioned interactions of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in oncogenesis defy explanation by plain linear causality, things like the continuing adaptability of complex systems. They can be explained by the concept of recursive causality and has introduced molecular biology into the realm of cognition science and systems theory: based on the notion of so-called feedback- or recursive causality a model for epigenetic mechanisms with relevance for oncology and biomedicine is provided.
Animals↗
Codependency: another name for Bowen's undifferentiated self.
Codependency is a term used to describe personality characteristics of people involved in unhealthy relationships. The authors purport that characteristics of codependency can be organized and interpreted using concepts from Bowen's family systems theory. Having such a framework addresses the criticisms that the concept of codependency lacks a solid theoretical foundation. In addition, nurses need to understand the concept if they are to evaluate their own actions regarding codependent behaviors.
Dependency, Psychological↗
[The world of dyadic interaction research].
The present study reviews current directions in communication research with its interconnections. It reviews theoretical and methodical approaches in experimental and clinical studies of behavior, also addressing issues related to non-adaptive, but not yet pathological (i.e. manipulative) communication. From the 1980-ies, new methodical perspectives have opened in the study of natural human relations. There was a shift from microanalysis toward a competence model emphasizing processes and relations. The author describes the values and advantages of the Hungarian Consensus Rorschach method, an interaction diagnostic instrument within a systems theory perspective.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Excess free energy approach to the estimation of solubility in mixed solvent systems I: Theory.
An approach is developed by which the solubility of an organic compound in mixed solvents may be estimated. In this approach, an expression for the excess Gibbs free energy of mixing for multicomponent solvent systems was used to obtain parameters characteristic of the interaction between the solvents. A fairly simple equation which predicts the solubility of a solute in a binary solvent system over the entire solvent composition range was then derived. The equation may be partitioned into terms that contain (a) pure solvent solubilities, (b) solvent-solvent interaction contributions, and (c) contributions from the solute-mixed solvent interactions. The required data are the molar volume of the solute, the pure solvent solubilities, and, theoretically, one experimentally determined solubility in a solvent mixture. The equation can be easily extended for systems with three or more solvents.
Chemical Phenomena↗
Interpretation of nutrient-response relationships in rats.
Nutrient-response curves are nonlinear and, as is true of other curves that define the rates of biological reactions, these curves can be described by rational polynomials. These nutrient-response curves presumably reflect the metabolic fate of the nutrient. Data reported for the accumulation of body nitrogen in rats fed three different proteins are interpreted in terms of the biochemical systems theory and metabolic control theories. Analysis of the rational polynomials that define the nutrient-response curves permits partitioning the nutrient between a number of grossly defined metabolic pathways. The power law formalism of the biochemical systems theory is discussed with respect to the well-established relationship between body weight and basal energy requirement.
Animals↗
Falsification of matching theory: changes in the asymptote of Herrnstein's hyperbola as a function of water deprivation.
Five rats pressed levers on variable-interval schedules of water reinforcement at various levels of water deprivation. In one phase of the experiment, three deprivation conditions that replicated conditions in Heyman and Monaghan (1987) were arranged, along with three less extreme deprivation conditions. In a second phase, water deprivation was arranged so that subjects were exposed to a greater range of access to water per day. Herrnstein's hyperbola described the rats' response-rate data well. The y asymptote, k, of the hyperbola appeared roughly constant over the conditions that replicated those of Heyman and Monaghan, but decreased markedly when less extreme deprivation conditions were included. In addition, k varied systematically when the second method of arranging deprivation was used. These results falsify a strong form of matching theory and confirm predictions made by linear system theory.
Animals↗
The digestive system: linking theory and practice.
This article, the second in the nutrition series, presents an outline of food chemistry and the digestion of energy-producing foods. It is hoped that this will facilitate understanding of some of the principles of nutrition. A number of 'clinical points' are highlighted to emphasize the link between theory and practice. The processes by which the chemical building blocks (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen) are formed into more complex molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats are explained. The gross anatomy of the digestive system is outlined and the sites where digestive enzymes are secreted are identified. Regulation of the digestive system by endocrine secretions and the nervous system is described and tabulated.
Carbohydrate Metabolism↗
Removal of a synthetic organic chemical by PAC-UF systems--I: Theory and modeling.
Based on the age distributions of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in reactors, the competitive bi-solute isotherm and the pore-surface diffusion mechanism, a model was developed to predict the removal of a trace synthetic organic chemical (SOC) when PAC was applied to an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system. Independent experiments evaluated the input parameters for the model. The pore diffusion in liquid-filled pore was the dominant internal mass transfer mechanism in a PAC particle and the surface diffusion mechanism was neglected in the model. Model prediction was compared with data from pilot plant experiments treating simazine in natural water. Due to the blending and the increasing PAC in the UF loop, a transient behavior of effluent simazine concentration was observed in the UF effluent. The model predicted successfully this periodical variation of the simazine concentration in the UF loop effluent, as well as the simazine concentration in the effluent from the PAC slurry contactor. The faithful model prediction required the modeling of the phenomenon of adsorption/desorption of an SOC on membrane itself.
Adsorption↗
Understanding uncertainty and minimizing families' anxiety at the time of transfer from intensive care.
When general ward registered nurses (RN) receive patients from an intensive care unit (ICU) they report that much of their time in the initial phases revolves around meeting family needs (Farvis, 2002). Families experience anxiety when leaving the security of the close monitoring seen in ICU (Leith, 1999) and their anxiety reduces their ability to play a key role in the patient's recovery (McShane, 1991; Leske, 1992) as it can impair their decision-making (Cagan, 1988; Halm et al., 1993). By reducing a family's anxiety, they may be more able to cope with the necessary transition to a general ward and support the patient's recovery. A literature search from 1990 onwards was performed within the CINAHL, Medline and Cochrane databases using the key words: intensive care, family, General System Theory, uncertainty, anxiety and transfer. Further articles were retrieved from citation references from the Web of Science or through the reference lists of retrieved literature. Library catalogues were searched using the same key words for books and book chapters. von Bertalanffy's General System Theory provides a framework for understanding the importance of family in a critical illness situation. Critical illness permits little or no time to adapt, thus reducing the family's ability to cope with the situation. Transfer out of ICU is a significant anxiety-producing event for families. Uncertainty in illness is reported in other illness situations to reduce family's adaptation to illness events, but has not been researched with an ICU cohort of families. Seven out of the top 10 needs of ICU families are information needs, highlighting the importance of communication regarding progress and future plans. Nurses require an increased awareness that transfer anxiety exists for families and to be knowledgeable about ways to reduce its occurrence. Research is required to evaluate the efficacy of interventions to reduce anxiety for families and examine the level of uncertainty in illness in this cohort.
Anxiety↗
Intimate saboteurs.
BACKGROUND: The bariatric patient exists in dynamic relationship with family members and friends who have considerable influence upon the patient and his or her surgical outcome. When family members and friends behave as intimate saboteurs, they attempt to hamper, hurt, or subvert the bariatric patient's goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. Successful or not, intimate saboteurs provide significant treatment challenges for the patient and the treatment team. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Patient profiles provide examples of intimate sabotage. The psychological construct of Family Systems Theory is used as a plausible explanation for the sabotage of friends and family. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary professionals treating the bariatric patient must be aware of the critical influence of intimate saboteurs and the tactics they use to sabotage. Treatment guidelines recommended by Family Systems Theory are presented as strategies to mitigate the influence of intimate saboteurs.
Agonistic Behavior↗
The role of family systems in severe and recurrent psychiatric disorders: a developmental psychopathology view.
Family systems theory has been highly influential in the study of recurrent psychiatric disorders. This review examines two interrelated domains: research on expressed emotion (EE) attitudes among relatives (criticism, hostility, or emotionally overinvolvement) and relapses of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and randomized trials of family intervention in these populations. The literature is discussed in terms of contemporary systems theory and concepts from developmental psychopathology research. Several conclusions are drawn: (a) levels of EE are correlated with caregivers' attributions regarding the controllability of patients' behaviors; (b) EE attitudes are associated with bidirectional, mutually influential cycles of interaction between relatives and patients; and (c) family psychoeducational therapy, when combined with pharmacotherapy, is associated with lower rates of relapse in schizophrenia and bipolar illness. Underlying disturbances in family systems may emerge in response to illness symptoms in a family member, but also have recursive effects on the developmental course of the illness once manifest. The nature and stability of these recursive effects will depend on dynamic processes in the patient, the relative, and their relationship. Future research should elucidate mediating and moderating variables in the pathways from EE to patients' outcomes, and the conditions under which family treatments bring about favorable outcomes of psychiatric disorder.
Adult↗
The integration of services of a medical clinic and a community mental health center in a rural area.
This article describes the authors' use of open systems theory and exchange theory as a model for integrating the services to clients by the Community Medical Group (a private medical clinic) and the Mississippi River Human Services Center (a federally funded public community mental health center). As the directors of their two programs, the authors specifically patterned the integration of their services after the systems theory model of inputs, processing, and outputs. Expensive duplication of services was avoided, and the two programs worked together to develop needed programs to serve the emotionally troubled, the alcohol/drug abuser, and the developmentally disabled in their service area.
Alcoholism↗
On evolutionary systems.
This paper develops a metatheoretical framework for understanding evolutionary systems (systems that develop in ways that increase their own variety). The framework addresses shortcomings seen in other popular systems theories. It concerns both living and nonliving systems, and proposes a metahierarchy of hierarchical systems. Thus, it potentially addresses systems at all descriptive levels. We restrict our definition of system to that of a core system whose parts have a different ontological status than the system, and characterize the core system in terms of five global properties: minimal length interval, minimal time interval, system cycle, total receptive capacity, and system potential. We propose two principles through the interaction of which evolutionary systems develop. The Principle of Combinatorial Expansion describes how a core system realizes its developmental potential through a process of progressive differentiation of the single primal state up to a limit stage. The Principle of Generative Condensation describes how the components of the last stage of combinatorial expansion condense and become the environment for and components of new, enriched systems. The early evolution of the Universe after the "big bang" is discussed in light of these ideas as an example of the application of the framework.
Biological Evolution↗
Observability in strategic models of viability selection.
Strategic models of frequency-dependent viability selection, in terms of mathematical systems theory, are considered as a dynamic observation system. Using a general sufficient condition for observability of nonlinear systems with invariant manifold, it is studied whether, observing certain phenotypic characteristics of the population, the development of its genetic state can be recovered, at least near equilibrium.
Biological Evolution↗