Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Systems approach'
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1
Fasoulas, Aristides Ioannis. "Inmarsat communications system : a systems approach." Thesis, Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/28293.
2
Pangalos, Panagiotis George. "Private telecommunications systems a systems approach /." Thesis, Monterey, California : Naval Postgraduate School, 1990. http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA241036.
Abstract:
Thesis (M.S. in Telecommunications Systems Management)--Naval Postgraduate School, September 1990.Thesis Advisor(s): Shu, Myung W. ; Gates, William. "September 1990." Description based on title screen as viewed on December 17, 2009. DTIC Identifier(s): Voice Communications, Data Communications, Private Telecommunication Systems, Theses. Author(s) subject terms: Private Telecommunications systems, Computerized Private Branch Exchanges (CPBXs), Request of Proposals (RFP), Life Cycle Costing (LLC). Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-101). Also available in print.
3
Medina, Enrique A. "Linear Impulsive Control Systems: A Geometric Approach." Ohio : Ohio University, 2007. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?ohiou1187704023.
4
Paniagua, Cristina. "Architectural approach for Autonomous System of Systems Interoperability." Licentiate thesis, Luleå tekniska universitet, EISLAB, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-73743.
Abstract:
The current technological environment is evolving increasingly fast, and the development of new devices, technologies, and architectures has opened an emergent era where the digital and physical world work together. The implementation and use of systems based on a service-oriented architecture (SOA) in conjunction with the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyberphysical systems (CPS) have been extended during the last decades in numerous scenarios in industry and other domains. However, some of the major barriers to this approach are the lack of interoperability and the amount of engineering effort required for their integration. The research presented in this thesis targets issues related to digitalization and automation. It is framed by the Industry 4.0 paradigm, which promotes the rise of efficiency and sustainability on industrial production. The interoperability between heterogeneous systems and different domains is one of the main challenges of Industry 4.0. The quest for solutions that help to increase interoperability is an important part of this research. This thesis proposes a set of architectural design principles and tools in order to reduce engineering effort by means of finding solutions that enable autonomous integration and increase interoperability without human intervention. The research is focused on the IoT field, taking into account resource-constrained devices, system of systems integration, and data models. A detailed investigation of various interoperability mismatch problems is presented in this thesis. The proposed solution is an adapter system that can aid in the generation of new service consumer interfaces at both compile-time and run-time. The proposed approach requires a new point of view in the service description field that can provide a holistic description of the information required for the generation of consumer interfaces. In addition, aspects related to interoperability, such as the multiple IoT frameworks in the current market, naming conventions, syntactic modeling and translation, and security, are also partially analyzed. On a separate track, service composition in resource-constrained devices is analyzed in terms of latency, using the orchestration provided by the Arrowhead Framework.
5
Shadden, Shawn Christopher Marsden Jerrold E. "A dynamical systems approach to unsteady systems /." Diss., Pasadena, Calif. : Caltech, 2006. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05122006-083011.
6
Helferich, John D. "A systems approach to food accident analysis." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/70799.
Abstract:
Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-68).
Food borne illnesses lead to 3000 deaths per year in the United States. Some industries, such as aviation, have made great strides increasing safety through careful accident analysis leading to changes in industry practices. In the food industry, the current methods of accident analysis are grounded in regulations developed when the food industry was far simpler than today. The food industry has become more complex with international supply chains and a consumer desire for fresher food. This thesis demonstrates that application of a system theoretic accident analysis method, CAST, results in more learning than the current method of accident analysis. This increased learning will lead to improved safety performance in the food production system.
by John D. Helferich.
S.M.in Engineering and Management
7
Devereaux, Jaime E. (Jaime Erin). "Obsolescence : a systems engineering and management approach for complex systems." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/59233.
Abstract:
Thesis (S.M. in System Design and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2010.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-81).
Obsolescence mitigation is an increasingly important aspect of large systems development & maintenance that has often only been considered once obsolescence is imminent. For long lifecycle systems, this has become a major concern as the lifecycles of the components that are encompassed within these systems are often far shorter - up to ten times shorter - than the overall system lifecycle. Many defense systems can be characterized in this manner and therefore require obsolescence mitigation approaches to ensure the continuing ability for the system to perform and evolve. Current system-level obsolescence mitigation practices make recommendations for designing new systems to slow the onset of obsolescence and make the system more flexible when change for obsolescence is required. However, currently fielded systems were often not designed with this in mind. Other obsolescence mitigation techniques focus only on the approach to mitigating component-level obsolescence locally without examining the impact of the change on the system as a whole. This thesis combines the recommended approaches for obsolescence mitigation, the experience and lessons learned for obsolescence mitigation on a real-world case study system gained from interviews with key subject matter experts, along with systems engineering techniques for dealing with engineering change in systems to develop a robust systems engineering and management approach for obsolescence in large complex systems. The thesis provides the reader with a flow chart and a clustered DSM of the tasks along with a checklist that could be used with this obsolescence engineering and management approach.
by Jaime E. Devereaux.
S.M.in System Design and Management
8
Moolman, George Christiaan. "A relational database management systems approach to system design." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/43628.
Abstract:
Systems are developed to fulfill certain requirements. Several system design configurations usually can fulfill the technical requirements, but at different equivalent life-cycle costs. The problem is how to manipulate and evaluate different system configurations so that the required system effectiveness can be achieved at a minimum equivalent cost. It is also important to have a good definition of all the major consequences of each design configuration. For each alternative configuration considered, it is useful to know the number of units to deploy, the inventory and other logistic requirements, as well as the sensitivity of the system to changes in input variable values.
An intelligent relational database management system is defined to solve the problem described. Table structures are defined to maintain the required data elements and algorithms are constructed to manipulate the data to provide the necessary information. The methodology is as follows: Customer requirements are analyzed in functional terms. Feasible design alternatives are considered and defined as system design configurations. The reliability characteristics of each system configuration are determined, initially from a system-level allocation, and later determined from test and evaluation data. A maintenance analysis is conducted to determine the inventory requirements (using reliability data) and the other logistic requirements for each design configuration. A vector of effectiveness measures can be developed for each customer, depending on objectives, constraints, and risks. These effectiveness measures, consisting of a combination of performance and cost measures, are used to aid in objectively deciding which alternative is preferred.
Relationships are defined between the user requirements, the reliability and maintainability of the system, the number of units deployed, the inventory level, and other logistic characteristics of the system. A heuristic procedure is developed to interactively manipulate these parameters to obtain a good solution to the problem with technical performance and cost measures as criteria. Although it is not guaranteed that the optimal solution will be found, a feasible solution close to the optimal will be found. Eventually the user will have, at any time, the ability to change the value of any parameter modeled. The impact on the total system will subsequently be made visible.Master of Science
9
Knöös, Franzén Ludvig. "An Ontological and Reasoning Approach to System of Systems." Licentiate thesis, Linköpings universitet, Fluida och mekatroniska system, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-175766.
Abstract:
System-of-Systems (SoS) are all around us and are becoming more common in today’s highly interconnected world. Systems are connected with other systems and have strong dependencies with their operational environments. This leads to an increased level of complexity and risk during product development. A holistic view, and an SoS perspective, is consequently needed in order to develop an early understanding of the available design spaces for new system solutions. This thesis suggests a method that has been developed for this purpose, and to meet the demand for a more holistic product development. Overall, the method consists of two correlated approaches that show how a design space for SoSs can be generated and later processed with, for example, design space reductions. Search and Rescue (SAR) operations have been used as examples of typical SoSs throughout this work and in the development of the presented method. An architecture framework has been used to introduce a standardized and consistent way of understanding the relationships that exist between needs, capabilities and functions. This approach can consequently be used to generate a design space of functions to be performed to meet the overarching needs of an SoS. The second approach has been based on ontology and description logic reasoning. Ontology has here been used to represent an SoS design space with, for example, available SAR assets and their relationships with the operational environment. An SoS representation in an ontology model introduces additional expressiveness and the design space processing capabilities needed for a holistic design process and product development. Based on these results, this thesis and its suggested method and approaches contribute to holistic product development from an SoS perspective.Additional funding agencies: Saab Aeronautics.
10
Moolman, G. Chris. "A relational database management systems approach to system design /." This resource online, 1992. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-07102009-040421/.
11
Caffall, Dale Scott. "Conceptual framework approach for system-of-systems software developments." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 2003. http://library.nps.navy.mil/uhtbin/hyperion-image/03Mar%5FCaffall.pdf.
Abstract:
Thesis (M.S. in Software Engineering)--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2003.Thesis advisor(s): James Bret Michael, Man-Tak Shing. Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-84). Also available online.
12
Senniappan, Arul Prasad. "Baselining a compressed air system an expert systems approach /." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2004. https://etd.wvu.edu/etd/controller.jsp?moduleName=documentdata&jsp%5FetdId=3404.
Abstract:
Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 148 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-95).
13
Wood, Kristen N. "Covert action: a systems approach." Thesis, Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/44692.
Abstract:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimitedCovert action is a complex tool; planning and conducting effective covert operations can be a challenging process. Throughout history, covert actions have been applied with great effect in support of state policies, but also sometimes with devastating consequences for the sponsor. This thesis takes a systems approach to the study of covert action to help explain the divergence between effective and ineffective operations. It is demonstrated that, because of the complexities inherent in this policy tool, covert action can be best understood as a system, that is, by focusing on the interactions and interplay of the system’s components. Four concepts of systems are examined in relation to historic U.S. and international examples—the system diagram, system effects, feedback, and tradeoffs. This holistic view of covert action may help policymakers better assess the viability and implications of a covert strategy and allow for better integration of covert action into foreign policy. Ultimately, this thesis aims to advance discourse by developing a formal theory of covert action based on the systems approach and offers six favoring conditions that can assist policymakers when planning and executing covert strategies.
14
Steyn, Jacques. "Language : a complex-systems approach." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/19415.
Abstract:
Mainstream twentieth-century linguistics, a segregational approach, cannot explain the most obvious characteristics of language. The reasons for this are investigated. It is concluded that linguistics suffers from an incoherent conceptual framework which is the result of influences from three major sources: 1. The desire to establish linguistics as a proper science which led to the acceptance of a mechanistic and positivistic view of science and a pre-quantum conception of matter. 2. The language myth: there are many notions about language and related issues which we have inherited from our ancestors and tacitly accepted without scrutiny. Contemporary ideas about language are biased by this inherited stock of 'knowledge'. 3. Saussure's theory of language, later adopted and adapted by Chomsky, in which the 'true object of linguistic investigation' is abstracted away from what we ordinarily view as language. Together these three sources resulted in a peculiar view of language which cannot explain the most obvious things about it. The proposed alternative view, an integrational approach, redefines language in the holistic terms of a complex-systems approach. Language is the outcome of the dynamic interaction between social and physiological systems -- particular attention is paid to consciousness. Neither language, society or culture is an 'object', but is created through the interaction between individuals in communicative situations. Language is not 'being', but results from 'becoming'. Meaning is not given in advance, but created in each event of communication. Meaning is not a static closed system, but an open system which is dynamically constructed from moment to moment. Concepts of mathematical topology (fractal geometry and catastrophe theory), non-linear, dynamic, open and complex systems, and of chaology are used as conceptual tools to break away from the stronghold our inherited view of language has on our contemporary thinking about it.
15
Kinder, Andrew M. K. "A model-based approach to System of Systems risk management." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2017. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/27553.
Abstract:
The failure of many System of Systems (SoS) enterprises can be attributed to the inappropriate application of traditional Systems Engineering (SE) processes within the SoS domain, because of the mistaken belief that a SoS can be regarded as a single large, or complex, system. SoS Engineering (SoSE) is a sub-discipline of SE; Risk Management and Modelling and Simulation (M&S) are key areas within SoSE, both of which also lie within the traditional SE domain. Risk Management of SoS requires a different approach to that currently taken for individual systems; if risk is managed for each component system then it cannot be assumed that the aggregated affect will be to mitigate risk at the SoS level. A literature review was undertaken examining three themes: (1) SoS Engineering (SoSE), (2) M&S and (3) Risk. Theme 1 of the literature provided insight into the activities comprising SoSE and its difference from traditional SE with risk management identified as a key activity. The second theme discussed the application of M&S to SoS, providing an output, which supported the identification of appropriate techniques and concluding that, the inherent complexity of a SoS required the use of M&S in order to support SoSE activities. Current risk management approaches were reviewed in theme 3 as well as the management of SoS risk. Although some specific examples of the management of SoS risk were found, no mature, general approach was identified, indicating a gap in current knowledge. However, it was noted most of these examples were underpinned by M&S approaches. It was therefore concluded a general approach SoS risk management utilising M&S methods would be of benefit. In order to fill the gap identified in current knowledge, this research proposed a new model based approach to Risk Management where risk identification was supported by a framework, which combined SoS system of interest dimensions with holistic risk types, where the resulting risks and contributing factors are captured in a causal network. Analysis of the causal network using a model technique selection tool, developed as part of this research, allowed the causal network to be simplified through the replacement of groups of elements within the network by appropriate supporting models. The Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) was identified as a suitable method to represent SoS risk. Supporting models run in Monte Carlo Simulations allowed data to be generated from which the risk BBNs could learn, thereby providing a more quantitative approach to SoS risk management. A method was developed which provided context to the BBN risk output through comparison with worst and best-case risk probabilities. The model based approach to Risk Management was applied to two very different case studies: Close Air Support mission planning and the Wheat Supply Chain, UK National Food Security risks, demonstrating its effectiveness and adaptability. The research established that the SoS SoI is essential for effective SoS risk identification and analysis of risk transfer, effective SoS modelling requires a range of techniques where suitability is determined by the problem context, the responsibility for SoS Risk Management is related to the overall SoS classification and the model based approach to SoS risk management was effective for both application case studies.
16
Carra, Giulia. "Evolution of urban systems : a physical approach." Thesis, Université Paris-Saclay (ComUE), 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017SACLS254/document.
Abstract:
Plus de 50% de la population mondiale vit dans des zones urbaines et cette proportion devrait augmenter dans les prochaines décennies. Comprendre ce qui régit l'évolution des systèmes urbains est donc devenu d'une importance fondamentale. Ce renouveau d'intérêt combiné avec la disponibilité de données à grande échelle, permet d'entrevoir l'avènement d'une nouvelle science des villes, interdisciplinaire et basée sur les données.Des études récentes ont montré l'existence de régularités statistiques et de lois d'échelle pour plusieurs indicateurs socio-économiques, tels que la consommation d'essence, la distance moyenne parcourue quotidiennement, le cout des infrastructures, etc. Malgré plusieurs tentatives récentes, la compréhension théorique de ces résultats observés empiriquement demeure très partielle.Le but de cette thèse est d'obtenir une modélisation simplifiée, hors-équilibre de la croissance urbaine, en s'appuyant sur un petit nombre de mécanismesimportants et qui fournit des prédictions quantitatives en accord avec lesdonnées empiriques. Pour cela, nous nous inspirerons des études en géographiequantitative et en économie spatiale et nous revisiterons certains de ces anciens modèles avec une nouvelle approche intégrant les outils et concepts de la physiqueMore than 50 % of the world population lives in urban areas and this proportion is expected to increase in the coming decades. Understanding what governs the evolution of urban systems has thus become of paramount importance.This renewed interest combined with the availability of large-scale data, allows a glimpse into the dawn of a new science of cities, interdisciplinary and based on data.Recent studies have shown the existence of statistical regularities and scaling laws for several socio-economic indicators such as fuel consumption, average commuting distance, cost of infrastructure, etc., and despite several recent attempts, the theoretical understanding of these results empirically observed remains very partial. The purpose of this thesis is to obtain a simplified, out of equilibrium model of urban growth, based on a small number of important mechanisms and which provides quantitative predictions in agreement with empirical data. For this, we will draw on studies in quantitative geography and spatial economy and we will revisit some of these old models with a new approach that integrates the tools and concepts of physics
17
Linnéusson, Gary. "On System Dynamics as an Approach for Manufacturing Systems Development." Licentiate thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Forskningscentrum för Virtuella system, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-3818.
Abstract:
Improvement work in manufacturing industry usually focuses on the utilisation of equipment. System dynamics simulation is a potential tool for increasing the utilisation of systems. By using group model building and simulation it facilitates a common view and better informed decisions for change. However, a gap between theory and practice of how to implement these projects is identified, consequently the major question for this thesis. The approach for solving this problem used industrial case studies with action research character; including modelling and interviews affecting the actors in the studied systems. Together with literature studies these efforts contribute with identifying how system dynamics projects can be performed for manufacturing systems development. It is shown that the support for how to implement system dynamics projects is unsatisfying and general. During the research progress a framework of guidelines has crystallised in order to bridge the presented gap of this thesis. Finally, the results are considered to make it easier to support manufacturing systems development using system dynamics.
18
Goold, Jennifer L. "A systems approach for acquiring an automated maintenance management system." Master's thesis, This resource online, 1990. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12162009-020022/.
19
Sharma, Rajeev S. M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Architecture for a territorial dispute resolution system : a systems approach." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/42378.
Abstract:
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-139).
Introduction: A great part of the world today is engaged in excruciating conflicts that threaten the afflicted regions locally besides holding global peace to ransom. Most of these conflicts take the form of territorial disputes that are often protracted and sap the energies out of the nation states. Kashmir, Sudan, Israel-Palestine and Sri-Lanka today are embroiled in a bitter dispute embittered by relentless bloodshed and deep-rooted animosity carried forward through generations. The disputed regions in themselves are a mute testimony of the abject neglect of its subjects by the central ruling body (could be a democratic government! a dictator or a monarch) and failure to provide some of the important political goods across the board for a long period of time. When weighed against some of the accepted norms of development indices like the GINI index, GDP, GDP per capita, infant mortality rates, HDI index, TI index, etc one would see that the disputed regions perform quite pathetically across most of the metrics and not without a reason. Nation states exist to provide political goods to people (Ref 1). However, quite unabashedly nation-states continue its tirade against each other over a piece of land pumping huge sums of public assets that could otherwise be diverted towards development efforts depressing benefits in both the disputed territory and on the whole. Territoriality is dogma that invokes strong reactions. As per Zartman (Ref 2) a state's territory is a collective good that is equally shared by the citizens of the state. This means that the territory is indivisible and is available in the same proportion to all the citizens. It is considered to be one of the three basic components--together with people and a government--which endow a state with a sovereign moral personality universally recognized by the law and the community of nations. Till the time the territoriality is perceived as a collective good, there is no room for territorial claims to erupt. They however occur when the "national territory"--or, what the state's authorities suppose to be the "national territory"--is no longer perceived as a common good by a concerned group of citizens and becomes a "need" for this specific group. Territorial claims are about the desacralization of this territorial absoluteness. They represent iconoclastic uprisings from "politically active communal groups" determined to question the absolutely sacred dogma of the state's territorial integrity. Thus fundamentally a territorial dispute is a process of deconstruction and de-institutionalization of the nation state's order and boundaries. The focus of this thesis is to understand the epistemology of a territorial dispute and develop a framework for creating a more effective conflict resolution design. This by no means is aimed at churning out a cook book kind of a recipe to solve all the territorial disputes that afflict the world. On the contrary, this work makes an attempt to trace the path as we move from a dispute system to a resolution system by understanding the underlYing architecture. It is in fact akin to taking a step backwards and revisiting the delicate theme of territorial disputes by dissecting it deeper to peel off the layers that wrap the core problem. We use the principles of systems thinking and system architecture in understanding the intrinsic nature of a territorial dispute by treating it as a system operating in a given environment. The systems thinking paradigm allows us to view the problem in an unbiased and objective manner without getting fixated on a particular solution or a problem area. It attempts to view the conflict holistically and tries to lay threadbare the embedded structural units in the system by decomposing it into its lowest entity. The objectivity that would (in all likelihood) emerge from such an exercise may provide plausible steps to architect a resolution system design template or at least strengthen the intuitive logic of the negotiators and mediators as they grapple with the specter of a territorial dispute. In taking this view on the issue, it is indeed quite well understood that architecture of systems that are laced with social and political processes is tedious as they are highly complex and non-linear in their response. The complexity stems from the deep crosscoupling between the social, political and economic processes and the non- linearity arises out of the fact that each input in a particular realm does not necessarily elicit a proportional response. There are strong causal feedback loops that make the system response counter-intuitive too. It is beyond doubt, a sizeable challenge for a resolution system architect to pick up the gauntlet and create a simple yet creative architecture that would form the vertebral column for the design of a robust resolution system. To be able to do so one needs to clearly understand the rudiments of Systems Architecture and International Relations so as to weave a concept together.
by Rajeev Sharma.
S.M.
20
Tran, Huy T. "A complex networks approach to designing resilient system-of-systems." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/54384.
Abstract:
This thesis develops a methodology for designing resilient system-of-systems (SoS) networks. This methodology includes a capability-based resilience assessment framework, used to quantify SoS resilience. A complex networks approach is used to generate potential SoS network designs, focusing on scale-free and random network topologies, degree-based and random rewiring adaptation, and targeted and random node removal threats. Statistical design methods, specifically response surface methodology, are used to evaluate SoS networks and provide an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of potential designs. Linear regression is used to model a continuous representation of the network design space, and determine optimally resilient networks for particular threat types.
The methodology is applied to an information exchange (IE) network model (i.e., a message passing network model) and military command and control (C2) model. Results show that optimally resilient IE network topologies are random for networks with adaptation, regardless of the threat type. However, the optimally resilient adaptation method sharply transitions from being fully random to fully degree-based as threat randomness increases. These findings suggest that intermediately defined networks should not be considered when designing for resilience. Cost-benefit analysis of C2 networks suggests that resilient C2 networks are more cost-effective than robust ones, as long as the cost of rewiring network links is less than three-fourths the cost of creating new links. This result identifies a threshold for which a resilient network design approach is more cost-effective than a robust one.This thesis develops a methodology for designing resilient system-of-systems (SoS) networks. This methodology includes a capability-based resilience assessment framework, used to quantify SoS resilience. A complex networks approach is used to generate potential SoS network designs, focusing on scale-free and random network topologies, degree-based and random rewiring adaptation, and targeted and random node removal threats. Statistical design methods, specifically response surface methodology, are used to evaluate SoS networks and provide an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of potential designs. Linear regression is used to model a continuous representation of the network design space, and determine optimally resilient networks for particular threat types.
The methodology is applied to an information exchange (IE) network model (i.e., a message passing network model) and military command and control (C2) model. Results show that optimally resilient IE network topologies are random for networks with adaptation, regardless of the threat type. However, the optimally resilient adaptation method sharply transitions from being fully random to fully degree-based as threat randomness increases. These findings suggest that intermediately defined networks should not be considered when designing for resilience. Cost-benefit analysis of C2 networks suggests that resilient C2 networks are more cost-effective than robust ones, as long as the cost of rewiring network links is less than three-fourths the cost of creating new links. This result identifies a threshold for which a resilient network design approach is more cost-effective than a robust one.
21
Bouchereau, Vivianne. "An integrated systems approach to QFD." Thesis, University of South Wales, 2000. https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/studentthesis/an-integrated-systems-approach-to-qfd(3699183a-e87f-4c11-9c04-65e0a1da7aae).html.
Abstract:
This thesis reviews Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and its relation with the Total Quality Management philosophy. In particular the thesis focuses on the inherent drawbacks of QFD and it investigates potential techniques and methods that could be integrated with QFD to overcome some of its problems. Fuzzy Logic/Fuzzy Sets and the Taguchi Method are identified as techniques and methods to be incorporated within the QFD process to provide a more consistent, quantitative and rigorous method to analyse subjective data in the QFD charts. Two approaches are developed that integrate Fuzzy Logic and Fuzzy Set theory with QFD to identify and rectify inconsistencies in the input data in the QFD charts. Another approach that integrates the Taguchi Method and QFD is further developed to set more precise technical target values in the QFD chart. Case studies are used to illustrate the results of the developed Fuzzy-QFD and the QFD-Taguchi approaches. The synergistic approaches take into account nteractions between requirements, which are not utilised in the traditional QFD charts. In addition, it was found that the resulting data in the QFD charts are sensitive to the interaction in the correlation matrices, therefore another method is also proposed to detect inconsistencies in the correlation matrices by utilising an inference mechanism and multi-valued logic theory. An integrated systems approach to QFD is eventually developed that forms a synergy between QFD, Fuzzy Logic/Fuzzy sets and the Taguchi Method. This results in a superior approach that combines the inherent benefits of each of the individual approaches. The integrated systems approach to QFD is a generic approach that can be used for other case studies provided that in addition to the relationship matrix and customer importance ratings, the correlation matrices and benchmarking data are readily available. As a result of this research, the subjectivity and ill-defined data in the QFD process have been partially resolved by the application of Fuzzy Logic/Fuzzy sets. The QFD analysis has been made more rigorous by integrating it to more quantitative techniques (Fuzzy Logic/Fuzzy sets) and method (Taguchi Method). It has been identified that demands are dependent on each other in the QFD charts and how including these dependencies in the problem can change the results. This problem has been addressed by considering interactions between the demands in the Fuzzy-QFD and QFD-Taguchi approaches developed. These interactions between demands have been identified and dealt with in the developed approaches, such that they no longer provide sub-optimal solutions.
22
Karlsson, Ingvar. "Applying Systems Approach to the Process of Designing Information Systems." Thesis, University of Skövde, Department of Computer Science, 2001. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-593.
Abstract:
Designing information systems is a complex task. The purpose of this work is to contribute to an improved understanding of the design conditions in order to alleviate the problems that occur due to complexity in the design process. To possibly increase the understanding of the conditions for the design of interactive information systems, this dissertation concerns applying systems approach to the design situation. This is done in order to obtain understanding, but also to be able to identify the consequences and possible benefits of doing so. A literature survey and two extensive interviews have been performed. The material has been analysed, and tentative models of the design situation and its components are presented. These models can be considered general to the design situation and consequences are deduced from them. The result of this work is manifested in the tentative models, which describe the design situation, the designer, the user, the customer and the design. The concepts of complexity and communication have also been thoroughly dealt with.
23
Kao, Chung-En. "A systematic architecting approach for supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/67555.
Abstract:
Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, June 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-81).
Over the past two decades, the advent of information and communication technology has broken physical distance limits and enabled seamless collaboration models, real-time planning, and quick responses among participants in supply chain systems. Globalization, specification, and the use of technologies that pursue low costs with high services have been dominating the supply chain design for years. Since 9/11 in 2001, however, supply chain designs have shifted from concentrating on cost-competitive advantages to security, collaboration, robustness, and flexibility. After 2008, worldwide events such as fluctuating gasoline prices, increased labor costs in developing countries, volatile demand as a result of the economic recession, and environmental regulations and agreements have resulted in renewed scrutiny of supply chain design paradigms. These challenges not only have had an impact on supply chain operations, but also on its architecture: in the aspects of organization, culture, geography, and information. Obviously, expanding globalization has made it difficult to consider a system locally and closely. The interactions between internal and external stimulus, multiple stakeholders' goals, along with corporate bottom lines: sociality, plant, and profits have conducted a supply chain a complex system. In order to resolve this complexity, to understand the supply chain holistically, and to avoid applying a complex solution on a complex supply chain system, a supply chain architecting framework, derived from Systems Engineering and System Architecture, is proposed in this research to simplify the supply chain architecting process into steps: modeling, mapping, and linking operational and architectural improvements. In summary, the goals of this study are: (1) Eliminate the gaps between corporate (supply chain) strategy, design, and implementation; (2) Propose a framework consisting of previous research and best practices; (3) Develop a simple, easy-to-understand, planning modeling methodology that carries sufficient information for supply chains. The contributions of this study aligned with these three goals are: (1) Supply chain architecting framework, including the fulfillment and value chains and the three improvement cycles; and (2) Architecting methodology, including concept, form, and function, as well as three layers of views from which to represent a supply chain.
by Chung-En (Conrad) Kao.
S.M.in Engineering and Management
24
Sevenler, Korhan. "Knowledge-based systems approach to forming sequence design for cold forging /." The Ohio State University, 1986. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487266362337857.
25
Truong, Quoc Dung. "Reason Maintenance Systems :the dual approach." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/211587.
26
Miao, Chenjie. "Salesforce control systems an integrated approach /." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4811.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on December 6, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.
27
Cordeiro, José A. M. "Normative approach to information systems modelling." Thesis, University of Reading, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.553135.
Abstract:
Information and communication technologies (ICT) and computer systems m general are increasingly integrating daily life and- becoming an essential element of human and organisational existence in modem societies. The Information Systems (IS) field in particular is interested in enhancing processes and increasing the utility of information to organisations and their members by using these technologies. However, most IS development methodologies are technologically biased by employing engineering approaches originated in software engineering and related fields to the analysis, design and implementation of those systems forgetting human and organisational nature of information and IS. These methodologies fail to: (i) acknowledge properly the role of humans and its associated social, cultural, political and behavioural dimensions (ii) understand the real interplay between human and technology and (iii) provide a sound and appropriate philosophical foundation. This thesis is mainly built upon the work and findings from three different but related theories that take the human as a central element of any IS, namely Organisational Semiotics (OS), the Theory of Organized Activity (TOA) and Enterprise Ontology (EO), and broader and related theories of respectively, Semiotics, Activity Theory and Language Action Perspective. In this research a deep analysis is undertaken regarding these theories to explore and compare their fundamental aspects and to derive their essential elements. This research proposes a new intellectual framework originated in a new philosophical foundation - Human Relativism - that adopts the human as the central element and provides a new paradigm as a basis for any methodology for IS development. A new approach - NOMIS (NOrmative Modelling of Information Systems) - is introduced, applying the new paradigm, centred in human behaviour and human action in particular, that integrates the theoretical views of OS, TOA and EO. For modelling and representation purposes a new modelling notation and an UML profile extension of the Unified Modelling Language (UML) was created for expressing and communicate the fundamental views of NOMIS. Finally, two case studies were used to 1) demonstrate the " feasibility and applicability of NOMIS for modelling a business domain and, 2) show the key concepts of NOMIS applied to the design of a computer application. Conclusions and future work completes this thesis.
28
Malins, Alex. "A structural approach to glassy systems." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.617706.
Abstract:
In 1952 Sir Charles Frank popularised the idea that the stability of super-cooled liquids arises from a tendency of the particles to cluster together into small structures that are geometrically incommensurate with crystallisation. In this thesis the local structural arrangement of particles within a number of systems is considered. A method called the topological cluster classification (TCC) is used to detect local structures of particles that are equivalent to the potential energy minimum clusters of 13 or fewer particles in isolation. The dynamics of different local structural arrangements within a bulk are considered by developing an algorithm to quantify the lifetimes that the structures persist within the system. The first system considered is a model colloid -polymer mixture, where the colloids self-assemble into small clusters. The structures of the clusters that form are mapped out as a function of attraction and repulsion strength of the colloidal interactions, and the density of the system. In the case of six-particle clusters, the entropic contribution to the free -energy must be accounted for in order to correctly predict the structures that prevail. As the strength of the colloidal attractions is increased, ergodicity is broken and the clusters become kinetically trapped. The structures formed under these conditions are determined by the aggregation sequence of the colloids from the random initial configuration. The effect of long-ranged electrostatic repulsions between clusters on the intra-cluster structure is considered. As the repulsion strength and density increase it is possible for the intra -cluster structure to be perturbed by the presence of neighbouring clusters, demonstrating that it may not always be appropriate to consider each cluster as if it were an isolated system. The structure at liquid -gas interfaces is considered with the TCC algorithm by measuring the fraction of particles participating within dusters as a function of distance from the interface. The participation ratios monotonically decrease in the interfacial region between the liquid and the gas. For interfaces with a high surface tension, the orientations of two types of elongated cluster are found to align near to the free surface and to oscillate with respect to the density fluctuations of the interfacial layers that propagate into the bulk liquid . The clustering of particles in two model super-cooled liquids is considered. The temperature behaviour of the participation fractions of particles in clusters and the dynamical persistence of clusters at low temperatures are measured. The domains of long-lived clusters in the super-cooled regime are characterised and an association with spatial heterogeneities in the dynamics is demonstrated. Correlation lengths for the static structure and the dynamic heterogeneities are found to grow on cooling, however the manners in which the lengths grow are different. An inverse power law reference potential for one of these systems shows clustering that is significantly different to the full system with attract ions, even though the viscous slowdown of the two models is the same. We propose avenues for further research to clarify the relationship between local structure and the glass transition.
29
Brown, Charlotte Olivia. "Disaster Waste Management: a systems approach." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/7038.
Abstract:
Depending on their nature and severity, disasters can create large volumes of debris and waste. Waste volumes from a single event can be the equivalent of many times the annual waste generation rate of the affected community. These volumes can overwhelm existing solid waste management facilities and personnel. Mismanagement of disaster waste can affect both the response and long term recovery of a disaster affected area.
Previous research into disaster waste management has been either context specific or event specific, making it difficult to transfer lessons from one disaster event to another. The aim of this research is to develop a systems understanding of disaster waste management and in turn develop context- and disaster-transferrable decision-making guidance for emergency and waste managers.
To research this complex and multi-disciplinary problem, a multi-hazard, multi-context, multi-case study approach was adopted. The research focussed on five major disaster events: 2011 Christchurch earthquake, 2009 Victorian Bushfires, 2009 Samoan tsunami, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake and 2005 Hurricane Katrina. The first stage of the analysis involved the development of a set of ‘disaster & disaster waste’ impact indicators. The indicators demonstrate a method by which disaster managers, planners and researchers can simplify the very large spectra of possible disaster impacts, into some key decision-drivers which will likely influence post-disaster management requirements. The second stage of the research was to develop a set of criteria to represent the desirable environmental, economic, social and recovery effects of a successful disaster waste management system. These criteria were used to assess the effectiveness of the disaster waste management approaches for the case studies. The third stage of the research was the cross-case analysis. Six main elements of disaster waste management systems were identified and analysed. These were: strategic management, funding mechanisms, operational management, environmental and human health risk management, and legislation and regulation. Within each of these system elements, key decision-making guidance (linked to the ‘disaster & disaster waste’ indicators) and management principles were developed.
The ‘disaster & disaster waste’ impact indicators, the effects assessment criteria and management principles have all been developed so that they can be practically applied to disaster waste management planning and response in the future.
30
Lidén, Patrik. "Renormalization group approach to statistical systems." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Teoretisk fysik, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-256461.
Abstract:
This report will study the theory of renormalization group used on a ferromagnet to calculate magnetic phase transitions. As the ferromagnet's temperature changes, so does interatomic interaction, causing either a lingering magnetization at low temperatures, or a random state at high temperatures. At the phase transition, where the magnetization first appears/disappears, depending from which side the critical temperature is approached, the ferromagnet will behave in a certain way that causes some quantities to receive power law behaviours, so called critical exponents. The theory of renormalization group is used to find the critical point and these power units on two different two-dimensional lattices, the square lattice and the triangular lattice. The first step is to study how atoms couple to each other in one-dimension. It is possible to group atoms together into blocks. These blocks will interact with each other through new couplings. It is possible to calculate the critical point and critical exponents by comparing the block couplings with the former atomic couplings and then find the exponents. The theory of renormalization does seem to work in general, as the result will be able to explain experimentally observed relation between exponents.Denna rapport behandlar teorin om renormeringsgruppen som sedan används på en ferromagnet för att bestämma magnetiska fasövergångar. Hur atomer i en ferromagnet reagerar mot andra atomer kommer att bero på ferromagnetens temperatur. I låg temperatur kommer det att finnas en kvarvarande magnetisering, men i höga temperaturer kommer det att vara ett slumpmässigt tillstånd. Vid fasövergången, den temperatur där det först eller sist, beroende på ät vilket håll temperaturen ändras, beter sig ferromagneten på ett sådant vis att vissa egenskaper kommer enbart vara beroende av exponenter. Teorin för renormeringsgruppen används för att finna den kritiska temperaturen och även exponenterna i två två-dimensionella gitter, ett kvadratiskt gitter och ett triangulärt gitter. Detta görs först genom att studera hur atomer kopplar med varandra i en dimension. Därefter används resultatet för att gruppera atomer i block. Genom att jämföra blockens kopplingar med atomernas kopplingar går det att finna den kritiska punkten, och sedan exponenterna. Den generella teorin bakom renormeringsgruppen verkar fungera eftersom den är kapabel att förklara experimentellt funna relationer mellan exponenter.
31
Qambar, Sami Ali. "A systems approach to construction productivity." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.312207.
32
Zahedi, Fariborz. "A systems approach to image segmentation." Thesis, University of Brighton, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.260978.
33
Ta'eed, O. "A systems approach to fluidized-beds." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.380307.
34
Ayyaz, Usman. "Time series formalism : a systems approach." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/112896.
Abstract:
Thesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2017.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 51-52).
Time series data has become a modern day phenomena: from stock market data to social media information, modern day data exists as a continuous flow of information indexed by timestamps. Using this data to gather contextual inference and make future predictions is vital to gaining an analytical edge. While there are specialized time series databases and libraries available that optimize for performance and scale, there is an absence of a unifying framework that standardizes interaction with time series data sets. We introduce a python-based time series formalism which provides a SQL style querying interface alongside a rich selection of time series prediction algorithms. Users can forecast data or impute missing entries using a specialized prediction query which employs learning models under the hood. The decoupled architecture of our framework allows it to be easily substituted with any SQL database. We show the functionality of our abstraction with a single machine implementation which will be a building block towards a scalable distributed platform for time series analysis.
by Usman Ayyaz.
M. Eng.
35
Mourtzinou, Georgia. "An axiomatic approach to queueing systems." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/11881.
36
Sabbag, Michael Fred. "A behavioral approach to suggestion systems." Scholarly Commons, 1992. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2955.
Abstract:
It was hypothesized that a suggestion system based on behavioral principles would lead to the submission of an increased number of suggestions and improve employees' expectations of suggestion contribution. Friday Night Live Program employees of San Joaquin Youth Services (n=2) were assigned to an experimental group and received a suggestion box (baseline phase) for 6 weeks followed by the behavioral suggestion system (treatment) for 6 weeks. Other employees at San Joaquin Youth Services formed a control group ($n=12$) and were in a continuous baseline phase. Both groups were given a pretest and a post-test survey concerning their expectations of suggestion contributions. During the 12 weeks of the study, the control group contributed no suggestions, while the experimental group contributed a mean of 4.4 suggestions per week during treatment and no suggestions during their baseline phase. Additionally, survey scores showed an improved attitude toward suggestions for the experimental group and declining attitudes toward suggestions for the control group. These results support the hypothesis.
37
Lopez-Martinez, Roberto Ernesto. "A systems approach to innovation policy." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.622088.
Abstract:
Important research and other decisions in the field of innovation policy have been influenced, in recent years, by the national systems of innovation framework. Our doctoral research attempts therefore, to contribute to the evaluation of its theoretical basis and its application. Particularly, it sheds some light on the following issues: (1) what is the origin of the framework, its theoretical foundations and particularly how is it related to systems theory and the 'systems approach'? (2) To what extent has this framework been actually applied in policymaking processes, and more precisely, how have different economic theories and rationales been used in the design and implementation of innovation policies? (3) If economic theories and rationales have changed and evolved since the beginning of the conceptualisation and application of science and technology policy, why is it that the specific policy instruments currently used in different countries apparently show very little change with regard to those originally suggested? To answer these questions we have integrated a theoretical framework based on the systems approach and the main economic literature that constitutes the backbone of innovation policy. With this, we have analysed critically the empirical and theoretical 'systemic approaches' of innovation and carried out brief case studies about the actual implementation of these on policy-making practices. Finally, we suggest an alternative way to use the systems approach in the field of innovation studies. This is made through the introduction of the concept of second order systems of innovation -or more precisely industrial sustainability, policies, i.e. by distinguishing between the model that represents economic processes and the model of the measures intended to transform those processes. We argue that our proposal provides a unified framework for innovation policies within which it is possible to explain the coexistence and convergence of orthodox and heterodox economics in policymaking activities. In addition, the recursive nature of the suggested model allows to make sense of the interactions between diverse dimensions and integrate areas of research that were perceived as separated, such as those of national, regional and sectoral systems of innovation. It also implies a shift from the promotion of innovation to the support of a wider range of activities and functions that are essential for industrial competitiveness and growth.
38
Butler, Michael John. "A CSP approach to action systems." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1992. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/250974/.
Abstract:
The communicating sequential processes (CSP) formalism, introduced by Hoare, is an event-based approach to distributed computing. The action-system formalism, introduced by Back & Kurki-Suonio, is a state-based approach to distributed computing. Using weakest-precondition formulae, Morgan has defined a correspondence between action systems and the failures-divergences model for CSP. Simulation is a proof technique for showing refinement of action systems. Using the correspondence of Morgan, Woodcock & Morgan have shown that simulation is sound and complete in the CSP failures-divergences model. In this thesis, Morgan's correspondence is extended to the CSP infinite- traces model in order to deal more properly with unbounded nondeterminism. It is shown that simulation is sound in the infinite-traces model, though completeness is lost in certain cases. The new correspondence is then extended to include a notion of internal action. This allows the definition of a hiding operator for action systems that is shown to correspond to the CSP hiding operator. Rules for simulation steps involving internal actions are developed. A parallel operator for action systems is defined, in which interaction is based on synchronisation over shared actions. This operator is shown to correspond to the CSP parallel operator. The correspondence between action systems and CSP is extended again so that actions may have input and output parameters. This allows parallel action- systems to pass values on synchronisation. The original motivation for the work described in this thesis was the use of the action system formalism in the development of telecommunications systems, where interaction is often based on synchronised value-passing. The techniques developed here are applied to a series of case studies involving telecommunications-type systems. The techniques are used to refine and decompose abstract specifications of these systems into parallel sub-systems that interact via synchronised value-passing.
39
Heil, Katharina Friedlinde. "Systems biological approach to Parkinson's disease." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/31043.
Abstract:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the Western world. It shows a high degree of genetic and phenotypic complexity with many implicated factors, various disease manifestations but few clear causal links. Ongoing research has identified a growing number of molecular alterations linked to the disease. Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, specifically their synapses, are the key-affected region in PD. Therefore, this work focuses on understanding the disease effects on the synapse, aiming to identify potential genetic triggers and synaptic PD associated mechanisms. Currently, one of the main challenges in this area is data quality and accessibility. In order to study PD, publicly available data were systematically retrieved and analysed. 418 PD associated genes could be identified, based on mutations and curated annotations. I curated an up-to-date and complete synaptic proteome map containing a total of 6,706 proteins. Region specific datasets describing the presynapse, postsynapse and synaptosome were also delimited. These datasets were analysed, investigating similarities and differences, including reproducibility and functional interpretations. The use of Protein-Protein-Interaction Network (PPIN) analysis was chosen to gain deeper knowledge regarding specific effects of PD on the synapse. Thus I generated a customised, filtered, human specific Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) dataset, containing 211,824 direct interactions, from four public databases. Proteomics data and PPI information allowed the construction of PPINs. These were analysed and a set of low level statistics, including modularity, clustering coefficient and node degree, explaining the network’s topology from a mathematical point of view were obtained. Apart from low-level network statistics, high-level topology of the PPINs was studied. To identify functional network subgroups, different clustering algorithms were investigated. In the context of biological networks, the underlying hypothesis is that proteins in a structural community are more likely to share common functions. Therefore I attempted to identify PD enriched communities of synaptic proteins. Once identified, they were compared amongst each other. Three community clusters could be identified as containing largely overlapping gene sets. These contain 24 PD associated genes. Apart from the known disease associated genes in these communities, a total of 322 genes was identified. Each of the three clusters is specifically enriched for specific biological processes and cellular components, which include neurotransmitter secretion, positive regulation of synapse assembly, pre- and post-synaptic membrane, scaffolding proteins, neuromuscular junction development and complement activation (classical pathway) amongst others. The presented approach combined a curated set of PD associated genes, filtered PPI information and synaptic proteomes. Various small- and large-scale analytical approaches, including PPIN topology analysis, clustering algorithms and enrichment studies identified highly PD affected synaptic proteins and subregions. Specific disease associated functions confirmed known research insights and allowed me to propose a new list of so far unknown potential disease associated genes. Due to the open design, this approach can be used to answer similar research questions regarding other complex diseases amongst others.
40
Stone, William L., Karen E. Schetzina, and Charles Stuart. "Childhood Obesity: A Systems Medicine Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2016. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/5120.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity and its sequelae are a major public health problem in both the USA and globally. This review will focus on a systems medicine approach to obesity. Systems medicine is an integrative approach utilizing the vast amount of data garnered from “omics” technology and integrating these data with conventional pathophysiology as well as diverse environmental factors such as diet, exercise, community dynamics and the intestinal microbiome. Omics technology includes genomics, epigenomics, metagenomics, metabolomics and proteomics. In addition to unraveling etiology, the goals of a systems medicine approach are to provide actionable and evidenced-based clinical approaches. In the case of childhood obesity, an additional goal is characterizing measureable risk factors/biomarkers for obesity at the earliest possible age and devising age-appropriate optimal intervention strategies. It is also important to establish the age at which interventions could be critical. As discussed below, it is possible that some of the pathophysiological and epigenetic changes resulting from childhood obesity could become more irreversible the longer the obesity remains untreated.
41
Ritchie, Shawn W. 1965. "Rescuing endangered knowledge : a systems approach." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9752.
Abstract:
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-81).
This research involves the identification and definition of"Endangered Knowledge" and outlines a tool that a firm can use to identify, capture, and reutilizes endangered knowledge. Endangered knowledge (EK) is valuable knowledge firms acquire during product development that has a high potential to be erased from a firm's memory. Two primary factors contribute to endangered knowledge. First, the firm does not believe the knowledge has future value, or does not take the time to correctly assess the value of the knowledge. Product development teams are usually under a great deal of time and financial pressures, and once a particular piece of knowledge has been acquired and applied to a specific process, it is quickly discarded. Second, an individual in a firm may realize that a piece of knowledge could have value to their team or another team in the future, but have no system in place which will enable them to effectively store and communicate that knowledge. In both cases, the knowledge is lost, ultimately costing the firm time and money to replace the lost learning. This paper can be broken up into four sections. The first section includes an introduction to endangered knowledge and provides two case studies where different product development teams wasted time and money because they were unable to access knowledge acquired by other members in their firm. The second section defines the terminology, (knowledge vs. information, learning vs. teaching, transfer vs. transform) and highlights knowledge management (KM) initiatives in existence today. The third section outlines five essential steps a knowledge management system must address in order to be effective. The final section introduces a new methodology product development teams can use to capture and reuse, or "rescue" endangered knowledge.
by Shawn W. Ritchie.
S.M.
42
Park, Jaewook. "An integrated approach to lifeline performance evaluation /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/10196.
43
Markovsky, Ivan. "Exact and approximate modeling of linear systems : a behavioral approach /." Philadelphia, Pa. : Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 2006. http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0708/2005057537-d.html.
44
Lewis, Phillip Andrew. "A systemic approach to the design of cellular manufacturing systems." Thesis, Aston University, 1994. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/10740/.
Abstract:
Cellular manufacturing is widely acknowledged as one of the key approaches to achieving world-class performance in batch manufacturing operations. The design of cellular manufacturing systems (CMS) is therefore crucial in determining a company's competitiveness. This thesis postulated that, in order to be effective the design of CMS should not only be systematic but also systemic. A systemic design uses the concepts of the body of work known as the 'systems approach' to ensure that a truly effective CMS is defined. The thesis examined the systems approach and created a systemic framework against which existing approaches to the design of CMS were evaluated. The most promising of these, Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE), was further investigated using a series of cross-sectional case-studies. Although, in practice, MSE proved to be less than systemic, it appeared to produce significant benefits. This seemed to suggest that CMS design did not need to be systemic to be effective. However, further longitudinal case-studies showed that the benefits claimed were at an operational level not at a business level and also that the performance of the whole system had not been evaluated. The deficiencies identified in the existing approaches to designing CMS were then addressed by the development of a novel CMS design methodology that fully utilised systems concepts. A key aspect of the methodology was the use of the Whole Business Simulator (WBS), a modelling and simulation tool that enabled the evaluation of CMS at operational and business levels. The most contentious aspects of the methodology were tested on a significant and complex case-study. The results of the exercise indicated that the systemic methodology was feasible.
45
Turner, Paul C. "A systems engineering approach to power systems in remote regions." Master's thesis, This resource online, 1991. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05192010-020012/.
46
Ravitz, Alan D. "Analyzing Complex Systems Using an Integrated Multi-scale Systems Approach." Thesis, The George Washington University, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10150138.
Abstract:
Many industries, such as healthcare, transportation, education, and other fields that involve large corporations and institutions, are complex systems composed of many diverse interacting components. Frequently, to improve performance within these industries, to move into new markets, or to expand capability or capacity, decision-makers face opportunities or mandates to implement innovations (new technology, processes, and services). Successful implementation of these innovations involves seamless integration with the policy, economic, social, and technological dynamics associated with the complex system. These dynamics are frequently difficult for decision-makers to observe and understand. Consequently, they take on risk from lack of insight into how best to implement the innovation and how their system-of-interest will ultimately perform. This research defines a framework for an integrated, multi-scale modeling and simulation systems approach that provides decision-makers with prospective insight into the likely performance to expect once an innovation of change is implemented in a complex system. The need for such a framework when modeling complex systems is described, and suitable simulation paradigms and the challenges related to implementing these simulations are discussed. A healthcare case study is used to demonstrate the framework’s application and utility in understanding how an innovation, once fielded, will actually affect the larger complex system to which it belongs.
47
Fernandez, George, and gfernandez@rmit edu au. "A federated approach to enterprise integration." Swinburne University of Technology, 2006. http://adt.lib.swin.edu.au./public/adt-VSWT20060502.113336.
Abstract:
In order to remain competitive, the integration of their information systems is an imperative
for many large organisations. Applications that originally have been developed independently
are now required to interoperate to support new or different functions of the enterprise. Although
the mechanisms for application interoperation exist provided by the technology, due to
the sheer number and complexity of the running systems, integration solutions � centralised or
distributed�appropriate at the local level do not translate successfully to the whole enterprise.
Centralised integration approaches often satisfy only some of the integration requirements, they
are very expensive, and are fraught with danger since they imply an �all or nothing� approach.
Distributed approaches, on the other hand, suffer from complexity and scalability problems as
the number of system interfaces to be implemented and the number of execution-time invocations
grows with the number of component applications.
This dissertation makes a contribution to the field of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
within the framework of distributed systems technology. Based on real-life case studies experience,
we present here a federated approach that controls the size and complexity of the
integration effort by reusing existing systems as much as possible and reducing the number of
interacting applications. Only selected local elements are exposed to the organisational milieu,
and a consistent supporting infrastructure is provided to make systems interactions possible.
Our approach provides a flexible and scalable strategy to enterprise integration, avoiding the
shortcomings of traditional approaches. We respect existing organisational structures, and
demonstrate how appropriate federation infrastructure and protocols enable the interoperation
of existing systems. The three main facets of enterprise knowledge are systematically incorporated
into the integration effort: a) by the use of domain ontologies to support data integration;
b) by the development of a methodology to include business rules; and c) by the development
of FEW, a federated workflow model to implement the business processes of the organisation.
48
Tilton, Catherine J. "An approach for estimating system engineering costs." Master's thesis, This resource online, 1992. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12232009-020146/.
49
Panneton, Pamela G. "INFOSYM : an integrated approach to facilitate the system requirements definition process /." Master's thesis, This resource online, 1993. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-03302010-020328/.
50
Sandman, Aubrey Max. "Errors - a positive approach." Thesis, City University London, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.255353.