This book offers the foundations of system analysis as an applied scientific methodology assigned for the investigation of complex and highly interdisciplinary problems. It presents the basic definitions and the methodological and theoretical basis of formalization and solution processes in various subject domains. It describes in detail the methods of formalizing the system tasks and reducing them to a solvable form under real-world conditions.

Due to inherent limitations in human sensing organs, most data collected for various purposes contain uncertainties. Even at the rare occasions when accurate data are available, the truthful predictions derived on the data tend to create chaotic consequences. So, to effectively process and make sense out of available data, we need methods to deal with uncertainty inherently existing inside the data. The intent of this monograph is to explore the fundamental theory, methods, and techniques of practical application of grey systems theory, initiated by Professor Deng Julong in 1982. This volume presents most of the recent advances of the theory accomplished by scholars from around the world. From studying this book, the reader will not only acquire an overall knowledge of this new theory but also be able to follow the most current research activities. All examples presented are based on practical applications of the theory when urgent real-life problems had to be addressed. Last but not the least, this book concludes with three appendices. The first one compares grey systems theory and interval analysis while revealing the fact that interval analysis is a part of grey mathematics. The second appendix presents an array of different approaches of studying uncertainties. And, the last appendix shows how uncertainties appear using general systems approach.

IMPLEMENT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS TOOLS IN SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING Featuring a multidisciplinary approach, Systems Analysis for Sustainable Engineering: Theory and Applications provides a proven framework for applying systems analysis tools to account for environmental impacts, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, socioeconomic implications, and ecosystem health in engineering solutions. This pioneering work addresses the increased levels of sophistication embedded in many complex large-scale infrastructure systems and their interactions with the natural environment. After a detailed overview of sustainable systems engineering, the book covers mathematical theories of systems analysis, environmental resources management, industrial ecology, and sustainable design. Real-world examples highlight the methodologies presented in this authoritative resource. COVERAGE INCLUDES: Structured systems analysis for sustainable design Systems analysis and sustainable management strategies Ecomomic valuation, instruments, and project selection Statistical forecasting models Linear, nonlinear, integer, and dynamic programming models Multicriteria decision analyses System dynamics models and simulation analyses Water resources and quality management Air quality management Solid waste management Soil and groundwater remediation planning Industrial ecology and sustainability Green building and green infrastructure systems Energy resources management and energy systems engineering Land resources management and agricultural sustainability

This second edition of Dissipative Systems Analysis and Control has been substantially reorganized to accommodate new material and enhance its pedagogical features. It examines linear and nonlinear systems with examples of both in each chapter. Also included are some infinite-dimensional and nonsmooth examples. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the use of the dissipative properties of a system for the design of stable feedback control laws.

Offering an up-to-date account of systems theories and its applications, this book provides a different way of resolving problems and addressing challenges in a swift and practical way, without losing overview and not having a grip on the details. From this perspective, it offers a different way of thinking in order to incorporate different perspectives and to consider multiple aspects of any given problem. Drawing examples from a wide range of disciplines, it also presents worked cases to illustrate the principles. The multidisciplinary perspective and the formal approach to modelling of systems and processes of ‘Applied Systems Theory’ makes it suitable for managers, engineers, students, researchers, academics and professionals from a wide range of disciplines; they can use this ‘toolbox’ for describing, analysing and designing biological, engineering and organisational systems as well as getting a better understanding of societal problems.

A matroid is an abstract mathematical structure that captures combinatorial properties of matrices. This book offers a unique introduction to matroid theory, emphasizing motivations from matrix theory and applications to systems analysis. This book serves also as a comprehensive presentation of the theory and application of mixed matrices, developed primarily by the present author in the 1990's. A mixed matrix is a convenient mathematical tool for systems analysis, compatible with the physical observation that "fixed constants" and "system parameters" are to be distinguished in the description of engineering systems. This book will be extremely useful to graduate students and researchers in engineering, mathematics and computer science. From the reviews: "...The book has been prepared very carefully, contains a lot of interesting results and is highly recommended for graduate and postgraduate students." András Recski, Mathematical Reviews Clippings 2000m:93006

This book presents, in a rigorous and comprehensible way, the mathematical description and analysis of linear dynamic systems, and the controllability and observability of linear dynamic systems. It also details the stability of linear dynamic systems, automatic control systems, and nonlinear dynamic systems, and the optimal control of dynamic systems. The treatment is both systemic and synthetic, achieving rigorous and applicative solutions, and is illustrated with engineering examples. The book will appeal to scientists working in the practice of systems theory, engineering, automatic control, computer science, electrical engineering, electronics, and applied mathematics in biology and economics, as well as scientists working in education, research, design and industry.

Presents the theory and methodology for reliability assessments of safety-critical functions through examples from a wide range of applications Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Theory and Applications provides a comprehensive introduction to reliability assessments of safety-related systems based on electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic (E/E/PE) technology. With a focus on the design and development phases of safety-critical systems, the book presents theory and methods required to document compliance with IEC 61508 and the associated sector-specific standards. Combining theory and practical applications, Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Theory and Applications implements key safety-related strategies and methods to meet quantitative safety integrity requirements. In addition, the book details a variety of reliability analysis methods that are needed during all stages of a safety-critical system, beginning with specification and design and advancing to operations, maintenance, and modification control. The key categories of safety life-cycle phases are featured, including strategies for the allocation of reliability performance requirements; assessment methods in relation to design; and reliability quantification in relation to operation and maintenance. Issues and benefits that arise from complex modern technology developments are featured, as well as: Real-world examples from large industry facilities with major accident potential and products owned by the general public such as cars and tools Plentiful worked examples throughout that provide readers with a deeper understanding of the core concepts and aid in the analysis and solution of common issues when assessing all facets of safety-critical systems Approaches that work on a wide scope of applications and can be applied to the analysis of any safety-critical system A brief appendix of probability theory for reference With an emphasis on how safety-critical functions are introduced into systems and facilities to prevent or mitigate the impact of an accident, this book is an excellent guide for professionals, consultants, and operators of safety-critical systems who carry out practical, risk, and reliability assessments of safety-critical systems. Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Theory and Applications is also a useful textbook for courses in reliability assessment of safety-critical systems and reliability engineering at the graduate-level, as well as for consulting companies offering short courses in reliability assessment of safety-critical systems.

The classic book on a major modern theory

"This book provides a rigorous and comprehensive coverage of transportation models and planning methods and is a must-have to anyone in the transportation community, including students, teachers, and practitioners." Moshe Ben-Akiva, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.