Structural Loop Analysis of Complex Ecological Systems

Abram, Joseph; Dyke, James G.

doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.08.011

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 129 publications

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“…Another common approach in Earth System conceptualization is the use of adaptive system theory, typically in respect to the use of cycles and loops to illustrate and demonstrate the operational processes, influences, impacts and feedbacks occurring (e.g. Abram and Dyke, 2018;Donges et al, 2017aDonges et al, , 2021aDonges et al, , 2021bHolling, 2001;Wang et al, 2018). A simple example of a feedback loop between two Earth System subsystems was provided by Donges et al (2021a) as A → B and B → A, and which can be consequently described as A ↻ B.…”

Section: Defining the Earth Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining the fundamental dynamics of global sustainability in the Anthropocene from a vulnerability perspective

Phillips

2023

The Anthropocene Review

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This paper conducts a detailed quantitative study of the indicated long-term levels, nature and dynamics of sustainability at the global spatial scale over time, within the context of the vulnerability of the environment-human relationship and system. In this study, the Sustainability Dynamics Framework is applied to the results of the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative index for the period 1995–2018. The study indicates that the obtained S-values at the global spatial scale throughout the specified period were consistent with very weak unsustainability occurring. Through statistical analysis, the study indicates that the triumvirate of influencing factors (Population, GDP, Greenhouse Gases) have a significant influence and impact individually and cumulatively upon obtained S-values. The study then determines the net change in obtained E, HNI and S-values, and consequently evaluates the dynamics of the rate of change of the Earth System ( dE/dt), as defined in the Anthropocene Equation theory. To support this, Fourier analysis of net change of S-values is applied for the first time within the SDF application methodology, using eight time periods of 16 years’ duration over the period 1996–2018. The analysis indicates continuous overlapping cycles of 7 years’ duration, consisting of a lag time of 3 years leading to an impact period of 4 years. The Fourier analysis potentially indicates clearly for the first-time humanity’s footprint signal upon the environment-human relationship and system in the Anthropocene. The study concludes that humanity’s actions and inactions have resulted in the indicated unsustainability and vulnerability of the environment-human relationship and system. As a consequence, there is a potential realistic risk of systemic collapse unless fundamental changes occur in respect to the global environment-human relationship.

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Section: Defining the Earth Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining the fundamental dynamics of global sustainability in the Anthropocene from a vulnerability perspective

Phillips

2023

The Anthropocene Review

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“…Including the interactions between these components is critical because there are vectors of change (i.e., droughts, winters, policies) that can disturb the natural structure of ecosystems, posing a risk of ES loss (Berrouet et al, 2018) and, therefore, risking human wellbeing. These conceptual frameworks partially capture the dynamics of SES with an incomplete understanding of the complexity that characterizes these systems 5 (Abram & Dyke, 2018;An, 2012;Berrio-Giraldo, 2021). An additional drawback of ignoring interactions is that feedback cycles, resulting from interactions between natural capital and social wellbeing, play an important role in the overall behavior of an SES (Allen et al, 2014;Chen et al, 2018).…”

Section: How Is Ses Sustainability Analyzed In Existing Conceptual Fr...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Conceptual framework for analyzing the sustainability of socio‐ecological systems with a focus on ecosystem services that support water security

Gomez‐Jaramillo,

Berrouet,

Villegas‐Palacio

et al. 2023

Sustainable Development

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Water security is a global concern sharpened by the biggest humanity challenge of climatic crisis. With the end of designing and implementing efficient and sustainable water management strategies, it is necessary to recognize the interdependence and coevolution between natural and social systems and understand how the double way relationships between these systems shape sustainability. The socio‐ecological systems (SES) sustainability approach is an alternative to this end. Conceptual challenges have been identified in the analysis of the sustainability of SES. These challenges include (i) A lack of clarity in the definition of SES sustainability, (ii) the non‐inclusion of some inherent SES characteristics that determine critical thresholds, and (iii) a lack of conceptual frameworks for analyzing the sustainability of SES and water security‐related ecosystem services. This study proposes a conceptual framework, based on a strong sustainability approach, for analyzing SES sustainability focusing on water security and addressing the above‐mentioned challenges. This conceptual development includes three elements: (i) the key thresholds to ensure ecological functionality; (ii) the benefits that society derives from ecological functioning and; (iii) the two‐way relationship between natural capital and social systems. Analyzing these three elements helps identification of different sustainability states of SESs, focusing on water security, in the presence of endogenous or exogenous drivers of change. The conceptualization and operationalization of SES sustainability focusing on water security allows the analysis of the trajectories of change and provides insights into the required water management strategies in the target territory.

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“…The matrices obtained from the system are replaced in the transfer matrix G(s), the respective operations are carried out and the output transfer matrix is calculated; see Equation (27) The zeta (σ ) parameter, also known as the damping coefficient, is a value used in dynamic system analysis to describe a system's damped response. It indicates the amount of damping present in the system and affects its behavior in terms of stability, response time and damping.…”

Section: Transfer Matrixmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These vectors are used to analyze the behavior and interactions of different system variables. In short, eigenvectors and eigenvalues are important concepts in system dynamics, as they are used to analyze and understand the behavior of systems dynamics [27,28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Development of an Optimal Control Model in System Dynamics through State-Space Representation

Sánchez

Serrato

2023

Applied Sciences

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Control engineering and state-space representation are valuable tools in the analysis and design of dynamic systems. In this research, a methodology is proposed that uses these approaches to transform a system-dynamics simulation model into a mathematical model. This is achieved by expressing input, output and state variables as input, output and state vectors, respectively, allowing the representation of the model in matrix form. The resulting model is linear and time-invariant, facilitating its analysis and design. Through the use of this methodology, the system transfer matrix is obtained, which allows the analysis and design of the optimal control of the simulation model. The Ackermann gain-control technique is used to determine the optimal control of the system, which results in a shorter settlement time. This research proposal seeks to mathematically strengthen simulation models and provide an analytical alternative through modern control engineering in SD simulation models. This would allow more informed and effective decisions in the implementation of dynamic systems.

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Structural Loop Analysis of Complex Ecological Systems

Cited by 8 publications

References 129 publications

Determining the fundamental dynamics of global sustainability in the Anthropocene from a vulnerability perspective

Determining the fundamental dynamics of global sustainability in the Anthropocene from a vulnerability perspective

Conceptual framework for analyzing the sustainability of socio‐ecological systems with a focus on ecosystem services that support water security

Design and Development of an Optimal Control Model in System Dynamics through State-Space Representation

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