Current views and models about attention regard man as a 'transmitter channel' and try to characterise the properties of that 'odd channel'. Another characteristic of the current views is that attention is regarded as a specific mental operation in a person which can be described, irrespective of the purposes of the subject. By contrast we examine attention as an activity at the service of the purposes of the person. Attention is examined as an activity by means of which the field of consciousness is structured around the 'object of attention'. This object of attention is not a specific 'stimulus' but a system in the sense of General System Theory. Hence, the approach is mainly holistic in character. Activity is looked upon as an INTERTRAFFIC between the person and his relation with the world. And where there is relatedness, information theory, in a cybernetic sense, can be used. The approach developed benefits of the advantages from previous models allowing also for a better explanation of the limitation present in the cognitive realm without appeal to some 'filter mechanism' in the physiological structure of a person.

The affinity between the work of the Austrian economist Friedrich A. Hayek and the approach of Complexity Economics is widely recognized by the literature. In spite of this, there still is a lack of studies that seek to analyze in depth the relationship between Hayek and complexity. This dissertation is a contribution to the filling of this large gap in the literature. In the first part of the work, we analyze the various periods in the development of Hayek\'s vision of complexity, showing that this vision is strongly present in his works on knowledge, competition, methodology, evolution, and spontaneous order. In the second part, we explore how Hayek was influenced by two of the main precursors of modern complexity theory - cybernetics and general system theory - from the time he was working on his book on theoretical psychology, The Sensory Order (1952), until the end of his intellectual career. / A afinidade entre a obra do economista austríaco Friedrich A. Hayek e a abordagem da Economia e Complexidade é amplamente reconhecida pela literatura. Apesar disso, ainda há grande carência de estudos que busquem analisar de forma aprofundada a relação entre Hayek e a complexidade. Esta dissertação é uma contribuição para o preenchimento dessa grande lacuna na literatura. Na primeira parte do trabalho, os diversos períodos no desenvolvimento da visão de complexidade de Hayek são analisados, evidenciando-se como tal visão está fortemente presente em seus trabalhos sobre conhecimento, competição, metodologia, evolução e ordem espontânea. Na segunda parte, exploramos como Hayek foi influenciado por dois dos principais precursores da moderna teoria da complexidade - a cibernética e a teoria geral do sistema - desde o período em que estava trabalhando no seu livro sobre psicologia teórica, The Sensory Order (1952), até o final de sua carreira intelectual.

The affinity between the work of the Austrian economist Friedrich A. Hayek and the approach of Complexity Economics is widely recognized by the literature. In spite of this, there still is a lack of studies that seek to analyze in depth the relationship between Hayek and complexity. This dissertation is a contribution to the filling of this large gap in the literature. In the first part of the work, we analyze the various periods in the development of Hayek\'s vision of complexity, showing that this vision is strongly present in his works on knowledge, competition, methodology, evolution, and spontaneous order. In the second part, we explore how Hayek was influenced by two of the main precursors of modern complexity theory - cybernetics and general system theory - from the time he was working on his book on theoretical psychology, The Sensory Order (1952), until the end of his intellectual career. / A afinidade entre a obra do economista austríaco Friedrich A. Hayek e a abordagem da Economia e Complexidade é amplamente reconhecida pela literatura. Apesar disso, ainda há grande carência de estudos que busquem analisar de forma aprofundada a relação entre Hayek e a complexidade. Esta dissertação é uma contribuição para o preenchimento dessa grande lacuna na literatura. Na primeira parte do trabalho, os diversos períodos no desenvolvimento da visão de complexidade de Hayek são analisados, evidenciando-se como tal visão está fortemente presente em seus trabalhos sobre conhecimento, competição, metodologia, evolução e ordem espontânea. Na segunda parte, exploramos como Hayek foi influenciado por dois dos principais precursores da moderna teoria da complexidade - a cibernética e a teoria geral do sistema - desde o período em que estava trabalhando no seu livro sobre psicologia teórica, The Sensory Order (1952), até o final de sua carreira intelectual.

O manguezal é um sistema muito importante para a manutenção da biodiversidade e produtividade costeira. Ocorrem em ambientes abrigados, onde há interação entre os sistemas atmosférico, terrestre e marinho. A presente pesquisa estudou sistematicamente cada um desses sistemas e elencou os principais elementos, fatores e processos que atuam em cada um dos cinco níveis hierárquicos dos manguezais, de acordo com a classificação proposta por Schaeffer-Novelli et al. (2000; 2005). Esse trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver uma proposta de representação cartográfica apropriada a cada nível hierárquico dos manguezais. Proposta fundamentada nos pressupostos teóricos e conceituais da Teoria Geral do Sistema, da Teoria da Hierarquia, da Cartografia Ambiental e dos conceitos de representação gráfica e escala. Foram elaborados os seguintes mapeamentos para os níveis hierárquicos do sistema manguezal: Grande Ecossistema Marinho 15, composto pela Plataforma Sul do Brasil na escala de mapeamento 1:5.000.000; Domínio Costeiro VII, abrangendo a costa brasileira entre Cabo Frio RJ e Torres RS na escala de mapeamento 1:3.000.000; Tipologia Costeira III, representada pelo Sistema Costeiro Cananéia-Iguape na escala de mapeamento 1:300.000; Padrão de bosques presentes na Ilha do Cardoso SP na escala de mapeamento 1:5.000; e Parcelas desses bosques de mangue da Ilha do Cardoso SP. Para os primeiros quatro níveis hierárquicos são apresentados mapas e para o nível de maior detalhe (Parcela) são apresentados perfis diagramas e gráficos com a síntese dos dados coletados durante os trabalhos de campo. Assim, seguindo os preceitos sistêmicos, afirma-se nessa pesquisa que existe uma escala de mapeamento adequada para a representação cartográfica de cada um dos níveis hierárquicos dos manguezais, onde cada nível deve ser representado cartograficamente por um conjunto de elementos, fatores e processos específicos. / The mangrove is a very important system for the maintenance of coastal biodiversity and productivity. Occur in sheltered environments, where there is interaction between the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine systems. This research systematically studied each of these systems and listed the main elements, factors and processes that operate in each of the five hierarchical levels of mangroves, according to the classification proposed by Schaeffer-Novelli et al. (2000, 2005). This study had as objective to develop an appropriate proposal for cartographic representation of each hierarchical level of mangrove. This proposal was based on the theoretical and conceptual assumptions of the General System Theory, Theory of Hierarchy of Environmental Cartography and concepts of scale and graphical representation. The following mappings to the hierarchical levels of the mangrove system were elaborated: Large Marine Ecosystem 15, composed of South Brazil Shelf in the mapping scale 1:5.000.000; Coastal Domain VII, covering the Brazilian coast between Cabo Frio - RJ and Torres RS in the mapping scale 1:3.000.000; Setting III, represented by Cananéia-Iguape Coastal System in the mapping scale 1:300.000; Stand present at Ilha do Cardoso SP in the mapping scale 1:5.000; and Sites of these mangroves at Ilha do Cardoso SP. The first four hierarchical levels are presented maps and and the greater level of detail (Site) diagrams and graphs are presented summarizing the data collected during the field work. This way, following the systemic precepts, this research affirms that there is a proper mapping scale for cartographic representation of each of the hierarchical levels of mangroves, where each level must be cartographically represented by a number of elements, factors and specific processes.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to improve family members' transfer from Intensive Care. A structured pre-transfer educational method of patient transfer was introduced and evaluated. Background of the study: Many studies have documented the needs of family members whilst in intensive care units (ICU) but few have evaluated interventions to support meeting these needs. No studies have documented 'uncertainty in illness' levels of family members around transfer from ICU or the relationship between uncertainty and anxiety. Method: The study used a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design based on the General System Theory (von Bertalanffy, 1972). There were four phases to the study with the intervention grounded in Knowles' Adult Learning Theory (1980). Family members of patients in an ICU were purposively allocated to a control(n = 80) and intervention group (n = 82). A pre-test, post-test strategy was used with data from the control group collected first and once completed, the intervention was introduced into the ICU. The intervention group data were then collected using the same data collection tools. The intervention group experienced a transfer method designed to improve communication with the bedside nurse in ICU whereas the control group received existing ad hoc transfer methods. Participants were surveyed before and after transfer using Spielberger et al.'s state anxiety inventory and Mishel's 'uncertainty in illness' scale. Demographic data were collected for both patients and family members together with family members' satisfaction with the transfer process they experienced. At the completion of the study, intensive care nurses (n = 40) were surveyed to assess their perception of the efficacy of the intervention. Results: Three factors were found to significantly affect levels of 'uncertainty in illness' and these included state anxiety scores (F = 50.9, p < .000), the relationship of the family member to the patient (F = 2.9, p = .022), and the unexpected nature of the admission (F = 23.09, p < .000). These factors accounted for 33% of the variance of 'uncertainty in illness' scores. State anxiety levels were significantly affected by the degree of family social support (F = 10.0, p = .002) and uncertainty as previously mentioned. State anxiety reduced significantly following transfer for both groups and 'uncertainty in illness' reduced significantly for the intervention group (t = 2.21, p = .03).When controlled for pre-transfer levels, however, there was no significant reduction in the intervention group when compared with the control group.' Uncertainty in illness' for the intervention group reduced, however, whereas scores for the control group did not. The intervention group experienced significantly higher levels of satisfaction with transfer (Z = -2.43, p = .015) and felt significantly better prepared for transfer(Z = -3.26, p = .001) than did the control group. The vast majority of ICU nurses(90.6%) thought the intervention provided a useful framework for discussing the patient's condition with family members and 94% thought it should be introduced for all transfers from ICU. Conclusions: Uncertainty is significantly related to state anxiety in this sample. Previous research suggests that individual's coping ability is affected by both anxiety and' uncertainty in illness' which limit their adaptation to the new ward situation. This results in relationship disturbances and psychological distress (Mishel, 1981)at a time when patients rely on family support. The intervention reduced uncertainty and improved family members' satisfaction with the transfer process by improved communication between family members and ICU nurses. The intervention was fully endorsed and supported by ICU nurses who recommended its introduction for all future transfers.

O manguezal é um sistema muito importante para a manutenção da biodiversidade e produtividade costeira. Ocorrem em ambientes abrigados, onde há interação entre os sistemas atmosférico, terrestre e marinho. A presente pesquisa estudou sistematicamente cada um desses sistemas e elencou os principais elementos, fatores e processos que atuam em cada um dos cinco níveis hierárquicos dos manguezais, de acordo com a classificação proposta por Schaeffer-Novelli et al. (2000; 2005). Esse trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver uma proposta de representação cartográfica apropriada a cada nível hierárquico dos manguezais. Proposta fundamentada nos pressupostos teóricos e conceituais da Teoria Geral do Sistema, da Teoria da Hierarquia, da Cartografia Ambiental e dos conceitos de representação gráfica e escala. Foram elaborados os seguintes mapeamentos para os níveis hierárquicos do sistema manguezal: Grande Ecossistema Marinho 15, composto pela Plataforma Sul do Brasil na escala de mapeamento 1:5.000.000; Domínio Costeiro VII, abrangendo a costa brasileira entre Cabo Frio RJ e Torres RS na escala de mapeamento 1:3.000.000; Tipologia Costeira III, representada pelo Sistema Costeiro Cananéia-Iguape na escala de mapeamento 1:300.000; Padrão de bosques presentes na Ilha do Cardoso SP na escala de mapeamento 1:5.000; e Parcelas desses bosques de mangue da Ilha do Cardoso SP. Para os primeiros quatro níveis hierárquicos são apresentados mapas e para o nível de maior detalhe (Parcela) são apresentados perfis diagramas e gráficos com a síntese dos dados coletados durante os trabalhos de campo. Assim, seguindo os preceitos sistêmicos, afirma-se nessa pesquisa que existe uma escala de mapeamento adequada para a representação cartográfica de cada um dos níveis hierárquicos dos manguezais, onde cada nível deve ser representado cartograficamente por um conjunto de elementos, fatores e processos específicos. / The mangrove is a very important system for the maintenance of coastal biodiversity and productivity. Occur in sheltered environments, where there is interaction between the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine systems. This research systematically studied each of these systems and listed the main elements, factors and processes that operate in each of the five hierarchical levels of mangroves, according to the classification proposed by Schaeffer-Novelli et al. (2000, 2005). This study had as objective to develop an appropriate proposal for cartographic representation of each hierarchical level of mangrove. This proposal was based on the theoretical and conceptual assumptions of the General System Theory, Theory of Hierarchy of Environmental Cartography and concepts of scale and graphical representation. The following mappings to the hierarchical levels of the mangrove system were elaborated: Large Marine Ecosystem 15, composed of South Brazil Shelf in the mapping scale 1:5.000.000; Coastal Domain VII, covering the Brazilian coast between Cabo Frio - RJ and Torres RS in the mapping scale 1:3.000.000; Setting III, represented by Cananéia-Iguape Coastal System in the mapping scale 1:300.000; Stand present at Ilha do Cardoso SP in the mapping scale 1:5.000; and Sites of these mangroves at Ilha do Cardoso SP. The first four hierarchical levels are presented maps and and the greater level of detail (Site) diagrams and graphs are presented summarizing the data collected during the field work. This way, following the systemic precepts, this research affirms that there is a proper mapping scale for cartographic representation of each of the hierarchical levels of mangroves, where each level must be cartographically represented by a number of elements, factors and specific processes.

The study focuses on key characteristics that affect diversity management (DM) in the United States. Developing effective strategies to support and enhance workforce diversity is a competitive business advantage as diverse workforce economic and social contributions outpace homogeneous workgroups. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies that service organization leaders (diversity practitioner-leaders) use to develop DM programs to support competitive business advantage and sustainable growth. The general systems theory and DM framework were the lens that guided the study. Five diversity practitioner-leaders from service organizations with business operations in the northwestern region of United States were interviewed. Participants responded to open-ended interview questions. Data collection processes included validating and triangulating the information gathered from participants via transcript review and use of archival business documents and peer-reviewed sources. Following the thematic data analysis, major themes emerged that include linking diversity programs to business goals, educating and creating diversity awareness, and implementing diversity reporting and accountability. Findings revealed strategies that diversity practitioner-leaders could use to enhance workplace DM practices and support sustainable business growth. The study findings could help organizational leaders to affect positive social change by building diverse, welcoming, and all-inclusive workplace cultures, whereby all employees can strive to achieve their full potential, thus improving employee engagement and productivity. As workplace diversity improves, employees' engagement and productivity increases as well as their socioeconomic contributions.

Business leaders in Nigeria are concerned about the high rates of business failure and economic loss from security incidents and may not understand strategies for reducing the effects of information security threats on business performance. Guided by general systems theory and transformational leadership theory, the focus of this exploratory multiple case study was to explore the strategies small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders use to minimize the effects of information security threats on business performance. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 5 SME leaders who worked in SME firms that support oil and gas industry sector in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, had a minimum of 2 years experience in a leadership role, and had demonstrable strategies for minimizing the effects of information security threats in a SME. The thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed 10 strategies for reducing the effects of information security threats: network security, physical security, strong password policy, antivirus protection and software update, information security policy, security education training and awareness, network security monitoring and audit, intrusion detection, data backup, and people management. The findings may contribute to social change by providing SME leaders with more insight about strategies to minimize the effects of information security threats on business performance. The improved business performance can increase the flow of funds into the local economy and allow community leaders to provide social services to residents.

Performance in Lesotho at senior level (COSC) has been poor. One of the subjects which is performed poorly is Biology 5090. This prompted the researcher to examine factors responsible for the poor performance in Biology 5090. The study also aimed at finding ways in which teachers envisage to improve Biology 5090 performance. Data was collected from three schools through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The study also adopted the General System Theory (GST) as the theoretical framework. Data was analyzed in line with qualitative content analysis, and from the perspective of the GST. The data analysis scheme was developed and presented (appendix P). The results of the study showed that Biology 5090 performance was affected by factors such as human resources, and the transformation process. The study also suggested ways in which Biology 5090 performance could be improved in Lesotho. These include: in-serving training, team work and others. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

Before entering into a democratic dispensation, South African military and defence systems were constituted by seven disparate armed forces. The transformation of South Africa from a separatist state introduced renewed efforts and challenges to integrate what was once a divided military corps and society. In 1994, the formation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was born out of the effort to integrate various statutory and non-statutory armed forces in South Africa, including forces from former TBVC states. Through a phenomenological inquiry, integration experiences of former TBVC Armed Force members into the new SANDF structure are investigated. The study aimed to find out from the former TBVC force members how they were affected by the integration process and what their perception with regards to the effectiveness of the integration process on enhancing representation on all rank levels in the new SANDF was. The findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 such members indicate that transformation of South Africa’s military outfit into an integrated system is not exactly an epitome of a new and different yet cohesive and unified structure. The notion of ‘integration’ is as such cast as essentially a problematic one where inequalities still reflect in how former statutory and non-statutory force members are treated particularly with regards to promotion opportunities. In addition, there are perceived lingering vestiges of a previous separatist system such as the use of Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction and communication, previous SADF policies which helps produce the idea of integration as more a process of absorption instead. Despite this problematisation of integration processes in shaping how the new SANDF outfit is currently experienced by members, there are perceived benefits from the change brought about by ‘integration’ of forces. Some benefits are as tangible as individual career advancement, while others tend to reflect impacts at systemic level of family where members indirectly profit from the reorganisation and call for adjustment to new settings and structures that followed integration / Research / M.A. (Research Consultation)