Information Flow within Relational Multi-context Systems

Publication in progressMulti-context systems (MCSs) are an important framework for heterogeneous combinations of systems within the Semantic Web. In this paper, we propose generic constructions to achieve specific forms of interaction in a principled way, and systematize some useful techniques to work with ontologies within an MCS. All these mechanisms are presented in the form of general-purpose design patterns. Their study also suggests new ways in which this framework can be further extended.This work was partially supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia under contract PEst- OE/EEI/UI0434/2011

Statistical Equilibrium in Quantum Gravity: Gibbs states in Group Field Theory

Gibbs states are known to play a crucial role in the statistical description of a system with a large number of degrees of freedom. They are expected to be vital also in a quantum gravitational system with many underlying fundamental discrete degrees of freedom. However, due to the absence of well-defined concepts of time and energy in background independent settings, formulating statistical equilibrium in such cases is an open issue. This is even more so in a quantum gravity context that is not based on any of the usual spacetime structures, but on non-spatiotemporal degrees of freedom. In this paper, after having clarified general notions of statistical equilibrium, on which two different construction procedures for Gibbs states can be based, we focus on the group field theory formalism for quantum gravity, whose technical features prove advantageous to the task. We use the operator formulation of group field theory to define its statistical mechanical framework, based on which we construct three concrete examples of Gibbs states. The first is a Gibbs state with respect to a geometric volume operator, which is shown to support condensation to a low-spin phase. This state is not based on a pre-defined symmetry of the system and its construction is via Jaynes' entropy maximisation principle. The second are Gibbs states encoding structural equilibrium with respect to internal translations on the GFT base manifold, and defined via the KMS condition. The third are Gibbs states encoding relational equilibrium with respect to a clock Hamiltonian, obtained by deparametrization with respect to coupled scalar matter fields.Comment: v2 31 pages; typos corrected; section 2 modified substantially for clarity; minor modifications in the abstract and introduction; arguments and results unchange

Identity ambiguity and the promises and practices of hybrid e-HRM project teams

The role of IS project team identity work in the enactment of day-to-day relationships with their internal clients is under-researched. We address this gap by examining the identity work undertaken by an electronic human resource management (e-HRM) 'hybrid' project team engaged in an enterprise-wide IS implementation for their multi-national organisation. Utilising social identity theory, we identify three distinctive, interrelated dimensions of project team identity work (project team management, team 'value propositions' (promises) and the team's 'knowledge practice'). We reveal how dissonance between two perspectives of e-HRM project identity work (clients' expected norms of project team's service and project team's expected norms of themselves) results in identity ambiguity. Our research contributions are to identity studies in the IS project management, HR and hybrid literatures and to managerial practice by challenging the assumption that hybrid experts are the panacea for problems associated with IS projects

Livelisystems: a conceptual framework integrating social, ecosystem, development and evolutionary theory

Human activity poses multiple environmental challenges for ecosystems that have intrinsic value and also support that activity. Our ability to address these challenges is constrained, inter alia, by weaknesses in cross disciplinary understandings of interactive processes of change in socio-ecological systems. This paper draws on complementary insights from social and biological sciences to propose a ‘livelisystems’ framework of multi-scale, dynamic change across social and biological systems. This describes how material, informational and relational assets, asset services and asset pathways interact in systems with embedded and emergent properties undergoing a variety of structural transformations. Related characteristics of ‘higher’ (notably human) livelisystems and change processes are identified as the greater relative importance of (a) informational, relational and extrinsic (as opposed to material and intrinsic) assets, (b) teleological (as opposed to natural) selection, and (c) innovational (as opposed to mutational) change. The framework provides valuable insights into social and environmental challenges posed by global and local change, globalization, poverty, modernization, and growth in the anthropocene. Its potential for improving inter-disciplinary and multi-scale understanding is discussed, notably by examination of human adaptation to bio-diversity and eco-system service change following the spread of Lantana camera in the Western Ghats, India

Design thinking and innovation: synthesising concepts of knowledge co-creation in spaces of professional development

This paper explores how design thinking connects to concepts of knowledge creation and innovation. A case study of a knowledge sharing network in the social services sector is used to illustrate how design thinking supports Ba, the spaces for knowledge creation. Further exploration of the four enabling conditions for Ba resulted in delineation of two distinct types: relational and structural. Relational enablers support three groups of enabling conditions: interaction, shared values and communication. It is proposed that design thinking aligns well with relational enabling conditions for Ba to create the ideal spaces for knowledge creation. The group of structural enablers can assist or obstruct change and relate to the culture and management approaches of an organization, which may or may not be assisted by design thinking. However, to ensure that design thinking is not undermined, and innovation is achieved, the presence of an appropriate structural enabler is critical for success