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Difference between revisions of "Complex Systems"
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{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}} | |||
'''Abstract:''' This chapter introduces the concept of "Connectivity" as it pertains to understanding "Complex Systems," with a focus on its relevance across multiple disciplines. Connectivity has evolved in various fields, yet faces ontological and epistemological challenges when applied universally. The chapter outlines key points for understanding complex systems, including defining the fundamental units of connectivity, differentiating structural from functional connectivity, and measuring the emergent behavior of such systems. | |||
The masticatory system, often viewed as a peripheral function limited to chewing and phonetics, is explored here as a complex system influenced by multiple nervous centers. Historically approached through reductionist methods focusing on local maxillary functions, the chapter argues for a more holistic view that considers the system's dynamic interactions with distant central nervous system (CNS) structures. This approach challenges traditional gnathology and highlights the stochastic nature of complex biological systems where emergent behaviors arise from the interaction of various components. | |||
Mastication, long considered an isolated function, is instead framed as a process intricately linked to other bodily systems. Emerging evidence shows that it affects blood perfusion in the trigeminal nucleus and has neurophysiological connections to the vestibular system. Such interactions point to a need for rethinking diagnostic models and adopting interdisciplinary methods that integrate neurophysiological data with dental health, particularly through advanced diagnostic tools like trigeminal evoked potentials. | |||
Ultimately, this chapter sets the stage for understanding mastication not as a purely mechanical function but as part of a broader, indeterministic neural network. The term "Neuro-Gnathological Functions" is introduced, signaling a shift toward a more integrated and functional analysis of the masticatory system. This serves as the basis for further exploration in subsequent chapters, particularly in the neurophysiological and clinical realms. | |||
==Preliminary Consideration to the Complex Systems == | |||
In recent years, parallel developments in different disciplines have focused on what has been called "Connectivity", a concept used to understand and describe the "Complex Systems". The conceptualizations and functionalisations of connectivity have evolved widely within their disciplinary boundaries, but there are clear similarities in this concept and in its application across the disciplines. However, any implementation of the concept of connectivity involves both ontological and epistemological constraints, which lead us to wonder if there is a type or set of connectivity approaches that could be applied to all disciplines. In this review, we explore four ontological and epistemological challenges in using connectivity to understand complex systems from the point of view of very different disciplines. | In recent years, parallel developments in different disciplines have focused on what has been called "Connectivity", a concept used to understand and describe the "Complex Systems". The conceptualizations and functionalisations of connectivity have evolved widely within their disciplinary boundaries, but there are clear similarities in this concept and in its application across the disciplines. However, any implementation of the concept of connectivity involves both ontological and epistemological constraints, which lead us to wonder if there is a type or set of connectivity approaches that could be applied to all disciplines. In this review, we explore four ontological and epistemological challenges in using connectivity to understand complex systems from the point of view of very different disciplines. | ||
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Hence, the object is:{{q2|<!--40-->Mastication and Cognitive Processes, as well as Brainstem and Mastication<br /><small><!--41-->these will expand in additional essential topics, such as the "Segmentation of the Trigeminal Nervous System" in the last chapter, 'Extraordinary Science'.</small>}} | Hence, the object is:{{q2|<!--40-->Mastication and Cognitive Processes, as well as Brainstem and Mastication<br /><small><!--41-->these will expand in additional essential topics, such as the "Segmentation of the Trigeminal Nervous System" in the last chapter, 'Extraordinary Science'.</small>}} | ||
=== Mastication and Cognitive Processes=== | ===Mastication and Cognitive Processes=== | ||
In recent years, mastication has been a topic of discussion about the maintenance and support effects of cognitive performance. | In recent years, mastication has been a topic of discussion about the maintenance and support effects of cognitive performance. | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
==Conclusive Considerations == | ==Conclusive Considerations== | ||
In conclusion, it is clear from the premise, that the Masticatory system should be considered not certainly as a system simply governed by mechanical laws, but as a "Complex System" of indeterministic type, where one can quantify the "Emerging Behavior" only after stimulating it and then analysing the response evoked (Figure 2). The Neuronal System also dialogues with its own encrypted machine language (potential action and ionic currents) and, therefore, it is not possible to interpret the symptoms referred to by the patient through natural language. | In conclusion, it is clear from the premise, that the Masticatory system should be considered not certainly as a system simply governed by mechanical laws, but as a "Complex System" of indeterministic type, where one can quantify the "Emerging Behavior" only after stimulating it and then analysing the response evoked (Figure 2). The Neuronal System also dialogues with its own encrypted machine language (potential action and ionic currents) and, therefore, it is not possible to interpret the symptoms referred to by the patient through natural language. | ||
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We should think of a system that unifies the mastication and neurophysiological functions by introducing a new term: "'''Neuro-Gnathological Functions'''"<br>which will be the object of a dedicated chapter. | We should think of a system that unifies the mastication and neurophysiological functions by introducing a new term: "'''Neuro-Gnathological Functions'''"<br>which will be the object of a dedicated chapter. | ||
{{Bib}} | {{Bib}} | ||