CRC Press Irregularities and Prediction of Major Disasters (Systems Evaluation, Prediction, and Decision-Making)

Although scientists have effectively employed the concepts of probability to address the complex problem of prediction, modern science still falls short in establishing true predictions with meaningful lead times of zero-probability major disasters. The recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and China are tragic reminders of the critical need for improved methods of predicting natural disasters. Drawing on their vast practical experience and theoretical studies, Dr. Yi Lin and Professor Shoucheng OuYang examine some of the problems that exist in the modern system of science to provide the understanding required to improve our ability to forecast and prepare for such events. Presenting a series of new understandings, theories, and a new system of methodology, Irregularities and Prediction of Major Disasters simplifies the world-class problem of prediction into a series of tasks that can be learned, mastered, and applied in the analysis and prediction of forthcoming changes in materials or fluids. These internationally respected authors introduce their novel method of digitization for dealing with irregular information, proven effective for predicting transitional changes in events. They also: Unveil a new methodology for forecasting zero-probability natural disasters Highlight the reasons for common forecasting failures Propose a method for resolving the mystery of nonlinearity Include numerous real-life case studies that illustrate how to properly digitize available information Supply proven methods for forecasting small-probability natural disasters This authoritative resource provides a systematic discussion of the non-evolutionality of the modern system of science―analyzing its capabilities and limitations. By touching on the n Review "In this book, we will not only reveal the calls of the problems existing in the system of modern science, but we will also provide the methodology and technology for resolving the practical challenge of predicting the unknown future. It is our hope that the publication of this book will reach a greater audience of the scientific community, and that the methodology of forecasting zero-probability natural disasters, as introduced in this book, can be further applied and perfected." --from the Preface About the Author Yi Lin, Ph.D. holds all his educational degrees in pure mathematics and had a 1-year postdoctoral experience in statistics at Carnegie Mellon University. Currently, he is a guest professor of several major universities in China, including the College of Economics and Management at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; a professor of mathematics at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania; and the president of the International Institute for General Systems Studies, Inc., Pennsylvania. Dr. Lin serves on the editorial boards of professional journals, including Kybernetes: The International Journal of Systems and Cybernetics, the Journal of Systems Science and Complexity, the International Journal of General Systems, and others. Dr. Lin’s research has been funded by the United Nations, the State of Pennsylvania, the National Science Foundation of China, and the German National Research Center for Information Architecture and Software Technology. He has published well over 200 research papers and 18 books and special topic volumes. Over the years, Dr. Lin’s scientific achievements have been recognized by various professional organizations and academic publishers. In 2001, he was inducted into the Honorary Fellowship of the World Organization of Systems and Cybernetics. His research interests include mathematical and general systems theory and applications, foundations of mathematics, data analysis, predictions, economics, finance, management science, and philosophy of science. Shoucheng OuYang, Ph.D. pursued his higher education in the department of Meteorology of Nanjing University. Currently,