Network of characterizing functions for stationary populations

A variety of open systems in nature and society exist under dynamic equilib rium, maintained by statistical counterbalance between the entering and lea ving of individuals and the stationarity of the exchange processes. A netwo rk of functions characterizing the dynamics of such a stationary population is established and discussed, which allows the mutual transference of syst em properties without the need of any explicit information about the microd ynamic processes. In order to illustrate the potential benefit of these int erdependence relations, examples taken from diverse branches of research (a dsorption and reaction kinetics, demographic analysis. and coronary blood f low diagnosis) are given. [S1063-651X(99)11409-0].