Author: William E Schiesser
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811222894
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 109
Book Description
The book is intended for readers who are interested in learning about the use of computer-based modelling of the COVID-19 disease. It provides a basic introduction to a five-ordinary differential equation (ODE) model by providing a complete statement of the model, including a detailed discussion of the ODEs, initial conditions and parameters, followed by a line-by-line explanation of a set of R routines (R is a quality, scientific programming system readily available from the Internet). The reader can access and execute these routines without having to first study numerical algorithms and computer coding (programming) and can perform numerical experimentation with the model on modest computers.
Computational Modeling Of The Covid-19 Disease: Numerical Ode Analysis With R Programming
Author: William E Schiesser
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811222894
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 109
Book Description
The book is intended for readers who are interested in learning about the use of computer-based modelling of the COVID-19 disease. It provides a basic introduction to a five-ordinary differential equation (ODE) model by providing a complete statement of the model, including a detailed discussion of the ODEs, initial conditions and parameters, followed by a line-by-line explanation of a set of R routines (R is a quality, scientific programming system readily available from the Internet). The reader can access and execute these routines without having to first study numerical algorithms and computer coding (programming) and can perform numerical experimentation with the model on modest computers.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811222894
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 109
Book Description
The book is intended for readers who are interested in learning about the use of computer-based modelling of the COVID-19 disease. It provides a basic introduction to a five-ordinary differential equation (ODE) model by providing a complete statement of the model, including a detailed discussion of the ODEs, initial conditions and parameters, followed by a line-by-line explanation of a set of R routines (R is a quality, scientific programming system readily available from the Internet). The reader can access and execute these routines without having to first study numerical algorithms and computer coding (programming) and can perform numerical experimentation with the model on modest computers.
Computational Modeling and Data Analysis in COVID-19 Research
Author: Chhabi Rani Panigrahi
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000384977
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
This book covers recent research on the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the analysis, implementation, usage, and proposed ideas and models with architecture to handle the COVID-19 outbreak. Using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), techniques for data analysis, this book will be helpful to mitigate exposure and ensure public health. We know prevention is better than cure, so by using several ML techniques, researchers can try to predict the disease in its early stage and develop more effective medications and treatments. Computational technologies in areas like AI, ML, Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technologies underlie a range of applications that can be developed and utilized for this purpose. Because in most cases there is no one solution to stop the spreading of pandemic diseases, and the integration of several tools and tactics are needed. Many successful applications of AI, ML, IoT, and drone technologies already exist, including systems that analyze past data to predict and conclude some useful information for controlling the spread of COVID-19 infections using minimum resources. The AI and ML approach can be helpful to design different models to give a predictive solution for mitigating infection and preventing larger outbreaks. This book: Examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technologies as a helpful predictive solution for controlling infection of COVID-19 Covers recent research related to the COVID-19 pandemic and includes the analysis, implementation, usage, and proposed ideas and models with architecture to handle a pandemic outbreak Examines the performance, implementation, architecture, and techniques of different analytical and statistical models related to COVID-19 Includes different case studies on COVID-19 Dr. Chhabi Rani Panigrahi is Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Bibudhendu Pati is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Mamata Rath is Assistant Professor in the School of Management (Information Technology) at Birla Global University, Bhubaneswar, India. Prof. Rajkumar Buyya is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and Director of the Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems (CLOUDS) Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000384977
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 271
Book Description
This book covers recent research on the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the analysis, implementation, usage, and proposed ideas and models with architecture to handle the COVID-19 outbreak. Using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), techniques for data analysis, this book will be helpful to mitigate exposure and ensure public health. We know prevention is better than cure, so by using several ML techniques, researchers can try to predict the disease in its early stage and develop more effective medications and treatments. Computational technologies in areas like AI, ML, Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technologies underlie a range of applications that can be developed and utilized for this purpose. Because in most cases there is no one solution to stop the spreading of pandemic diseases, and the integration of several tools and tactics are needed. Many successful applications of AI, ML, IoT, and drone technologies already exist, including systems that analyze past data to predict and conclude some useful information for controlling the spread of COVID-19 infections using minimum resources. The AI and ML approach can be helpful to design different models to give a predictive solution for mitigating infection and preventing larger outbreaks. This book: Examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and drone technologies as a helpful predictive solution for controlling infection of COVID-19 Covers recent research related to the COVID-19 pandemic and includes the analysis, implementation, usage, and proposed ideas and models with architecture to handle a pandemic outbreak Examines the performance, implementation, architecture, and techniques of different analytical and statistical models related to COVID-19 Includes different case studies on COVID-19 Dr. Chhabi Rani Panigrahi is Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Bibudhendu Pati is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, India. Dr. Mamata Rath is Assistant Professor in the School of Management (Information Technology) at Birla Global University, Bhubaneswar, India. Prof. Rajkumar Buyya is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and Director of the Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems (CLOUDS) Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Understanding COVID-19: The Role of Computational Intelligence
Author: Janmenjoy Nayak
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030747611
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 569
Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive description of the novel coronavirus infection, spread analysis, and related challenges for the effective combat and treatment. With a detailed discussion on the nature of transmission of COVID-19, few other important aspects such as disease symptoms, clinical application of radiomics, image analysis, antibody treatments, risk analysis, drug discovery, emotion and sentiment analysis, virus infection, and fatality prediction are highlighted. The main focus is laid on different issues and futuristic challenges of computational intelligence techniques in solving and identifying the solutions for COVID-19. The book drops radiance on the reasons for the growing profusion and complexity of data in this sector. Further, the book helps to focus on further research challenges and directions of COVID-19 for the practitioners as well as researchers.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030747611
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 569
Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive description of the novel coronavirus infection, spread analysis, and related challenges for the effective combat and treatment. With a detailed discussion on the nature of transmission of COVID-19, few other important aspects such as disease symptoms, clinical application of radiomics, image analysis, antibody treatments, risk analysis, drug discovery, emotion and sentiment analysis, virus infection, and fatality prediction are highlighted. The main focus is laid on different issues and futuristic challenges of computational intelligence techniques in solving and identifying the solutions for COVID-19. The book drops radiance on the reasons for the growing profusion and complexity of data in this sector. Further, the book helps to focus on further research challenges and directions of COVID-19 for the practitioners as well as researchers.
Enabling Healthcare 4.0 for Pandemics
Author: Abhinav Juneja
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111976906X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
ENABLING HEALTHCARE 4.0 for PANDEMICS The book explores the role and scope of AI, machine learning and other current technologies to handle pandemics. In this timely book, the editors explore the current state of practice in Healthcare 4.0 and provide a roadmap for harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things, as well as other modern cognitive technologies, to aid in dealing with the various aspects of an emergency pandemic outbreak. There is a need to improvise healthcare systems with the intervention of modern computing and data management platforms to increase the reliability of human processes and life expectancy. There is an urgent need to come up with smart IoT-based systems which can aid in the detection, prevention and cure of these pandemics with more precision. There are a lot of challenges to overcome but this book proposes a new approach to organize the technological warfare for tackling future pandemics. In this book, the reader will find: State-of-the-art technological advancements in pandemic management; AI and ML-based identification and forecasting of pandemic spread; Smart IoT-based ecosystem for pandemic scenario. Audience The book will be used by researchers and practitioners in computer science, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data scientists, biomedical statisticians, as well as industry professionals in disaster and pandemic management.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111976906X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
ENABLING HEALTHCARE 4.0 for PANDEMICS The book explores the role and scope of AI, machine learning and other current technologies to handle pandemics. In this timely book, the editors explore the current state of practice in Healthcare 4.0 and provide a roadmap for harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things, as well as other modern cognitive technologies, to aid in dealing with the various aspects of an emergency pandemic outbreak. There is a need to improvise healthcare systems with the intervention of modern computing and data management platforms to increase the reliability of human processes and life expectancy. There is an urgent need to come up with smart IoT-based systems which can aid in the detection, prevention and cure of these pandemics with more precision. There are a lot of challenges to overcome but this book proposes a new approach to organize the technological warfare for tackling future pandemics. In this book, the reader will find: State-of-the-art technological advancements in pandemic management; AI and ML-based identification and forecasting of pandemic spread; Smart IoT-based ecosystem for pandemic scenario. Audience The book will be used by researchers and practitioners in computer science, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data scientists, biomedical statisticians, as well as industry professionals in disaster and pandemic management.
Computational Intelligence Methods in COVID-19: Surveillance, Prevention, Prediction and Diagnosis
Author: Khalid Raza
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811585342
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a major threat to human life and health. This book is beneficial for interdisciplinary students, researchers, and professionals to understand COVID-19 and how computational intelligence can be used for the purpose of surveillance, control, prevention, prediction, diagnosis, and potential treatment of the disease. The book contains different aspects of COVID-19 that includes fundamental knowledge, epidemic forecast models, surveillance and tracking systems, IoT- and IoMT-based integrated systems for COVID-19, social network analysis systems for COVID-19, radiological images (CT, X-ray) based diagnosis system, and computational intelligence and in silico drug design and drug repurposing methods against COVID-19 patients. The contributing authors of this volume are experts in their fields and they are from various reputed universities and institutions across the world. This volume is a valuable and comprehensive resource for computer and data scientists, epidemiologists, radiologists, doctors, clinicians, pharmaceutical professionals, along with graduate and research students of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary sciences.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811585342
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a major threat to human life and health. This book is beneficial for interdisciplinary students, researchers, and professionals to understand COVID-19 and how computational intelligence can be used for the purpose of surveillance, control, prevention, prediction, diagnosis, and potential treatment of the disease. The book contains different aspects of COVID-19 that includes fundamental knowledge, epidemic forecast models, surveillance and tracking systems, IoT- and IoMT-based integrated systems for COVID-19, social network analysis systems for COVID-19, radiological images (CT, X-ray) based diagnosis system, and computational intelligence and in silico drug design and drug repurposing methods against COVID-19 patients. The contributing authors of this volume are experts in their fields and they are from various reputed universities and institutions across the world. This volume is a valuable and comprehensive resource for computer and data scientists, epidemiologists, radiologists, doctors, clinicians, pharmaceutical professionals, along with graduate and research students of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary sciences.
Computational Models of Brain and Behavior
Author: Ahmed A. Moustafa
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119159075
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 588
Book Description
A comprehensive Introduction to the world of brain and behavior computational models This book provides a broad collection of articles covering different aspects of computational modeling efforts in psychology and neuroscience. Specifically, it discusses models that span different brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, visual cortex), different species (humans, rats, fruit flies), and different modeling methods (neural network, Bayesian, reinforcement learning, data fitting, and Hodgkin-Huxley models, among others). Computational Models of Brain and Behavior is divided into four sections: (a) Models of brain disorders; (b) Neural models of behavioral processes; (c) Models of neural processes, brain regions and neurotransmitters, and (d) Neural modeling approaches. It provides in-depth coverage of models of psychiatric disorders, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and dyslexia; models of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy; early sensory and perceptual processes; models of olfaction; higher/systems level models and low-level models; Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning; linking information theory to neurobiology; and more. Covers computational approximations to intellectual disability in down syndrome Discusses computational models of pharmacological and immunological treatment in Alzheimer's disease Examines neural circuit models of serotonergic system (from microcircuits to cognition) Educates on information theory, memory, prediction, and timing in associative learning Computational Models of Brain and Behavior is written for advanced undergraduate, Master's and PhD-level students—as well as researchers involved in computational neuroscience modeling research.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119159075
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 588
Book Description
A comprehensive Introduction to the world of brain and behavior computational models This book provides a broad collection of articles covering different aspects of computational modeling efforts in psychology and neuroscience. Specifically, it discusses models that span different brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, visual cortex), different species (humans, rats, fruit flies), and different modeling methods (neural network, Bayesian, reinforcement learning, data fitting, and Hodgkin-Huxley models, among others). Computational Models of Brain and Behavior is divided into four sections: (a) Models of brain disorders; (b) Neural models of behavioral processes; (c) Models of neural processes, brain regions and neurotransmitters, and (d) Neural modeling approaches. It provides in-depth coverage of models of psychiatric disorders, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and dyslexia; models of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy; early sensory and perceptual processes; models of olfaction; higher/systems level models and low-level models; Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning; linking information theory to neurobiology; and more. Covers computational approximations to intellectual disability in down syndrome Discusses computational models of pharmacological and immunological treatment in Alzheimer's disease Examines neural circuit models of serotonergic system (from microcircuits to cognition) Educates on information theory, memory, prediction, and timing in associative learning Computational Models of Brain and Behavior is written for advanced undergraduate, Master's and PhD-level students—as well as researchers involved in computational neuroscience modeling research.
Computational Intelligence for COVID-19 and Future Pandemics
Author: Utku Kose
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811637830
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
The book covers a wide topic collection starting from essentials of Computational Intelligence to advance, and possible application types against COVID-19 as well as its effects on the field of medical, social, and different data-oriented research scopes. Among these topics, the book also covers very recently, vital topics in terms of fighting against COVID-19 and solutions for future pandemics. The book includes the use of computational intelligence for especially medical diagnosis and treatment, and also data-oriented tracking-predictive solutions, which are key components currently for fighting against COVID-19. In this way, the book will be a key reference work for understanding how computational intelligence and the most recent technologies (i.e. Internet of Healthcare Thing, big data, and data science techniques) can be employed in solution phases and how they change the way of future solutions. The book also covers research works with negative results so that possible disadvantages of using computational intelligence solutions and/or experienced side-effects can be known widely for better future of medical solutions and use of intelligent systems against COVID-19 and pandemics. The book is considering both theoretical and applied views to enable readers to be informed about not only research works but also theoretical views about essentials/components of intelligent systems against COVID-19/pandemics, possible modeling scenarios with current and future perspective as well as solution strategies thought by researchers all over the world.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811637830
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
The book covers a wide topic collection starting from essentials of Computational Intelligence to advance, and possible application types against COVID-19 as well as its effects on the field of medical, social, and different data-oriented research scopes. Among these topics, the book also covers very recently, vital topics in terms of fighting against COVID-19 and solutions for future pandemics. The book includes the use of computational intelligence for especially medical diagnosis and treatment, and also data-oriented tracking-predictive solutions, which are key components currently for fighting against COVID-19. In this way, the book will be a key reference work for understanding how computational intelligence and the most recent technologies (i.e. Internet of Healthcare Thing, big data, and data science techniques) can be employed in solution phases and how they change the way of future solutions. The book also covers research works with negative results so that possible disadvantages of using computational intelligence solutions and/or experienced side-effects can be known widely for better future of medical solutions and use of intelligent systems against COVID-19 and pandemics. The book is considering both theoretical and applied views to enable readers to be informed about not only research works but also theoretical views about essentials/components of intelligent systems against COVID-19/pandemics, possible modeling scenarios with current and future perspective as well as solution strategies thought by researchers all over the world.
In Silico Modeling of Drugs Against Coronaviruses
Author: Kunal Roy
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781071613665
Category : Coronavirus infections
Languages : en
Pages : 788
Book Description
This essential volume explores a variety of tools and protocols of structure-based (homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, protein-protein interaction network) and ligand-based (pharmacophore mapping, quantitative structure-activity relationships or QSARs) drug design for ranking and prioritization of candidate molecules in search of effective treatment strategy against coronaviruses. Beginning with an introductory section that discusses coronavirus interactions with humanity and COVID-19 in particular, the book then continues with sections on tools and methodologies, literature reports and case studies, as well as online tools and databases that can be used for computational anti-coronavirus drug research. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters include the kind of practical detail and implementation advice that ensures high quality results in the lab. Comprehensive and timely, In Silico Modeling of Drugs Against Coronaviruses: Computational Tools and Protocols is an ideal reference for researchers working on the development of novel anti-coronavirus drugs for SARS-CoV-2 and for coronaviruses that will likely appear in the future.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781071613665
Category : Coronavirus infections
Languages : en
Pages : 788
Book Description
This essential volume explores a variety of tools and protocols of structure-based (homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, protein-protein interaction network) and ligand-based (pharmacophore mapping, quantitative structure-activity relationships or QSARs) drug design for ranking and prioritization of candidate molecules in search of effective treatment strategy against coronaviruses. Beginning with an introductory section that discusses coronavirus interactions with humanity and COVID-19 in particular, the book then continues with sections on tools and methodologies, literature reports and case studies, as well as online tools and databases that can be used for computational anti-coronavirus drug research. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters include the kind of practical detail and implementation advice that ensures high quality results in the lab. Comprehensive and timely, In Silico Modeling of Drugs Against Coronaviruses: Computational Tools and Protocols is an ideal reference for researchers working on the development of novel anti-coronavirus drugs for SARS-CoV-2 and for coronaviruses that will likely appear in the future.
Assessing COVID-19 and Other Pandemics and Epidemics using Computational Modelling and Data Analysis
Author: Subhendu Kumar Pani
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030797538
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
This book comprehensively covers the topic of COVID-19 and other pandemics and epidemics data analytics using computational modelling. Biomedical and Health Informatics is an emerging field of research at the intersection of information science, computer science, and health care. The new era of pandemics and epidemics bring tremendous opportunities and challenges due to the plentiful and easily available medical data allowing for further analysis. The aim of pandemics and epidemics research is to ensure high-quality, efficient healthcare, better treatment and quality of life by efficiently analyzing the abundant medical, and healthcare data including patient’s data, electronic health records (EHRs) and lifestyle. In the past, it was a common requirement to have domain experts for developing models for biomedical or healthcare. However, recent advances in representation learning algorithms allow us to automatically learn the pattern and representation of the given data for the development of such models. Medical Image Mining, a novel research area (due to its large amount of medical images) are increasingly generated and stored digitally. These images are mainly in the form of: computed tomography (CT), X-ray, nuclear medicine imaging (PET, SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. Patients’ biomedical images can be digitized using data mining techniques and may help in answering several important and critical questions related to health care. Image mining in medicine can help to uncover new relationships between data and reveal new and useful information that can be helpful for scientists and biomedical practitioners. Assessing COVID-19 and Other Pandemics and Epidemics using Computational Modelling and Data Analysis will play a vital role in improving human life in response to pandemics and epidemics. The state-of-the-art approaches for data mining-based medical and health related applications will be of great value to researchers and practitioners working in biomedical, health informatics, and artificial intelligence..
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030797538
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
This book comprehensively covers the topic of COVID-19 and other pandemics and epidemics data analytics using computational modelling. Biomedical and Health Informatics is an emerging field of research at the intersection of information science, computer science, and health care. The new era of pandemics and epidemics bring tremendous opportunities and challenges due to the plentiful and easily available medical data allowing for further analysis. The aim of pandemics and epidemics research is to ensure high-quality, efficient healthcare, better treatment and quality of life by efficiently analyzing the abundant medical, and healthcare data including patient’s data, electronic health records (EHRs) and lifestyle. In the past, it was a common requirement to have domain experts for developing models for biomedical or healthcare. However, recent advances in representation learning algorithms allow us to automatically learn the pattern and representation of the given data for the development of such models. Medical Image Mining, a novel research area (due to its large amount of medical images) are increasingly generated and stored digitally. These images are mainly in the form of: computed tomography (CT), X-ray, nuclear medicine imaging (PET, SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. Patients’ biomedical images can be digitized using data mining techniques and may help in answering several important and critical questions related to health care. Image mining in medicine can help to uncover new relationships between data and reveal new and useful information that can be helpful for scientists and biomedical practitioners. Assessing COVID-19 and Other Pandemics and Epidemics using Computational Modelling and Data Analysis will play a vital role in improving human life in response to pandemics and epidemics. The state-of-the-art approaches for data mining-based medical and health related applications will be of great value to researchers and practitioners working in biomedical, health informatics, and artificial intelligence..
Probabilistic Cellular Automata
Author: Pierre-Yves Louis
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319655582
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
This book explores Probabilistic Cellular Automata (PCA) from the perspectives of statistical mechanics, probability theory, computational biology and computer science. PCA are extensions of the well-known Cellular Automata models of complex systems, characterized by random updating rules. Thanks to their probabilistic component, PCA offer flexible computing tools for complex numerical constructions, and realistic simulation tools for phenomena driven by interactions among a large number of neighboring structures. PCA are currently being used in various fields, ranging from pure probability to the social sciences and including a wealth of scientific and technological applications. This situation has produced a highly diversified pool of theoreticians, developers and practitioners whose interaction is highly desirable but can be hampered by differences in jargon and focus. This book – just as the workshop on which it is based – is an attempt to overcome these difference and foster interest among newcomers and interaction between practitioners from different fields. It is not intended as a treatise, but rather as a gentle introduction to the role and relevance of PCA technology, illustrated with a number of applications in probability, statistical mechanics, computer science, the natural sciences and dynamical systems. As such, it will be of interest to students and non-specialists looking to enter the field and to explore its challenges and open issues.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319655582
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
This book explores Probabilistic Cellular Automata (PCA) from the perspectives of statistical mechanics, probability theory, computational biology and computer science. PCA are extensions of the well-known Cellular Automata models of complex systems, characterized by random updating rules. Thanks to their probabilistic component, PCA offer flexible computing tools for complex numerical constructions, and realistic simulation tools for phenomena driven by interactions among a large number of neighboring structures. PCA are currently being used in various fields, ranging from pure probability to the social sciences and including a wealth of scientific and technological applications. This situation has produced a highly diversified pool of theoreticians, developers and practitioners whose interaction is highly desirable but can be hampered by differences in jargon and focus. This book – just as the workshop on which it is based – is an attempt to overcome these difference and foster interest among newcomers and interaction between practitioners from different fields. It is not intended as a treatise, but rather as a gentle introduction to the role and relevance of PCA technology, illustrated with a number of applications in probability, statistical mechanics, computer science, the natural sciences and dynamical systems. As such, it will be of interest to students and non-specialists looking to enter the field and to explore its challenges and open issues.