Information and Its Role in Nature

Information and Its Role in Nature PDF Author: Juan G. Roederer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 354027698X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 243

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Book Description
Presents an in-depth interdisciplinary discussion of the concept of information and its role in the control of natural processes. Reviews briefly classical and quantum information theory. Addresses numerous questions, including: Is information reducible to the laws of physics and chemistry? Does the Universe, in its evolution, constantly generate new information? Or are information and information-processing exclusive attributes of living systems, related to the very definition of life? If so, what is the role of information in classical and quantum physics? In what ways does information-processing in the human brain bring about self-consciousness? Accessible to graduate students and professionals from all scientific disciplines, this stimulating book will help to shed light on many controversial issues at the heart of modern science.

Information and Its Role in Nature

Information and Its Role in Nature PDF Author: Juan G. Roederer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 354027698X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 243

Get Book Here

Book Description
Presents an in-depth interdisciplinary discussion of the concept of information and its role in the control of natural processes. Reviews briefly classical and quantum information theory. Addresses numerous questions, including: Is information reducible to the laws of physics and chemistry? Does the Universe, in its evolution, constantly generate new information? Or are information and information-processing exclusive attributes of living systems, related to the very definition of life? If so, what is the role of information in classical and quantum physics? In what ways does information-processing in the human brain bring about self-consciousness? Accessible to graduate students and professionals from all scientific disciplines, this stimulating book will help to shed light on many controversial issues at the heart of modern science.

Information and Its Role in Nature

Information and Its Role in Nature PDF Author: Juan G. Roederer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9783540230755
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Infromation and Its Role in Nature presents an in-depth interdisciplinary discussion of the concept of information and its role in the control of natural processes. After a brief review of classical and quantum information theory, the author addresses numerous central questions, including: Is information reducible to the laws of physics and chemistry? Does the Universe, in its evolution, constantly generate new information? Or are information and information-processing exclusive attributes of living systems, related to the very definition of life? If so, what is the role of information in classical and quantum physics? In what ways does information-processing in the human brain bring about self-consciousness? Accessible to graduate students and professionals from all scientific disciplines, this stimulating book will help to shed light on many controversial issues at the heart of modern science.

Holding On to Reality

Holding On to Reality PDF Author: Albert Borgmann
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226066223
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 286

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Book Description
Holding On to Reality is a brilliant history of information, from its inception in the natural world to its role in the transformation of culture to the current Internet mania and is attendant assets and liabilities. Drawing on the history of ideas, the details of information technology, and the boundaries of the human condition, Borgmann illuminates the relationship between things and signs, between reality and information. "[Borgmann] has offered a stunningly clear definition of information in Holding On to Reality. . . . He leaves room for little argument, unless one wants to pose the now vogue objection: I guess it depends on what you mean by nothing."—Paul Bennett, Wired "A superb anecdotal analysis of information for a hype-addled age."—New Scientist "This insightful and poetic reflection on the changing nature of information is a wonderful antidote to much of the current hype about the 'information revolution.' Borgmann reminds us that whatever the reality of our time, we need 'a balance of signs and things' in our lives."—Margaret Wertheim, LA Weekly

Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health

Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health PDF Author: Matilda van den Bosch
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019103875X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 361

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Book Description
Human beings have always been affected by their surroundings. There are various health benefits linked to being able to access to nature; including increased physical activity, stress recovery, and the stimulation of child cognitive development. The Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health provides a broad and inclusive picture of the relationship between our own health and the natural environment. All aspects of this unique relationship are covered, ranging from disease prevention through physical activity in green spaces to innovative ecosystem services, such as climate change adaptation by urban trees. Potential hazardous consequences are also discussed including natural disasters, vector-borne pathogens, and allergies. This book analyses the complexity of our human interaction with nature and includes sections for example epigenetics, stress physiology, and impact assessments. These topics are all interconnected and fundamental for reaching a full understanding of the role of nature in public health and wellbeing. Much of the recent literature on environmental health has primarily described potential threats from our natural surroundings. The Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health instead focuses on how nature can positively impact our health and wellbeing, and how much we risk losing by destroying it. The all-inclusive approach provides a comprehensive and complete coverage of the role of nature in public health, making this textbook invaluable reading for health professionals, students, and researchers within public health, environmental health, and complementary medicine.

Nature's Destiny

Nature's Destiny PDF Author: Michael Denton
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0743237625
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 482

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Book Description
A leading evolutionary thinker, biologist, and medical researcher asks the question: "Could life elsewhere be substantially different from life on Earth?"--and builds a step-by-step argument for human inevitability. 65 illustrations and photos.

A Strategic Nature

A Strategic Nature PDF Author: Melissa Aronczyk
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190055375
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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Book Description
A look at how public relations has dominated public understanding of the natural environment for over one hundred years. In A Strategic Nature, Melissa Aronczyk and Maria I. Espinoza examine public relations as a social and political force that shapes both our understanding of the environmental crises we now face and our responses to them. Drawing on in-depth interviews, ethnography, and archival research, Aronczyk and Espinoza document the evolution of PR techniques to control public perception of the environment since the beginning of the twentieth century. More than spin or misinformation, PR affects how institutions and individuals conceptualize environmental problems -- from conservation to coal mining to carbon credits. Revealing the linkages of professional strategists, information politics, and environmental standards, A Strategic Nature shows how public relations restricts alternative paths to a sustainable climate future.

General System Theory: Perspectives in Philosophy and Approaches in Complex Systems

General System Theory: Perspectives in Philosophy and Approaches in Complex Systems PDF Author: Gianfranco Minati
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3038424404
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 221

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Book Description
This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Second Generation General System Theory: Perspectives in Philosophy and Approaches in Complex Systems" that was published in Systems

Shaping the Future of ICT

Shaping the Future of ICT PDF Author: Ibrahiem M. M. El Emary
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1498781195
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 521

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Book Description
The International Conference on Communications, Management, and Information Technology (ICCMIT’16) provides a discussion forum for scientists, engineers, educators and students about the latest discoveries and realizations in the foundations, theory, models and applications of systems inspired on nature, using computational intelligence methodologies, as well as in emerging areas related to the three tracks of the conference: Communication Engineering, Knowledge, and Information Technology. The best 25 papers to be included in the book will be carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions, then revised and expanded to provide deeper insight into trends shaping future ICT.

Communication and Environment: Sustainability and Risks (Penerbit USM)

Communication and Environment: Sustainability and Risks (Penerbit USM) PDF Author: Hamidah Abd. Hamid
Publisher: Penerbit USM
ISBN: 9838617466
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 347

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Book Description
There is a dearth of literature on environmental communication within the non-western world. The few existing ones are scattered and not easily available.Thus, there is a dire need to document research and literature in the field. The opportunity arose at the 2009 International Conference on Communication and Environment held in Penang, Malaysia. The international conference with the theme “Transformation for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, organised by the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), attracted scholars, practitioners and activists from around the world to listen and deliberate on various aspects of communication and environment. The post-conference review resulted in the selection of 24 papers to be compiled into this edited volume. The escalating degradation of environment locally and globally was the main concern that prompted discussions on how sustainability can be advocated. The development process in many countries, economic activities and political decisions on issues such as deforestation for timber logging, rapid urbanisation, pertinently points out that environmental degradation and any communication on environmental change has to be grounded and located within the wider context of social, politics and economics of the society. Communication and environmental communication for that matter have also to be understood within these wider contexts. Many would agree that a constant and consistent flow of information communicated through different channels to different stakeholders at the right time and destinations can help raise awareness and consciousness of environmental problems, protection and preservation. This vital information can enable the public and stakeholders to make informed choices, and take actions whenever possible. A lack of communication and information will inordinately exacerbate the situation of environmental degradation. This book thus highlights how the environment is being treated in the media, communicated to the society and impacted nations. The chapters are grouped into the following sections: Theoretical and conceptual issues; Media content and the environment; Politics, communication and the environment; Corporate social and environmental responsibility; and Citizen participation, human rights and the environment. The editors acknowledge the excellent contributions of all the authors and are indebted to the members of the review panel, the external reviewer, USM Publications Committee and staff of Universiti Sains Malaysia Press for their help in ensuring the quality of this volume. Most importantly, we express our gratitude to USM for providing the financial support for the international conference and making it possible to publish this book. The Editors January 2012 Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

Nature's Pharmacopeia

Nature's Pharmacopeia PDF Author: Dan Choffnes
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231540159
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 349

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Book Description
This beautifully illustrated, elegantly written textbook pairs the best research on the biochemical properties and physiological effects of medicinal plants with a fascinating history of their use throughout human civilization, revealing the influence of nature's pharmacopeia on art, war, conquest, and law. By chronicling the ways in which humans have cultivated plant species, extracted their active chemical ingredients, and investigated their effects on the body over time, Nature's Pharmacopeia also builds an unparalleled portrait of these special herbs as they transitioned from wild flora and botanical curiosities to commodities and potent drugs. The book opens with an overview of the use of medicinal plants in the traditional practices and indigenous belief systems of people in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and ancient Europe. It then connects medicinal plants to the growth of scientific medicine in the West. Subsequent chapters cover the regulation of drugs; the use of powerful plant chemicals—such as cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine—in various medical settings; and the application of biomedicine's intellectual frameworks to the manufacture of novel drugs from ancient treatments. Geared toward nonspecialists, this text fosters a deep appreciation of the complex chemistry and cultural resonance of herbal medicine, while suggesting how we may further tap the vast repositories of the world's herbal knowledge to create new pharmaceuticals.