scholarly journals Natural self-interest, interactive representation, and the emergence of objects and Umwelt: An outline of basic semiotic concepts for biosemiotics

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 547-587
Author(s):  
Tommi Vehkavaara
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Equilibrium System ◽  
Utility Concept ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
Concept Of Function ◽  
Far From Equilibrium ◽  
The One ◽  
Representative System

In biosemiotics, life and living phenomena are described by means of originally anthropomorphic semiotic concepts. This can be justified if we can show that living systems as self-maintaining far from equilibrium systems create and update some kind of representation about the conditions of their self-maintenance. The point of view is the one of semiotic realism where signs and representations are considered as real and objective natural phenomena without any reference to the specifically human interpreter. It is argued that the most basic concept of representation must be forward looking and that both C. Peirce’s and J. v. Uexküll’s concepts of sign assume an unnecessarily complex semiotic agent. The simplest representative systems do not have phenomenal objects or Umwelten at all. Instead, the minimal concept of representation and the source of normativity that is needed in its interpretation can be based on M. Bickhard’s interactivism. The initial normativity or natural self-interest is based on the ‘utility-concept’ of function: anything that contributes to the maintenance of a far from equilibrium system is functional to that system — every self-maintaining far from equilibrium system has a minimal natural self-interest to serve that function, it is its existential precondition. Minimal interactive representation emerges when such systems become able to switch appropriately between two or more means of maintaining themselves. At the level of such representations, a potentiality to detect an error may develop although no objects of representation for the system are provided. Phenomenal objects emerge in systems that are more complex. If a system creates a set of ongoingly updated ’situation images’ and can detect temporal invariances in the updating process, these invariances constitute objects for the system itself. Within them, a representative system gets an Umwelt and becomes capable of experiencing triadic signs. The relation between representation and its object is either iconic or indexical at this level. Correspondingly as in Peirce’s semeiotic, symbolic signs appear as more developed — for the symbolic signs, a more complex system is needed.

Taxonomy of Payment Structures and Economic Incentive Schemes in Internet

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brij B. Gupta ◽  
Prachi Gulihar
Keyword(s):  
Economic Incentive ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Pricing Strategy ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Collective Interest ◽  
Framework Design ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
The One ◽  
Security Standards

Recently the study of economics of internet has emerged as an emerging field of study. The workstations being distributed across the network along with the users having varied interests has made this study very important from an information security and policy designing point of view. The main purpose of any framework design is to keep up with the security standards of confidentiality, integrity and availability without being an overburden on the deployer. The same goes for the users, the Quality of Service (QoS) should be in accordance with what they pay for. The concept of “tragedy of commons” plays an important role in distributing the limited resources of the internet. In this, the users because of their own self-interest destroy the collective interest of a community sharing the resource. A sustainable pricing strategy is the one which is able to cater to the competitive advantage of different network providers offering the same set of services but on varied prices. A pricing mechanism will help in differentiating the services offered to the users, but another important task is of fixing the incentives. The pricing strategy plays a very important role in facilitating varied kinds of QoS requirements. Security professionals have realized that while designing any security mechanism it is vital to keep in consideration the “theory of mind” which explains the way the attackers and benign users take decision to deceive of remain loyal to the system. So, studying the incentive and payment structure from economic point of view is important.

scholarly journals CREATIVITY IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 444-460
Author(s):  
Piotr Giza
Keyword(s):  
Computer Science ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Scientific Discovery ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Software Market ◽  
The One

The aim of this paper is to briefly explore creative thinking in computer science, and compare it to natural sciences, mathematics or engineering. It is also meant as polemics with some theses of the pioneer work under the same title by Daniel Saunders and Paul Thagard because I point to important motivations in computer science the authors do not mention, and give examples of the origins of problems they explicitly deny. Computer science is a very specific field for it relates the abstract, theoretical discipline – mathematics, on the one hand, and engineering, often concerned with very practical tasks of building computers, on the other. It is like engineering in that it is concerned with solving practical problems or implementing solutions, often with strongly financial reasons, e.g. increasing a company’s income. It is like mathematics in that is deals with abstract symbols, logical relations, algorithms, computability problems, etc. Saunders and Thagard analyse rich experimental material from historical and contemporary work in computer science and argue that, as opposed to natural sciences, computer science is not concerned with describing and explaining natural phenomena. Now, I argue that there is a field of research in artificial intelligence (which, in turn, is a branch of computer science), called machine discovery, where explanation of natural phenomena, finding experimental laws and explanatory models is the primary goal. This goal is achieved by constructing computer systems whose job is to simulate various processes involved in scientific discovery done by human researchers, and help them in making new discoveries. On the other hand, motivations that give rise to ingenious projects in computer science can be very strange and include curiosity, fun or attempts to be famous out of boring, stable life of a successful programmer in a big corporation. A good example is the phenomenon of open-source software, especially the development of the Linux operating system and its applications when, from economical point of view, Microsoft absolutely dominated the software market of personal computers.

Understanding functional illiteracy from a policy, adult education, and cognition point of view: Towards a joint referent framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-122
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Bulajić ◽  
Miomir Despotović ◽  
Thomas Lachmann
Keyword(s):  
Adult Education ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Functional Illiteracy ◽  
Scale Levels ◽  
Components Of Reading ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract. The article discusses the emergence of a functional literacy construct and the rediscovery of illiteracy in industrialized countries during the second half of the 20th century. It offers a short explanation of how the construct evolved over time. In addition, it explores how functional (il)literacy is conceived differently by research discourses of cognitive and neural studies, on the one hand, and by prescriptive and normative international policy documents and adult education, on the other hand. Furthermore, it analyses how literacy skills surveys such as the Level One Study (leo.) or the PIAAC may help to bridge the gap between cognitive and more practical and educational approaches to literacy, the goal being to place the functional illiteracy (FI) construct within its existing scale levels. It also sheds more light on the way in which FI can be perceived in terms of different cognitive processes and underlying components of reading. By building on the previous work of other authors and previous definitions, the article brings together different views of FI and offers a perspective for a needed operational definition of the concept, which would be an appropriate reference point for future educational, political, and scientific utilization.

Recommendations of The Ombudsman’s Dilemma: Between Law Enforcement Officials and Protection of Credibility

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Dyah Adriantini Sintha Dewi
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Law Enforcement Officials ◽  
Muslim Majority ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Government ◽  
The One ◽  
Oversight Body

The Ombudsman as an external oversight body for official performance, in Fikih Siyasah (constitutionality in Islam) is included in the supervision stipulated in legislation (al-musahabah al-qomariyah). Supervision is done so that public service delivery to the community is in accordance with the rights of the community. This is done because in carrying out its duties, officials are very likely to conduct mal administration, which is bad public services that cause harm to the community. The Ombudsman is an institution authorized to resolve the mal administration issue, in which one of its products is by issuing a recommendation. Although Law No. 37 of 2018 on the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia states that the recommendation is mandatory, theombudsman's recommendations have not been implemented. This is due to differences in point of view, ie on the one hand in the context of law enforcement, but on the other hand the implementation of the recommendation is considered as a means of opening the disgrace of officials. Recommendations are the last alternative of Ombudsman's efforts to resolve the mal administration case, given that a win-win solution is the goal, then mediation becomes the main effort. This is in accordance with the condition of the Muslim majority of Indonesian nation and prioritizes deliberation in resolving dispute. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the community and officials related to the implementation of the Ombudsman's recommendations in order to provide good public services for the community, which is the obligation of the government.

Defending the Difference

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
True Nature ◽  
Natural Entities ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Methodological Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The One

Dreyfus argues that there is a basic methodological difference between the natural sciences and the social sciences, a difference that derives from the different goals and practices of each. He goes on to argue that being a realist about natural entities is compatible with pluralism or, as he calls it, “plural realism.” If intelligibility is always grounded in our practices, Dreyfus points out, then there is no point of view from which one can ask about or provide an answer to the one true nature of ultimate reality. But that is consistent with believing that the natural sciences can still reveal the way the world is independent of our theories and practices.

scholarly journals Twisted 6d (2, 0) SCFTs on a circle

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihao Duan ◽  
Kimyeong Lee ◽  
June Nahmgoong ◽  
Xin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Lie Groups ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Partition Functions ◽  
Congruence Subgroups ◽  
Gauge Groups ◽  
Simple Lie Groups ◽  
Instanton Contribution ◽  
Elliptic Genera ◽  
Supersymmetric Gauge ◽  
The One

Abstract We study twisted circle compactification of 6d (2, 0) SCFTs to 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ N = 2 supersymmetric gauge theories with non-simply-laced gauge groups. We provide two complementary approaches towards the BPS partition functions, reflecting the 5d and 6d point of view respectively. The first is based on the blowup equations for the instanton partition function, from which in particular we determine explicitly the one-instanton contribution for all simple Lie groups. The second is based on the modular bootstrap program, and we propose a novel modular ansatz for the twisted elliptic genera that transform under the congruence subgroups Γ0(N) of SL(2, ℤ). We conjecture a vanishing bound for the refined Gopakumar-Vafa invariants of the genus one fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds, upon which one can determine the twisted elliptic genera recursively. We use our results to obtain the 6d Cardy formulas and find universal behaviour for all simple Lie groups. In addition, the Cardy formulas remain invariant under the twist once the normalization of the compact circle is taken into account.

scholarly journals Linkages between Energy Delivery and Economic Growth from the Point of View of Sustainable Development and Seaports

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4255
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Szaruga ◽  
Zuzanna Kłos-Adamkiewicz ◽  
Agnieszka Gozdek ◽  
Elżbieta Załoga
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Crude Oil ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Oil Products ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Economic Cycles ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The One ◽  
Oil And Oil Products

This paper presents the synchronisation of economic cycles of GDP and crude oil and oil products cargo volumes in major Polish seaports. On the one hand, this issue fits into the concept of sustainable development including decoupling; on the other hand, the synchronisation may be an early warning tool. Crude oil and oil products cargo volumes are a specific barometer that predicts the next economic cycle, especially as they are primary sources of energy production. The research study applies a number of TRAMO/SEATS methods, the Hodrick–Prescott filter, spectral analysis, correlation and cross-correlation function. Noteworthy is the modern approach of using synchronisation of economic cycles as a tool, which was described in the paper. According to the study results, the cyclical components of the cargo traffic and GDP were affected by the leakage of other short-term cycles. However, based on the cross-correlation, it was proved that changes in crude oil and oil products cargo volumes preceded changes in GDP by 1–3 quarters, which may be valuable information for decision-makers and economic development planners.

scholarly journals ZnOTe Compounds Grown by DC-Magnetron Co-Sputtering

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 570
Author(s):  
Olga Sánchez ◽  
Manuel Hernández-Vélez
Keyword(s):  
Molar Fraction ◽  
Variable Parameter ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Sample Series ◽  
Solid Phases ◽  
The One ◽  
High Bulk ◽  
Substrate Sample

ZnOTe compounds were grown by DC magnetron cosputtering from pure Tellurium (Te) and Zinc (Zn) cathodes in O2/Ar atmosphere. The applied power on the Zn target was constant equal to 100 W, while the one applied on the Te target took two values, i.e., 5 W and 10 W. Thus, two sample series were obtained in which the variable parameter was the distance from the Te targets to the substrate. Sample compositions were determined by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) experiments. Structural analysis was done using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometry and the growth of the hexagonal w-ZnO phase was identified in the XRD spectra. RBS results showed high bulk homogeneity of the samples forming ZnOTe alloys, with variable Te molar fraction (MF) ranging from 0.48–0.6% and from 1.9–3.1% for the sample series obtained at 5 W and 10 W, respectively. The results reflect great differences between the two sample series, particularly from the structural and optical point of view. These experiments point to the possibility of Te doping ZnO with the permanence of intrinsic defects, as well as the possibility of the formation of other Te solid phases when its content increases. The results and appreciable variations in the band gap transitions were detected from Photoluminescence (PL) measurements.

scholarly journals Comparison of Quantitative Morphology of Layered and Arbitrary Patterns: Contrary to Visual Perception, Binary Arbitrary Patterns Are Layered from a Structural Point of View

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6300
Author(s):  
Igor Smolyar ◽  
Daniel Smolyar
Keyword(s):  
Boolean Function ◽  
Layer Structure ◽  
Central Element ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Contour Maps ◽  
Anisotropic Layers

Patterns found among both living systems, such as fish scales, bones, and tree rings, and non-living systems, such as terrestrial and extraterrestrial dunes, microstructures of alloys, and geological seismic profiles, are comprised of anisotropic layers of different thicknesses and lengths. These layered patterns form a record of internal and external factors that regulate pattern formation in their various systems, making it potentially possible to recognize events in the formation history of these systems. In our previous work, we developed an empirical model (EM) of anisotropic layered patterns using an N-partite graph, denoted as G(N), and a Boolean function to formalize the layer structure. The concept of isotropic and anisotropic layers was presented and described in terms of the G(N) and Boolean function. The central element of the present work is the justification that arbitrary binary patterns are made up of such layers. It has been shown that within the frame of the proposed model, it is the isotropic and anisotropic layers themselves that are the building blocks of binary layered and arbitrary patterns; pixels play no role. This is why the EM can be used to describe the morphological characteristics of such patterns. We present the parameters disorder of layer structure, disorder of layer size, and pattern complexity to describe the degree of deviation of the structure and size of an arbitrary anisotropic pattern being studied from the structure and size of a layered isotropic analog. Experiments with arbitrary patterns, such as regular geometric figures, convex and concave polygons, contour maps, the shape of island coastlines, river meanders, historic texts, and artistic drawings are presented to illustrate the spectrum of problems that it may be possible to solve by applying the EM. The differences and similarities between the proposed and existing morphological characteristics of patterns has been discussed, as well as the pros and cons of the suggested method.

scholarly journals Percolation and tortuosity in heart-like cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Rabinovitch ◽  
Y. Biton ◽  
D. Braunstein ◽  
I. Aviram ◽  
R. Thieberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Forest Fire ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Heart Tissue ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Physical Point ◽  
Electrical Currents ◽  
Single Wave ◽  
Heart Arrhythmia ◽  
The One

AbstractIn the last several years, quite a few papers on the joint question of transport, tortuosity and percolation have appeared in the literature, dealing with passage of miscellaneous liquids or electrical currents in different media. However, these methods have not been applied to the passage of action potential in heart fibrosis (HF), which is crucial for problems of heart arrhythmia, especially of atrial tachycardia and fibrillation. In this work we address the HF problem from these aspects. A cellular automaton model is used to analyze percolation and transport of a distributed-fibrosis inflicted heart-like tissue. Although based on a rather simple mathematical model, it leads to several important outcomes: (1) It is shown that, for a single wave front (as the one emanated by the heart's sinus node), the percolation of heart-like matrices is exactly similar to the forest fire case. (2) It is shown that, on the average, the shape of the transport (a question not dealt with in relation to forest fire, and deals with the delay of action potential when passing a fibrotic tissue) behaves like a Gaussian. (3) Moreover, it is shown that close to the percolation threshold the parameters of this Gaussian behave in a critical way. From the physical point of view, these three results are an important contribution to the general percolation investigation. The relevance of our results to cardiological issues, specifically to the question of reentry initiation, are discussed and it is shown that: (A) Without an ectopic source and under a mere sinus node operation, no arrhythmia is generated, and (B) A sufficiently high refractory period could prevent some reentry mechanisms, even in partially fibrotic heart tissue.

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