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Advances in Artificial Life: 9th European Conference, ECAL 2007, Lisbon, Portugal, September 10-14, 2007, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #4648)
by Fernando Almeida E CostaThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 9th European Conference on Artificial Life, ECAL 2007, held in Lisbon, Portugal. The 125 revised full papers cover morphogenesis and development, robotics and autonomous agents, evolutionary computation and theory, cellular automata, models of biological systems and their applications, ant colony and swarm systems, evolution of communication, simulation of social interactions, self-replication, artificial chemistry.
Sickle Cell Anemia: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice
by Fernando Ferreira Costa Nicola ConranAlthough sickle cell anemia was the first molecular disease to be identified, its complex and fascinating pathophysiology is still not fully understood. A single mutation in the beta-globin gene incurs numerous molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the plethora of symptoms associated with the disease. Our knowledge regarding sickle cell disease mechanisms, while still not complete, has broadened considerably over the last decades. Sickle Cell Anemia: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice aims to provide an update on our current understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and use this information as a basis to discuss its manifestations in childhood and adulthood. Current therapies and prospects for the development of new approaches for the management of the disease are also covered.
Adrenergic Neurons: Their Organization, Function and Development in the Peripheral Nervous System
by Geoffrey Burnstock Costa
Behavioural Adaptations of Desert Animals (Adaptations of Desert Organisms)
by Giovanni CostaAfter a brief survey of biotopic and vegetational features and an account of the main groups of desert animals, the most unusual patterns of the behaviour of the xerophilous fauna are examined. The importance of the thermohygric regulation and self-protective and locomotor mechanisms to the survival of arid-adapted animals is emphasized and various adaptations in the alimentary, reproductive and social spheres are analyzed.The clear and fluent treatment will awaken the interest of the reading public, from the amateur naturalists to research scientists.
Symmetries and Group Theory in Particle Physics: An Introduction to Space-Time and Internal Symmetries (Lecture Notes in Physics #823)
by Giovanni Costa Gianluigi FogliSymmetries, coupled with the mathematical concept of group theory, are an essential conceptual backbone in the formulation of quantum field theories capable of describing the world of elementary particles. This primer is an introduction to and survey of the underlying concepts and structures needed in order to understand and handle these powerful tools. Specifically, in Part I of the book the symmetries and related group theoretical structures of the Minkowskian space-time manifold are analyzed, while Part II examines the internal symmetries and their related unitary groups, where the interactions between fundamental particles are encoded as we know them from the present standard model of particle physics. This book, based on several courses given by the authors, addresses advanced graduate students and non-specialist researchers wishing to enter active research in the field, and having a working knowledge of classical field theory and relativistic quantum mechanics. Numerous end-of-chapter problems and their solutions will facilitate the use of this book as self-study guide or as course book for topical lectures.
Radical by Nature: The Revolutionary Life of Alfred Russel Wallace
by James T. CostaA major new biography of the brilliant naturalist, traveler, humanitarian, and codiscoverer of natural selectionAlfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913) was perhaps the most famed naturalist of the Victorian age. His expeditions to remote Amazonia and southeast Asia were the stuff of legend. A collector of thousands of species new to science, he shared in the discovery of natural selection and founded the discipline of evolutionary biogeography.Radical by Nature tells the story of Wallace’s epic life and achievements, from his stellar rise from humble origins to his complicated friendship with Charles Darwin and other leading scientific lights of Britain to his devotion to social causes and movements that threatened to alienate him from scientific society.James Costa draws on letters, notebooks, and journals to provide a multifaceted account of a revolutionary life in science as well as Wallace’s family life. He shows how the self-taught Wallace doggedly pursued bold, even radical ideas that caused a seismic shift in the natural sciences, and how he also courted controversy with nonscientific pursuits such as spiritualism and socialism. Costa describes Wallace’s courageous social advocacy of women’s rights, labor reform, and other important issues. He also sheds light on Wallace’s complex relationship with Darwin, describing how Wallace graciously applauded his friend and rival, becoming one of his most ardent defenders.Weaving a revelatory narrative with the latest scholarship, Radical by Nature paints a mesmerizing portrait of a multifaceted thinker driven by a singular passion for science, a commitment to social justice, and a lifelong sense of wonder.
Radical by Nature: The Revolutionary Life of Alfred Russel Wallace
by James T. CostaA major new biography of the brilliant naturalist, traveler, humanitarian, and codiscoverer of natural selectionAlfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913) was perhaps the most famed naturalist of the Victorian age. His expeditions to remote Amazonia and southeast Asia were the stuff of legend. A collector of thousands of species new to science, he shared in the discovery of natural selection and founded the discipline of evolutionary biogeography.Radical by Nature tells the story of Wallace’s epic life and achievements, from his stellar rise from humble origins to his complicated friendship with Charles Darwin and other leading scientific lights of Britain to his devotion to social causes and movements that threatened to alienate him from scientific society.James Costa draws on letters, notebooks, and journals to provide a multifaceted account of a revolutionary life in science as well as Wallace’s family life. He shows how the self-taught Wallace doggedly pursued bold, even radical ideas that caused a seismic shift in the natural sciences, and how he also courted controversy with nonscientific pursuits such as spiritualism and socialism. Costa describes Wallace’s courageous social advocacy of women’s rights, labor reform, and other important issues. He also sheds light on Wallace’s complex relationship with Darwin, describing how Wallace graciously applauded his friend and rival, becoming one of his most ardent defenders.Weaving a revelatory narrative with the latest scholarship, Radical by Nature paints a mesmerizing portrait of a multifaceted thinker driven by a singular passion for science, a commitment to social justice, and a lifelong sense of wonder.
Wallace, Darwin, and the Origin of Species
by James T. CostaDarwin is credited with discovering evolution through natural selection, but Alfred Russel Wallace saw the same process at work in nature and elaborated the same theory. Dispelling misperceptions of Wallace as a secondary figure, James Costa reveals the two naturalists as equals in advancing one of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time.
Wallace, Darwin, and the Origin of Species
by James T. CostaDarwin is credited with discovering evolution through natural selection, but Alfred Russel Wallace saw the same process at work in nature and elaborated the same theory. Dispelling misperceptions of Wallace as a secondary figure, James Costa reveals the two naturalists as equals in advancing one of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time.
Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants
by James T. Costa Bobbi AngellUncover Darwin&’s most important writings about plants with this important collection featuring expert interpretations and rare illustrations. Charles Darwin is best known for his work on the evolution of animals, but in fact a large part of his contribution to the natural sciences is focused on plants. His observations are crucial to our modern understanding of everything from the amazing pollination process of orchids to the way that vines climb. Darwin and the Art of Botany collects writings from six often overlooked texts devoted entirely to plants, and pairs each excerpt with beautiful botanical art from the library at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, creating a gorgeously illustrated volume that never existed in Darwin's own lifetime, and hasn't since. Evolutionary botanist and science historian James Costa brings his expertise to each entry, situating Darwin's words in the context of the knowledge and research of the time. The result is a new way of visualizing Darwin's work, and a greater understanding of the ways he's shaped our world.
Gene-Environment Interactions: Fundamentals of Ecogenetics
by Lucio G. Costa David L. EatonUnderstanding the play between heredity and environment, and relating it to disease causation, is the task of ecogenetics. Gene-Environment Interactions: Fundamentals of Ecogenetics presents the first comprehensive survey of this discipline, reflecting its relationship with toxicology, epidemiology, pharmacology, public health, and other medical and biological fields. Divided into four sections, the text elucidates key basic and advanced topics: * Section 1 covers fundamentals, including the history of the discipline, a discussion of the molecular laboratory tools currently available to assess genotypes, using such measurements in molecular epidemiology studies, and the statistical issues involved in their analysis. * Section 2 focuses on a number of key genetic polymorphisms relevant for ecogenetics, including enzymes of phase I and phase II metabolism, enzymes involved in DNA repair, as well as receptors and ion channels. This highlights characteristics of selected, widely studied genotypic/phenotypic differences, and allows discussion of how given genetic variations can influence responses to exogenous chemicals. * Section 3 examines gene-environment interactions through a disease-based approach, addressing how genetic polymorphisms can influence susceptibility to various diseases. Chapters cover important disease conditions such as various types of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, infectious diseases, diabetes, and obesity. * The final section discusses the ethical, legal, and social issues that arise when investigating and evaluating genetic polymorphisms in human populations, as well as the impact of ecogenetics on risk assessment, regulatory policies, and medicine and public health. Packed with clear examples illustrating concepts, as well as numerous tables and figures, Gene-Environment Interactions: Fundamentals of Ecogenetics is a unique resource for a wide range of physicians, students, and other specialists.
Toxicology of Pesticides: Experimental, Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives (Nato ASI Subseries H: #13)
by Lucio G. Costa Corrado L. Galli Sheldon D. MurphyThe protection of human health and food and fiber resources against the ravages of pests of many sorts is a continuous struggle by all people in the world. The use of chemical pesticides as an aid in this struggle is now also global. These chemicals are deliberately added to the environment for the purpose of killing or injuring some form of life. Because pesticides are generally less selectively toxic than would be desired, non-target species, including humans, must be protected from injury by these chemicals. This can only be achieved by thorough understanding of the comparative toxicology of these compounds, and by minimizing human (and other desirable species) exposure. The latter can only be achieved by sound regulatory policies that utilize scientific principles and data, properly tempered by both gaps in that data and sociologic and economic considerations. This book contains the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Toxicology of Pesticides: Experimental, Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives" held in Riva del Garda on October 6-15, 1986. This NATO-ASI has been promoted by the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington at Seattle, by the Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milano and by the Giovanni Lorenzini Foundation, and has been sponsored by both the Society of Toxicology (USA) and the Italian Society of Toxicology.
Essential and Non-Essential Metals Metabolites with Antibiotic Activity Pharmacology of Benzodiazepines Interferon Gamma Research (Progress in Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine #1)
by M. Costa H. Kirchner U. Klotz J. Kraker R. Patierno G. WernerScientific progress, more and more, makes it possible to relate disease to irreg ularities on a molecular basis. Both, diagnosis and cure can be targeted to a well defined biological structure. Modern medical research aims at the investigation of the interaction of molecules and bio-macro-molecules, formerly the area of chemis try, biochemistry and pharmacology. This series was founded to provide a vehicle for the dissemination of results in a multidisciplinary area of contemporary research. It will publish extensive review articles at a high level, that will relate a particular subject to the scopes of medical chemistry. Thus, information and useful references will be spread among the schol ars. Table of Contents Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Essential and Non-essential Metals M. Costa, A. J. Kraker and S. R. Patierno (USA) .......... 1 Secondary Metabolites with Antibiotic Activity from the Primary Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids R. G. Werner (FRG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 47 . . . . Clinical Pharmacology of Benzodiazepines U. Klotz (FRG) .............. .
Valuation and Conservation of Biodiversity: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Convention on Biological Diversity
by María Manez Costa Susanne Menzel Rainer Marggraf Michael Markussen Ralph Buse Heiko GarreltsThe goal of this transdisciplinary book is to identify the problems and challenges facing implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - from the global, regional and local points of view. The valuation and conservation of biodiversity are critical first steps necessary for the adequate protection of the environment. The authors give insights into the the influences the CBD exerts, and current trends in the field.
Discrete-Time Markov Jump Linear Systems (Probability and Its Applications)
by O.L.V. Costa M.D. Fragoso R.P. MarquesThis will be the most up-to-date book in the area (the closest competition was published in 1990) This book takes a new slant and is in discrete rather than continuous time
Continuous Average Control of Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes (SpringerBriefs in Mathematics)
by Oswaldo Luiz Costa Francois DufourThe intent of this book is to present recent results in the control theory for the long run average continuous control problem of piecewise deterministic Markov processes (PDMPs). The book focuses mainly on the long run average cost criteria and extends to the PDMPs some well-known techniques related to discrete-time and continuous-time Markov decision processes, including the so-called ``average inequality approach'', ``vanishing discount technique'' and ``policy iteration algorithm''. We believe that what is unique about our approach is that, by using the special features of the PDMPs, we trace a parallel with the general theory for discrete-time Markov Decision Processes rather than the continuous-time case. The two main reasons for doing that is to use the powerful tools developed in the discrete-time framework and to avoid working with the infinitesimal generator associated to a PDMP, which in most cases has its domain of definition difficult to be characterized. Although the book is mainly intended to be a theoretically oriented text, it also contains some motivational examples. The book is targeted primarily for advanced students and practitioners of control theory. The book will be a valuable source for experts in the field of Markov decision processes. Moreover, the book should be suitable for certain advanced courses or seminars. As background, one needs an acquaintance with the theory of Markov decision processes and some knowledge of stochastic processes and modern analysis.
Continuous-Time Markov Jump Linear Systems (Probability and Its Applications)
by Oswaldo Luiz Costa Marcelo D. Fragoso Marcos G. TodorovIt has been widely recognized nowadays the importance of introducing mathematical models that take into account possible sudden changes in the dynamical behavior of a high-integrity systems or a safety-critical system. Such systems can be found in aircraft control, nuclear power stations, robotic manipulator systems, integrated communication networks and large-scale flexible structures for space stations, and are inherently vulnerable to abrupt changes in their structures caused by component or interconnection failures. In this regard, a particularly interesting class of models is the so-called Markov jump linear systems (MJLS), which have been used in numerous applications including robotics, economics and wireless communication. Combining probability and operator theory, the present volume provides a unified and rigorous treatment of recent results in control theory of continuous-time MJLS. This unique approach is of great interest to experts working in the field of linear systems with Markovian jump parameters or in stochastic control. The volume focuses on one of the few cases of stochastic control problems with an actual explicit solution and offers material well-suited to coursework, introducing students to an interesting and active research area. The book is addressed to researchers working in control and signal processing engineering. Prerequisites include a solid background in classical linear control theory, basic familiarity with continuous-time Markov chains and probability theory, and some elementary knowledge of operator theory.
Towards a Sustainable Economy: Paradoxes and Trends in Energy and Transportation (Sustainability and Innovation)
by Pascal Da Costa Danielle AttiasThis book provides an interdisciplinary account of how technological advances – mainly in the domains of energy and transportation – contribute to the transformation towards a more sustainable economic system. Drawing on methods from engineering, the management sciences and economics, which it combines in the framework of a systems sciences approach, the book presents qualitative and quantitative studies on government regulation, resources management and firms' strategy. Topics covered include the state-market dilemma of government CO2 emission targets, implications of the electrification of the economy, incentives and coercion in government transport policies, and innovations in the electric vehicle industry.
The Watchman's Rattle: Thinking our Way out of Extinction
by Rebecca D CostaWhy does it feel as if our most challenging problems today- the worldwide recession, global warming, fast-spreading viruses, terrorism and poverty- aren't getting solved? What if our brain has limits that prevent it from solving such complex problems? If ancient civilisations collapsed because they, too, hit a cognitive limitation, are we headed for a similar collapse, and if so, can it be prevented?Using historical and modern-day examples, The Watchman's Rattle describes the cognitive gridlock that sets in when complexity races ahead of the brain's ability to manage it. Beginning with the Mayans, Khmer and Roman Empires, Costa shows how the tendency to find a quick fix to problems by focusing on symptoms instead of searching for permanent solutions, leads to frightening long-term consequences: Society's ability to solve its most challenging, intractable problems becomes gridlocked, progress slows and collapse ensues. But, as Costa reveals, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that the human brain can be retrained to comprehend, analyse and resolve massively complex problems. A process of intuitive thinking, which Neuroscientists refer to as 'insight'.Part history, part social science, part biology, The Watchman's Rattle is sure to provoke, engage and incite change.
Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells: Concepts, Advances and Challenges
by Rubén D. CostaThis book presents the recent achievements towards the next generation of Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC). Its first part focus on the definition, history and mechanism of LEC, going then to concepts and challenges and, finally, giving the reader examples of current application of new electroluminescent materials. The chapters are written by different international groups working on LEC.
Predictive Modeling and Risk Assessment (Integrating Food Science and Engineering Knowledge Into the Food Chain #4)
by Rui CostaThe single most important task of food scientists and the food industry as a whole is to ensure the safety of foods supplied to consumers. Recent trends in global food production, distribution and preparation call for increased emphasis on hygienic practices at all levels and for increased research in food safety in order to ensure a safer global food supply. The ISEKI-Food book series is a collection of books where various aspects of food safety and environmental issues are introduced and reviewed by scientists specializing in the field. In all of the books a special emp- sis was placed on including case studies applicable to each specific topic. The books are intended for graduate students and senior level undergraduate students as well as professionals and researchers interested in food safety and environmental issues applicable to food safety. The idea and planning of the books originates from two working groups in the European thematic network “ISEKI-Food” an acronym for “Integrating Safety and Environmental Knowledge In to Food Studies”. Participants in the ISEKI-Food network come from 29 countries in Europe and most of the institutes and univer- ties involved with Food Science education at the university level are represented. Some international companies and non teaching institutions have also participated in the program. The ISEKI-Food network is coordinated by Professor Cristina Silva at The Catholic University of Portugal, College of Biotechnology (Escola) in Porto. The program has a web site at: http://www. esb. ucp. pt/iseki/.
Food Ethics Education (Integrating Food Science and Engineering Knowledge Into the Food Chain #13)
by Rui Costa Paola PittiaThe book is divided in 3 sections, each containing several chapters: Section 1 includes chapters that identify and discuss several ethical issues along the food chain, with particular detail of issues in the food industry and in consumer behavior; Section 2 includes chapters that present the basis of a code of conduct in the food profession as well as the description of existing codes of conduct of food industry and food scientist professionals, including ethics of publishing, and also ethics in risk communication; Section 3 includes chapters based on case studies with examples of teaching approaches currently used in teaching food ethics, easy to implement and already tested and confirmed as successful examples that engage students in this topic.Although professional ethics in food supply chain is claimed as an essential topic to be addressed in any degree program, few higher education institutions that currently include a module on ethics in their study programs. In general, it is argued that ethics is a topic addressed along the curriculum and embedded in the contents of the modules. However, ethics, for its importance, needs a different teaching and educational approach, and this book achieves that..
The Impact of Technology on Relationships in Educational Settings
by Angela Costabile Barbara A. SpearsAs the linguistic, cognitive and social elements of our lives are transformed by new and emerging technologies, educational settings are also challenged to respond to the issues that have arisen as a consequence. This book focuses on that challenge: using psychological theory as a lens to highlight the positive uses of new technologies in relationships and educational settings, and to advocate technological learning opportunities and social support where the misuse and abuse of ICT occurs. The Impact of Technology on Relationships in Educational Settings sets out to explore the role of ICTs in relationship forming, social networking and social relationships within our schools and has grown out of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST); Action on cyberbullying, involving 28 participating countries, and two non-COST countries, of which Australia is one. This cutting edge international text offers cross-cultural, psychological perspectives on the positive uses of new and emerging technologies to improve social relationships and examples of best practice to prevent virtual bullying. This comes at a time when much of the focus in current writings has been on the more negative aspects which have emerged as new technologies evolved: cyberbullying, cyber-aggression and cybersafety concerns. This text is ideally suited to researchers and practiitioners in the fields of Educational and developmental psychology, as well as those specialising in educational technology and the sociology of education.
The Impact of Technology on Relationships in Educational Settings
by Angela Costabile Barbara A. SpearsAs the linguistic, cognitive and social elements of our lives are transformed by new and emerging technologies, educational settings are also challenged to respond to the issues that have arisen as a consequence. This book focuses on that challenge: using psychological theory as a lens to highlight the positive uses of new technologies in relationships and educational settings, and to advocate technological learning opportunities and social support where the misuse and abuse of ICT occurs. The Impact of Technology on Relationships in Educational Settings sets out to explore the role of ICTs in relationship forming, social networking and social relationships within our schools and has grown out of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST); Action on cyberbullying, involving 28 participating countries, and two non-COST countries, of which Australia is one. This cutting edge international text offers cross-cultural, psychological perspectives on the positive uses of new and emerging technologies to improve social relationships and examples of best practice to prevent virtual bullying. This comes at a time when much of the focus in current writings has been on the more negative aspects which have emerged as new technologies evolved: cyberbullying, cyber-aggression and cybersafety concerns. This text is ideally suited to researchers and practiitioners in the fields of Educational and developmental psychology, as well as those specialising in educational technology and the sociology of education.
Nonlinear Superconductive Electronics and Josephson Devices
by G. Costabile S. Pagano S. Pedersen M. RussoThe on-going developments, and the recent achievements of the superconducting electronics (especially in the field of Josephson junctions and the inherent nonlinear dynamics) inspired us to organize a conference where different groups working on the subject could meet and discuss the latest results of their investigations. This idea was realized as two joint workshops, the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Superconducting Electronics with Prof. N.F. Pedersen as chairman, and the 2nd Workshop on Josephson Devices, with Profs. G. Costabile and M. Russo as chairmen, held in Capri, Italy on September 3-7, 1990. The Workshops were very successful. About 70 scientists from 12 countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, People's Republic of China, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA, USSR, and Venezuela) enjoyed the many interesting and mostly informal occasions for scientific exchanges as well as the very pleasant weather of Southern Italy. We are very grateful to the Institutions which made possible the realization and the success of the conference with their financial support : NATO Science Committee through the NATO International Scientific Exchange Programmes, University of Salerno, and Istituto di Cibernetica of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (C.N.R.) of Italy. The conference was held under the auspices of the Progetto Finalizzato "Superconductive and Cryogenic Technologies" of C.N.R. Finally special thanks go to our Conference Secretary Anna Maria Mazzarella for carrying out most of the organizative work, and for her continuous "on stage" support in solving all the problems which inevitably arise in such occasions.