الصفحة 73
الصفحة 73
Biomimetic neural learning for intelligent robots : Intelligent systems, cognitive robotics, and neuroscience
This book presents research performed as part of the EU project on biomimeticmultimodal learning in a mirror neuron-based robot (MirrorBot) and contribu-tions presented at the International AI-Workshop on NeuroBotics. The over-all aim of the book is to present a broad spectrum of current research intobiomimetic neural learning for intelligent autonomous robots. In this book we show the development of newtechniques using cell assemblies, associative neural networks, and Hebbian-typelearning in order to associate vision, language and motor concepts. We havedeveloped biomimetic multimodal learning and language instruction in a robotto investigate the task of searching for objects. As well as the research performedin this area for the MirrorBot project, the second part of this book incorporatessignificant contributions from other research in the field of biomimetic robotics.This second part of the book concentrates on the progress made in neuroscienceinspired robotic learning approaches (in short: NeuroBotics). We hope that this book stimulates and encourages new research in this in-teresting and dynamic area.
BioMEMS and biomedical nanotechnology ; Vol. III : Therapeutic Micro/Nanotechnology
The human body is composed of structures organized in a hierarchical fashion: from biomolecules assembled into polymers, to multimeric assemblies such as cellular or-ganelles, to individual cells, to tissues, to organ systems working together in health and disease- each dominated by a characteristic length scale. Decades of science and engineer-ing are now converging to provide tools that enable the orderly manipulation of biological systems at previously inaccessible, though critically important, length scales (<100 mi-crons). Thus, the approaches described in this volume provide a snapshot of how micro-and nanotechnologies can enable the investigation, prevention, and treatment of human disease.The volume is divided into three parts. The first part, Cell-based therapeutics; cov- ers the merger of cells with micro- and anosystems for applications in regenerative medicine spanning the development of novel nanobiomaterials.
Bio-mechanisms of swimming and flying ; Fluid dynamics, biomimetic robots, and sports science
This book follows "Bio-mechanisms of Animals in Swimming and Flying" published in 2004 including 11 chapters. This time, the book includes 31 chapters on the latest researches into natural autonomous systems and locomotion in both flying and swimming organisms. The area of sports science such as analysis and simulation of human swimming is newly added. The computational frameworks for the modeling, simulation and optimization of animals in swimming and flying demonstrate an important role in the progress of interdisciplinary work in the fields of biology and engineering. An innovative technology is exhibited for the flight of an insect size micro air vehicle. Neuronal science is not only unveiling the locomotion mechanisms of swimming in fish from the aspect of the neuronal activities, but also applied to underwater biomimetic robots. The interdisciplinary works are exhibited in the fields of biology and engineering, yielding real-world benefits in innovative technologies.
Biology of the Fungal Cell
"The volume is well illustrated and certainly realizes the primary aim of "The Mycota", namely to highlight developments in both basic and applied research into fungal systems." (Microbiology Today) "The Editors´ aim 'to provide a selected sampling of contemporary topics at the forefront of fungal cell biology' has certainly been achieved. Indeed, it is hard to imagine any mycologist not finding something fascinating in each of the chapters. ... Further, the volume is packed with material that will be extremely useful for those presenting basic courses in mycology - especially because of the many fine explanatory line drawings." (Mycological Research)
Biology and mechanics of blood flows ; Part II : Mechanics and medical aspects
Biology and Mechanics of Blood Flows presents the basic knowledge and state-of-the-art techniques necessary to carry out investigations of the cardiovascular system using modeling and simulation. Part II of this two-volume sequence, Mechanics and Medical Aspects, refers to the extraction of input data at the macroscopic scale for modeling the cardiovascular system, and complements Part I, which focuses on nanoscopic and microscopic components and processes. This volume contains chapters on anatomy, physiology, continuum mechanics, as well as pathological changes in the vasculature walls including the heart and their treatments. Methods of numerical simulations are given and illustrated in particular by application to wall diseases. This authoritative book will appeal to any biologist, chemist, physicist, or applied mathematician interested in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Biological nitrogen fixation, sustainable agriculture and the environment ; Proceedings of the 14th International nitrogen fixation congress
Covers aspects of fundamental and applied nitrogen-fixation research, from biochemistry and chemistry through genetics, regulation and physiology to agricultural practice and environmental impact. This work describes progress on studies of potential catalysts for nitrogen fixation; how the N2-fixing process is regulated in living cells; and more.
Biological nitrogen fixation : Towards poverty alleviation through sustainable agriculture ; Proceedings of the 15th International nitrogen fixation congress and the 12th International Conference of the African Association for Biological Nitrogen Fixation
This volume covers recent developments in both fundamental and applied research in biological nitrogen fixation. It emphasizes the application of biological nitrogen fixation for sustainable agriculture, which should lead to poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and good agricultural practices generally. The roles of, and advances in, plant breeding, plant molecular biology, nodule physiology, and symbiotic and associative interactions between plants and microbes in sustaining agricultural productivity and soil fertility are described. The evolution of symbioses and nitrogen fixation are also covered in this volume. To ensure high agricultural productivity, while protecting the environment (both soil and water resources), requires plant cultivars that also respond to beneficial microbes.
Biological Invasions in South Africa
This book presents a comprehensive account of all aspects of biological invasions in South Africa, where research has been conducted over more than three decades, and where bold initiatives have been implemented in attempts to control invasions and to reduce their ecological, economic and social effects.
Biological Invasions in New Zealand
Man’s recent colonization of New Zealand has dramatically altered the resident biota and resulted in the introduction of numerous alien organisms to these once remote islands. In reverse, there is increasing evidence of a lesser known export of species to other regions of the world. This volume presents an in-depth review of the level and rate of such invasions, and investigates what controls the success of invaders and the consequences for ecosystems both on land and offshore. It provides invasion biologists everywhere with tests of current theories about those factors leading to the success of invaders as well as evaluating principles for understanding the nature of their impacts that form a solid basis for the effective management of biological invasions worldwide.
Bioinspired engineering of thermal materials
A comprehensive overview and summary of recent achievements and the latest trends in bioinspired thermal materials. Following an introduction to different thermal materials and their effective heat transfer to other materials, the text discusses heat detection materials that are inspired by biological systems, such as fire beetles and butterflies. There then follow descriptions of materials with thermal management functionality, including those for evaporation and condensation, heat transfer and thermal insulation materials, as modeled on snake skins, polar bears and fire-resistant trees.
Bioinformatics drug discovery
Quantitative tools are becoming increasingly important in order to understand complex cascade of signal transduction events, pathways or biochemical reactions. The book showcases how computational techniques and algorithms are applied to biological data analysis, interpretation, and modelling. It covers applications in drug design and discovery, immune systems, phylogenetic analysis and protein structures.
Biogeography, Time, and Place : Distributions, Barriers, and Islands
Biogeography considers the distribution of biological units over a wide range of scales. The units range from genotypes, populations and species to families and higher taxa. Processes can be local, such as the isolation on islands due to sea-level fluctuations, or large-scale tectonic processes that separates continents and creates oceans. In all processes time is an important factor and by combining data on recent patterns with paleontological data the understanding of the distribution of extant taxa can be improved. This volume focuses on speciation due to isolation in island-like settings, and the evolution of large-scale diversity as the result of origination, maintenance and extinction.
Biogeochemical cycles in globalization and sustainable development
This valuable study of environmental subsystems functioning under various climatic and anthropogenic conditions provides a unique insight into the social context of global changes in biogeochemical cycles and demonstrates current understanding of globalization and sustainable development.
Bioethics in a Small World
Bioethics has addressed many of the issues that arise in the context of globalisation. This book presents the results of a conference the Europaische Akademie held in 2003 which developed its thesis in open discussions of foundational and applied problems of bioethics from an interdisciplinary and international perspective.
Bioequivalence of topical generic products
Bioequivalence (BE) assessment of topical dermatological products is a long standing challenge. The development of generic topical dermatological products has often been hampered due to the limited number of acceptable approaches, which are capable of determining the BE between generic products and reference list products. Currently, except in the case of dermatological corticosteroids, the golden rule to establish the BE of most topical dermatological products still heavily relied on clinical endpoint trials, which are often unreliable, time-consuming and expensive. The regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industries are forging ahead to the development of new surrogate BE assessment approaches for other topical dermatological products. These promising approaches include dermatopharmacokinetic study (DPK), dermal microdialysis (DMD), near-infrared spectrometry (NIR), and confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS).
Biodiversity in Enclosed Seas and Artificial Marine Habitats ; Proceedings of the 39th European Marine Biology Symposium, held in Genoa, Italy, 21-24 July 2004
The main themes of the Symposium were biodiversity in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas and artificial habitats, and the restoration of degraded systems. These themes are highly relevant today both from a basic scientific point of view and from an applied approach. The papers dealing with the first theme represent current research and concerns about marine biodiversity in enclosed seas and will have wide appeal to all those interested in understanding and preserving the biodiversity of the seas and in particular of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The papers in the second theme represent a synthesis of up-to-date knowledge on artificial habitats and how they can contribute to protection of coastal marine ecosystems, to enhancement of species diversity and biological resources and to restoration of degraded marine environments.
Biodiversity and health in the face of climate change
This book identifies and discusses biodiversity’s contribution to physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the book identifies the implications of this relationship for nature conservation, public health, landscape architecture and urban planning – and considers the opportunities of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation. This transdisciplinary book will attract a wide audience interested in biodiversity, ecology, resource management, public health, psychology, urban planning, and landscape architecture. The emphasis is on multiple human health benefits from biodiversity - in particular with respect to the increasing challenge of climate change.
Biodiversity and Ecophysiology of Yeasts
In the last few decades more and more yeast habitats that were not investigated earlier, spanning cold climates to tropical regions and dry deserts to rainforests, have been explored. As a result, a large body of ecological data has been accumulated and the number of known yeast species has increased rapidly. This book provides an overview of the biodiversity of yeasts in different habitats. The recent advances achieved by the application of molecular biological methods in the field of yeast taxonomy and ecology are also incorporated in the book. Wherever possible, the interaction between yeasts and the surrounding environment is discussed.
Biodiversity and Conservation in Europe
This book brings together a selection of original studies submitted to Biodiversity and Conservation that address biodiversity and conservation in Europe. Europe is certainly the most intensively inventoried region of the world; detailed maps are available for species distributions while action plans are being drawn up for species under threat. At the same time, the wildlife of Europe has been subject to enormous human pressures, with limited ‘wilderness’ sites remaining in most countries. Europe consequently presents a case-study of what the human impact on biodiversity has been, and also what can be done to improve the situation.
Biochemistry and cell biology of ageing ; Part III : Biomedical science
Covering interesting and significant biomedical ageing topics not included in the earlier volumes. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, this book is a valuable resource for experienced researchers and early career scientist alike, who are interested in learning more about the fascinating and challenging question of why and how our cells age.
