Emerged or imposed: a theory on the role of physical templates and self-organisation for vegetation patchiness

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efrat Sheffer ◽  
Jost von Hardenberg ◽  
Hezi Yizhaq ◽  
Moshe Shachak ◽  
Ehud Meron
Keyword(s):  
Self Organisation ◽  
Vegetation Patchiness

The CHREST Architecture for a Functioning Mind

2011 ◽  
pp. 204-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernand Gobet ◽  
Peter C.R. Logan
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Multiple Representations ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Full Theory ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Shed Light

This chapter provides an introduction to the CHREST architecture of cognition and shows how this architecture can help develop a full theory of mind. After describing the main components and mechanisms of the architecture, we discuss several domains where it has already been successfully applied, such as in the psychology of expert behaviour, the acquisition of language by children, and the learning of multiple representations in physics. We highlight the characteristics of CHREST that enable it to account for empirical data, including self-organisation, an emphasis on cognitive limitations, the presence of a perception-learning cycle, and the use of naturalistic data as input for learning. We argue that some of these characteristics can help shed light on the hard questions facing theorists developing a full theory of mind, such as intuition, the acquisition and use of concepts, the link between cognition and emotions, and the role of embodiment.

Evolving Learning in the Stuff Swamp

2003 ◽  
pp. 211-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Dron ◽  
Chris Boyne ◽  
Richard Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Cold Start ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
Emergent Structure ◽  
Cold Start Problem

This chapter describes the theory, background and some uses of CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions), a Web-based database of learning resources which is created by and for learners. CoFIND is designed to exploit principles of evolution and self-organisation to create an emergent structure to learning resources. Through the manipulation of learner-supplied metadata such as classifications and ratings, this structure shapes itself to the needs of the learners who create it, providing something akin to guidance traditionally supplied by a teacher. The chapter starts with a discussion of the weaknesses of existing means for groups of learners to discover learning resources including search engines, directories, seals of approval, and collaborative filters. It considers a range of methods by which self-organisation is achieved in natural systems (notably evolution and stigmergy) and which underpin the CoFIND system. CoFIND is described and examples are given of some of its uses. The authors discuss some issues which arise, especially its cold-start problem, influences of surrounding systems and the role of motivation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of potential future directions for CoFIND and identifies some other aspects of learning environments which may benefit from such a self-organising system.

scholarly journals How and why kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemistry induce the logic of biological evolution

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 665-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addy Pross ◽  
Robert Pascal
Keyword(s):  
Present Report ◽  
Biological Evolution ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Chemical Systems ◽  
Dynamic Kinetic Stability ◽  
Far From Equilibrium ◽  
Self Organisation

Thermodynamic stability, as expressed by the Second Law, generally constitutes the driving force for chemical assembly processes. Yet, somehow, within the living world most self-organisation processes appear to challenge this fundamental rule. Even though the Second Law remains an inescapable constraint, under energy-fuelled, far-from-equilibrium conditions, populations of chemical systems capable of exponential growth can manifest another kind of stability, dynamic kinetic stability (DKS). It is this stability kind based on time/persistence, rather than on free energy, that offers a basis for understanding the evolutionary process. Furthermore, a threshold distance from equilibrium, leading to irreversibility in the reproduction cycle, is needed to switch the directive for evolution from thermodynamic to DKS. The present report develops these lines of thought and argues against the validity of a thermodynamic approach in which the maximisation of the rate of energy dissipation/entropy production is considered to direct the evolutionary process. More generally, our analysis reaffirms the predominant role of kinetics in the self-organisation of life, which, in turn, allows an assessment of semi-quantitative constraints on systems and environments from which life could evolve.

scholarly journals Common principles of early mammalian embryo self-organisation

Development ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (14) ◽  
pp. dev183079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berenika Płusa ◽  
Anna Piliszek
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Development ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Early Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Physical Forces ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
Unifying Principles ◽  
Morphogenic Process ◽  
Early Mammalian Development

ABSTRACTPre-implantation mammalian development unites extreme plasticity with a robust outcome: the formation of a blastocyst, an organised multi-layered structure ready for implantation. The process of blastocyst formation is one of the best-known examples of self-organisation. The first three cell lineages in mammalian development specify and arrange themselves during the morphogenic process based on cell-cell interactions. Despite decades of research, the unifying principles driving early mammalian development are still not fully defined. Here, we discuss the role of physical forces, and molecular and cellular mechanisms, in driving self-organisation and lineage formation that are shared between eutherian mammals.

Organisation size, innovativeness, self-organisation and inter-organisational coordination

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Mutebi ◽  
Moses Muhwezi ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
John C. Kigozi Munene
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Complementary Role ◽  
Self Organisation ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how humanitarian organisation size affects inter-organisational coordination and further tested the mediating role of organisational innovativeness, self-organisation in the relationship between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination among humanitarian organisations in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on cross-sectional survey; data was collected from 101 humanitarian organisations. The analysis of the proposed hypotheses was done with the help of PLS-SEM using SmartPLS version 3.3.0 for professionals.FindingsThe results show that humanitarian organisation size significantly relates with inter-organisational coordination. In addition, self-organisation and organisational innovativeness play a complementary role between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research provide useful insights into the role of humanitarian organisation size in boosting inter-organisational coordination in humanitarian relief delivery. High levels of self-organisation and organisational innovativeness not only improve inter-organisational coordination in humanitarian relief delivery but also enhance the transformation of humanitarian organisation size benefits into inter-organisational coordination.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies that investigated the effect of humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational coordination. It also brings into the limelight the mediating role of self-organisation and organisational innovativeness between humanitarian organisation size and inter-organisational ordination in humanitarian relief delivery.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document