scholarly journals Information, Thermodynamics and Life: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 3897
Author(s):  
George I. Lambrou ◽  
Apostolos Zaravinos ◽  
Penelope Ioannidou ◽  
Dimitrios Koutsouris
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Autonomous Behavior ◽  
Work Production ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Self Protection ◽  
Physical Quantities

Information is probably one of the most difficult physical quantities to comprehend. This applies not only to the very definition of information, but also to the physical entity of information, meaning how can it be quantified and measured. In recent years, information theory and its function in systems has been an intense field of study, due to the large increase of available information technology, where the notion of bit dominated the information discipline. Information theory also expanded from the “simple” “bit” to the quantal “qubit”, which added more variables for consideration. One of the main applications of information theory could be considered the field of “autonomy”, which is the main characteristic of living organisms in nature since they all have self-sustainability, motion and self-protection. These traits, along with the ability to be aware of existence, make it difficult and complex to simulate in artificial constructs. There are many approaches to the concept of simulating autonomous behavior, yet there is no conclusive approach to a definite solution to this problem. Recent experimental results have shown that the interaction between machines and neural cells is possible and it consists of a significant tool for the study of complex systems. The present work tries to review the question on the interactions between information and life. It attempts to build a connection between information and thermodynamics in terms of energy consumption and work production, as well as present some possible applications of these physical quantities.

The Role of Science, Technology, and the Individual on the Way of Software Systems Since 1968

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Zeynep Altan
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Discrete Mathematics ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Definition Of Information

The NATO conference held in Garmisch in 1968 was on the future of the computer and software world, and it presented the process of realization of what has been talked about in those dates to the present day. This chapter also examines the development of software systems since 1968, depending on the technological developments. The contribution of mathematics and physics to the development of information systems was explained in chronological order by comparing the possibilities of yesterday and today. Complementary contributions of science and technology have been evaluated in the evolutionary and revolutionary developments ranging from the definition of information theory in 1948 to teleportation. It can clearly be seen that discrete mathematics directly affects the improvements in computer science. This review study clearly shows that it would not be possible to talk about digital transformation and quantum computation if the discoveries of Shannon, Turing and Neumann, and the studies of other scientists before them did not exist.

scholarly journals Human Development VII: A Spiral Fractal Model of Fine Structure of Physical Energy Could Explain Central Aspects of Biological Information, Biological Organization and Biological Creativity

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1434-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Tyge Dahl Hermansen ◽  
Trine Flensborg-Madsen ◽  
Erik Rald ◽  
Maj Lyck Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Fractal Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Biological Organization ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Informational System

In this paper we have made a draft of a physical fractal essence of the universe, a sketch of a new cosmology, which we believe to lay at the root of our new holistic biological paradigm. We present the fractal roomy spiraled structures and the energy-rich dancing “infinite strings” or lines of the universe that our hypothesis is based upon. The geometric language of this cosmology is symbolic and both pre-mathematical and pre-philosophical. The symbols are both text and figures, and using these we step by step explain the new model that at least to some extent is able to explain the complex informational system behind morphogenesis, ontogenesis, regeneration and healing. We suggest that it is from this highly dynamic spiraled structure that organization of cells, organs, and the wholeness of the human being including consciousness emerge. The model of ““dancing fractal spirals” carries many similarities to premodern cultures descriptions of the energy of the life and universe. Examples are the Native American shamanistic descriptions of their perception of energy and the old Indian Yogis descriptions of the life-energy within the body and outside. Similar ideas of energy and matter are found in the modern superstring theories. The model of the informational system of the organism gives new meaning to Bateson’s definition of information: “A difference that makes a difference”, and indicates how information-directed self-organization can exist on high structural levels in living organisms, giving birth to their subjectivity and consciousness.

scholarly journals Information: Problems, Paradoxes, and Solutions

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-70
Author(s):  
Mark Burgin
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
General Theory ◽  
Information Age ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The World ◽  
Adequate Definition ◽  
Theory Of Information ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

The information age is upon us and the main paradox is that there is no satisfactory and commonly accepted answer to the crucial question what information is. This results in a quantity of contradictions, misconceptions, and paradoxes related to the world of information. We consider the existing situation in information studies, which is very paradoxical and inconsistent, in the first part of this paper. To remedy the situation, a new approach in information theory, which is called the general theory of information, is developed. The main achievement of the general theory of information is explication of a relevant and adequate definition of information. This theory is built on an axiomatic base as a system of two classes of principles and their consequences. The first class consists of the ontological principles, which are revealing general properties and regularities of information and its functioning. Principles from the second class explain how to measure information.

scholarly journals Information: Problems, Paradoxes, and Solutions

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Burgin
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
General Theory ◽  
Information Age ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The World ◽  
Adequate Definition ◽  
Theory Of Information ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

The information age is upon us and the main paradox is that there is no satisfactory and commonly accepted answer to the crucial question what information is. This results in a quantity of contradictions, misconceptions, and paradoxes related to the world of information. We consider the existing situation in information studies, which is very paradoxical and inconsistent, in the first part of this paper. To remedy the situation, a new approach in information theory, which is called the general theory of information, is developed. The main achievement of the general theory of information is explication of a relevant and adequate definition of information. This theory is built on an axiomatic base as a system of two classes of principles and their consequences. The first class consists of the ontological principles, which are revealing general properties and regularities of information and its functioning. Principles from the second class explain how to measure information.

Communication, Information, and Pragmatics

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Adriana Braga ◽  
Robert K. Logan
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Shannon Information ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Semantics And Pragmatics ◽  
Syntactic Semantics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information ◽  
Pragmatic Dimension

In this chapter, the authors first examine the meaning and significance of information, which will entail a critique of Shannon information theory. They show it is really a theory of the transmission of signals. They describe how MacKay and Bateson adds the element of meaning to the definition of information. They then examine the proposition of Kauffman et al. that organization is a form of information. Assuming that it is not possible not to communicate, the authors emphasize the pragmatic dimension of communication. They argue that information, communication, and social interaction are inseparable elements of production of meaning. Thus, as in any communication there are three simultaneous dimensions operating as a system—syntactic, semantics, and pragmatics—and it is also the case that information, communication, and social interaction are operating as a system.

Definition of Information Core for Documents Classification

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard A. Manziuk ◽  
Alexander V. Barmak ◽  
Yuriy V. Krak ◽  
Veda S. Kasianiuk
Keyword(s):  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

Artificially making Lifeform

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1290-1295
Author(s):  
Souvik Das
Keyword(s):  
Medical Community ◽  
Programming Algorithm ◽  
The Public ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
Proper Definition ◽  
Inanimate Matter ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract: The word ‘life’ is a mysterious word with a chart of attributes that have neither been completed nor has been agreed upon by the race of humans. Probably the proper definition of life is impossible to identify for humans (the proof for this claim is given later) but the handbook to the secret shall be updated till the end, thanks to the inquisitive attitude of humans. For this piece, we shall adopt the description from the professional medical community of today. Though this topic falls midway between science and philosophy, this project is strictly technical. To quote dictionary.com, Life is the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction and the power of adaptation to environment- through changes originating internally; cambridge.com teaches Life is the period between birth and death, or the experience or state of being alive; medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com states Life is the property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organisms. There are several other definitions but to summarize, we can safely state that though the concept is somewhat vague, we could indeed point out some common principles. We shall, in this project, try to replicate the characteristics so as to attain life in medical terms. (The order does not base upon importance of the listed character since the characters, all of them are absolute essentials and cannot possibly be categorized as more or less important). 1) Metabolism 2) Growth 3) Adaptability 4) Birth 5) Death 6) Self-stimulated response to environment 7) Reproduction 8) Can sustain self without foreign intervention Keywords: artificial, life, intelligence, computer, programming, algorithm This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Definition of information and entropy in the absence of noise

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Roman V. Belavkin ◽  
Panos M. Pardalos ◽  
Jose C. Principe ◽  
Ruslan L. Stratonovich
Keyword(s):  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

scholarly journals Safeguarding information as an asset: Do we need a redefinition in the knowledge economy and beyond?

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeniji K. Adesemowo ◽  
Rossouw Von Solms ◽  
Reinhard A. Botha
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Knowledge Economy ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Information Risk ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Information Assets ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

Background: With the evolution of data, via information into knowledge and beyond, intangible information assets (seen as an integral part of IT assets in this article) increasingly come to fore. A contemporary issue facing organisations in the knowledge economy and beyond is how best to safeguard and derive optimum value from their evolving information assets. A well-known fact is that risk exists because there is the possibility of threats to an asset. Likewise, no assets equals no risk. Although a large body of work is addressing threat models, the nature of the assets of the knowledge economy and beyond has not been well researched.Objectives: To investigate the definition of information assets across a number of financial, risk and information technology standards, frameworks and regulations, in order to ascertain whether a coherent definition exists across the board. If there is none (or limited), then propose a workable definition that is apt for the knowledge economy and beyond.Method: Qualitative thematic content analysis and a comparative study based on four main themes (Assets, Types of Asset, Information, and Information Assets). This then serves as a basis for argumentation schemes that lead to a proposed re-definition. The qualitative research approach assists us to address the concern of the incoherent definition of information and information assets across the board.Results: Contrary to expectations, the research study found the current definition to be incoherent. When the asset to be controlled is not properly defined and understood, it stands the risk of not being identified properly. This implies that the effectiveness, efficiency, reliability of internal control, and compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations would not be appropriate. This article highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how information assets (valuable, but unvalued organisational intangible assets) are being viewed and treated, especially with regard to information risk and internal controls.Conclusion: This article has identified a major defect in most standards, frameworks, and regulations dealing with regard to the safeguarding and management of information assets (and IT assets). It has established from the review carried out that information assets have not been properly defined across the board. Beyond this significant finding, it was further shown that the principle of risk (assessment) across the board requires the identification of the asset that needs to be controlled. A starting point, then, is a coherent definition (as proposed) for the information asset in itself. Therefore, proper definition across the board might assists in proper identification that could result in appropriate control and graceful handling of the end-of-life disposal.Keywords: infonomics; information asset; information risk; internal control; reputation loss

What has Natural Information to do with Intentional Representation?

2001 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 105-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Garrett Millikan
Keyword(s):  
Informational Semantics ◽  
Original Definition ◽  
Natural Information ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information ◽  
Flow Of Information

‘According to informational semantics, if it's necessary that a creature can't distinguish Xs from Ys, it follows that the creature can't have a concept that applies to Xs but not Ys.’ (Fodor, 1994, p. 32)There is, indeed, a form of informational semantics that has this verificationist implication. The original definition of information given in Dretske'sKnowledge and the Flow of Information(1981, hereafter KFI), when employed as a base for a theory of intentional representation or ‘content,’ has this implication. I will argue that, in fact, most of what an animal needs to know about its environment is not available as natural information of this kind. It is true, I believe, that there is one fundamental kind of perception that depends on this kind of natural information, but more sophisticated forms of inner representation do not. It is unclear, however, exactly what ‘natural information’ is supposed to mean, certainly in Fodor's, and even in Dretske's writing. In many places, Dretske seems to employ a softer notion than the one he originally defines. I will propose a softer view of natural information that is, I believe, at least hinted at by Dretske, and show that it does not have verificationist consequences. According to this soft informational semantics, a creature can perfectly well have a representation of Xs without being able to discriminate Xs from Ys.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document