Mind the gap: transitions between concepts of information in varied domains

The concept of 'information' in five different realms – technological, physical, biological, social and philosophical – is briefly examined. The 'gaps' between these conceptions are discussed, and unifying frameworks of diverse nature, including those of Shannon/Wiener, Landauer, Stonier, Bates and Floridi, are examined. The value of attempting to bridge the gaps, while avoiding shallow analogies, is explained. With information physics gaining general acceptance, and biology gaining the status of an information science, it seems rational to look for links, relationships, analogies and even helpful metaphors between them and the library/information sciences. Prospects for doing so, involving concepts of complexity and emergence, are suggested

Land quality, sustainable development and environmental degradation in agricultural districts: A computational approach based on entropy indexes

Land Degradation (LD) in socio-environmental systems negatively impacts sustainable development paths. This study proposes a framework to LD evaluation based on indicators of diversification in the spatial distribution of sensitive land. We hypothesize that conditions for spatial heterogeneity in a composite index of land sensitivity are more frequently associated to areas prone to LD than spatial homogeneity. Spatial heterogeneity is supposed to be associated with degraded areas that may act as hotspots for future degradation processes. A diachronic analysis (1960-2010) was carried out at the agricultural district scale in Italy to identify environmental factors associated to spatial heterogeneity in the level of land sensitivity to degradation based on the Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI). In 1960, diversification in the level of land sensitivity measured through two common indexes of entropy (Shannon's diversity and Pielou's evenness) increased significantly with the ESAI, indicating a high level of land sensitivity to degradation. In 2010, surface area classified as 'critical' to LD was the highest in districts with evident diversification in the spatial distribution of ESAI values, confirming the hypothesis formulated above. Entropy indexes, based on observed alignment with the concept of LD, constitute a valuable base to inform mitigation strategies against desertification

Quality of care and an HMO automated medical record

Issued as Annual progress report, Project no. G-36-62

Letting the Brain Speak for itself

Metaphors of Computation and Information tended to detract attention from the intrinsic modes of neural system functions, uncontaminated by the observer's role for collection and interpretation of experimental data. Recognizing the self-referential mode of function, and the propensity for self-organization to critical states requires a fundamental re-orientation with emphasis on the conceptual approaches of Complex System Dynamics. Accordingly, local cooperative processes, intrinsic to neural structures and of fractal nature, call for applying Fractional Calculus and models of Random Walks in Theoretical Neuroscience studies

COMPETITIVE DYNAMICS IN ELECTRONIC NETWORKS - ACHIEVING COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH INTERORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS

Many dramatic and potentially powerful uses of information technology involveinterorganizational systems (IOS). These systems, defined as distributed computing systems thatsupport shared processes between firms, have become fundamental to business operations,spanning multiple activities in value/supply chains. They have opened avenues to unprecedentedcollaborative linkages between firms. As IOS-mediated relational networks are rapidly evolving,roles of IOS have progressively changed beyond those of efficiency and power functions.To fully appreciate modern roles of IOS in e-business, this dissertation addresses two keyresearch questions: (1) How do firms achieve competitiveness through IOS? (2) How do IOSinfluence competitive behaviors of the competing firms in intertwined electronic networks? Itdoes so by integrating three research streams – social network analysis, interorganizationalsystems, and competitive dynamics – into a model of competitive dynamics in electronicnetworks. This study focuses on the paired relationships between the three constructs of networkstructure, IOS use, and competitive action, and empirically investigates nine general hypotheses.Data collection focuses on second-hand data in the automotive industry. A total of 805collaborative relationships, 106 IOS technologies and applications, and 305 competitive actionsinvolving nine major automakers are collected. Data sources include databases, major tradepublications, Web sites, and industry indices. Data analysis includes network analysis, ANOVAtest, and correlation.Empirical results support the general contention that network structure and IOS use coevolveand influence competitive action. Building on these results, a framework characterizingIOS\u27s roles in achieving firm competitiveness is concluded and advanced. This dissertation broadens our view of IOS\u27s roles in e-business. It contributes to IS/IOS theory, methodology, and practice. First, this study examines IOS-mediated networks inmultiple levels, including firm-level, pair-level, and network-level. It provides new theoreticalconceptualizations of IOS\u27s roles. Second, this study advances a new IT value measureaddressing limitations of the traditional measures. Third, it introduces a novel, usefulmethodology for data collection. Fourth, results from this study can guide a firm\u27s e-businessinitiatives for using IOS as powerful tools for achieving firm competitiveness

Farm-level impacts of the CAP post-2020 reform: A scenario-based analysis

We analyze the farm-level economic and environmental impacts of the post-2020 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union, examining six scenarios constructed around the budget allocated to eco-schemes and the stringency of enhanced conditionality. Results suggest that the CAP post-2020 can improve environmental performance but at a cost for farms. Enhanced conditionality appears to play a greater role than eco-schemes in delivering environmental improvements. The new CAP provides the Member States ample options to choose among different measures. The optimal policy mix will depend on the balancing of income support versus environmental performance that reflects policy priorities

Farm-level impacts of the CAP post-2020 reform: A scenario-based analysis

We analyze the farm-level economic and environmental impacts of the post-2020 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union, examining six scenarios constructed around the budget allocated to eco-schemes and the stringency of enhanced conditionality. Results suggest that the CAP post-2020 can improve environmental performance but at a cost for farms. Enhanced conditionality appears to play a greater role than eco-schemes in delivering environmental improvements. The new CAP provides the Member States ample options to choose among different measures. The optimal policy mix will depend on the balancing of income support versus environmental performance that reflects policy priorities