166 research outputs found
On the evolution of hyperlinking
Across time, the hyperlink object has supported different applications and studies. This is one perspective on the evolution of the hyperlinking concept, its context and related behaviors. Through a spectrum of hyperlinking applications and practices, the article contrasts the status quo with its related, broader, conceptual roots; it also bridges to some theorized and prototyped hyperlink variations, namely "stigmergic hyperlinks", to make the case that the ubiquitousness of some objects and certain usage patterns can obfuscate opportunities to (re)think them. In trying to contribute an answer to "what has the common hyperlink (such an apparently simple object) done to society, and what has society done to it?", the article identifies situations that have become so embedded in the daily routine, that it is now hard to think of hyperlinking alternatives.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
New Ideas for Brain Modelling
This paper describes some biologically-inspired processes that could be used
to build the sort of networks that we associate with the human brain. New to
this paper, a 'refined' neuron will be proposed. This is a group of neurons
that by joining together can produce a more analogue system, but with the same
level of control and reliability that a binary neuron would have. With this new
structure, it will be possible to think of an essentially binary system in
terms of a more variable set of values. The paper also shows how recent
research associated with the new model, can be combined with established
theories, to produce a more complete picture. The propositions are largely in
line with conventional thinking, but possibly with one or two more radical
suggestions. An earlier cognitive model can be filled in with more specific
details, based on the new research results, where the components appear to fit
together almost seamlessly. The intention of the research has been to describe
plausible 'mechanical' processes that can produce the appropriate brain
structures and mechanisms, but that could be used without the magical
'intelligence' part that is still not fully understood. There are also some
important updates from an earlier version of this paper
What Makes Complex Systems Complex?
This paper explores some of the factors that make complex systems complex. We first examine the history of complex systems. It was Aristotle’s insight that how elements are joined together helps determine the properties of the resulting whole. We find (a) that scientific reductionism does not provide a sufficient explanation; (b) that to understand complex systems, one must identify and trace energy flows; and (c) that disproportionate causality, including global tipping points, are all around us. Disproportionate causality results from the wide availability of energy stores. We discuss three categories of emergent phenomena—static, dynamic, and
adaptive—and recommend retiring the term emergent, except perhaps as a synonym for creative. Finally, we find that virtually all communication is stigmergic
Concept Trees: Building Dynamic Concepts from Semi-Structured Data using Nature-Inspired Methods
This paper describes a method for creating structure from heterogeneous
sources, as part of an information database, or more specifically, a 'concept
base'. Structures called 'concept trees' can grow from the semi-structured
sources when consistent sequences of concepts are presented. They might be
considered to be dynamic databases, possibly a variation on the distributed
Agent-Based or Cellular Automata models, or even related to Markov models.
Semantic comparison of text is required, but the trees can be built more, from
automatic knowledge and statistical feedback. This reduced model might also be
attractive for security or privacy reasons, as not all of the potential data
gets saved. The construction process maintains the key requirement of
generality, allowing it to be used as part of a generic framework. The nature
of the method also means that some level of optimisation or normalisation of
the information will occur. This gives comparisons with databases or
knowledge-bases, but a database system would firstly model its environment or
datasets and then populate the database with instance values. The concept base
deals with a more uncertain environment and therefore cannot fully model it
beforehand. The model itself therefore evolves over time. Similar to databases,
it also needs a good indexing system, where the construction process provides
memory and indexing structures. These allow for more complex concepts to be
automatically created, stored and retrieved, possibly as part of a more
cognitive model. There are also some arguments, or more abstract ideas, for
merging physical-world laws into these automatic processes.Comment: Pre-prin
Human Computation and Convergence
Humans are the most effective integrators and producers of information,
directly and through the use of information-processing inventions. As these
inventions become increasingly sophisticated, the substantive role of humans in
processing information will tend toward capabilities that derive from our most
complex cognitive processes, e.g., abstraction, creativity, and applied world
knowledge. Through the advancement of human computation - methods that leverage
the respective strengths of humans and machines in distributed
information-processing systems - formerly discrete processes will combine
synergistically into increasingly integrated and complex information processing
systems. These new, collective systems will exhibit an unprecedented degree of
predictive accuracy in modeling physical and techno-social processes, and may
ultimately coalesce into a single unified predictive organism, with the
capacity to address societies most wicked problems and achieve planetary
homeostasis.Comment: Pre-publication draft of chapter. 24 pages, 3 figures; added
references to page 1 and 3, and corrected typ
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