14,089 research outputs found
Topology of biological networks and reliability of information processing
Biological systems rely on robust internal information processing: Survival
depends on highly reproducible dynamics of regulatory processes. Biological
information processing elements, however, are intrinsically noisy (genetic
switches, neurons, etc.). Such noise poses severe stability problems to system
behavior as it tends to desynchronize system dynamics (e.g. via fluctuating
response or transmission time of the elements). Synchronicity in parallel
information processing is not readily sustained in the absence of a central
clock. Here we analyze the influence of topology on synchronicity in networks
of autonomous noisy elements. In numerical and analytical studies we find a
clear distinction between non-reliable and reliable dynamical attractors,
depending on the topology of the circuit. In the reliable cases, synchronicity
is sustained, while in the unreliable scenario, fluctuating responses of single
elements can gradually desynchronize the system, leading to non-reproducible
behavior. We find that the fraction of reliable dynamical attractors strongly
correlates with the underlying circuitry. Our model suggests that the observed
motif structure of biological signaling networks is shaped by the biological
requirement for reproducibility of attractors.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure
Automatic assembly design project 1968/9: report of technical survey committee
An Industrial survey has been carried out to
determine the desired features of an automatic
as machine.
A questionnaire was circulated to industry and
the results of the 38% response obtained were
analysed and plotted. From these, conclusions
were drawn as to the industrial requirements of
an assembly machine
The Self Organised Learning Environment (SOLE) School Support Pack.
This document is designed to support the implementation of Sugata Mitraâs Self Organised Learning Environment (SOLE) into multiple school contexts. It contains âwhole schoolâ related information for Head Teachers and senior staff in addition to teaching and learning support for teachers and support staff.
A kindle version of Sugata Mitra's "Beyond the Hole in the Wall: Discover the Power of Self-Organized Learning" is available here http://goo.gl/iaL4B
A Component-Based Approach for Scientific Services for Education and Research (Scientific SEARCH)
Todayâs challenge for retrieving digital information by users such as âstudents,â educators,â or âresearchersâ is coping, more than ever before, with the excessive data and information available. The problem is further compounded because of the way scientific knowledge is structured, in terms of expert interviews, articles, conference coverage, journal scans etc. Great progress has been made in digital library research. The NSF/NSDL through their initiatives has assembled a great set of tools and techniques that hold significant potential. Many projects are now underway applying these tools and techniques to meet the information needs of different user communities. The primary focus of Scientific SEARCH project is enhancing access to high quality learning materials and resources, modules, and other digital objects targeted towards scientific consumer and scientific producer. The project will use a multi-phased approach to achieve the objective. The paper describes the first-phase work submitted to NSF 04-542 solicitation
Delphi Austria - An Example of Tailoring Foresight to the Needs of a Small Country
The world-wide diffusion and recognition of Technology Foresight suggests that it is of value for quite diverse types of economies and societies. Its merit as an important tool of strategic intelligence for policy-making also in small countries and transition economies depends on a careful tailoring to specific needs. Practice of Foresight is rather diverse also among small countries, but approaches tend to be more selective in scope, have more specific goals, and put greater emphasis on demand aspects than in bigger countries. Austriaâs first systematic Foresight programme (completed in 1998) is an example of an innovative approach adapted to the needs of a small country. This contribution shows how Delphi Austria was tailored to a small economy which had undergone a successful catch-up process and how the Foresight process as well as its results have been utilised.Technology Foresight, Delphi method, small country, Austria, innovation, technology policy, implementation
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