Exploiting Environmental Computation in a Multi-Agent Model of Slime Mould

Very simple organisms, such as the single-celled amoeboid slime mould Physarum polycephalum possess no neural tissue yet, despite this, are known to exhibit complex biological and computational behaviour. Given such limited resources, can environmental stimuli play a role in generating the complexity of slime mould behaviour? We use a multi-agent collective model of slime mould to explore a two-way mechanism where the collective behaviour is influenced by simulated chemical concentration gradient fields and, in turn, this behaviour alters the spatial pattern of the concentration gradients. This simple mechanism yields complex behaviour amid the dynamically changing gradient profiles and suggests how the apparently intelligent response of the slime mould could possibly be due to outsourcing of computation to the environment.Comment: 2014 ABBII International Symposium on Artificial, Biological and Bio-Inspired Intelligence, 27-28th September, Rhodes, Greec

Photon Linear Collider Gamma-Gamma Summary

High energy photon - photon collisions can be achieved by adding high average power short-pulse lasers to the Linear Collider, enabling an expanded physics program for the facility. The technology required to realize a photon linear collider continues to mature. Compton back-scattering technology is being developed around the world for low energy light source applications and high average power lasers are being developed for Inertial Confinement Fusion.Comment: 3 pages, no figures, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Future Linear Colliders, Granada Spain, 26-30 September 201

Foreword: Animal Law: Thinking About the Future

This foreword touches on some of the challenges animal lawyers and animal advocates face today, then proposes some future directions, both for the field in general and for legal academics in particular

Catch Shares in Action: Spanish Galicia Goose Barnacle Cofradía System

The Spanish Galicia Goose Barnacle Cofradía System was implemented to manage the highly lucrative goose barnacle fishery. Program goals were focused on reducing overfishing and restoring profitability. The program codified traditional fishing guilds, known as cofradías , as co-managers by granting them secure and exclusive privileges to harvest goose barnacles within clearly defined fishing areas and requiring them to responsibly manage the resource. A key program innovation is the use of on-site fisheries ecologists to conduct scientific monitoring, set appropriate mortality controls and adaptively manage mortality controls within season to ensure sustainable goose barnacle populations