Neural activity and new methods of computational analysis in the model of mammalian brain cortex

Analysis of the real brain’s neural activity can be performed in many different ways like forexample electroencephalography. Sometimes the value of neural membrane potential is collectedeven from particular cells, using electrodes in neurophysiological experiments. However, thisinvasive method can be performed only on animals and in most cases leads to death of theexperiment’s subject. Computer modelling and simulation are often very important for the designof real experiments and in this paper we present the set of three new methods of neurodynamicalanalysis, two of them analogical to the probing used in neurophysiology andelectroencephalography. We show that in some cases our approach can be even more effectivethan the techniques used in bio-medical laboratories

Actor-networking the ‘failed state’ — an enquiry into the life of concepts

Concepts such as the ‘failed state’ are jointly produced by academics and political actors and hence connect academia and global politics. Little attention has been spent to study such concepts and the practices that create them and sustain their relevance. We develop an innovative framework for studying concepts. Relying on actor-network theory, we suggest studying concepts as effects of relations between different actors building an actor-network. We introduce actor-network theory and demonstrate its value for international relations (IR) research. Our empirical case study of the concept of failed states combines bibliometric analysis and qualitative text analysis. We show how various actors have brought the concept of failed states to life; analyse how actors transformed because of their participation; and investigate the persistent struggles to define and homogenise the concept. In summary, this is an article about the life of the failed state, the discipline of IR and its relations to other actors, and an introduction of the actor-network theory toolbox to the sociology of IR