This book focuses on a prototype of creative causal processes termed BIOS and how the concept can be applied to the physical world, in medicine and in social science. This book presents methods for identifying creative features in empirical data; studies showing biotic patterns in physical, biological, and economic processes; mathematical models of bipolar (positive and negative) feedback that generate biotic patterns. These studies support the hypothesis that natural processes are creative (not determined) and causal (not random) and that bipolar feedback plays a major role in their evolution. Simple processes precede, coexist, constitute and surround the complex systems they generate (priority of the simple). In turn, complex processes feedback and transform simpler ones (supremacy of the complex).

The subject “Systems sciences and cybernetics” is the outcome of the convergence of a number of trends in a larger current of thought devoted to the growing complexity of (primarily social) objects and arising in response to the need for globalized treatment of such objects. This has been magnified by the proliferation and publication of all manner of quantitative scientific data on such objects, advances in the theories on their inter-relations, the enormous computational capacity provided by IT hardware and software and the critical revisiting of subject-object interaction, not to mention the urgent need to control the efficiency of complex systems, where “efficiency” is understood to mean the ability to find a solution to many social problems, including those posed on a planetary scale. The result has been the forging of a new, academically consolidated scientific trend going by the name of Systems Theory and Cybernetics, with a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary focus and therefore apt for understanding realities still regarded to be inescapably chaotic. This subject entry is subdivided into four sections. The first, an introduction to systemic theories, addresses the historic development of the most commonly used systemic approaches, from new concepts such as the so-called “geometry of thinking” or the systemic treatment of “non-systemic identities” to the taxonomic, entropic, axiological and ethical problems deriving from a general “systemic-cybernetic” conceit. Hence, the focus in this section is on the historic and philosophical aspects of the subject. Moreover, it may be asserted today that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, problems, in particular problems deriving from human interaction but in general any problem regardless of its nature, must be posed from a systemic perspective, for otherwise the obstacles to their solution are insurmountable. Reaching such a perspective requires taking at least the following well-known steps: a) statement of the problem from the determinant variables or phenomena; b) adoption of theoretical models showing the interrelationships among such variables; c) use of the maximum amount of – wherever possible quantitative – information available on each; d) placement of the set of variables in an environment that inevitably pre-determines the problem. That epistemology would explain the substantial development of the systemic-cybernetic approach in recent decades. The articles in the second section deal in particular with the different methodological approaches developed when confronting real problems, from issues that affect humanity as a whole to minor but specific questions arising in human organizations. Certain sub-themes are discussed by the various authors – always from a didactic vantage –, including: problem discovery and diagnosis and development of the respective critical theory; the design of ad hoc strategies and methodologies; the implementation of both qualitative (soft system methodologies) and formal and quantitative (such as the “General System Problem Solver” or the “axiological-operational” perspective) approaches; cross-disciplinary integration; and suitable methods for broaching psychological, cultural and socio-political dynamisms. The third section is devoted to cybernetics in the present dual meaning of the term: on the one hand, control of the effectiveness of communication and actions, and on the other, the processes of self-production of knowledge through reflection and the relationship between the observing subject and the observed object when the latter is also observer and the former observed. Known as “second order cybernetics”, this provides an avenue for rethinking the validity of knowledge, such as for instance when viewed through what is known as “bipolar feedback”: processes through which interactions create novelty, complexity and diversity. Finally, the fourth section centres around artificial and computational intelligence, addressing sub-themes such as “neural networks”, the “simulated annealing” that ranges from statistical thermodynamics to combinatory problem-solving, such as in the explanation of the role of adaptive systems, or when discussing the relationship between biological and computational intelligence.

This is the official CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator) study guide for professionals studying for the forensics exams and for professionals needing the skills to identify an intruder's footprints and properly gather the necessary evidence to prosecute. The EC-Council offers certification for ethical hacking and computer forensics. Their ethical hacker exam has become very popular as an industry gauge and we expect the forensics exam to follow suit. Material is presented in a logical learning sequence: a section builds upon previous sections and a chapter on previous chapters. All concepts, simple and complex, are defined and explained when they appear for the first time. This book includes: Exam objectives covered in a chapter are clearly explained in the beginning of the chapter, Notes and Alerts highlight crucial points, Exam's Eye View emphasizes the important points from the exam's perspective, Key Terms present definitions of key terms used in the chapter, Review Questions contains the questions modeled after real exam questions based on the material covered in the chapter. Answers to the questions are presented with explanations. Also included is a full practice exam modeled after the real exam. - The only study guide for CHFI, provides 100% coverage of all exam objectives. - CHFI Training runs hundreds of dollars for self tests to thousands of dollars for classroom training.

The book describes the fundamental tenets of Catholic Radicalism, defined as an understanding of Christianity from a perspective which dismisses the traditional supernatural image of God. The essentials of Catholic Radicalism are extracted from the works of Vito Mancuso, a lay Italian theologian, whose intention is to rebuild Christian theology starting from the natural and physical reality of this world. Mancuso insists that he is a Catholic theologian despite his conviction that God should be seen today in atheistic terms, which help us understand the world from a rational perspective. The use of reason in theology is compulsory for Mancuso in order for theology to make sense in the skeptical society of our times, which is characterized by a powerful lay consciousness.

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The A+ Exams are being updated to cover the latest PC technologies. This edition provides complete coverage of all objectives for both the core hardware and operating systems exams. The CD-ROM features full practice exam software.

‘The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground . . . ’ (Genesis 2:7). Made of dust, we humans are thoroughly physical beings. We are dusty earthlings. As such, we are also ecological beings, or rather eco-physical beings, firmly embedded in and dependent upon God’s earthly ecosystems which support and provide for us and constitute our earthly home. Today we are living in ways that are damaging our home. As Christian dusty earthlings, we are called to oversee God’s earthly creation and to follow Jesus Christ – God incarnated as a dusty earthling. How do we do this in the face of the array of ecological problems we face today? How can we obey the ecological principles and limits that govern all of life on God’s good earth? Mustol argues that the virtues of humility, voluntary self-limitation, and the principles of kenosis and justice will help as we seek to follow Jesus as dusty earthlings in today’s world.