The Handbook of Brain Theory and Neural Networks (Bradford Book)

Book Description

In hundreds of articles by experts from around the world, and in overviews and "road maps" prepared by the editor, The Handbook of Brain Theory and Neural Networks charts the immense progress made in recent years in many specific areas related to great questions: How does the brain work? How can we build intelligent machines?

While many books discuss limited aspects of one subfield or another of brain theory and neural networks, the Handbook covers the entire sweep of topics--from detailed models of single neurons, analyses of a wide variety of biological neural networks, and connectionist studies of psychology and language, to mathematical analyses of a variety of abstract neural networks, and technological applications of adaptive, artificial neural networks.

Expository material makes the book accessible to readers with varied backgrounds while still offering a clear view of the recent, specialized research on specific topics.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reference work on brain theory.......2007-01-05

The articles in this work are written by a who's who list of authors from the cognitive and computational neuroscience community. Each article is useful for getting an initial bearing on a topic from this dynamic field. The references for each article serve as useful "jumping off points" for further learning. It should be noted that this text is not a typical college textbook -- it is a reference work. As such, a beginner to the field should consider one of the other introductory textbooks (perhaps "The Cognitive Neurosciences").

Misleading title, a useful book otherwise.......2005-01-04

Look through this book to convince yourself that an exact brain theory does not exist. The arrangement of the articles by the first letter of their title tells it all (consider classifying animals by the first letter of their name). The editors wrongly assume that mathematical methods equal theory; actually, theory is a small conceptual tent under which a large number of experimentally established facts can be gathered. In most cases, mathematics is a very useful tool in pitching this tent, but it has little to do with the tent itself.

An exact theory of the brain may be possible and we are in dire need of it. Unfortunately, nobody has come up with it yet. This book is an encyclopedia of various mathematical methods that have been used to solve various neuroscience problems. These methods and solutions are as diverse as the problems themselves. Don't look for common themes in this book. If you are looking for a unified brain theory, you'll be much better off reading standard neuroscience textbooks. I do hope one day we'll be able to cast these vague ideas into something precise and, most likely, mathematical. Sadly, not today. I own a copy of this book and use it to remind me why and how we have failed so far.

It should be kept in mind that it is not at all clear that "neural" networks can emulate consciousness. They may or they may not. Firstly, a single neuron resembles a computer processor in its complexity and is a constantly evolving entity. Secondly, only 10% of brain cells are neurons and the remaining 90% (glial cells) now too appear to be involved in information processing. At a more fundamental level, consciousness may be less algorithmic and computational than we expect. Finally, the brain and the reality "outside the brain" are a two-way street. As the great neuroscientist Cajal put it, "As long as our brain remains an arcanum, the Universe, a reflection of its structure, will also be a mystery". If we assume the brain analyzes something, we need to define a reality independent of this analysis -- a hardly possible task if standard "input-output" approaches are used.

If the title of this book were "Current Mathematical Methods in Neurosciences", I'd have no problem giving it five stars.

November 2005: The chapters in the second edition are still arranged alphabetically. I refuse to believe neuro-mathematicians cannot think more coherently.

One final note for those looking for serious conceptual advances on the theoretical front: do no miss "Spikes: Exploring the Neural Code" (edited by F. Rieke) and "Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain: The Science of Neuroeconomics" by Paul Glimcher.

Basic science for consciousness.......2001-10-10

Research is tedious, but if you want to know the nitty-gritty of mind-brain theory and neural networking, this book is an invaluable resource for basic, relevant, and accessible papers on the subjects. Encompassing seminal works from an unusually broad range of disciplines, here is an outstanding reference for those concerned with the mechanisms of intelligence.

Excellent compilation.......2001-06-03

This complilation of articles by leading experts in the field gives an excellent overview of studies in cognitive theory and the theory and applications of neural networks. The first two parts of the book give an overview and background of the properties of neurons and gives guidance to the reader on what sequence the articles are to be read. I did not read all of the articles, but only those that piqued my interest. I found the following articles particularly well-written and informative: 1. "Applications of Neural Networks": Outlines the diverse applications of neural networks to signal processing, time series, imaging, etc. 2. "Astronomy": Neural network applications in astronomy, such as adaptive optics and telescope guidance. 3. "Chains of Coupled Oscillators": Their connection with the lamprey central pattern generator. 4. "Chaos in Axons": An excellent review of chaos experimentally in squid axons and numerically with nerve equations. 5. "Collective Behavior of Coupled Oscillators": A study of the phase and complex Ginzburg-Landau model. 6. "Computer Modeling Methods for Neurons": Good overview of numerical modeling of neurons. 7. "Computing with Attractors": Overview of omputing and feedback networks with attractors and a fascinating discussion of the possible existence of attractors in the brain. 8. "Constrained Optimization and the Elastic Net": Useful discussion of application of neural networks to optimization problems. 9. "Data Clustering and Learning": Good discussion of parameter estimation of mixture models by parametric statistics and vector quantization of a data set by combinatorial optimization. 10. "Diffusion Models of Neuron Activity": Discusses 1-dimensional stochastic diffusion models for the neuron membrane potential. 11. "Disease: Neural Network Models": Interesting overview of neural net computational models of various mental illnesses. 12. "Dynamics and Bifurcation of Neural Networks": Discussion of neural nets and their behavior as dynamical systems. 13. "Emotion and Computational Neuroscience": Fascinating discussion of computational models of emotion. 14. "Investment Management": A discussion of tactical asset allocation neural network methods in asset management. 15. "Learning and Centralization: Theoretical Bounds": Overview of computational learning theory. 16. "Locust Flight": Interesting neural network study of the locust flight system. 17. "Neural Optimization": Discussion of combinatorial optimization using Ising and Potts neural networks. 18. "PAC Learning and Neural Networks": Overview of the Valiant "probabilistically correct learning paradigm in neural networks. 19. "Protein Structure Prediction": Neural network applications to prediction of protein secondary structure. 20. "Schema Theory": Extremely interesting overview of schemas. 21. "Speech Recognition: Pattern Matching": Excellent discussion of the applications of hidden Markov models to speech recognition. 22. "Statistical Mechanics of Neural Networks": Discussion of the use of the Hopfield model in neural networks. 23. Vapnik-Chervonenkis Dimension of Neural Networks": Very interesting discussion of the VC-dimension of neural networks.

Neural Network Bible.......2000-07-29

This is THE neural network and brain theory reference. Owning it is like owning an entire library, though much more compact.

If you take a look at the table of contents, you'll see the massive value in this book. If you're into neural nets and brain theory, or want to be, you need this book.

Average customer rating:
The Handbook of Brain Theory and Neural Networks
Michael A. (Editor) Arbib
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUQD12

Average customer rating:
THE HANDBOOK OF BRAIN THEORY AND NEURAL NETWORKS
Michael A. (edited by) Arbib
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ4P9C

Average customer rating:
The Handbook of Brain Theory and Neural Networks: Second Edition
Michael A. Arbib
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ6STW

Book Description

Food Chemical Risk Analysis provides an introduction to the sciences of food chemistry and risk analysis and demonstrates how the potential hazards associated with food chemicals can be assessed and managed. Food scares are never far from the news and particular attention is therefore focused on the consumer perception of risk and risk communication. Leading international experts provide unique insights in the future of food chemical risk analysis. Chapters on alternatives to animal testing show how emerging methods offer the prospect of a more rational human-based approach to toxicity testing. Discussions about relative risks and protective factors highlight the possibility that risks from food can be over-estimated and approaches to avoid such risks are proposed. The science of risk management is presented as more than just a method for translating science into policy by demonstrating how social, psychological, economic ethical and other factors can, and should be taken into account. The book makes it clear that if risk communication is to be effective, an integrated approach to risk analysis must be adopted.

Food Safety Assessment (Acs Symposium Series)

Average customer rating:

Food Safety Assessment (Acs Symposium Series)

Manufacturer: An American Chemical Society Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Safety & First Aid | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0841221987

Book Description

Provides the latest information from academia, industry, and government. Offers a comprehensive examination of the principles and issues involved in the safety and evaluation of foods and ingredients, as well as of new processes for the manufacture and distribution of food products. Covers past and present perspectives, risk assessment, laboratory testing of ingredients, evaluation guidelines, computer modeling of risk assessment, assessing microbial safety in food, impact of diet, and evaluation of specific foods. Discusses both animal and clinical testing guidelines and safety issues, along with potential ethical, legal, and regulatory consequences. Offers specific applications related to safety evaluation.

Food Safety of Proteins in Agricultural Biotechnology (Food Science and Technology)

Average customer rating:

Food Safety of Proteins in Agricultural Biotechnology (Food Science and Technology)

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Risks | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Safety & First Aid | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0849339677

Book Description

With contributions from internationally recognized experts, Food Safety of Proteins in Agricultural Biotechnology comprehensively addresses how toxicology testing of proteins should be accomplished and how protein safety assessments should be carried out. Beginning with a background on protein biology, the book delineates the fundamental differences among proteins and small molecular weight chemicals that impact their safety assessment. It discusses the life cycle of proteins and explains why some protein toxins exert toxic effects and others do not. Drawing attention to the increasingly popular insect-protected Bt crops, contributions provide a detailed history of the safety assessment and environmental impact of these crops and answer many safety questions. The editors include the safety assessment process developed for enzymes, one of the earliest applications of proteins in food processing and production. The book addresses protein pharmaceuticals, focusing on the unique challenges of testing protein therapeutics in humans. It summarizes the food safety issues and controversies surrounding the use of bST to increase milk production in dairy cows. This unique volume also provides nuts and bolts information on conducting safety tests such as how to confirm that an introduced protein does not fit the profile of known allergens, how to carry out dietary exposure assessments for proteins introduced into food crops, and how to use sources of food consumption databases that are available internationally. It provides four case studies on the safety assessment of proteins of different structure and function to be introduced into biotechnology-derived agricultural crops. The final chapter is a review and distillation of the previously presented information on protein safety assessments and provides strategies for the safety assessment of future biotech products under development.

Average customer rating:

Food, Science and Society

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Risks | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Health Care Delivery | Administration & Policy | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Nutrition | Special Topics | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Family & General Practice | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Safety & First Aid | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Cooking, Food & Wine | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Health, Mind & Body | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Medicine | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ASIN: 3540437436

Book Description

There is widespread concern amongst consumers about the safety and acceptability of food, and there are clearly communication gaps between consumers, many food professionals and food industry. This book offers accounts of the two-way nature of this difficult communication process and steps that can be made to bridge these communication gaps in a variety of social and cultural environments. Individual chapters of the book analyze the roles of science, culture, and risk perception, and of mass media and attitudes towards eating. An additional section describes the interface between scientists and lay people with regard to policy-making and agricultural practice.

Foodborne Pathogens: Hazards, Risk Analysis and Control (Woodhead Publishing in Food Science and Technology)

Average customer rating:

Foodborne Pathogens: Hazards, Risk Analysis and Control (Woodhead Publishing in Food Science and Technology)

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Bacteriology | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Risks | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Safety & Health | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0849312132

Book Description

As trends in foodborne disease continue to rise, the effective identification and control of pathogens becomes ever more important for the food industry. With its distinguished international team of contributors, Foodborne Pathogens provides an authoritative and practical guide to effective control measures and how they can be applied to individual pathogens. Part One looks at general techniques in assessing and managing bacterial hazards. After a review of analytical methods, the book covers modeling pathogen behavior and carrying out a risk assessment as the essential foundation for effective food safety management. It focuses on good management practice in key stages in the supply chain, starting with farm production. Topics include hygienic plant design and sanitation, and safe process design and operation. This provides the foundation for a discussion of what makes for effective HACCP systems implementation. This discussion of pathogen control then provides a context for Part Two which looks at what this means in practice for key pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter. Each chapter discusses pathogen characteristics, detection methods and control procedures. Part Three then looks at non-bacterial hazards such as viruses and parasites, as well as emerging 'hazards' such as Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and the increasingly important area of chronic infections. Foodborne Pathogens is an essential guide to successful pathogen control in the food industry.

Guidance for the Safety Assessment of Botanicals And Botanical Preparations for Use in Foods And Food Supplements

Average customer rating:

Guidance for the Safety Assessment of Botanicals And Botanical Preparations for Use in Foods And Food Supplements

Manufacturer: Intl Life Sciences Inst
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Hazard Characterization for Pathogens in Food and Water: Guidelines (Microbiological Risk Assessment Series,)

Average customer rating:

Hazard Characterization for Pathogens in Food and Water: Guidelines (Microbiological Risk Assessment Series,)

Manufacturer: World Health Organization
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Statistics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Safety & First Aid | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9251049408

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books