This volume introduces the concepts of income and optimal choice to the realms of brain activity and behavior regulation. It begins by developing the concept of the Income-Choice approach in the field of biological control systems, then deals with the problems of control of brain activity, and finally presents a model of behavior disturbance based on the idea that its cause is a definite and simple change in the income system of the organism. Other areas to which the proposed Income-Choice approach could be applied are also addressed including the origin of the epileptic aura and why it is a predictor of the imminent attack, the mechanism of the phenomena of "personality switching" in schizophrenics, and the possible connection between schizophrenic- like symptoms and epileptic status. Written nearly 20 years ago in Russia and now published in the West, this book will be of value to many professionals in related fields. This volume introduces the concepts of income and optimal choice to the realm of brain activity and behavior regulation. It begins by developing the concept of the Income-Choice approach in the field of biological control systems, then deals with the problems of control of brain activity, and finally presents a model of behavior disturbance based on the idea that its cause is a definite and simple change in the income system of the organism. Other areas to which the proposed Income-Choice approach could be applied are also addressed, including the origin of the epileptic aura and why it is a predictor of the would-be attack, the mechanism of the phenomena of "personality switching" in schizophrenics, and the possible connection between schizophrenic- like symptoms and epileptic status. Originally written nearly 20 years ago in Russia and now published for the first time in the West, this book will be of value to many professionals in related fields.

This book is the third in a series based on conferences sponsored by the Metroplex Institute for Neural Dynamics, an interdisciplinary organization of neural network professionals in academia and industry. The topics selected are of broad interest to both those interested in designing machines to perform intelligent functions and those interested in studying how these functions are actually performed by living organisms and generate discussion of basic and controversial issues in the study of mind. The topic of optimality was chosen because it has provoked considerable discussion and controversy in many different academic fields. There are several aspects to the issue of optimality. First, is it true that actual behavior and cognitive functions of living animals, including humans, can be considered as optimal in some sense? Second, what is the utility function for biological organisms, if any, and can it be described mathematically? Rather than organize the chapters on a "biological versus artificial" basis or by what stance they took on optimality, it seemed more natural to organize them either by what level of questions they posed or by what intelligent functions they dealt with. The book begins with some general frameworks for discussing optimality, or the lack of it, in biological or artificial systems. The next set of chapters deals with some general mathematical and computational theories that help to clarify what the notion of optimality might entail in specific classes of networks. The final section deals with optimality in the context of many different high-level issues, including exploring one's environment, understanding mental illness, linguistic communication, and social organization. The diversity of topics covered in this book is designed to stimulate interdisciplinary thinking and speculation about deep problems in intelligent system organization.

In the mid-20th century, integrative efforts began concerning the brain and its social and humanistic functions. These efforts were led by Paul D. MacLean's integrative research and thought. As the century ended, however, such efforts were lost in the surge of new effort in brain and genome research. Nobel Prizes were awarded on biochemical and cellular findings relevant to psychiatry. Findings on these levels seemed to provide ultimate answers. By contrast, Cory, Gardner, and their contributors provide a more comprehensive view by extending MacLean's findings and integrative theory. Supported by new findings and extended by critical analyses of current work, the collection provides foundations for more integrative efforts that the editors and contributors believe will prevail increasingly in coming decades. Looked at from another vantage point, therapeutic, social, economic, and politial sciences have proceeded wtihout operating theories congruent with, or based on, brain functions. Across-species perspectives have been lacking. This collection redresses this problem and leads the way toward more comprehensive 21st century research on the one hand, and practical applications on the other. Multiple approaches extend from modeling efforts to across-species comparisons, to the basic science of psychiatry to theoretical explanations of political and economic systems. But most important, these essays abolish the Berlin wall that currently separates the brain from its social functions. A major guide for scholars, students, and researchers involved in the neurobehavioral sciences, for psychologists, psychiatrists, and others involved with human clinical sciences, and for social scientists concerned with the impact of the nervous system and its function.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

Widespread use of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides has revolutionized pest management. But there is growing concern about environmental contamination and human health risksâ€"and continuing frustration over the ability of pests to develop resistance to pesticides. In Ecologically Based Pest Management, an expert committee advocates the sweeping adoption of ecologically based pest management (EBPM) that promotes both agricultural productivity and a balanced ecosystem. This volume offers a vision and strategies for creating a solid, comprehensive knowledge base to support a pest management system that incorporates ecosystem processes supplemented by a continuum of inputsâ€"biological organisms, products, cultivars, and cultural controls. The result will be safe, profitable, and durable pest management strategies. The book evaluates the feasibility of EBPM and examines how best to move beyond optimal examples into the mainstream of agriculture. The committee stresses the need for information, identifies research priorities in the biological as well as socioeconomic realm, and suggests institutional structures for a multidisciplinary research effort. Ecologically Based Pest Management addresses risk assessment, risk management, and public oversight of EBPM. The volume also overviews the history of pest managementâ€"from the use of sulfur compounds in 1000 B.C. to the emergence of transgenic technology. Ecologically Based Pest Management will be vitally important to the agrichemical industry; policymakers, regulators, and scientists in agriculture and forestry; biologists, researchers, and environmental advocates; and interested growers.

Management Control Systems helps students to develop the insight and analytical skills required of today's managers. Students uncover how real-world managers design, implement and use planning and control systems to implement business strategies. The first European edition is specifically aimed at an international audience and it has been thoroughly updated to include the latest developments in the field.

The book has covered recent techniques on bio-intensive integrated approaches of horticultural pest’s management. An attempt to compile information on non-chemical ways of pest management strategies including agronomic approaches to physical, mechanical, biopesticides, biocontrol agents, biorational pesticides etc. which are non harmful to environment and economically viable has been made. This book is a useful reference material for organic product producing farmers, researchers and students who are involved in bio-intensive pest management strategies. Note: T& F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This title is co-published with NIPA.