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Prediction of Polymeric Membrane Separation and Purification Performances
by Alexander Anim-Mensah Rakesh GovindThis brief describes the development of a new model for realistically characterizing solution-diffusion transport mechanisms in polymeric membranes that are used for separation and purification of organic solvents. Polymeric membranes used in these environments, if not selected appropriately, undergo excessive swelling and compaction resulting in lowered performance or membrane destruction in the long-term. This brief describes the relationship between key parameters from a chemical, mechanical and thermodynamic perspective. Moreover, the authors show how this new model points membrane manufacturers, scientists, and engineers towards an understanding of how these key parameters are considered in (1) designing and manufacturing membranes for the right application, (2) designing the right test experiments to determine the long-term membrane behavior in a short time, (3) minimizing the number of experiments to determine a reliable membrane for an application and (4) selecting the right membrane with higher level of certainty. The overall benefits of the model includes saving money and time. A simplified version of the model is included to assist the reader.
Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure (Methods in Molecular Biology #2867)
by Andrzej Kloczkowski Lukasz Kurgan Eshel FaraggiThis second edition volume expands on the previous edition with updates on the latest methods, resources, and studies concerning analysis and prediction of various structural and functional aspects of proteins and ncRNAs. The chapters in this book cover topics such as secondary structure characterization and prediction; the use and impact of AI (including AlphaFold, large language models, and deep neural networks) in the protein structure prediction field; methods and resources for the prediction of posttranslational modifications, residue-residue contacts, subcellular localization, intrinsic disorder, protein-ligand interactions, and protein aggregation; analysis of cryo-EM data; and analysis of noncoding RNAs in the context of human diseases. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions and surveys of the respective topics, list the necessary materials and methods, cover step-by-step instructions on how to use predictive tools and interpret their results, and provide tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure, Second Edition is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic and growing field of the protein structure prediction.
Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure
by Yaoqi Zhou Andrzej Kloczkowski Eshel Faraggi Yuedong YangThis thorough volume explores predicting one-dimensional functional properties, functional sites in particular, from protein sequences, an area which is getting more and more attention. Beginning with secondary structure prediction based on sequence only, the book continues by exploring secondary structure prediction based on evolution information, prediction of solvent accessible surface areas and backbone torsion angles, model building, global structural properties, functional properties, as well as visualizing interior and protruding regions in proteins. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, the chapters include the kind of detail and implementation advice to ensure success in the laboratory. Practical and authoritative, Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure serves as a vital guide to numerous state-of-the-art techniques that are useful for computational and experimental biologists.
Prediction Technologies for Improving Engineering Product Efficiency
by Lev M. KlyatisThis book is aimed at readers who need to learn the latest solutions for interconnected simulation, testing, and prediction technologies that improve engineering product efficiency, including reliability, safety, quality, durability, maintainability, life-cycle costing and profit. It provides a detailed analysis of technologies now being used in industries such as electronics, automotive, aircraft, aerospace, off-highway, farm machinery, and others. It includes clear examples, charts, and illustrations. This book provides analyses of the simulation, testing, and prediction approaches and methodologies with descriptive, negative trends in their development. The author discusses why many current methods of simulation, testing, and prediction are not successful and describes novel techniques and tools developed for eliminating these problems. This book is a tool for engineers, managers, researches in industry, teachers, and students. Lev Klyatis, Hab. Dr.-Ing., ScD., PhD, Senior Advisor SoHaR, Inc., has been a professor at Moscow State Agricultural Engineering University, research leader and chairman of State Enterprise TESTMASH, and served on the US Technical Advisory Group for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the ISO/IEC Join Study Group in Safety Aspects of Risk Assessment, the United Nations European Economical Commission, and US-USSR Trade and Economic Council. He is presently a member of World Quality Council, the Elmer A. Sperry Board of Award, SAE International G-41 Reliability Committee, the Integrated Design and Manufacturing Committee and session chairman of SAE International World Congresses in Detroit since 2012. His vast experience and innovation enable him to create a new direction for the successful prediction of product efficiency during any given time, including accurate simulation of real-world conditions, accelerated reliability and durability testing technology, and reducing recalls. His approach has been verified in various industries, primarily automotive, farm machinery, aerospace, and aircraft industries. He has shared his new direction working as the seminar instructor and consultant to Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Nissan, Toyota, Jatko Ltd., Thermo King, Black an Dekker, NASA Research Centers, Karl Schenck, and many others. He holds over 30 patents worldwide and is the author of over 300 publications, including 15 books.
Predictive ADMET
by Laszlo Urban Jianling WangThis book helps readers integrate in silico, in vitro, and in vivo ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity) and PK (pharmacokinetics) data with routine testing applications so that pharmaceutical scientists can diagnose ADMET problems and present appropriate recommendations to move drug discovery programs forward.The book introduces the current clinical practice for drug discovery and development along with the impact on early risk assessment; consolidates the tools and models to intelligently integrate existing in silico, in vitro and in vivo ADMET data; and demonstrates successful cases and lessons learned from real drug discovery and development. In short, it is a book aimed to provide a practical road map for drug discovery and development scientists to generate efficacious and safe drugs for unmet medical needs.
Predictive Analytics for Toxicology: Applications in Discovery Science
by Luis G. Valerio, Jr.Predictive data science is already in use in many fields, but its application in toxicology is new and sought after by non-animal alternative testing initiatives. Predictive Analytics for Toxicology: Applications in Discovery Science provides a comprehensive overview of the application of predictive analytics in the field of toxicology, highlighting its role and applications in discovery science.This book addresses the challenges of accurately predicting high-level endpoints of toxicity and explores the use of computational and artificial intelligence research to automate predictive toxicology. It underscores the importance of predictive toxicology in proposing and explaining adverse outcomes resulting from human exposures to specific toxicants, especially when experimental and observational data on the toxicant are incomplete or unavailable.Key features: Includes a plain language description of predictive analytics in toxicology adding an overview of the wide range of applications Examines the science of prediction, computational models as an automated science and comprehensive discussions on concepts of machine learning Opens the hood on AI and its applications in toxicology Features coverage on how in silico toxicity predictions are translational science tools The book integrates strategies and practices of predictive toxicology and offers practical information that students and professionals of the toxicology, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries will find essential. It fulfills the expectations of student researchers seeking to learn predictive analytics in toxicology. This book will energize scientists to conduct predictive toxicology modeling using artificial intelligence and machine learning, and inspire students and seasoned scientists interested in automated science to pick up new research using predictive in silico models to evaluate chemical-induced toxicity.With its focus on practical applications and real-world examples, this book serves as a guide for navigating the complex issues and practices of discovery toxicology. It is an essential resource for those interested in computer-based methods in toxicology, providing valuable insights into the use of predictive analytics.
Predictive Control in Process Engineering: From the Basics to the Applications
by Robert Haber Ruth Bars Ulrich SchmitzDescribing the principles and applications of single input, single output and multivariable predictive control in a simple and lively manner, this practical book discusses topics such as the handling of on-off control, nonlinearities and numerical problems. It gives guidelines and methods for reducing the computational demand for real-time applications. With its many examples and several case studies (incl. injection molding machine and waste water treatment) and industrial applications (stripping column, distillation column, furnace) this is invaluable reading for students and engineers who would wish to understand and apply predictive control in a wide variety of process engineering application areas.
Predictive Cruise Control for Road Vehicles Using Road and Traffic Information (Advances in Industrial Control)
by Péter Gáspár Balázs NémethThis book focuses on the design of a multi-criteria automated vehicle longitudinal control system as an enhancement of the adaptive cruise control system. It analyses the effects of various parameters on the average traffic speed and the traction force of the vehicles in mixed traffic from a macroscopic point of view, and also demonstrates why research and development in speed control and predictive cruise control is important. The book also summarises the main steps of the system’s robust control design, from the modelling to its synthesis, and discusses both the theoretical background and the practical computation method of the control invariant sets.The book presents the analysis and verification of the system both in a simulation environment and under real-world conditions. By including the systematic design of the predictive cruise control using road and traffic information, it shows how optimization criteria can lead to multiobjective solutions, and the advanced optimization and control design methods required. The book focuses on a particular method by which the unfavourable effect of the traffic flow consideration can be reduced. It also includes simulation examples in which the speed design is performed, while the analysis is carried out in simulation and visualization environments.This book is a valuable reference for researchers and control engineers working on traffic control, vehicle control and control theory. It is also of interest to students and academics as it provides an overview of the strong interaction between the traffic flow and an individual vehicle cruising from both a microscopic and a macroscopic point of view.
Predictive Data Modelling for Biomedical Data and Imaging (River Publishers Series in Biotechnology and Medical Research)
by Poonam Tanwar K. Kalaiselvi Haider Raza Seema Rawat Tapas KumarIn this book, we embark on a journey into the realm of predictive data modeling for biomedical data and imaging in healthcare. It explores the potential of predictive analytics in the field of medical science through utilizing various tools and techniques to unravel insights and enhance patient care. This volume creates a medium for an interchange of knowledge from expertise and concerns in the field of predictive data modeling. In detail, the research work on this will include the effective use of predictive data modeling algorithms to run image analysis tasks for understanding.Predictive Data Modelling for Biomedical Data and Imaging is divided into three sections, namely Section I – Beginning of Predictive Data Modeling for Biomedical Data and Imaging/Healthcare, Section II – Data Design and Analysis for Biomedical Data and Imaging/Healthcare, and Section III – Case Studies of Predictive Analytics for Biomedical Data and Imaging/Healthcare. We hope this book will inspire further research and innovation in the field of predictive data modeling for biomedical data and imaging in healthcare. By exploring diverse case studies and methodologies, this book contributes to the advancement of healthcare practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.
Predictive Health: How We Can Reinvent Medicine to Extend Our Best Years
by Kenneth Brigham Michael M. E. JohnsItOCOs no stretch to claim that America is in the midst of a healthcare meltdown. Care is costly and unattainable for many, and often unsatisfactory even for those who can afford treatment. The medical system focuses on treating diseases and their symptoms, and spends so much effortOCoand moneyOCoin the last miserable month of patientsOCO lives that little is left to make sure that the preceding years are as healthful as possible. In "Predictive Health," distinguished doctors Kenneth Brigham and Michael M. E. Johns propose to radically change the current model by restructuring the way patients receive care. They introduce the concept of predictive health, which will turn the existing paradigm on its headOCofocusing on prediction instead of diagnosis, and health rather than disease. Rather than treating symptoms as they arise, doctors practicing predictive health would be involved in a patientOCOs life right from the start. A drop of blood from a tiny heel prick at birth would be run through nanolabs, the resulting information assembled into a picture of the newbornOCOs health. Any potential risk factorsOCorisk for type II diabetes, genetic propensity for obesityOCowould be caught long before they became problematic, and strategies forged for treatment. In essence, health care professionals would become committed consultants, sticking with a patient for the entire course of their lives. The potential savings from this kind of partnership is staggering: the cost of lifelong health care would amount to less than the cost of a month-long stay in an early twenty-first century ICU. Interweaving descriptions of phenomenal advances in science and technology with illustrative anecdotes and personal experiences of the authorsOCO combined century in academic medicine, "Predictive Health" translates the foundations of the new biomedicine into language accessible to a general audienceOCothose who must understand the potential of the unprecedented opportunity confronting us if major change is to happen. The product of a decade-long collaboration between two of the leading figures in predictive health, "Predictive Health" offers a deeply knowledgeable, deeply humane look at the state of medicine today, and the potential for medicine tomorrow.
Predictive Maintenance in Smart Factories: Architectures, Methodologies, and Use-cases (Information Fusion and Data Science)
by Tania Cerquitelli Nikolaos Nikolakis Niamh O’Mahony Enrico Macii Massimo Ippolito Sotirios MakrisThis book presents the outcome of the European project "SERENA", involving fourteen partners as international academics, technological companies, and industrial factories, addressing the design and development of a plug-n-play end-to-end cloud architecture, and enabling predictive maintenance of industrial equipment to be easily exploitable by small and medium manufacturing companies with a very limited data analytics experience. Perspectives and new opportunities to address open issues on predictive maintenance conclude the book with some interesting suggestions of future research directions to continue the growth of the manufacturing intelligence.
Predictive Methods in Percutaneous Absorption
by Gary P. Moss Darren R. Gullick Simon C. WilkinsonThis book sheds new light on the development and use of quantitative models to describe the process of skin permeation. It critically reviews the development of quantitative predictive models of skin absorption and discusses key recommendations for model development. Topics presented include an introduction to skin physiology; the underlying theories of skin absorption; the physical laboratory-based processes used to generate skin absorption data, which is in turn used to construct mathematical models describing the skin permeation process; algorithms of skin permeability including quantitative structure-activity (or permeability) relationships (QSARs or QSPRs); relationships between permeability and molecular properties; the development of formulation-focused approaches to models of skin permeability prediction; the use of artificial membranes, e. g. polydimethylsiloxane as alternatives to mammalian skin; and lastly, the use of novel Machine Learning methods in developing the next generation of predictive skin permeability models. The book will be of interest to all researchers in academia and industry working in pharmaceutical discovery and development, as well as readers from the field of occupational exposure and risk assessment, especially those whose work involves agrochemicals, bulk chemicals and cosmetics.
Predictive Microbiology in Foods
by Antonio Valero Fernando Perez-RodriguezPredictive microbiology is a recent area within food microbiology, which studies the responses of microorganisms in foods to environmental factors (e.g., temperature, pH) through mathematical functions. These functions enable scientists to predict the behavior of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms under different combinations of factors. The main goal of predictive models in food science is to assure both food safety and food quality. Predictive models in foods have developed significantly in the last 20 years due to the emergence of powerful computational resources and sophisticated statistical packages. This book presents the concepts, models, most significant advances, and future trends in predictive microbiology. It will discuss the history and basic concepts of predictive microbiology. The most frequently used models will be explained, and the most significant software and databases (e.g., Combase, Sym'Previus) will be reviewed. Quantitative Risk Assessment, which uses predictive modeling to account for the transmission of foodborne pathogens across the food chain, will also be covered.
Predictive Species and Habitat Modeling in Landscape Ecology
by Falk Huettmann Yolanda F. Wiersma C. Ashton DrewMost projects in Landscape Ecology, at some point, define a species-habitat association. These models are inherently spatial, dealing with landscapes and their configurations. Whether coding behavioral rules for dispersal of simulated organisms through simulated landscapes, or designing the sampling extent of field surveys and experiments in real landscapes, landscape ecologists must make assumptions about how organisms experience and utilize the landscape. These convenient working postulates allow modelers to project the model in time and space, yet rarely are they explicitly considered. The early years of landscape ecology necessarily focused on the evolution of effective data sources, metrics, and statistical approaches that could truly capture the spatial and temporal patterns and processes of interest. Now that these tools are well established, we reflect on the ecological theories that underpin the assumptions commonly made during species distribution modeling and mapping. This is crucial for applying models to questions of global sustainability. Due to the inherent use of GIS for much of this kind of research, and as several authors' research involves the production of multicolored map figures, there would be an 8-page color insert. Additional color figures could be made available through a digital archive, or by cost contributions of the chapter authors. Where applicable, would be relevant chapters' GIS data and model code available through a digital archive. The practice of data and code sharing is becoming standard in GIS studies, is an inherent method of this book, and will serve to add additional research value to the book for both academic and practitioner audiences.
Predictive Technology in Social Media
by Cristina Fernández-RoviraCan behaviour on social media predict future purchase patterns? Can what we click on social media foresee which political party will we vote for? Can the information we share on our wall foretell the next series I might want to watch? Can the likes on Instagram and Facebook predict the time one will spend on digital platforms in the next hour? The answer is no longer science fiction. It points to the ability of mainstream social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to be able to deliver specialised advertising services to highly targeted audience segments controlled by the billions of devices that flood our daily lives. At the same time, it highlights a more relevant problem: can social media guide, suggest or impose a certain behaviour or thought? Everything seems to indicate that they can do it.Predictive Technology in Social Media comprises 10 essays that reflect on the power of the predictive technology of social media in culture, entertainment, marketing, economics and politics. It shows, from a humanistic and critical perspective, the predictive possibilities of social media platforms, as well as the risks this entails for cultural plurality, everyday consumption, the monopolistic concentration of the economy and attention, and democracy. The text is an invitation to think, as citizens, about the unbridled power we have ceded to digital platforms. A new voice to warn about the greatest concentration of communicative power ever seen in the history of humanity.
Predictive Toxicology
by Christoph HelmaA comprehensive overview of techniques and systems currently utilized in predictive toxicology, this reference presents an in-depth survey of strategies, algorithms, and prediction methods to select, calculate, and represent the features and properties of chemical structures in biological systems. It provides sources of high-quality toxicity data, the most important commercial and noncommercial predictive toxicology programs, and advanced technologies in computational chemistry, biology, statistics, and data mining. Predictive Toxicology explores applications that go beyond classical structure-activity relationships and discusses programs such as OncoLogic, META, MC4PC, PASS, and lazar.
Predisposed: The Left, The Right, and the Biology of Political Differences
by John R. Hibbing Kevin B. Smith John R. AlfordThis thoughtfully updated revision of a classic text sheds new light on the potential sociological and biological differences that result in deep, seemingly unbridgeable political divisions.Renowned social scientists and experts in biopolitics, John R. Hibbing, Kevin B. Smith, and John R. Alford present overwhelming evidence that political opinion is shaped not just by cultural background or information bias but is rather the result of diverse psychological, physiological, and genetic traits. This new edition shifts the emphasis from differences between the political left and the right (liberals and conservatives) as they have traditionally been understood and explores specific brands of liberalism and conservatism such as ardent supporters of politicians such as Donald Trump.An essential read for students and scholars of political psychology and party politics, this book invites the reader to reconsider their perspectives on public opinion and partisan conflict.
Predisposed: Liberals, Conservatives, and the Biology of Political Differences
by Kevin B. Smith John R. Alford John R. HibbingBuried in many people and operating largely outside the realm of conscious thought are forces inclining us toward liberal or conservative political convictions. Our biology predisposes us to see and understand the world in different ways, not always reason and the careful consideration of facts. These predispositions are in turn responsible for a significant portion of the political and ideological conflict that marks human history. With verve and wit, renowned social scientists John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford—pioneers in the field of biopolitics—present overwhelming evidence that people differ politically not just because they grew up in different cultures or were presented with different information. Despite the oft-heard longing for consensus, unity, and peace, the universal rift between conservatives and liberals endures because people have diverse psychological, physiological, and genetic traits. These biological differences influence much of what makes people who they are, including their orientations to politics. Political disputes typically spring from the assumption that those who do not agree with us are shallow, misguided, uninformed, and ignorant. Predisposed suggests instead that political opponents simply experience, process, and respond to the world differently. It follows, then, that the key to getting along politically is not the ability of one side to persuade the other side to see the error of its ways but rather the ability of each side to see that the other is different, not just politically, but physically. Predisposed will change the way you think about politics and partisan conflict. As a bonus, the book includes a "Left/Right 20 Questions" game to test whether your predispositions lean liberal or conservative.
Preeclampsia
by Cathy Vaillancourt Padma MurthiThis volume presents the latest developments and techniques used to study the physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of pre-eclampsia. Written for clinicians, obstetricians, basic scientists, researchers, and students the chapters in this book provide methods to study placental function using in vitro and ex vivo model systems, comprehensive genetic analysis of pre-eclampsia, identifying critical angiogenic factors associated with the development of pre-eclampsia, and controlled experiments that investigate potential therapies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls, as well as a description of the limitations and advantages of the described techniques.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Pre-Eclampsia: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the critical role of the placenta in the maternal-fetal relationship.
Prefoldins: the new chaperones (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology #1106)
by Nabil DjouderThis book reviews recent work on molecular chaperones of the prefoldin family from their discovery in Archaea to the basic clarification of their structure. Even though, there is still a lot to investigate in order to understand the roles and functions of prefoldins, some preliminary work suggests their contribution in assembly and activation of a variety of macromolecular complexes. Hence, the reader is introduced to recent structural findings via cryo-electron microscopy and to the importance of this particular group of proteins in health and disease. This book also discusses the particular structure of the URI prefoldin-like complex. In addition, recent developments in the generation of URI mouse models speculate on the functions and emerging roles of the URI prefoldin-like complex in various cellular processes. This novel protein complex represents a unique cellular machinery, which molecular basis of its activity still remains to be determined.This work is thus a guide to help researchers in the field to have a more comprehensive and critical view of the prefoldin world.
Preformulation in Solid Dosage Form Development (Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences)
by Moji Christianah Adeyeye Harry G. BrittainDuring the onset of any clinical trial there are many factors and variables to consider. Funding, time restraints, and regulatory agency guidelines are factors that often influence which variables will be studied, leaving other important information out of the study. Preformulation in Solid Dosage Form Development covers every topic of critical imp
Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team
by Emily SinglerPrecautions often apply to pregnancy in any workplace, but being a vet in practice presents additional specific risks. There are concerns and uncertainty about potential hazards, from radiation and inhalant anesthesia exposure, to zoonoses, and the additional mental stress in a profession that already carries high suicide risk. This book reviews considerations for professionals in clinical veterinary medicine (large and small animal) while pregnant and after giving birth. Veterinarian and veterinary writer, consultant, and mentor Dr Emily Singler speaks directly to veterinary team members (veterinarians, technicians, CSRs, assistants, students) who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. She delivers scientific information on the specific risks to the mother and baby that may be encountered during pregnancy while working in veterinary medicine, with some of her own and others’ experiences to add perspective and humor. The book also covers topics related to mental health challenges, announcing a pregnancy and planning for parental leave, navigating the fourth trimester, and returning to work. We hope that having read this book, veterinary professionals – whether pregnant or working with pregnant colleagues – will feel better supported and empowered to make informed decisions.
Prehension: The Hand and the Emergence of Humanity
by Colin McginnThis book is a hymn to the hand. In Prehension, Colin McGinn links questions from science to philosophical concerns to consider something that we take for granted: the importance of the hand in everything we do. <P><P>Drawing on evolutionary biology, anatomy, archaeology, linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, among other disciplines, McGinn examines the role of the hand in shaping human evolution. He finds that the development of our capacity to grasp, to grip, to take hold (also known as prehension) is crucial in the emergence of Homo sapiens. The human species possesses language, rational thought, culture, and a specific affective capacity; but there was a time when our ancestors had none of these. How did we become what we so distinctively are, given our early origins? McGinn, following Darwin and others, calls the hand the source of our biological success. When our remote ancestors descended from trees, they adopted a bipedal gait that left the hands free for other work; they began to make tools, which led to social cooperation and increased brain capacity. But McGinn goes further than others in arguing for the importance of the hand; he speculates that the hand played a major role in the development of language, and presents a theory of primitive reference as an outgrowth of prehension. McGinn sings the praises of the hand, and evolution, in a philosophical key. He mixes biology, anthropology, analytical philosophy, existential philosophy, sheer speculation, and utter amazement to celebrate humans' achievement of humanity.
Prehension: The Hand and the Emergence of Humanity
by Colin McGinnIn praise of the hand: A philosopher considers the crucial role of the hand in human evolution, particularly with respect to language. This book is a hymn to the hand. In Prehension, Colin McGinn links questions from science to philosophical concerns to consider something that we take for granted: the importance of the hand in everything we do. Drawing on evolutionary biology, anatomy, archaeology, linguistics, psychology, and philosophy, among other disciplines, McGinn examines the role of the hand in shaping human evolution. He finds that the development of our capacity to grasp, to grip, to take hold (also known as prehension) is crucial in the emergence of Homo sapiens. The human species possesses language, rational thought, culture, and a specific affective capacity; but there was a time when our ancestors had none of these. How did we become what we so distinctively are, given our early origins? McGinn, following Darwin and others, calls the hand the source of our biological success. When our remote ancestors descended from trees, they adopted a bipedal gait that left the hands free for other work; they began to make tools, which led to social cooperation and increased brain capacity. But McGinn goes further than others in arguing for the importance of the hand; he speculates that the hand played a major role in the development of language, and presents a theory of primitive reference as an outgrowth of prehension. McGinn sings the praises of the hand, and evolution, in a philosophical key. He mixes biology, anthropology, analytical philosophy, existential philosophy, sheer speculation, and utter amazement to celebrate humans' achievement of humanity.
Prehistoric America: An Ecological Perspective
by Betty MeggersDuring the past 30 years, the relationship between humans and the environment has changed more drastically than during any previous period in human history. Local sustainable exploitation of natural resources has been overridden by global interests indifferent to the detrimental impact of their activities on local environments and their inhabitants. Increasingly efficient technology has reduced the need for human labor, but improved medical treatment favors reproduction and survival, creating a growing imbalance between population density and food supply. Rapid transportation is introducing alien species to distant terrestrial and aquatic environments, where they displace critical elements in the local food chain.This succinct and profusely illustrated volume applies evolutionary and cultural theory to the interpretation of prehistoric cultural development in the western hemisphere. After reviewing cultural development in Mesoamerica and the central Andes, Meggers examines adaptation in North and South American regions with similar environments to evaluate the influence of adaptive constraints on cultural content.What made the human species dominant on the planet is the substitution of cultural behavior for biological behavior. Prehistoric Americans applied this ability to develop sustainable relationships with their environments. Many succeeded and others did not. Paleoclimatic reconstructions can be compared with archeological sequences and ethnographic descriptions to identify cultural behavior responsible for the difference. Comparison of the responses of Amazonians and Mayans to episodes of severe drought provides useful insights into what we are doing wrong.