CRC Press Computation for Humanity: Information Technology to Advance Society (Computational Analysis, Synthesis, and Design of Dynamic Systems)

The exponential progress and accessibility of computing has vastly increased data flows and revolutionized the practice of science, engineering, and communication. Computing plays a critical role in advancing research across almost every scientific discipline. Computation for Humanity: Information Technology to Advance Society is a guide for the creation of services, products, and tools that facilitate, support, and enhance progress of humanity toward more sustainable life. This book: Provides a deep understanding of the practical applications of computation to solve human-machine problems Delivers insight into theoretical approaches in an accessible manner Provides a comprehensive overview of computational science and engineering applications in selected disciplines Crosses the boundaries between different domains and shows how they interrelate and complement one another Focuses on grand challenges and issues that matter for the future of humanity Shows different perspectives of computational thinking, understanding, and reasoning Provides a basis for scientific discoveries and enables adopting scientific theories and engineering practices from other disciplines Takes a step back to provide a human-related abstraction level that is not ultimately seen in pure technological elaborations/collections The editors provide a collection of numerous computation-related projects that form a foundation from which to cross-pollinate between different disciplines and further extensive collaboration. They present a clear and profound understanding of computing in today's world, and provide fundamental solutions to some of the most pertinent humanity-related problems. Review The book will be useful as a research and reference guide to scientists, engineers, and professionals from different domains in the process of investigating important questions about the observed world with the help of computational methodologies. A direct contribution of the book are the several examples that can be adapted or replicated to problems that a human being encounters in the course of daily activities.―Pawel Skruch, AGH University of Science and Technology, Department of Automatics and Biomedical Engineering"Three decades ago, IT moved out of the machine room and into the home. Now it is moving into the whole world, as the cloud and the net become united with new technologies that permit computation to sense and act within the world and among social groups. The editors and authors of this book perceive that the bursting of computational technologies into the world will result in fundamental change in the relations within social groups, the practice of the arts, professions and sciences, and the ways in which society manages its practical operations such as maintaining the health of its citizens, designing its infrastructure, and operating its political processes.In order to support such a wide-ranging hypothesis, equally wide ranging evidence must be martialed. The contributors to this volume have done an admirable job, at that task providing case studies in fields ranging from history to zoology, from city planning to knowledge discovery.―Lee Barford, Agilent Measurement Research Laboratory, Reno, Nevada and Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada"This is an insightful book that will fascinate and inspire all those interested in the technological progress of various disciplines and its role in society and everyday life. By presenting the most recent solutions and the achievements of computing and engineering in various applications, ranging from arts to sciences and engineering, the book not only consists a proof of the presence of computing in every aspect of our everyday life but it also highlights the human aspect and social sustainability as the ultimate goal of the computation-related advances."―Virginia Papailiopoulou, Software Engineer"This book is a good and fresh read. I