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abacus

abstract

abstraction

A system design feature or capability that permits both composition and decomposition (see cross-reference definitions). Abstraction is one of the most appealing characteristics of object-oriented systems in that it permits processing of objects whose characteristics may or may not be completely known at the time the system is built. Abstracted Functions
Keywords References
strata   polymorphism  context
object    existential  knowledge representation
dimension   creativity  logic
continuum   class  taxonomy
composition   decomposition
object-oriented   inheritance

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acetylcholine

ACID

acquisition

action

action potential

actionable

actionable information

activation

adaptation

adrenergic

afferent

agent

AI

algorithm

ALife (Artificial Life)

ambiguity

amines

amnesia

amygdala

analog

analysis

anaphora

android

ANS

anticholinesterase

anxiety

aphasia

API

arborization

architecture

argument

arity

arousal

ART

association

astrocyte

asymptote

ATN

ATP

attention

automata

automated data processing

autonomic nervous system

autonomous computing agents

autonomous land vehicle (ALV)

axon

axoplasm

backpropagation

BASE

basket cells

Bayes' Theorem

Bayesian Network

behavior

belief

Big Data

binding

blackboard

boundaries

BPM

brain

brain circuitry

brain development

brain stem

branching

Broca's area

Brodmann

business intelligence

C/S

canonical model

categorize

causal relation

cell

central nervous system

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

cerebellum

cerebrum

certainty

channel

chaos

cholinergic

CISC

citizen developer

class

classification

climbing fibers

Code

cognition

cognitive computing

cognitive modeling

Cognitive Science

combinatorial explosion

combinatorial explosion

common sense

communication

composition

comprehension

computational linguistics

computer

computing

concept

concept learning

conceptual

conceptual graph

conclusion

confidence

connectionism

Connectomics

consciousness

constraint

context

context-free

context-sensitive

continuum

convergence

correlation

cortex

corticospinal tract

creativity

cue

cybernetics

cyberspace

cytoarchitecture

cytoplasm

cytoskeleton

data

data processing

data type

data-driven

database

dead man's hand

decay

decision

decision support system

declarative knowledge

declarative memory

decomposition

deductive reasoning

Deep Language Understanding

deixis

dementia

dendrite

depolarization

descriptive relation

design

determinism

DevOps

dichotomous logic

diencephalon

differentiation

digital

digital consumability

dimension

disambiguation

discern

discriminate

distributed

DNA

domain

dopamine

dualism

E/I

eclecticism

efferent

Electrical Current

eliminativism

emotion

empiricism

endocytosis

English

Enterprise Knowledge Management (EKM)

entropy

environment

episodic knowledge

epistemology

equation

ERP - Event Related Potential

Every nation, kindred, tongue and people

exception

existential

exocytosis

expectations

experience

experiment

expert system

explanation utility

explicit representation

exposure

expression

expressiveness

extra-sensory

fact

feature

feedback

filtering

firing

flip-flop

forget

form

formalism

fractal

frame

frenetic

function

fusiform cells

fuzzy

fuzzy logic

gamification

Gamma Oscillations

generalization

Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPT)

genetic algorithms

genetics

GIGO

gnostic

Golgi cells

governance

graceful degradation

grammar

granularity

granule cells

gray matter

GUI

gyrus

Hadoop

heredity

heuristic

hierarchical relation

hippocampus

horizontal cells

hybrid IT

hypermnesia

hyperpolarization

hypertext

hypothalamus

iatric

idiom

image processing

imagination

impedance mismatch

implicit representation

impossible

impulse

inductive reasoning

inference

information

inheritance

innate

input

instinctive

integration

intelligence

interaction

intermediate filaments

interpretation

introspection

intuition

involuntary

ion pump

judgement

kd (kilodalton)

kinesthesia

knowledge

knowledge base

knowledge representation

knowledge worker

language

Large Language Model (LLM)

laughter

laughter

learning

lexical

lexicon

limbic system

linear discrimination

linear discriminator

linguistics

link

local potential

logic

logical form

logorrhea

machine learning

mamillary bodies

MapReduce

Martinotti

meaning

meaningful

mechanical brain

medulla

memory

meta-knowledge

metabolism

metadata

metadata management

metaphor

metencephalon

methodology

metonymy

microservices

microtubules

MIMD

mind

MIPUS

mitochondrion

mitosis

model base

modeling

modularity

modus ponens

modus tollens

morpheme

morphology

mossy fibers

MT

multi-valued logic

munge

myelin

natural language

Natural Language Understanding (NLU)

nerve

nerve fiber

neural network

neurite

neuroanatomy

neurocomputing

neurode

neuroglia

neurogliaform

neuromorphism

Neuron

NeuroPedia

neurotransmitter

NLP

node

noise

non-determinism

noosphere

norepinephrine

normalization

object

object-oriented

objective

ODBMS

olfactory

oligodendrocyte

ontology

OOPS

Open Web vs. Deep Web

organelle

organism

output

overloading

overshoot

OWL

paleo-cortex

paradigm

paradox

parallel computing

parasympathetic

parsing

pathology

pattern

perception

perceptron

peripheral nervous system

permeability

personality

phoneme

phonetics

phrase

phrenology

physiology

polymorphism

polysemy

pons

possibility

possible

pragmatics

prediction

premise

probability

problem

procedural knowledge

procedural memory

process

production system

program

programming

programming language

property

proposition

psyche

psychology

psychosis

pump

Purkinje

pyramidal cells

qualitative insight

quantal release

quantifiers

quantitative insight

RAM

random

range

Ranvier, nodes of

RAS

RDF - Resource Description Framework

reason

reasoning

recall

receptive field

recognition

recursive

reflex

register

regular

relation

relay

representation

response

Rete algorithm

RISC

RNA

robot

robotics

robust

rule

rule base

sample space

In probability theory, the sample space is the universe of discourse. All possible outcomes of a scalar or nominal measurement constitute the sample space. Without probing too deeply into the formulae associated with determining probability, we can safely say that the distribution of cases in the sample space provides a basis for prediction. Keywords: search probability range constraint domain state space References: context inference information/entropy knowledge knowledge representation memory modeling pattern recognition probability
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schemata

The plural of scheme. In NeuroPedia we look at conceptual schemata as a form of knowledge representation. Conceptual schemata are like complex semantic networks. There are also many other knowledge representation schemes. Keywords: knowledge representation knowledge computing structure heuristic algorithm memory References: AI programming algorithms automata computing formalisms logic rules
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Schwann cell

A type of glial cell (neuroglia) that acts like a filled crepe. Its flat, pancake-like processes wrap around axons in the peripheral nervous system to insulate the axon membrane from outside electrical potentials. Thus, you may think of the axon as the cream or fruit filling of a French pastry. Keywords: neurogliaform myelin astrocyte axon neuroglia oligodendrocyte action potential References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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search

In computational systems, search is the way to find something in memory. The quality of the search technique governs the efficiency of the process and the reliability of the outcome. Keywords: hypertext sample space genetic algorithms state space References: AI programming algorithms automata computing formalisms logic rules
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segmentation

In continuous speech, the process of distinguishing the beginnings and ends of words. When we hear speech in an unfamiliar language, it may seem unnaturally rapid, so it is difficult for us to make out words. It usually takes a fair amount of experience and practice to develop a facility for hearing a foreign language. Keywords: word language learning interpretation References: lexicography linguistic strata natural language semantics syntax words/morphology
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self

An abstract concept in which an object is aware of the properties it possesses. Humans have a sense of self. A human perceives the physical attributes she or he possesses through the senses including kinesthesia. The expression "I am tired" presumes that the person percieves a dynamic characteristic associated with self. The context of self occupying a position in time and space provides a basis of context on which to develop expectations that are necessary for complex cognitive activities. Keywords: consciousness sense object property cognition expectations context
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self-similarity

A principle of nature that applies down to the most minute level. Some self-similar phenomena, such as particles of vapor in a cloud and neurons in the brain, often appear chaotic to the naked eye or microscope. Deep inspection reveals patterns and functional similarities that yield profound order. Keywords: continuum chaos fractal imagination creativity random References: chaos fuzzy logic logic modeling parallel computing physics probability
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semantic network

A knowledge representation scheme in which objects or concepts are stored as nodes or vertices in a graph and linked together with labeled relations such as "is_a" and "has_a" (e.g. DOG is_a ANIMAL / DOG has_a TAIL where DOG is a node with two links to other nodes). Keywords: link conceptual graph knowledge representation symbolic logic frame association References: comprehension information/entropy lexicography linguistic strata natural language semantics
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semantic tagging

The process of associating meaningful language markers with digitally stored and delivered information. Championed for the World Wide Web, semantic tagging was initially inline with the text, so each tag could be embedded in the HTML at the beginning of a document or with the text to which the tag applied. This is "tight coupling" because they are inextricably connected and to edit the tags, you have to edit the entire document, and possibly redeploy it. Metadata in DatabaseThen came Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in which the tools provide tagging which is separate from the document but still bound to the page using tools such as PHP or derivatives WordPress or Drupal. Finally, the loosely coupled strategy of using ontologies to perform the tagging made it possible to have completely separate processes for managing metadata and managing the content. This is especially valuable for tagging material you want to leave as is, such as a Shakespeare play or the Bible, a recorded Boston Pops concert, or a digital image of an impressionist painting or MRI of your heart. The tag lives separately and points to the associated content using a URI or URL.
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semantics

Language StrataI define semantics from a business perspective as "technology formalisms that provide structured representations of meaning and context to add business value to automated processes" that formerly or currently require human interpretation to establish such connections. Other definitions include:
  1. The study of meaning and roles in words and sentences.
  2. Semantic constraints tell us what roles words can and cannot play. Some roles are AGENT, INSTRUMENT, OBJECT, and ACTION. To be an action, a word or phrase must be a verb. Agents and objects are nominal.
  3. An argument that relies on word meanings in isolation without capturing the broader context
Keywords References
sememe  comprehension
pragmatics  context
MT  information/entropy
syntax  linguistic strata
language  natural language
linguistics semantics
meaningful  syntax
expressiveness  words/morphology

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sememe

The smallest unit of meaning in a language. A sememe can be a word or part of a word. There may be rare cases when a phrase can constitute a sememe. The way you can tell it is a sememe is if it holds meaning alone, without needing other parts of a word or other words. Keywords: word natural language semantics lexical linguistics meaningful expressiveness References: comprehension context information/entropy linguistic strata natural language semantics syntax words/morphology
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semiotics

The science of signs and symbols.  Semiotics theory deals with symbolic capabilities of sentient creatures, especially with the functions of words, numbers and other symbols in both artificially constructed and natural languages.  This field draws from syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic studies in linguistics. Here is Wikipedia's definition of semiotics.
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sense

1) One of the five human faculties of perception: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell. These provide input to the cognitive aparatus. 2) To perceive. 3) To process input. Keywords: extra-sensory thalamus somatosensory cortex sentient olfactory integration filtering expectations diencephalon consciousness attention perception arousal cognition intelligence stimulus input cue kinesthesia sensory References: cognition comprehension context fuzzy logic inference knowledge logic perception
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sensory

Having to do with the senses. Keywords: image processing sentient sense perception arousal extra-sensory References: cognition comprehension context fuzzy logic inference knowledge logic perception
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sensory transduction

There are two main senses: 1) (From the UniProt knowledge base) Protein involved in sensory transduction, the process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal, such as light, taste, sound, touch or smell, into electric signals. 2) The process in which any cell converts the energy in a stimulus (such as propagated action potentials) into a change in the electrical potential across its membrane. Definition 2 may not technically be "sensory" transduction, but generic transduction. My suspicion is that there is no difference in the physical mechanism between receptor cells, which are associated with sensory stimuli, and all other neurons, which may be participating in more abstract cognitive functions largely independent (if that is possible) of immediate sensory input.
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sentence

A self-contained segment of language. Sentences are normally segregated from one another in text by some sort of punctuation and in speech by some sort of prosody (change in vocal intonation). A sentence is usually independently meaningful or can be understood to some extent even if it is taken out of context. Keywords: idiom word language grammar References: comprehension context information/entropy intelligence learning lexicography linguistic strata natural language semantics syntax words/morphology
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sentient

A being or thing is described as sentient if it can feel or otherwise perceive, be aware or be conscious.  A sentient computer would have to be able to perceive incoming sensory stimuli, be aware of the perception process, and perform conscious functions based on perceived stimuli. Keywords: sense sensory consciousness cue perception understanding References: AI programming computing cybernetics ethics expert systems genetics neural networks inference science fiction
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Service-Oriented Architecture

A systems design/architecture strategy with more separate, reusable programs designed as services, rather than fewer large applications. These smaller services are normally much simpler than large applications, with functionality limited to easily defined capabilities. The  services are often invoked through a service bus using a predefined mechanism governed by a contract. This is an important evolution in computing in that it brings us a step closer to the end of code that is independent of knowledge, and closer to knowledge-driven functionality (code).
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services

Services in a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), also known as Web Services and akin to Microservices, are applications developed and deployed using REST, XML, SOAP, WSDL or UDDI standards to intercommunicate with other programs, web sites and/or services over an internet protocol (IP). please look at this tutorial: Web Services at Tutorials Point
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short-term memory

Also called working memory, short-term memory is where (or how) we store temporary representations of facts or objects for immediate processing. Whereas long-term recall requires either a profound or repeated exposure to the information, short-term memory can be fed by light rehearsal. In the metaphor of the mechanical brain, short-term memory would be the RAM. Keywords: recall episodic memory declarative memory procedural memory knowledge memory RAM References: associationism cognition inference knowledge learning memory taxonomy
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SIMD

Single Instruction, Multiple Data is a parallel processing architectural standard with multiple, often hundreds or thousands, of processors performing the same operations at the same time. The results of these parallel computations are later assembled to determine a result. Keywords: MIMD parallel computing computing granularity References: computing
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slicing and dicing

  1. Report DashboardA process often used in kitchens involving knives or small electric appliances to reduce the size of edibles
  2. A process used in Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics to change the view, add or remove details, or rearrange the data to make it easier for humans to analyze. Sometimes considered synonymous with filtering and sorting.

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SME - subject matter expert

Isixsigma suggests that an SME (not to be confused with a small to medium-sized enterprise) is the "individual who exhibits the highest level of expertise in performing a specialized job, task, or skill within the organization." In fact there can be multiple SMEs in each area, though this is often not the case. Organizations that have the luxury of appointing data or process stewards or woners may formalize this role in named persons, but subject matter expertise, while clearly the most important knowledge asset in a company, is seldom formalized effectively. Isixsigma goes on to say "An SME might be a software engineer, a helpdesk support operative, an accounts manager, a scientific researcher: in short, anybody with in-depth knowledge of the subject you are attempting to document. You need to talk to SMEs in the research phase of a documentation project (to get your facts straight) and you need to involve them in the technical validation of your drafts (to make sure that your interpretation of information matches theirs)."
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SOA

Service-Oriented Architecture is a software development and deployment model in which, instead of huge programs with huge modules, you break down your processes to a finer granularity and code for efficiency through compactness and reusabiluity. This reference sums it up nicely: "SOA is a style of architecting applications in such a way that they are composed of discrete software agents that have simple, well defined interfaces and are orchestrated through a loose coupling to perform a required function. There are 2 roles in SOA- a service provider and a service consumer. A software agent may play both roles. SOA is not an entirely new concept – however, this article mainly focuses on SOA as implemented with web services." (StackOverflow: soa-in-plain-english)
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software

This blog describes two kinds of software: 1) computer software that is the code that tells the hardware what to do with electrical impulses flowing in computers, and 2) cognitive software that is the learned patterns of impulse flow in the brain that enable us to think or process information. The distinction between brain hardware and cognitive software may be incorrect or irrelevant. The term cognitive software, however, serves us as we attempt to imitate thought. Keywords: program computer cognition brain modeling process information impulse References: AI programming algorithms automata computing
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soma

The cell body of a neuron. Not to be confused with the nucleus: the nucleus and other neural components are within the soma. Axosomatic synapses connect axons of other neurons directly to the soma, but the majority of electrical connections are made between axons and dendrites. Keywords: neuron axon dendrite cytoplasm References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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somatosensory cortex

Several areas of the cerebrum responsible for interpreting tactile stimuli. The Primary Somesthetic Cortex is Brodmann's areas 1-3. The Secondary is part of area 40. The Somesthetic Association Cortex covers areas 5 and 7. If the association cortex is injured, tactile agnosia or astereognosis can result. Keywords: perception sense association context tactile agnosia References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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space

Space can mean many things. Since we talk about universal theories in UnderstandingContext.com, we must define our perspective of space. From an information perspective, space refers primarily to the exact position in the universe in which the perceived or conceived action occurs, or the position of the person thinking about it. It is part of the dynamic duo of space and time, serving as a primary component of context. Keywords: context time information cognition domain References: context physics
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SPARQL

You want to get specific data in and out of RDF? You want to sparkle! If you dislike acronyms, here's one to make a patient person squirm. It's recursive: SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language. SPARQL was made a standard by the RDF Data Access Working Group (DAWG) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and is recognized as one of the key technologies of the semantic web. Similar to the way Structured Query Language (SQL or sequel) is used to get specific data in and out of relational databases, SPARQL is used for RDF data, often stored as "subject-predicate-object" triples in Graph Databases. Semantics
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specialization

A process of performing or learning to perform unique tasks or functions. The term is sometimes applied to things normally dedicated to a certain task but capable of generalized behavior. Specialization tends to suggest that the organization of neurons in the brain is more complex than can be easily modeled with perceptron or connectionist models where every node is functionally identical. Keywords: Brodmann cognition brain circuitry learning References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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spike

In neuroscience, a 3-5 millisecond burst of action potential across a synapse that can excite a neuron. If the spike is intense, it will force the electrical potential inside the cell to exceed a threshold and fire or propagate the impulse to other cells. Some action potentials last longer or decay more slowly. Keywords: exocytosis asymptote anticholinesterase action potential threshold firing synapse decay References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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spinal cord

A biological cable traversing the spinal column that serves as a link between the brain and the rest of the body. It is also a low-level integrating center for motor and sensory processing (for example it handles reflexes) while higher-level processes are handled in the brain. Keywords: nerve fiber peripheral nervous system brain integration perception brain stem reflex References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL (pronounced like the word "sequel") is a language used to access data in tables in a relational database management system (RDBMS). The language used a regular grammar and a set of reserved words to provide SQL developers the ability to create, read ("select"), update, append and delete data described within tables, and between tables linked by primary and foreign keys. The keys define the "relations" in "Relational".
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standard deviation

Standard deviation is a formula for measuring the distance from the center of the average result. It is the most commonly used indicator of degree of dispersion and is the most reliable measure for estimating the variability in a population. Standard deviation can be extremely useful in the context of discriminating between normal, exceptional and anomalous cases. The formula for standard deviation is the square root of the mean of the squared deviations from the mean of the distribution. Keywords: exception range statistical analysis probability References: algorithms automata computing logic rules
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state space

State space is similar to search space except that while the search space describes all possible solutions the search can find, the state space describes all possible states the system can enter between the beginning and end of processing. An ATN, for example, uses transitions within a set of states to perform all processes. Keywords: ATN algorithm sample space search References: algorithms automata computing formalisms logic
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statistical analysis

A process of assembling results and applying various mathematical formulae to analyze characteristics and patterns in the results. Stochastic techniques and probability theory provide tools for statistical analysis, as do the standard methods of calculating mean, median, average and standard deviation. The results of statistical analyses can often be depicted graphically, making them more meaningful. Keywords: stochastic probability analysis understanding inference standard deviation range References: algorithms automata computing formalisms logic rules
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stellate cells

A garden variety of smaller neurons found in the higher layers of the cerebrum and cerebellum. Their relatively symmetrical shape with nerve processes radiating within close proximity to the cell body gives them their name. They are sometimes called small granule cells. Keywords: neurogliaform fusiform cells cerebrum cerebellum basket cells granule cells Golgi cells Purkinje References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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stimulus

Anything internal or external that produces some impact on one of the five physical senses. Internally generated stimuli are called kinesthesia while external stimuli are called sensory input. Keywords: local potential binding response reflex kinesthesia sense perception References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience perception
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stochastic

Stochastic reasoning is a technique of analyzing data that predicts results based on probability factors. Keywords: heuristic constraint analysis statistical analysis probability reasoning dead man's hand random References: chaos inference logic probability
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strata

Plural of stratum: In geology, layers of rocks. Looking at geological strata can tell you about the environment of the period during which a stratum was the surface of the planet. In language, stratification refers to parts or features of phrases or sentences that get deeper and deeper into the meaning of the words. Keywords: language knowledge abstraction interpretation understanding grammar References: lexicography linguistic strata natural language semantics syntax words/morphology
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string

  1. Cat and StringA theory about how the universe works (see String Theory or Super String Theory)
  2. Something the cat likes to play with
  3. A sequence of symbols that are intended to represent meaning in one dimension
Parsing text strings of human language words is one of the initial processes in automated language understanding. Parsing Symbol
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structure

How a thing is put together. Structure in language is called syntax, in construction and computer hardware it is called architecture, in software it includes modularity and flow, and in cognition it involves seemingly chaotic patterns of association or connection. Understanding structure is half the battle when developing simulations such as AI. Keywords: symmetry taxonomy syntax schemata form pattern function References: associationism automata brain physiology chaos connectionism formalisms modeling physics syntax system engineering taxonomy
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subconscious

Something beneath or beyond consciousness: A chaotic admixture of emotions, judgements, perceptions and preconceived ideas that flavor cognitive activities, reasoning, thoughts, responses and interpretations that never bubble up to the point of  a person knowing or acknowledging that they are part of the outcome. If consciousness is a phenomenon of the mind, then subconscious activity may be the undergirding of the bridge that ties the mind and the brain together.
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subjective

An adjective describing a viewpoint or decision based on personal, emotional, or other non-scientific or less-than-logical criteria. Subjectivity is the hallmark of all human interaction and cognition. Keywords: objective amygdala emotion cognition logic References: cognition comprehension context ethics fuzzy logic inference information/entropy intelligence philosophy probability
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subliminal

Pre-consciously, loads of cognitive activity occurs, enabling humans to navigate the treacherous world of humans.
adjective Psychology
existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; being or employing stimuli insufficiently intense to produce a discrete sensation but often being or designed to be intense enough to influence the mental processes or the behavior of the individual: a subliminal stimulus; subliminal advertising.

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sulcus

The sulci are the valleys dividing the folds of the gray matter or cortex. The deepest of the sulci are called fissures. They serve to segregate different areas of the cortex that perform different functions. Keywords: gyrus cortex gray matter References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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support vector machine

Support Vector MachineSupport Vector Machine (SVM) is a classifier formally characterized by a hyperplane separating the data elements to classify. For a set of labeled training data, this supervised learning algorithm outputs an optimal hyperplane to categorize new samples through classification and regression analyses. For a good tutorial, formulas and sample code, see OpenCV
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survival

In life (and artificial life) survival is a function of fitness. If an organism is to survive, it must deter or overcome forces that would terminate its life. In animals this is instinctive. In machines, this must be taught, though how to teach a machine to survive remains a mystery. Keywords: ALife AI genetics genetic algorithms References: Goldberg, 1989 Holland, 1975 algorithms genetics computing
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syllogism

A logical formula with premises followed by a conclusion: IF a AND b, THEN c. Conjunctions (AND) or disjunctions (OR) can be used to express the necessity of each of the premises. Keywords: logical form reasoning References: formalisms fuzzy logic knowledge representation logic philosophy
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symbol

A concrete or abstract thing used to represent another thing. Language is a symbolic process of using words (vocal or written symbols) to represent things or ideas. Barcodes and QR codes are visual symbols that are scannable by Symbol scanners. Computers are symbol manipulation systems based on two symbols, 1 and 0, representing opposites in a binary system of digital logic. The most common form of input into computers at the time of this writing is the keyboard in which each key and key combination represents a symbol (letter, number or Mark). Even speech systems are currently based on converting the sound waves generated by speech into letters, numbers and marks. Keywords: representation parsing node discriminate language process cognition modeling References: algorithms automata computing formalisms knowledge representation logic words/morphology
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symbolic logic

The substitution of symbols for concepts (represented by terms, logical propositions, and associations in order to assist in human or machine reasoning. When logical expressions with pre-established meanings that overcome ambiguities inherent in natural languages are used in computing, it is called symbolic logic, though it is arguably reasonable to understand every process in a computer as a higher or lower form of symbolic reasoning. Parsing Symbol Keywords: semantic network representation knowledge representation conceptual graph data processing computing inference References: cognition comprehension computing context fuzzy logic knowledge logic perception
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symmetry

Invariance against change. We often think of mirror symmetry when we hear this word, but it embodies more than just exact repetition. Symmetry can be achieved with similarity and minor differences. Creativity and innovation are often exercises in symmetry in which a variation on a theme is introduced that makes all the difference. Keywords: chaos form structure References: chaos formalism
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synapse

A point of linkage between two neurons. Nerve fibers act like wires conducting electricity. Synapses act like spark plugs: they have a little gap where electrical potential can be generated by chemical reactions from one side (axon) and propagated to the other side. Keywords: weight spike norepinephrine neurotransmitter link endocytosis decay channel brain circuitry anticholinesterase activation acetylcholine neuron axon dendrite action potential synaptic vesicle References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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synaptic vesicle

An organelle in neurons that is a spherical container for neurotransmitter chemicals. These are synthesized in the soma and transferred by microtubules to the synapses where they can discharge their contents across the membranes into the synaptic cleft where they can affect the flow of E/I impulses. Keywords: organelle neurotransmitter microtubules synapse E/I References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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syncretism

Syncretism is, in philosophy, the attempt to reconcile or join different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion. In grammar, syncretism is merging two or more categories in a specified environment into one.   It "suggests that the mind keeps separate accounts for the templates that build words (for example "word = stem + suffix"), for scraps of sound that may be added to words (-s, -ed and -ing), and for the roles these additins can play" (Pinker 1999). grammar morphology
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synecdoche

All HandsSynecdoche is a form of speech in which you use a part to refer to its whole or vice-versa. Here are some good examples from World Wide Words: "You use this when you speak of a part of something but mean the whole thing. When Patrick O’Brian has Captain Jack Aubrey tell his first lieutenant to “let the hands go to dinner” he’s employing synecdoche, because he’s using a part (the hand) for the whole man. You can also reverse the whole and the part, so using a word for something when you only mean part of it. This often comes up in sport: a commentator might say that “The West Indies has lost to England” when he means that the West Indian team has lost to the English one. America is often used as synecdoche in this second sense, as the word refers to the whole continent but is frequently applied to a part of it, the USA." Synecdoche  is narrower than metonymy, which may use an individual or an attribute to describe an object, group or class. Metonymy and synecdoche both twist context in ways that only the broader context of the surrounding language can help a person (or machine) discern the true intent of the speaker or writer. metonymy  
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syntax

Language structure. The rules of structuring either natural (human) or synthetic (i.e. computer) languages are also called grammar rules. By understanding a language's syntax, we can learn its diction and presumably understand all well-formed statements or sentences in the language. (Not to be confused with its homonym, "sin tax", which is a type of luxury tax for things considered to be morally ambiguous) Keywords: semantics pragmatics MT morphology linguistics grammar form structure References: comprehension context information/entropy intelligence learning lexicography linguistic strata natural language semantics syntax words/morphology
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synthesis

To build or assemble. Think of synthesis in both a physical and an abstract way. Before the structure can be erected, the blueprint must exist. Synthesis of the blueprint, and before that, the concept, are critical factors. Cybernetics is, by definition, synthetic. Keywords: analysis References: algorithms automata comprehension formalisms fuzzy logic inference knowledge learning rules
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systaltic array

Son of systolic array, the systaltic array is a parallel computing architecture optimized for a two-way data flow. Keywords: systolic array parallel computing References: algorithms automata computing formalisms parallel computing
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systaltic array

Systaltic Flow in ComputersA systaltic array is a connected set of computational nodes that support bi-directional (systolic and diastolic) information flow. Neural networks are one-directional models for processing and sometimes the opposite (backpropagation) for learning. As shown in the illustration at right, a systaltic process model may use process flow scripts or forward chaining inference in parallel with independent knowledge search and retrieval to solve complex problems.
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systolic array

A parallel computer architecture and paradigm. Systolic parallel algorithms exhibit a directional flow such that data is divided and queued to go through the same sequence of processes moving from one processor to the next. The blood-flow metaphor bespeaks the flow of data through processors. Keywords: parallel computing systaltic array MIMD References: algorithms automata computing formalisms parallel computing
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tactile agnosia

Decrease in acuity of the senses in general, usually resulting from a lesion in the somesthetic association cortex. Since this area is responsible for sensory integration, cognitive capabilities that require multiple senses are profoundly impaired. Astereognosis impairs spatial awareness of parts of the body. Keywords: somatosensory cortex association aphasia pathology integration References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience learning pathology psychology
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taxonomy

Universe Biotic Abiotic TaxonomyThe science of categorizing or classifying things hierarchically. Object-oriented programming techniques use inheritance from classes to subclasses to imitate the fundamentally taxonomical structure of information in the real world and in the mind. Taxonomies are a key component of generalization, a basic human cognitive activity. Keywords: hierarchical relations categorize class inheritance generalization structure cognition form References: associationism cognition inference knowledge
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telecosm

That subspace of cyber universe you can only get to by grid wire – that is, the international telecom grid. There are pockets of cyberspace that are not yet wired to the rest of the world. These are some companies' internal networks and individual computers that are not yet connected. But the telecosm is where it's at. The internet and world wide web are subsets of the telecosm, as were Compuserve, AOL, Prodigy, bulletin boards and other dial-in services back when this was originally in writing. Keywords: cyberspace cybernetics communication digital References: automata chaos cybernetics information/entropy knowledge
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thalamus

The sensory integration center of the brain. Once considered part of the basal ganglia, the thalamus is now treated as part of the diencephalon. Its central location in the CNS gives it access to information from all the sensory areas and output to the cerebrum and to motor control centers. Keywords: limbic system hypothalamus hippocampus emotion amygdala sense integration diencephalon References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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thalamus

Thalamus ProfileThe thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brain stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain and has extensive nerve connections to both. The main function of the thalamus is to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. It also regulates sleep, alertness and wakefulness (Dr Ananya Mandal, MD on News.medical.net)
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theory

A guess based on generalization. Given a knowledge about some things and how they work, we can observe similarities and predict the structures and functions of similar things. These predictions are theories, and they serve as a basis for scientific inquiry and discovery. We can formally or informally build probabilistic models that can give us very well-supported theories before experimentation begins. Keywords: knowledge generalization prediction empiricism probability modeling References: automata chaos cybernetics ethics formalisms intelligence knowledge modeling philosophy physics
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think

Definition: To use the intellectual faculties for judging, making decisions, making inferences, drawing conclusions, or forming opinions, etc. To muse, meditate, reflect, recollect or weigh issues. An exhausting process for some. Keywords: thought meta-knowledge expectations concept cognition intelligence psychology References: cognition comprehension context fuzzy logic inference knowledge logic perception
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thought

The past tense of think. A fleeting snippet of cognitive activity that surfaced long enough to attract the attention of the intelligent being involved in voluntary or involuntary cogitation. Whether or not a machine is capable of thought is a semantic issue of artificial intelligence and ALife. Keywords: reasoning reason meta-knowledge intuition impulse existential conclusion conceptual concept think cognition intelligence mechanical brain References: cognition comprehension context fuzzy logic inference knowledge logic perception
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threshold

The level of electric action potential that must be reached to cause a neuron or node in an artificial system to fire or become activated as the result of a spike of excitatory action potential (depolarization). Threshold functions can be either square or sigmoidal. See textual references below. Keywords: weight spike resting potential node hyperpolarization firing asymptote anticholinesterase activation action potential depolarization E/I References: algorithms associationism chaos connectionism fuzzy logic learning neural networks pattern recognition
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time

The first member of the dynamic duo of time and space. Space (or location) and time are the two primary components of context in human cognition. Without the contexts of our current location and the time of day and time in the history of mankind, it would be more difficult to interpret the things we see and hear. Keywords: context space domain cognition References: context physics
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tools

Things that help you do something. One view of information and computational systems is that they are the most important part of any business. Poeple who possess this view are becoming extinct. People who understand that computers can provide good tools with which to conduct real business have a survival trait worth possessing. Keywords: computing computer android design program References: AI programming algorithms chaos computing cybernetics expert systems formalisms fuzzy logic inference knowledge representation modeling pattern recognition system engineering
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translation

1) The process of converting information encoded in one symbol set (language) to another. 2) A spiritual transformation in which the subject (human) physically dies and is resurrected "in the twinkling of an eye." Keywords: idiom expressiveness expression acquisition interpretation language natural language communication References: comprehension fuzzy logic lexicography linguistic strata natural language words/morphology
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uncertainty

In information theory, certainty is the degree that information is considered true, complete or accurate. Uncertainty rises from false or misleading data elements, incomplete data, or ambiguous context. Confidence is the human response to certainty, so some information models use confidence values. Keywords: meta-knowledge experiment empiricism concept information entropy confidence References: context fuzzy logic knowledge representation logic taxonomy
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understanding

The ability to empathize is the first sense of this word that comes to mind. To truly discern the intent of another, knowledge, experience and empathy work together. "Understanding"is a word that is often used to indicate knowledge with wisdom and somehow implies experience. It is one of the more noble terms for cognitive capacity. Keywords: strata statistical analysis sentient idiom discriminate discern knowledge comprehension References: associationism cognition inference knowledge taxonomy
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Unstructured Content

Unstructured data includes most documents, web pages, images and rich media such as audio and/or video content that require humans to fully and correctly interpret. Digital information or knowledge that is in more unpredictable formats (unstructured content) is usually more richly expressive and interesting than structured information in databases, but harder to find and interpret without an application or process that gives it structure. It turns out that, for some unknown reason, humans like information to play hard-to-get. Adding formal governance to the authoring and publishing process has been strangely dubbed as structured content: strange because the content that is the subject of the definition is "unstructured data". Go figure. Structured Content
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voice recognition

Speech WavesI recognize my wife's voice on the phone, but this is way different. This voice recognition is a misnomer for computationally recognizing words when spoken (voiced) into a microphone. Speech to text or STT may be a better expression for this conversion that translates sound waves into patterns that can be matched with words and phrases to tell a digital device what a person just said (i.e. "read your lips"). This is also completely different from language understanding, which begins with the words and tries to determine what prompted you to say something, or your intent (i.e. "read your mind").
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volition

I define volition as the application of human cognition to action: you decide, you act - your volition is behind what you did. agent cognition decide action actionable
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weight

In most of the places where the word "weight" appears in the Understanding Context blog, it refers to the abstract concept of level of confidence or trust, or the amount of activation that spreads from one neuron to another in the brain, or from one node to another in an artificial neural network. When the aggregate weights coming into a node (or neuron) reach or exceed the threshold, action potential is further propagated. Keywords: node neurode neural network action potential E/I threshold synapse References: algorithms associationism connectionism fuzzy logic learning neural networks pattern recognition
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Wernicke's area

The receptive speech area. This is where knowledge of language is used to interpret or remember linguistic information. When this part of the brain is injured, a person's ability to interpret or remember things heard or read is impaired. The related disability is called aphasia. Keywords: natural language association Broca's area aphasia References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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white matter

Parts of the brain inside gray matter that are filled with nerve axons. The white color comes from the myelin sheaths (made of glial cells) that insulate the axons. Keywords: neurogliaform gray matter myelin neuroglia References: brain physiology neurons neuroscience
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word

1) A single lexical element in a language (look up a word in a dictionary). The process of segmentation is used in continuous speech analysis (listening) to distinguish the beginning and ending of words in text. 2) More than one word (i.e. a WORD from our sponsor). 3) The number of bits in a register in a computing mechanism (i.e. 32-bit word). 4) The Christian gospel... Keywords: sememe pragmatics idiom anaphora sentence morphology grammar segmentation lexical ambiguity References: chaos comprehension fuzzy logic lexicography linguistic strata natural language words/morphology
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workflow

A sequential model of a business process that may branch based on processes performed at each step in the workflow. Form SearchCIO: "Workflow is a term used to describe the tasks, procedural steps, organizations or people involved, required input and output information, and tools needed for each step in a business process." The key differentiator between true workflow modeling and rules modeling is the sequence. Workflow Linearity
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Yorrick

Yorrick as FetusYorrick is the name of a fictional human being I have invented to illustrate the knowledge acquisition and language acquisition processes. See the following posts: Yorrick: Seeds of Knowledge Remember Yorrick Conceptual Paradigms From Concept to Communication Knowing About Agents and Instruments
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zygote

One of the two cells (female egg cell and male sperm cell) that, together, form the basis of human fetal development. The DNA in each of these cells contains half of the information necessary to form a whole person. Keywords: DNA information References: genetics
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