Sp. Issue on Functions: second CFP

Special Issue - Second Call for Papers

-- THE ONTOLOGY OF FUNCTIONS: BIOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND BEYOND --
http://www.loa-cnr.it/func_sp_issue2010

Applied Ontology Journal (IOS Press)
Abstract Submission: 22-02-2010

Function and functionality play a central role not only in modern science
but also in our extra-scientific understanding of the world. Unfortunately,
the term 'function' is hereby used with a variety of meanings and is
associated with a variety of views as to what functions are.

This special issue is devoted to the foundation, the comparison and the
application of functional theories in all areas, with particular attention
to the biological and engineering domains.
The goal is to publish state-of-the-art theoretical and technical
contributions related to the description, characterization, and application
of functions. We especially welcome contributions in which the theories are
presented and motivated with an eye on the underlying ontological aspects
and an introduction to their formalization.

Contributions may include analyses of the different notions of function that
have proven useful in science, proposals towards development of a unifying
framework, or criticisms of existing frameworks. The goal is to provide
materials for the creation of an ontological treatment of functions and
functioning that will:

1) identify and describe functions in a consistent and comprehensive way;
2) list the arguments that lead to a preference of one notion of function
over others;
3) make clear the basic assumptions and principles of classification that
motivate a given notion of function;
4) discuss formalization issues and relevant application methodologies.

TOPICS include, but are not limited to, the following:
- comparison of functional theories and models
 - formalization of functional theories and models
- basic functions, functional classification, functional (de)composition
- assigning functions to natural and/or artificial entities
- functional ontology
- unified theory of biological and artifact functions
- theory of artifacts
- what kinds of biological entities have functions?
- how are biological functions related to disease?

IMPORTANT DATES
** Abstract Submission: 22-02-2010*
* Invitation to submit a full paper (20/25 pages): 10-03-2010
* Full papers due: 12-05-2010
* Notification of acceptance/rejection: 24-06-2010
* Revised papers due: 21-07-2010
* Final review: 15-09-2010
* Camera-ready papers due: 12-10-2010
* Publication: Spring 2011

PAPER SUBMISSION
 Submissions to the first phase (deadline: 22 Feb 2010) should include an
abstract of about 1000 words, a separate list of references and a cover page
with title, name, address (including e-mail address) and affiliation of
author(s) and a list of keywords.
Authors are encouraged to submit high-quality, original work that has
neither appeared in, nor is under consideration by, other journals.
Manuscripts must be written in English.
Manuscripts must be submitted to: functions (at) loa-cnr.it
Please indicate in the email subject that you are submitting to the ''AOJ
Special Issue on Functions''.

GUEST EDITORS
Stefano Borgo, ISTC-CNR Trento and FUB Bolzano, Italy
Riichiro Mizoguchi, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research,
Osaka University, Japan
Barry Smith, University at Buffalo, USA

REVIEW COMMITTEE
Massimiliano Carrara, University of Padova
Randall R. Dipert, University at Buffalo
Pawel Garbacz, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawla II
John S. Gero, George Mason University
Ashok K. Goel, Georgia Institute of Technology
W.N. Houkes, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Yoshinobu Kitamura, Osaka University
Peter Kroes, Technische Universiteit Delft
Ulrich Krohs, University of Bielefeld
Pieter Vermaas, Technische Universiteit Delft