In Blockchain Chicken Farm, the technologist and writer Xiaowei Wang explores the political and social entanglements of technology in rural China. Their discoveries force them to challenge the standard idea that rural culture and people are backward, conservative, and intolerant. Instead, they find that rural China has not only adapted to rapid globalisation but has actually innovated the technology we all use today. From pork farmers using AI to produce the perfect pig, to disruptive luxury counterfeits and the political intersections of e-commerce villages, Wang unravels the ties between globalisation, technology, agriculture, and commerce in unprecedented fashion. Accompanied by humorous “Sinofuturist” recipes that frame meals as they transform under new technology, Blockchain Chicken Farm is an original and probing look into innovation, connectivity, and collaboration in the digitised rural world. FSG Originals × Logic dissects the way technology functions in everyday lives. The titans of Silicon Valley, for all their utopian imaginings, never really had our best interests at heart: recent threats to democracy, truth, privacy, and safety, as a result of tech’s reckless pursuit of progress, have shown as much. We present an alternate story, one that delights in capturing technology in all its contradictions and innovation, across borders and socioeconomic divisions, from history through the future, beyond platitudes and PR hype, and past doom and gloom. Our collaboration features four brief but provocative forays into the tech industry’s many worlds, and aspires to incite fresh conversations about technology focused on nuanced and accessible explorations of the emerging tools that reorganize and redefine life today.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Truman, here is the national bestselling epic chronicle of the creation of the Panama Canal. In The Path Between the Seas, acclaimed historian David McCullough delivers a first-rate drama of the sweeping human undertaking that led to the creation of this grand enterprise.

The Path Between the Seas tells the story of the men and women who fought against all odds to fulfill the 400-year-old dream of constructing an aquatic passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is a story of astonishing engineering feats, tremendous medical accomplishments, political power plays, heroic successes, and tragic failures. Applying his remarkable gift for writing lucid, lively exposition, McCullough weaves the many strands of the momentous event into a comprehensive and captivating tale.

Winner of the National Book Award for history, the Francis Parkman Prize, the Samuel Eliot Morison Award, and the Cornelius Ryan Award (for the best book of the year on international affairs), The Path Between the Seas is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, the history of technology, international intrigue, and human drama.

Machine Learning: Concepts, Techniques and Applications starts at basic conceptual level of explaining machine learning and goes on to explain the basis of machine learning algorithms. The mathematical foundations required are outlined along with their associations to machine learning. The book then goes on to describe important machine learning algorithms along with appropriate use cases. This approach enables the readers to explore the applicability of each algorithm by understanding the differences between them. A comprehensive account of various aspects of ethical machine learning has been discussed. An outline of deep learning models is also included. The use cases, self-assessments, exercises, activities, numerical problems, and projects associated with each chapter aims to concretize the understanding. Features Concepts of Machine learning from basics to algorithms to implementation Comparison of Different Machine Learning Algorithms - When to use them & Why - for Application developers and Researchers Machine Learning from an Application Perspective - General & Machine learning for Healthcare, Education, Business, Engineering Applications Ethics of machine learning including Bias, Fairness, Trust, Responsibility Basics of Deep learning, important deep learning models and applications Plenty of objective questions, Use Cases, Activity and Project based Learning Exercises The book aims to make the thinking of applications and problems in terms of machine learning possible for graduate students, researchers and professionals so that they can formulate the problems, prepare data, decide features, select appropriate machine learning algorithms and do appropriate performance evaluation.

The central questions of this book are how technologies decline, how societies deal with technologies in decline, and how governance may be explicitly oriented towards parting with 'undesirable' technology. Surprisingly, these questions are fairly novel. Thus far, the dominant interest in historical, economic, sociological and political studies of technology has been to understand how novelty emerges, how innovation can open up new opportunities and how such processes may be supported. This innovation bias reflects how in the last centuries modern societies have embraced technology as a vehicle of progress. It is timely, however, to broaden the social study of technology and society: next to considering the rise of technologies, their fall should be addressed, too. Dealing with technologies in decline is an important challenge or our times, as socio-technical systems are increasingly part of the problems of climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequalities and geo-political tensions. This volume presents empirical studies of technologies in decline, as well as conceptual clarifications and theoretical deepening. Technologies in Decline presents an emerging research agenda for the study of technological decline, emphasising the need for a plurality of perspectives. Given that destabilisation and discontinuation are seen as a way to accelerate sustainability transitions, this book will be of interest to academics, students and policy makers researching and working in the areas of sustainability science and policy, economic geography, innovation studies, and science and technology studies.

Are science and technology independent of one another? Is technology dependent upon science, and if so, how is it dependent? Is science dependent upon technology, and if so how is it dependent? Or, are science and technology becoming so interdependent that the line dividing them has become totally erased? This book charts the history of technoscience from the late nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century and shows how the military-industrial-academic complex and big science combined to create new examples of technoscience in such areas as the nuclear arms race, the space race, the digital age, and the new worlds of nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Examining books on different topics as these appeared during the Renaissance allows us to see developments in the use of graphics, the shift from orality to textuality, the expansion of knowledge, and rise of literacy, particularly among middle-class women readers, who were an important audience for many of these books. Changes in English Renaissance technical books provide a new, and as yet largely unexplored means of viewing the Renaissance and the dramatic changes that emerged during the 1475-1640 period, the first years of English printing.

Fundamental Considerations in Technology Mediated Language Assessment aims to address issues such as how the forced integration of technology into second language assessment has shaped our understanding of key traditional concepts like validity, reliability, washback, authenticity, ethics, fairness, test security, and more. Although computer assisted language testing has been around for more than two decades in the context of high-stakes proficiency testing, much of language testing worldwide has shifted to 'at home' mode, and relies heavily on the mediation of digital technology, making its widespread application in classroom settings in response to the COVID-19 outbreak as unprecedented. Integration of technology into language assessment has brought with it countless affordances and at the same time challenges, both theoretically and practically. One major theoretical consideration requiring attention is the way technology has contributed to a re-conceptualisation of major assessment concepts/constructs. There is very limited literature available on theoretical underpinnings of technology mediated language assessment. This book aims to fill this gap. This book will appeal to academic specialists, practitioners or professionals in the field of language assessment, advanced and/or graduate students, and a range of scholars or professionals in disciplines like educational technology, applied linguistics and TESOL.

A miscellany of actual patents for wonderfully bizarre inventions, Brilliantly Bad is a salute to what the human mind can achieve – even if it probably shouldn’t. This collection of the strangest ideas ever patented, ranging from the bizarre and baffling to the *oh so close* to genius, is a true celebration of human ingenuity in all its (occasionally) pointless glory. INVENTIONS INCLUDE: A coat that doubles as a urinal A musical condom An automated pet petter Face-lifting earrings A weight-lifting device for the penis

Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital presents a novel interpretation of the good and bad times in the economy, taking a long-term perspective and linking technology and finance in an original and convincing way. Carlota Perez draws upon Schumpeter's theories of the clustering of innovations to explain why each technological revolution gives rise to a paradigm shift and a 'New Economy' and how these 'opportunity explosions', focused on specific industries, also lead to the recurrence of financial bubbles and crises. These findings are illustrated with examples from the past two centuries: the industrial revolution, the age of steam and railways, the age of steel and electricity, the emergence of mass production and automobiles, and the current information revolution/knowledge society. By analyzing the changing relationship between finance capital and production capital during the emergence, diffusion and assimilation of new technologies throughout the global economic system, this seminal book sheds new light on some of the most pressing economic problems of today. A bold interpretation of how the changing relationship between technological advances and financial capital shapes the patterns of economic cycles, this path-breaking book will provide essential insights for business leaders, policymakers, academics and others concerned with managing change in the world economy.

Engineering Fundamentals and Problem Solving presents a complete introduction to the engineering field and remains the most comprehensive textbook for an introductory engineering course. This text helps students develop the skills needed to solve open-ended problems in SI and customary units while presenting solutions in a logical manner. Students are introduced to subject areas, common to engineering disciplines, that require the application of fundamental engineering concepts. This edition is available in Connect with SmartBook, and offers features such as video questions and the MHeBook.

Social change in the twenty-first century is shaped by both demographic changes associated with ageing societies and significant technological change and development. Outlining the basic principles of a new academic field, Socio-gerontechnology, this book explores common conceptual, theoretical and methodological ideas that become visible in the critical scholarship on ageing and technology at the intersection of Age Studies and Science and Technology Studies (STS). Comprised of 15 original chapters, three commentaries and an afterword, the book explores how ageing and technology are already interconnected and constantly being intertwined in Western societies. Topics addressed cover a broad variety of socio-material domains, including care robots, the use of social media, ageing-in-place technologies, the performativity of user involvement and public consultations, dementia care and many others. Together, they provide a unique understanding of ageing and technology from a social sciences and humanities perspective and contribute to the development of new ontologies, methodologies and theories that might serve as both critique of and inspiration for policy and design. International in scope, including contributions from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, Socio-gerontechnology is an agenda-setting text that will provide an introduction for students and early career researchers as well as for more established scholars who are interested in ageing and technology.

This comprehensive treatment of the subject assesses the performance characteristics needed for application plus the preformance properties of generic sealants. Illustrated with 100 photos as well as diagrams which explain fundamentals and outline methods to insure the use of appropriate procedures.

An expansive discussion of the mechanics, framework, and implications of the metaverse In Understanding the Metaverse: A Business and Ethical Guide, expert product and customer experience strategist Nick Rosa delivers a timely exploration of what is bound to be one of the most important technologies of our time. The author explains the technology that underpins the metaverse as it exists today and that will form the basis for its rapid evolution in the future. He also describes the commercial, ethical, and sociological implications of this technology, showing you the threats and opportunities that individuals and businesses are likely to encounter as they approach the metaverse for the first time. In the book, you'll discover: How the technology is shaping the human evolution and society How game mechanics and experience design are key to unlock the full potential of the Metaverse unlocking a new frontier for social interaction How Blockchain, digital currencies, and tokenomics are opening a new financial landscape for brands, creators and communities How Artificial intelligence and deep learning will shape the way businesses will conduct commerce in the Metaverse The ethical implications of designing highly emotionally impactful immersive experiences The potential dangers derived by the misuse of biometric and personal data to exploit consumer behaviour and for mass manipulation A thoroughly insightful discussion of a fascinating intersection of technology and humanity, Understanding the Metaverse belongs on the bookshelves of business leaders, technology enthusiasts, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone else with an interest in the next frontier of human achievement.

One of the most popular introductory texts in its field, Statistics for Technology: A Course in Applied Studies presents the range of statistical methods commonly used in science, social science, and engineering.
The mathematics are simple and straightforward; statistical concepts are explained carefully; and real-life (rather than contrived) examples are used throughout the chapters.
Divided into three parts, the Introduction describes some simple methods of summarizing data. Theory examines the basic concepts and theory of statistics. Applications covers the planning and procedures of experiments, quality control, and life testing.
Revised throughout, this Third Edition places a higher priority on the role of computers in analysis, and many new references have been incorporated. A new appendix describes general methods of tackling statistical problems, including guidance on literature searching and report writing.

You are being lied to by people who don't even exist. Digital deception is the new face of information warfare. Social media has been weaponised by states and commercial entities alike, as bots and trolls proliferate and users are left to navigate an infodemic of fake news and disinformation. In the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East, where authoritarian regimes continue to innovate and adapt in the face of changing technology, online deception has reached new levels of audacity. From pro-Saudi entities that manipulate the tweets of the US president, to the activities of fake journalists and Western PR companies that whitewash human rights abuses, Marc Owen Jones' meticulous investigative research uncovers the full gamut of tactics used by Gulf regimes and their allies to deceive domestic and international audiences. In an age of global deception, this book charts the lengths bad actors will go to when seeking to impose their ideology and views on citizens around the world.

Science and the Construction of Women is a multi-disciplinary exploration of the major questions currently challenging feminist scholars of science. The authors ask key questions: What constitutes science? How have feminists investigated it? How does science 'construct' women? How can we create a feminist discourse of science? Are the current developments to women's advantage or disadvantage? Their answers draw on material from a wide range of natural scientific, humanities and social science sources, critically examining theoretical approaches from the postmodern to the materialist to the cyborgian. A key argument of the book is that there are strong intellectual and pragmatic reasons - the rapid development of information technology, advances in fertility treatment and genetic engineering, feminist concern for environmental issues - why feminism must rigorously engage with issues of a scientific and technological nature. Science and the Construction of Women provides an important contribution to the opening-up and broadening of debate in the field. This book will be an important text for students of gender and women's studies, and science studies. It is also designed to be read by feminists both inside and outside the academy and to appeal to all those with interests in the sociology of knowledge and the history of ideas.

What's stopping you from doing the best work of your life? People are sick of the old ways of doing business. Despite the enthusiasm that surrounded the emergence of a hybrid working world, it still takes for ever to get anything done. Meetings and emails are almost belligerently incessant. Bureaucracy and hierarchy continue to stifle creativity and talent. So - after literal decades of management theory, as well as multiple shifts in the technological landscape - why can't we do better? Aaron Dignan is an expert in modernizing workplaces. He has built a career teaching top-level companies how to change to suit their workforce better and, in doing so, how to foster genuine innovation, loyalty and growth. In Brave New Work, he uses stories and experiences gathered from that career to lay out a fearless manifesto for a new type of work. This book will show you how to transform your team, department or business from the inside out, making work more adaptable, enjoyable and human. It's packed with tactics and tips for updating your company's operating system: the assumptions so deeply embedded within your organization that you don't even know you're being crippled by them. Learn how to reignite passion and energy throughout your organization, how to retain and attract a dedicated and happy workforce, and, ultimately, how to build a company that runs itself.

Technology development is critical in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 nowadays. Engineering, information systems, information technology, and also agricultural technology development play a vital role in this era. Technology development has an impact on all aspects of people lives. The main goal of the conference was to give an overview of the newest research in civil engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, information technology and agricultural technology in relation with the global digital revolution 4.0. The proceedings consists of papers, selected after a rigid review process, covering several areas in plant science engineering, including agriculture technology, food and nutrient technology, and agrotechnology. Electrical and information technology, civil engineering and planology were also included as a part of the research treated in the proceedings. It will provide details beyond what is possible to be included in an oral presentation and constitutes a concise and timely medium for the dissemination of recent research results. SCIS Conference Proceedings 2019 will be invaluable to professionals and academics in civil engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, information technology, and agricultural technology to prepare for the digital revolution 4.0.

Economists need to understand some fundamental aspects of science in order to measure and analyse the process of technological change. This book explores the interrelationships between economics, science and technology in order to find ways of improving economists' approaches to technical change. Dr Payson begins by offering a scientific critique of economic discourse and presents a unique, unconstrained and critical view of the behavioral differences between economists and scientists. The economic literature on technological change is analysed in order to assess economists' approach to science. The author then offers concrete solutions for the useful economic study of technological change including alternative methods of classifying data based on scientific principles, a characteristics approach to measuring physical capital, and a futuristic exploration into how artificial intelligence may improve economics.

As we witness a series of social, political, cultural, and economic changes/disruptions this book examines the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the way emerging technologies are impacting our lives and changing society. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterised by the emergence of new technologies that are blurring the boundaries between the physical, the digital, and the biological worlds. This book allows readers to explore how these technologies will impact peoples' lives by 2030. It helps readers to not only better understand the use and implications of emerging technologies, but also to imagine how their individual life will be shaped by them. The book provides an opportunity to see the great potential but also the threats and challenges presented by the emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, posing questions for the reader to think about what future they want. Emerging technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, big data and analytics, cloud computing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, the Internet of Things, fifth-generation wireless technologies (5G), and fully autonomous vehicles, among others, will have a significant impact on every aspect of our lives, as such this book looks at their potential impact in the entire spectrum of daily life, including home life, travel, education and work, health, entertainment and social life. Providing an indication of what the world might look like in 2030, this book is essential reading for students, scholars, professionals, and policymakers interested in the nexus between emerging technologies and sustainable development, politics and society, and global governance.

Future-proof yourself and your organization against known threats to privacy and online safety The subject of data ethics has never been more urgent. This is no longer an academic or niche geek issue as it has been since the inception of the internet and the world wide web. Data ethics is an issue that affects all of us now as our personal and professional lives increasingly take place online. Who controls access to the hardware, who runs the software, who can spy on us, hack us, data farm us? What are the threats that we need to mitigate against democratically, societally, and personally? How can corporations protect us and how can that help their bottom line? The Privacy Mission aims to answer these questions and summarise both the overarching concepts and principles about why data ethics is important. It offers practical solutions for companies, policy makers and individuals to push back against known threats and future proof themselves going forward.

Prepare for PMP certification exam success with this fully updated and comprehensive study guide This study guide serves as a comprehensive resource for those who plan on taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam administered by PMI. The book helps you prepare for the exam, and it will continue to serve project managers as an on-the-job reference book. The PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide, Tenth Edition is fully updated to include recent changes to the exam. New content covers the integral role that Agile and other iterative practices have in project management. Updates also address the pivotal responsibilities of the project manager and the skill sets required for this position. The study guide was written to reflect the Project Management Process and Procedures found in the revised A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge -- PMBOK(R) Guide, 6th Edition. Well-known author and expert Kim Heldman, PMP, helps to prepare you for the exam with in-depth coverage of topics, concepts, and key terms. Learn more about the three main domain areas of people, process, and business environment, plus the predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches to project management.This guide is an effective learning aid that will take your understanding to the next level. Provides comprehensive material, covering the complete exam outline Lists chapter objectives and offers detailed discussions of these objectives Reflects differences in project management environments and approaches Effectively presents real world scenarios, project application sidebars, and chapter review questions You'll also connect to a beneficial, on-the-go resource: an interactive online learning environment and test bank. This environment includes an assessment test, chapter tests, practice exams, electronic flashcards, and a glossary of key terms. A thorough review is the best prep for a challenging certification exam. So, get ready with this essential PMP study guide.

This interdisciplinary and accessible new volume presents a broad range of application-based green chemistry and engineering research. The book familiarizes readers with the integration of tools and spell out the approaches for green engineering of new processes as well as improving the environmental risks of existing processes. The expert authors discuss the myriad opportunities and the challenges facing green chemistry today in both its theoretical and practical implementation. The book expands upon green chemistry concepts with the latest research and new and innovative applications, providing both the breadth and depth researchers need. Topics include solar energy, electrospinning of bio-based polymeric nanofibers, biotransformation, engineered nanomaterials in environmental protection, and much more.