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Books > Professional & Technical > Technology: general issues > History of engineering & technology
Since 2003 the International Association for the History of
Traffic, Transport and Mobility (T2M) has served as a trade-free
zone, fostering a new interdisciplinary vitality in the
now-flourishing study of the History of Mobility. In its Yearbook,
"Mobility in History," T2M surveys these developments in the form
of a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of research in the
field, presenting synopses of recent research, international
reviews of research across many countries, thematic reviews, and
retrospective assessments of classic works in the area. "Mobility
in History" provides an essential and comprehensive overview of the
current situation of Mobility studies.
This book is the THE source for information on virtual worlds,
covering every aspect of this intriguing and fast-changing social
practice and the technologies upon which it rests. Virtual Lives: A
Reference Handbook describes the history, development, and role of
virtual worlds, also known as virtual environments and immersive
virtual environments. It provides detailed background about virtual
worlds and their societal impact, from early precursors and
inspirations to the latest trends and developments. Specifics on
user demographics are included, as are descriptions of virtual
worlds' functions, discussion of societal concerns and
opportunities, and information about relevant research data and key
persons and organizations. Although virtual worlds in their current
form are a relatively new phenomenon, other online social
environments have served as precursors for decades and literary
inspirations go back even further. This handbook therefore covers
some early developments dating back to the mid-20th century. Its
primary focus, however, is on developments since the mid-1990s and
especially on the current state and social impact of virtual
worlds, including their impact both in the United States and around
the world. A detailed chronology detailing inspirations,
precursors, developments, and controversies related to virtual
worlds Tables of data about users of virtual worlds An annotated
list of private, nonprofit, and government organizations pertinent
to virtual worlds Biographical sketches of authors, developers,
researchers, policymakers, and notable virtual world users A
glossary of scores of relevant terms related to virtual worlds'
function and use A bibliography of additional resources readers can
consult to learn even more about virtual worlds
In a remarkable decade of public investment in higher education,
some 200 new university campuses were established worldwide between
1961 and 1970. This volume offers a comparative and connective
global history of these institutions, illustrating how their
establishment, intellectual output and pedagogical experimentation
sheds light on the social and cultural topography of the long
1960s. With an impressive geographic coverage - using case studies
from Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia - the book explores how
these universities have influenced academic disciplines and
pioneered new types of teaching, architectural design and student
experience. From educational reform in West Germany to the
establishment of new institutions with progressive,
interdisciplinary curricula in the Commonwealth, the illuminating
case studies of this volume demonstrate how these universities
shared in a common cause: the embodiment of 'utopian' ideals of
living, learning and governance. At a time when the role of higher
education is fiercely debated, Utopian Universities is a timely and
considered intervention that offers a wide-ranging, historical
dimension to contemporary predicaments.
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.
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