The Coming Convergence
The Coming Convergence

Author: Stanley Schmidt

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2009-09-25

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 1615921168

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Imagine direct communication links between the human brain and machines, or tailored materials capable of adapting by themselves to changing environmental conditions, or computer chips and environmental sensors embedded into everyday clothing, or medical technologies that eliminate currently untreatable conditions such as blindness and paralysis. Now imagine all of these developments occurring at the same time. Far-fetched? Not So. These are actually the reasonable predictions of scientists attempting to forecast a few decades into the future based on the rapid pace of innovation. Author Stanley Schmidt - a physicist, a writer, and the editor of Analog: Science Fiction and Fact - explores these and many more amazing yet probable scenarios in this fascinating guide to the near future. He shows how past convergences have led to today's world, then considers tomorrow's main currents in biotechnology, cognitive science, information technology, and nanotechnology. Looking even further downstream he foresees both exciting and potentially dangerous developments: Longer, healthier lives Cheap, generally available food, energy, and technology Reduced pollution and environmental stress Economic disruption during transitional periods Excessive power in too few hands Increased vulnerability from overdependence on technology. Schmidt notes that even a routine technology such as the CAT scan is the result of three wholly separate innovations started many decades ago which recently converged: the X-ray, the computer, and advances in medicine. On a more ominous note, he also observes that the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center was made possible by the malicious convergence of two separate trends in modern engineering and technology: the concentration of people in high rises within cities and the success of the passenger airline industry. The message is clear: the choices we make now will converge to create a near and distant future that will be almost unbelievably wonderful or unimaginably catastrophic, or both. This knowledgeable, fascinating glimpse into the future is a must read for everyone interested in technology, upcoming innovations in business, science fiction, and the future.

The Power of Convergence
The Power of Convergence

Author: Faisal Hoque

Publisher: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0814416950

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Enterprises fail when they neglect to converge impressive technology initiatives with actionable business strategies. Learn how to leverage technology as an important tool for addressing customer needs and advancing business goals.

Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society
Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society

Author: Mihail C. Roco

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2014-01-28

Total Pages: 603

ISBN-13: 3319022040

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This volume aims to document the most important worldwide accomplishments in converging knowledge and technology, including converging platforms, methods of convergence, societal implications, and governance in the last ten years. Convergence in knowledge, technology, and society is the accelerating, transformative interaction among seemingly distinct scientific disciplines, technologies, and communities to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism, and integration, and through this process to create added value for societal benefit. It is a movement that is recognized by scientists and thought leaders around the world as having the potential to provide far-reaching solutions to many of today’s complex knowledge, technology, and human development challenges. Four essential and interdependent convergence platforms of human activity are defined in the first part of this report: nanotechnology-biotechnology-information technology and cognitive science (“NBIC”) foundational tools; Earth-scale environmental systems; human-scale activities; and convergence methods for societal-scale activities. The report then presents the main implications of convergence for human physical potential, cognition and communication, productivity and societal outcomes, education and physical infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative and responsible governance. As a whole, the report presents a new model for convergence. To effectively take advantage of this potential, a proactive governance approach is suggested. The study identifies an international opportunity to develop and apply convergence for technological, economic, environmental, and societal benefits. The panel also suggests an opportunity in the United States for implementing a program aimed at focusing disparate R and D energies into a coherent activity - a "Societal Convergence Initiative”. This study received input from leading academic, industry, government, and NGO experts from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The Comrehensive Encyclopedia of Aviation Terminologied and Concepts.
The Comrehensive Encyclopedia of Aviation Terminologied and Concepts.

Author: James Gim

Publisher: James Gim

Published: 2023-12-01

Total Pages: 1034

ISBN-13:

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Discover the ultimate aviation resource with "Aviation Terminologies," a comprehensive guide encompassing over 12,000 meticulously researched terms and 5,000 vivid illustrations. Perfect for students, pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts, this invaluable reference covers everything from general aviation to commercial airline operations, meteorology, and more. Dive into the intricate world of aviation theory and operation with accessible explanations and vibrant visuals, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the aviation industry. Elevate your understanding and passion for aviation with this groundbreaking volume.

Computer Science and Convergence
Computer Science and Convergence

Author: James (Jong Hyuk) Park

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-12-07

Total Pages: 822

ISBN-13: 9400727917

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Computer Science and Convergence is proceedings of the 3rd FTRA International Conference on Computer Science and its Applications (CSA-11) and The 2011 FTRA World Convergence Conference (FTRA WCC 2011). The topics of CSA and WCC cover the current hot topics satisfying the world-wide ever-changing needs. CSA-11 will be the most comprehensive conference focused on the various aspects of advances in computer science and its applications and will provide an opportunity for academic and industry professionals to discuss the latest issues and progress in the area of CSA. In addition, the conference will publish high quality papers which are closely related to the various theories and practical applications in CSA. Furthermore, we expect that the conference and its publications will be a trigger for further related research and technology improvements in this important subject. The main scope of CSA-11 is as follows: - Mobile and ubiquitous computing - Dependable, reliable and autonomic computing - Security and trust management - Multimedia systems and services - Networking and communications - Database and data mining - Game and software engineering - Grid, cloud and scalable computing - Embedded system and software - Artificial intelligence - Distributed and parallel algorithms - Web and internet computing - IT policy and business management WCC-11 is a major conference for scientists, engineers, and practitioners throughout the world to present the latest research, results, ideas, developments and applications in all areas of convergence technologies. The main scope of WCC-11 is as follows: - Cryptography and Security for Converged environments - Wireless sensor network for Converged environments - Multimedia for Converged environments - Advanced Vehicular Communications Technology for Converged environments - Human centric computing, P2P, Grid and Cloud computing for Converged environments - U-Healthcare for Converged environments - Strategic Security Management for Industrial Technology - Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Surveillance Systems

Convergence
Convergence

Author: Randy Deutsch

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2017-05-02

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 1119256232

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"There is today a pronounced and accelerated convergence in architecture. This convergence is occurring by doers not thinkers; in practice not academia; in building design, fabrication, and construction. It is about solution-centric individuals engaged in real time problem solving, not in abstractions. The nature of this convergence, where things are converging and what that means for architecture, is the subject of this book." —from the Introduction Those working in architecture and engineering feel pressure to work faster, at lower cost, while maintaining a high level of innovation and quality. At the same time, emergent tools and processes make this possible. Convergence is about the firms, teams and people who thrive in this environment as a result of their ability to creatively combine and innovate. It seeks to answer several timely questions: What are the tools and work processes that are converging? How are individuals and organizations converging their tools and work processes? What challenges and benefits are they seeing? What is the ultimate endgame of this convergence? What skillsets and mindsets would someone need to develop to work effectively in this changing environment? What are the implications of convergence on the role of the designer, and on design? On how we design, build, fabricate, and construct? On how we work? The book explains how convergence relates to, but ultimately differs from integration, consolidation, multi-tasking, automation, and other forms of optimization. The practice-based research builds upon the author’s research in BIM and in the collaborative leveraging of data in design and fabrication. As an investigation and meditation on the impact of technology on the education and making of design professionals Convergence explains what is happening in the world of design, and discusses the implications for the future of education, training and practice.

The Next Convergence
The Next Convergence

Author: Michael Spence

Publisher: Macmillan + ORM

Published: 2011-05-10

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 1429968710

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A Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book for 2011 With the British Industrial Revolution, part of the world's population started to experience extraordinary economic growth—leading to enormous gaps in wealth and living standards between the industrialized West and the rest of the world. This pattern of divergence reversed after World War II, and now we are midway through a century of high and accelerating growth in the developing world and a new convergence with the advanced countries—a trend that is set to reshape the world. Michael Spence, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, explains what happened to cause this dramatic shift in the prospects of the five billion people who live in developing countries. The growth rates are extraordinary, and continuing them presents unprecedented challenges in governance, international coordination, and ecological sustainability. The implications for those living in the advanced countries are great but little understood. Spence clearly and boldly describes what's at stake for all of us as he looks ahead to how the global economy will develop over the next fifty years. The Next Convergence is certain to spark a heated debate how best to move forward in the post-crisis period and reset the balance between national and international economic interests, and short-term fixes and long-term sustainability.

High Performance Computing in Science and Engineering ’02
High Performance Computing in Science and Engineering ’02

Author: Egon Krause

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 517

ISBN-13: 3642593542

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This book presents the state-of-the-art in modeling and simulation on supercomputers. Leading German research groups present their results achieved on high-end systems of the High Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS) for the year 2002. Reports cover all fields of supercomputing simulation ranging from computational fluid dynamics to computer science. Special emphasis is given to industrially relevant applications. Moreover, by presenting results for both vector sytems and micro-processor based systems the book allows to compare performance levels and usability of a variety of supercomputer architectures. It therefore becomes an indispensable guidebook to assess the impact of the Japanese Earth Simulator project on supercomputing in the years to come.

The Practice of Supply Chain Management: Where Theory and Application Converge
The Practice of Supply Chain Management: Where Theory and Application Converge

Author: Terry P. Harrison

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-04-11

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 0387272755

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For over a decade, there has been an increasing interest in the use of supply chain methods to improve performance across the entire business enterprise. Numerous industries have recognized the importance of efficient supply chain integration, and, as a result, supply chain management has become a standard part of business practice. The Practice of Supply Chain Management: Where Theory and Application Converge is a must-have volume for users of supply chain management methods, supply chain management researchers, and students in supply chain management. The objective of the book is to provide an overview of this important practice-research cycle, and it is organized into three sections: Core Concepts and Practices; Emerging Supply Chain Practices; and Supply Chain in Action. The focus of the book is on supply chain practice, but supply chain practice that has been heavily influenced by supply chain research. It is this synergy between research and practice that continues to simulate new directions for research.

3D Game Engine Design
3D Game Engine Design

Author: David Eberly

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2006-11-03

Total Pages: 1008

ISBN-13: 1482267306

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The first edition of 3D Game Engine Design was an international bestseller that sold over 17,000 copies and became an industry standard. In the six years since that book was published, graphics hardware has evolved enormously. Hardware can now be directly controlled through techniques such as shader programming, which requires an entirely new thought process of a programmer. In a way that no other book can do, this new edition shows step by step how to make a shader-based graphics engine and how to tame this new technology. Much new material has been added, including more than twice the coverage of the essential techniques of scene graph management, as well as new methods for managing memory usage in the new generation of game consoles and portable game players. There are expanded discussions of collision detection, collision avoidance, and physics—all challenging subjects for developers. The mathematics coverage is now focused towards the end of the book to separate it from the general discussion. As with the first edition, one of the most valuable features of this book is the inclusion of Wild Magic, a commercial quality game engine in source code that illustrates how to build a real-time rendering system from the lowest-level details all the way to a working game. Wild Magic Version 4 consists of over 300,000 lines of code that allows the results of programming experiments to be seen immediately. This new version of the engine is fully shader-based, runs on Windows XP, Mac OS X, and Linux, and is only available with the purchase of the book.