The Coming Convergence

The Coming Convergence PDF Author: Stanley Schmidt
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 1615921168
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Get Book Here

Book Description
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 Coming Convergence

The Coming Convergence PDF Author: Stanley Schmidt
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 1615921168
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Get Book Here

Book Description
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 PDF Author: Faisal Hoque
Publisher: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn
ISBN: 0814416950
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 256

Get Book Here

Book Description
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 PDF Author: Mihail C. Roco
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3319022040
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 603

Get Book Here

Book Description
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. PDF Author: James Gim
Publisher: James Gim
ISBN:
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 1034

Get Book Here

Book Description
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 PDF Author: James (Jong Hyuk) Park
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400727917
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 822

Get Book Here

Book Description
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

The Next Convergence

The Next Convergence PDF Author: Michael Spence
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
ISBN: 1429968710
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 316

Get Book Here

Book Description
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.

The Baltics

The Baltics PDF Author: International Monetary Fund
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1451805365
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 64

Get Book Here

Book Description
This paper on the Baltic countries analyzes medium-term fiscal issues related to European Union (EU) and NATO accession. The paper supports the Baltic authorities’ intention to aim at balancing their budgets over the economic cycle. The paper describes the Baltics’ current fiscal position and structure. It reviews theory and empirical evidence of the possible macroeconomic benefits of fiscal adjustment. It also reviews the experience of earlier EU accession countries prior to and after their accession. The medium-term fiscal frameworks are also presented.

The Power of Convergence

The Power of Convergence PDF Author: Faisal Hoque
Publisher: AMACOM
ISBN: 0814416969
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 257

Get Book Here

Book Description
From technology giants to major airlines to government agencies, the landscape is littered with the shells of once-promising enterprises that failed to partner technology and business. Their lost opportunities and billions wasted provide a much-needed wake-up call to businesses. In this forward-thinking guide, author Faisal Hoque adopts that call to teach readers how to capture and leverage the power of business-technology convergence. The Power of Convergence provides the framework and mechanisms for uniting business and technology, seeding horizontal collaborations and partnering opportunities, and capturing strategic possibilities created through convergence. Readers will also discover the importance of not only laying the groundwork for the role of technology in business, but also institutionalizing operational practices to pave the way for continued success. No technology should be developed or deployed without a full vision of how it serves the greater needs of the company. Rather, technology should be so tightly intertwined with strategy that the two drive each other, with each at the ready when market opportunity materializes--however suddenly. With compelling examples of successes and failures at organizations from Ford Motor Company to the FBI, The Power of Convergence provides business leaders with the tools they need to overcome the business/technology disconnect and utilize these both to achieve sustainable results.

HPC, Big Data, and AI Convergence Towards Exascale

HPC, Big Data, and AI Convergence Towards Exascale PDF Author: Olivier Terzo
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000485110
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 323

Get Book Here

Book Description
HPC, Big Data, AI Convergence Towards Exascale provides an updated vision on the most advanced computing, storage, and interconnection technologies, that are at basis of convergence among the HPC, Cloud, Big Data, and artificial intelligence (AI) domains. Through the presentation of the solutions devised within recently founded H2020 European projects, this book provides an insight on challenges faced by integrating such technologies and in achieving performance and energy efficiency targets towards the exascale level. Emphasis is given to innovative ways of provisioning and managing resources, as well as monitoring their usage. Industrial and scientific use cases give to the reader practical examples of the needs for a cross-domain convergence. All the chapters in this book pave the road to new generation of technologies, support their development and, in addition, verify them on real-world problems. The readers will find this book useful because it provides an overview of currently available technologies that fit with the concept of unified Cloud-HPC-Big Data-AI applications and presents examples of their actual use in scientific and industrial applications.

The Pandora Core

The Pandora Core PDF Author: Johnny B. Truant
Publisher: Johnny B. Truant
ISBN:
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 387

Get Book Here

Book Description
Eila, Eve, Abbie, and their small band of allies find themselves on the run again. Fleeing North from the all-but-ruined Waldron’s Gate, they are on a quest to carry the precious core of the Blunderbuss to safety. But they are not alone. Pursued by a creature calling itself Leviathan, as well as by operatives from Waldron’s Gate, and soldiers from Stensue, this rag-tag band has to draw on all of their collective courage and skills at each step of the journey. As the rebels press on, Juliette journeys to Athenia in a desperate gambit for allies and worldwide consensus on confronting the coming crisis. But has she overplayed her hand? Their treacherous odyssey takes Eila and her friends through the lands of Thesic and Aerohead on their way to their ultimate destination: The Celestial Gate. The Pandora Core, book four in The Dream Engine Series, ratchets the tension up to eleven, turning the careful world of Alterra and its foes beyond inside out.