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Conservation Tillage in U.S. Agriculture: Environmental, Economic, and Policy Issues
by Noel UriDiscover farming techniques that will decrease soil erosion and costs!Soil erosion from U.S. croplands has long been recognized as a national problem. Conservation Tillage in U.S. Agriculture: Environmental, Economic, and Policy Issues is the first ever complete study of the costs and benefits of using conservation tillage to prevent soil erosion. Designed for professionals working in the areas of soil science, agronomy, economics, environmental studies, and agriculture, this complete study covers everything from machinery and trends in conservation tillage to its adoption to use in regions of the United States.With this in-depth manual, you will examine different types of tillage and the many benefits this practice can ensure, such as improving water quality, increasing organic matter in your soil, sequestering carbon, and providing habitat and food for wildlife. Covering the economic, environmental, and policy issues of this practice, Conservation Tillage in U.S. Agriculture features: the history of conservation tillage case studies on costs and benefits of differing conservation tillage practices with various crops tables and graphs of trends, and case studies concerning the use of different farming methods U.S. Department of Agriculture soil conservation policies how to prevent soil erosion without harming the environment factors affecting conservation tillage, adoption, and use for crops such as peanuts, potatoes, beets, tobacco, and vegetables. With the help of this book, you will measure the benefits and costs of conservation tillage based on profitability and environmental impact and explore the positive and negative environmental consequences that may involve air, land, water, and/or the health and ecological status of wildlife. Conservation Tillage in U.S. Agriculture is a timely and informative look at conservation tillage practices that will help you improve residue management and create better conditions for wildlife and the environment.
Conservation and Economic Efficiency: An Approach To Materials Policy (RFF Natural Resource Management Set)
by Talbot PageFirst Published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Conservation and Improvement of Sloping Lands, Vol. 1: Practical Understanding (Conservation and Improvement of Sloping Lands)
by P J StoreyThis book offers a positive response to the challenge to both conserve and improve the soil and water situation particularly on sloping lands. It explains how even apparently useless land can be brought into production using locally available resources.
Conservation and Improvement of Sloping Lands, Vol. 2: Practical Application - Soil Improvement (Conservation and Improvement of Sloping Lands)
by P J StoreyThis book looks at how soil develops, what makes fertile soil, and what spoils soil. Recognizing and treating mineral deficiencies, it presents the ways to improve soil texture and to improve the soil management.
Conservation and Management of Tropical Rainforests: An integrated approach to sustainability
by Eberhard F BruenigThis new edition of Conservation and Management of Tropical Rainforests applies the large body of knowledge, experience and tradition available to those who study tropical rainforests. Revised and updated in light of developments in science, technology, economics, politics, etc. and their effects on tropical forests, it describes the principles of integrated conservation and management that lead to sustainability, identifying the unifying phenomena that regulate the processes within the rainforest and that are fundamental to the ecosystem viability. Features of the natural forest and the socio-cultural ecosystems which can be mimicked in the design of self-sustaining forests are also discussed. A holistic approach to the management and conservation of rainforests is developed throughout the book. The focus on South-East Asian forestry will be widened to include Africa and Latin America. Recent controversial issues such as biofuels and carbon credits with respect to tropical forests and their inhabitants will be discussed. This book is a substantial contribution to the literature, it is a valuable resource for all those concerned with rainforests. Cover Photo: The group of five Iban resting on rocky cliffs in the Ulu Katibas in 1957 were traditional shag (Sect. 2.2, p. 86) farmers from the longhouse of Penguluh Ngali in the steep-hilly Ulu Ai (Ai river headwaters) below the Lanyak Entimau Protected Forest in the PFE (see p. 339). They were part of the native Iban complement in an exploratory survey by F.G. Browne, (Chief) Conservator of Forests Sarawak and Chairman of the Iban Resettlement Board, myself as SFO Kuching and team leader, and my assistant, D. Parson. We had crossed the watershed eastward along a former headhunter trail and got lost for an additional week in the legendary, fascinatingly wild, almost virgin-primary, timber- and biodiversity/species-rich Mixed Dipterocarp Forest (MDF, see pp. xiv and 397) of the Ulu Katibas-Kapuas hill country. Our mission was to assess three alternative land-use options: logging and conversion to production forestry; agriculture; or TPA-NP (pp. xiv-xv). Our conclusion at the end of the crossing was that only TPA - NP was feasible; the Iban farming community had to be resettled on better, more suitable land and soil in Northern Sarawak. Upon returning to Kuching, we recommended the creation of a large, continuous TPA-NP. Iban villagers, tribal leaders and the Government (Governor Sir Anthony Abell) agreed. Strict adherence to the decreed Forest Policy (see pp. 171-173) and the application of the classic phronesis approach (see p. 341) had ensured the establishment and survival of large tracts of MDF and other forest types as TPA, such as the Batang Ai National Park (20,040 ha), Ulu Sebuyau National Park (18,287 ha) and Lanyak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (182,983 ha), and enabled their inclusion in the current Malaysian (Sarawak and Sabah)-Indonesian transboundary 'Heart of Borneo' programme of biodiversity, species preservation, nature conservation and environmental protection (Photo EFB, 1957).
Conservation and Painting Techniques of Wall Paintings on the Ancient Silk Road (Cultural Heritage Science)
by Stephen Rickerby Shigeo Aoki Yoko Taniguchi Michiyo Mori Takayasu Kijima Su Bomin Fumiyoshi KirinoThis book presents recent research on ancient Silk Road wall paintings, providing an up-to-date analysis of their coloring materials and techniques, and of developments in efforts to preserve them.The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001 encouraged international collaboration between conservation research institutes to study and protect the Silk Road’s painted heritage. The collaborations led to exciting new discoveries of the rich materials used in wall painting, including diverse pigments and colorants, and various types of organic binding media. In addition, comparative research across the region revealed shared painting practices that indicate the sophisticated exchange of technologies and ideas. In parallel with these advances in technical understanding, greater awareness and sensitivity has been fostered in endeavors to preserve this fragile heritage. The book offers insights obtained from conservation projects and ongoing research, that encompass the geographical regions and periods related to the Silk Road, including from Japan, China, Korea, India and Afghanistan, and countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region. It also discusses the current issues and future challenges in the field. Featuring concise chapters, the book is a valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of cultural heritage preservation, as well as those who are not familiar with the fascinating topic of Silk Road wall painting research.
Conservation and Restoration of Built Heritage: A History of Conservation Culture and its More Recent Developments (Built Heritage and Geotechnics)
by Salvatore D'AgostinoThe word conservation, when used in the context of the preservation of built heritage, implies an intrinsically complex concept that evolved over time, since it has been influenced by the perception of history throughout time. This volume emphasises why an understanding of the cultural evolution of the conservation approach must be considered a prerequisite for architects and engineers if they are to cooperate in full harmony with historic-artistic culture for the preservation of global built heritage. In particular, the volume highlights how, during the second half of the last century, the preservation process also involved engineering – the science of making practical applications of knowledge – which, for a long time, made an uncritical use of techniques and materials and devised interventions on historical heritage that were heavily invasive. The volume also devotes special attention to the problems related to seismic risk, to which Italy, Greece and Portugal are particularly prone. Problems that emerge during the crisis and reconstruction phases are dealt with in detail, as is scheduled maintenance, as this latter approach always constitutes an improvement in the performance of the monument and is the most appropriate tool for the conservation of the built heritage. Finally, the volume collects examples of building restoration with case studies of many outstanding monuments. The work will appeal to professionals and academics in the broader fields of civil engineering (both geotechnical and structural engineering), architecture, art history, the history of architecture, restoration and cultural heritage management. This book will: Provide a critical reading of the history of conservation; Discuss materials and techniques of ancient architecture; Cover seismic vulnerability and preservation of the historic integrity of the monument; Advocate an approach based on programmed maintenance; Feature numerous case histories, including St Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the complex restoration of the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.
Conservation and Restoration of Historic Mortars and Masonry Structures: HMC 2022 (RILEM Bookseries #42)
by Violeta Bokan Bosiljkov Andreja Padovnik Tilen TurkThis book gathers the latest advances, innovations and applications in the field of historic mortars and masonry structures conservation and restoration, as presented by international researchers and professionals at the 6th Historic Mortars Conference (HMC), held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on September 21–23, 2022. It covers topics such as characterization of historic mortars and masonry structures—sampling and test methods; historic production, processing and application of mortars, renders and grouts; assessment of historic renders and plasters; conservation and preventing conservation case studies; repair mortars and grouts—requirements and design, compatibility issues, durability and effectiveness and adequacy of testing procedures. Special attention is given to historic mortars where one of the binders or the only binder is Portland cement and to the structures in which these materials are used. The contributions, which were selected through a rigorous international peer-review process, share new knowledge and exciting ideas that will help protect heritage buildings more efficiently and foster new multidisciplinary collaborations in this area.Chapter Performance Evaluation of Patch Repairs on Historic Concrete Structures (PEPS): An Overview of the Assessment Methodology is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Conservation and Utilization of Horticultural Genetic Resources
by P. E. Rajasekharan V. Ramanatha RaoThe conservation of crop genetic resources is one of the important elements in efforts to sustainably increase agricultural production in low-income countries, and to guarantee long-term food security, especially for the low-income population groups in these countries. Horticultural crops, as high-value crops, have an important role to play in revitalizing rural economies and can add significantly to national economies. Moreover, horticulture provides more than twice the number of jobs compared to traditional cereal crop production, and the shifting of conventional agriculture towards high-value horticulture has increased employment opportunities in developing countries. To exploit this potential, researchers need a vast array of horticultural genetic resources and information on new traits. Horticultural crops, which are only a part of PGRFA (Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture), are characterized by a wide and varied range of species. In fact, there are five major horticultural crop groups: fruit and nut crops, vegetables, food legumes, roots and tubers, and lastly the ornamental and medicinal group. In this context, the present book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of conservation and utilization of horticultural genetic resources, addressing contemporary approaches to conservation in connection with different technologies, including biotechnological approaches as practised in India and in some cases, globally. It includes a brief chapter on the unique nature of horticultural genetic resources, providing a rationale for viewing them as being distinct from field crop genetic resources. Subsequent chapters share insights on protocols for the conservation of selected horticultural crops ex situ, and focus on the increased need to complement these efforts with in situ conservation approaches. Geospatial tools are also briefly described, emphasizing their utility with regard to mapping and managing resources. The book also explores the wild gene pool in horticulture crops; discusses legal aspects related to horticultural genetic resources and biotechnological aspects; and describes the key aspects of sustainable management and replenishment. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for all horticulturists, graduate students, researchers, policymakers, conservationists, and NGOs engaged in horticulture in particular and biodiversity in general.
Conservation in the Internet Age: Threats and Opportunities
by Tom Vilsack James N. LevittSince the earliest days of our nation, new communications and transportation networks have enabled vast changes in how and where Americans live and work. Transcontinental railroads and telegraphs helped to open the West; mass media and interstate highways paved the way for suburban migration. In our own day, the internet and advanced logistics networks are enabling new changes on the landscape, with both positive and negative impacts on our efforts to conserve land and biodiversity. Emerging technologies have led to tremendous innovations in conservation science and resource management as well as education and advocacy efforts. At the same time, new networks have been powerful enablers of decentralization, facilitating sprawling development into previously undesirable or inaccessible areas.Conservation in the Internet Age offers an innovative, cross-disciplinary perspective on critical changes on the land and in the field of conservation. The book:provides a general overview of the impact of new technologies and networksexplores the potentially disruptive impacts of the new networks on open space and biodiversitypresents case studies of innovative ways that conservation organizations are using the new networks to pursue their missionsconsiders how rapid change in the Internet Age offers the potential for landmark conservation initiativesConservation in the Internet Age is the first book to examine the links among land use, technology, and conservation from multiple perspectives, and to suggest areas and initiatives that merit further investigation. It offers unique and valuable insight into the challenges facing the land and biodiversity conservation community in the early twenty-first century, and represents an important new work for policymakers, conservation professionals, and academics in planning, design, conservation and resource management, policy, and related fields.
Conservation of Andean Forests
by Nicola ClericiThis book addresses recent and novel studies with ecological and conservation relevance of forest ecosystems in the Andes. It provides new insights in a multi-scale perspective into forest management, landscape connectivity changes, forest biomass patterns and species composition, and biological invasions of Andean forests, in a context of anthropogenic disturbance and global change. The studies cover gradients of forest ecosystems from Venezuela to southern Chile.
Conservation of Built Heritage in India: Heritage Mapping and Spatializing Values (Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements)
by Vijayalaxmi J.This book focuses on the Heritage Conservation of Architecture, Historic Districts of a City and Conservation strategies with specific case studies from India, in order to highlight the need for conserving the rich piece of history through research, education, advocacy, and practice. The historic significance and the condition mapping of the subjects are carried out through primary field studies by the authors at School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, India. The cases are analysed, and appropriate solutions and sustainable strategies are evolved for the conservation of the buildings facing contemporary challenges. The contents align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11), Target 11.4 which aims to “strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage'. This would ensure that a rich piece of history is documented and analysed to ensure that it is not erased and forgotten. This book serves as a bountiful data base of literature as well as conservation strategies for heritage conservationists, students of architectural conservation and researchers.
Conservation of Modern Oil Paintings
by Aviva Burnstock Gunnar Heydenreich Katrien Keune Klaas Jan van den Berg Ilaria Bonaduce Bronwyn Ormsby Mikkel Scharff Leslie CarlyleArtists’ oil paints have become increasingly complex and diverse in the 20th Century, applied by artists in a variety of ways. This has led to a number of issues that pose increasing difficulties to conservators and collection keepers. A deeper knowledge of the artists’ intent as well as processes associated with material changes in paintings is important to conservation, which is almost always a compromise between material preservation and aesthetics. This volume represents 46 peer-reviewed papers presented at the Conference of Modern Oil Paints held in Amsterdam in 2018. The book contains a compilation of articles on oil paints and paintings in the 20th Century, partly presenting the outcome of the European JPI project ‘Cleaning of Modern Oil Paints’. It is also a follow-up on ‘Issues in Contemporary Oil Paint’ (Springer, 2014). The chapters cover a range of themes and topics such as: patents and paint manufacturing in the 20th Century; characterization of modern-contemporary oil paints and paint surfaces; artists’ materials and techniques; the artists’ voice and influence on perception of curators, conservators and scientists; model studies on paint degradation and long term stability; approaches to conservation of oil paintings; practical surface treatment and display. The book will help conservators and curators recognise problems and interpret visual changes on paintings, which in turn give a more solid basis for decisions on the treatment of these paintings.
Conservation of Tropical Coral Reefs: A Review of Financial and Strategic Solutions
by Brian Joseph McFarlandThis book critically engages with how the conservation of tropical coral reefs is financed. Beginning with the context of tropical coral reef degradation and loss, alongside an overview of tropical ecology, global environmental policy and finance, the book reviews several conservation financing instruments. These include ecotourism, debt-for-nature swaps, impact investments, and government domestic budgetary expenditures. From the Great Barrier Reef, to the Coral Triangle, to the Mesoamerican Reef, tropical coral reef degradation and loss are serious global environmental issues, contributing to loss revenue and food insecurity for coastal communities, and species extinction. Yet, many leading companies, individuals, and governments are making a positive impact on tropical coral reef conservation through the use of conservation finance. Conservation of Tropical Coral Reefs, using 30 case studies which span 23 countries and 6 continents, tells the history of international conservation finance and provides a variety of options for individuals, businesses, and governments to support conservation financing projects.
Conservation, Management and Monitoring of Forest Resources in India
by Mehebub Sahana Gopala Areendran Krishna RajThis volume is devoted to compiling recent advancements, methodological improvements, new processing techniques, integration methods and rigorous applications associated with conceptual techniques on the conservation and monitoring of forest resources for a scientific audience, with a focus on cases and applications in India. The primary objective of the book is to advance the scientific understanding of the recent trends and technological improvements in forest conservation, management and related research themes in forest resources and human-wildlife interactions. The book is organized into five sections: (I) Forest Conservation Ecology (II) Forest Conservation and Society (III) Forest Management (IV) Forest Monitoring using GIS and Remote Sensing and (V) Human Wildlife Conflicts. It covers various research themes related to forestry, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, forest management and human-wildlife conflict research, and therefore will be beneficial to a diverse range of researchers, scientific organizations, wildlife scientists, biologists, ecologists and planners in the fields of wildlife and forestry. The book will further be of use to post-graduates, PhD research scholars, professors, geospatial experts, modellers, foresters, agricultural scientists, biologists, ecologists, environmental consultants and big data compilers.
Conservative Finite-Difference Methods on General Grids (Symbolic & Numeric Computation #6)
by Mikhail ShashkovThis new book deals with the construction of finite-difference (FD) algorithms for three main types of equations: elliptic equations, heat equations, and gas dynamic equations in Lagrangian form. These methods can be applied to domains of arbitrary shapes. The construction of FD algorithms for all types of equations is done on the basis of the support-operators method (SOM). This method constructs the FD analogs of main invariant differential operators of first order such as the divergence, the gradient, and the curl. This book is unique because it is the first book not in Russian to present the support-operators ideas.Conservative Finite-Difference Methods on General Grids is completely self-contained, presenting all the background material necessary for understanding. The book provides the tools needed by scientists and engineers to solve a wide range of practical engineering problems. An abundance of tables and graphs support and explain methods. The book details all algorithms needed for implementation. A 3.5" IBM compatible computer diskette with the main algorithms in FORTRAN accompanies text for easy use.
Conserving 20th-Century Architecture: The Conservation Management Plan (Research for Development)
by Maria Paola Borgarino Davide Del CurtoThis book offers an international overview of how to apply the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to the 20th-century architectural heritage. Although the CMP is universally considered a fundamental tool for sustainable management of the built heritage, the application to 20th-century buildings is still limited. The book illustrates selected case studies from different countries to discuss how best to preserve the authenticity of the original materials, manage changes in use, engage users and stakeholders in this process, and make conservation and sustainability work together. "Conserving 20th-century architecture" will provide insights for scholars and students and assist architects in drafting an effective conservation management plan.
Conserving Humanity at the Dawn of Posthuman Technology
by Joseph R. Carvalko Jr.This volume examines the latest scientific and technological developments likely to shape our post-human future. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the author argues that we stand at the precipice of an evolutionary change caused by genetic engineering and anatomically embedded digital and informational technologies. The author delves into current scientific initiatives that will lead to the emergence of super smart individuals with unique creative capacities. He draws on technology, psychology and philosophy to consider humans-as-they-are relative to autonomy, creativity, and their place in a future shared with ‘post humans.’ The author discusses the current state of bioethics and technology law, both which policymakers, beset by a torrent of revolutionary advances in bioengineering, are attempting to steer. Significantly, Carvalko addresses why we must both preserve the narratives that brought us to this moment and continue to express our humanity through, music, art, and literature, to ensure that, as a uniquely creative species, we don’t simply vanish in the ether of an evolution brought about by our own technology.
Conserving Plant Genetic Diversity in Protected Areas: Population Management of Crop Wild Relatives
by Nigel Maxted Mohammad Ehsan Dulloo José María IriondoRather than the usual focus on rare or endangered plants and ex situ efforts in conserving plant biodiversity, Iriondo (biodiversity and conservation, U. Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain) and the co-editors are devoted to the conservation of the genetic diversity of crop wild relatives in their natural environments. After presenting the increasingly urgent rationale for such conservation efforts, contributors to seven chapters address international/national initiatives including integrating efforts to maintain plant diversity with protected area management, issues in reserve location and design, monitoring technologies, and habitat recovery techniques. The volume includes highlighted case studies, and color plates of plants, interaction with local peoples for successful wild relative crop conservation, monitoring activities, a gene bank, and native plant nursery. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Conserving Stone Heritage: Traditional and Innovative Materials and Techniques (Cultural Heritage Science)
by Francesca Gherardi Pagona Noni MaravelakiThe design of treatments for the conservation of stone in historical buildings and works of art is a challenging task, as a deep understanding of the working properties and performance of the available products and methods is required to tackle complex decay patterns.The chapters in this book illustrate the state of the art on traditional and innovative materials and methods for stone conservation, examining current trends and future perspectives. Each of them is focused on describing the consequent phases that complement the spectrum of the conservation intervention: preliminary investigations, condition assessment, and mapping of the deterioration patterns; surface cleaning, with a specific focus on laser technology; consolidation; protection; repair mortars and grouts; and onsite assessment and monitoring of conservation treatments. The performance of the applied conservation interventions is criticized and discussed with an aim of providing the specialists with specific tools for stone conservation. This book intends to bridge the gap between laboratory studies and conservation interventions, by linking together the diverse scientific areas involved in the preservation of stone heritage. Different case studies are included, highlighting specific conservation challenges and their solutions in order to understand and overcome them. The aim is to guide conservators, conservation scientists and heritage stakeholders in the selection of compatible and sustainable materials and techniques for Conserving Stone Heritage.
Consider a Spherical Patent: IP and Patenting in Technology Business
by Joseph E. GortychGet Critical Insight into the Modern Patenting Scene We are now living in the "IP Era of the Information Age" where technology businesses are placing increasing emphasis on intellectual property (IP) as a way to add to their bottom lines. As a consequence, those working in a technology business or organization will inevitably be thrust into working
Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat
by Bee WilsonSince prehistory, humans have striven to tame fire and ice, and have braved the business ends of mashers, scrapers, and razor-sharp knives--all in the name of creating something delicious (or, at least, edible). The technology of food matters even when we barely notice it is there, but in recent years kitchen technology has become increasingly elaborate and eye-catching, transforming the old-fashioned home kitchen into a bristling stainless steel laboratory. Far from a new development, however, the modern kitchen is only the most recent iteration of an ancient lineage of food technology, as acclaimed food historian Bee Wilson reveals in Consider the Fork. Many of our technologies for preparing food have remained strikingly consistent for thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans already had pestles and mortars. Knives--perhaps mankind's most important gastronomic tool--predate the discovery of that other basic technology, fire. Other tools emerged quite suddenly (like the microwave, whose secrets were unlocked during radar tests conducted during World War II) or in fits and starts (like the fork, which had to endure centuries of ridicule before finally gaining widespread acceptance). For every technology that has endured, others have fallen by the wayside. We no longer feel the need for andirons and bastables, cider owls and dangle spits, even though in their day these would have seemed no more superfluous than our oil drizzlers and electric herb choppers. The evolution of food technology offers a unique window into human history, and Wilson blends history, science, and personal anecdotes as she traces the different technologies that have shaped--or slashed, pounded, whisked, or heated (and reheated)--our meals over the centuries. Along the way she reveals some fascinating facts--showing, for instance, how China's cuisine, its knives, and its eating utensils are all the product of the country's historically scarce fuel supply. To conserve energy, chefs rendered their ingredients quick-cooking by using large, multi-purpose chopping knives to reduce food to small, bite-sized morsels. This technique, in turn, gave rise to the chopstick, which cannot cut. What's more, the discovery of the knife--in Asia and elsewhere--was likely what gave humans our distinctive overbite. Before humans learned to fashion knives out of sharpened rocks, many of us cut our food by clamping it in our front teeth, which gave us perfectly aligned rows of teeth. But Wilson shows that, far from being adventurous innovators, cooks are a notoriously conservative bunch, and only adopt new technologies with great reluctance. The gas range revolutionized cooking when it was first introduced in the 19th century by promising to end "hearth deaths," a constant danger for women wearing billowing, flammable clothing. But indoor gas cooking--safer and more efficient--was nevertheless greeted with widespread suspicion when it was first introduced. Many chefs feared it would taint their food or poison their guests. The same hold true for the refrigerator, which was initially condemned as an unnatural technology that risked changing the fundamental "essence" of food. Perhaps the one exception to this technophobia, says Wilson, was the egg beater, new patents for which proliferated so astonishingly in late 19th-century America. In this fascinating history, Wilson reveals the myriad innovations that have shaped our diets today. An insightful look at how we've changed food and how food has changed us, Consider the Fork reveals the astonishing ways in which the implements we use in the kitchen affect what we eat, how we eat, and how we relate to food.
Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks and Computational Frameworks (Chapman & Hall/CRC Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Series)
by Soenke Ziesche Roman V. YampolskiyThis seminal volume offers an interdisciplinary exploration into the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and its societal implications. Written by leading scholars Soenke Ziesche and Roman V. Yampolskiy, the book delves into a multitude of topics that address the rapid technological advancements in AI and the ethical dilemmas that arise as a result.The topics explored range from an in-depth look at AI welfare science and policy frameworks to the mathematical underpinnings of machine intelligence. These subjects include discussions on preserving our personal identity in technological contexts as well as on the question of AI identity, innovative proposals towards the critical AI value alignment problem and a call to merge Western and non-Western approaches towards universal AI ethics. The work also introduces unconventional yet crucial angles, such as the concept of "ikigai" in AI ethics and a pioneering attempt to map a potential AI-driven ikigai universe as well as the role of design formalisation, or "Designometry," in the creation of artefacts.By offering a balanced mix of theoretical and applied insights, the book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers and anyone interested in the future of AI and the extent of its impact on society.
Consilience: Learning About Ourselves by Applying Indigenous Traditions to Western Music and Technology (Synthesis Lectures on Engineers, Technology, & Society)
by Ann-Perry Witmer Jess Mingee Bernhard D. ScullyThis series of essays, written by scholars and practitioners of engineering and music after visits to indigenous communities in Bolivia and Sierra Leone, illustrate the experiences, conversations, and insights that arose from consilient research. As the authors and contributors dive more deeply into each other’s Western traditions of expertise, a surprising commonality emerges between music and technology – a commonality rooted in ignorance toward the power of indigeneity. This is an unexplored area of inquiry in both engineering and music. Each discipline follows rigorous traditions in Western academic institutions that have not only disregarded but have demeaned ancestral and indigenous traditions. By bringing together diverse artists and engineers, this exploration examines how engaging with non-Western knowledge can alter the understanding of Western experts in any field.
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation
by Blake J. HarrisNow a documentary on CBS All Access. Following the success of The Accidental Billionaires and Moneyball comes Console Wars—a mesmerizing, behind-the-scenes business thriller that chronicles how Sega, a small, scrappy gaming company led by an unlikely visionary and a team of rebels, took on the juggernaut Nintendo and revolutionized the video game industry. In 1990, Nintendo had a virtual monopoly on the video game industry. Sega, on the other hand, was just a faltering arcade company with big aspirations and even bigger personalities. But that would all change with the arrival of Tom Kalinske, a man who knew nothing about videogames and everything about fighting uphill battles. His unconventional tactics, combined with the blood, sweat and bold ideas of his renegade employees, transformed Sega and eventually led to a ruthless David-and-Goliath showdown with rival Nintendo.The battle was vicious, relentless, and highly profitable, eventually sparking a global corporate war that would be fought on several fronts: from living rooms and schoolyards to boardrooms and Congress. It was a once-in-a-lifetime, no-holds-barred conflict that pitted brother against brother, kid against adult, Sonic against Mario, and the US against Japan.Based on over two hundred interviews with former Sega and Nintendo employees, Console Wars is the underdog tale of how Kalinske miraculously turned an industry punchline into a market leader. It’s the story of how a humble family man, with an extraordinary imagination and a gift for turning problems into competitive advantages, inspired a team of underdogs to slay a giant and, as a result, birth a $60 billion dollar industry.A best book of the year: NPR, Slate, Publishers Weekly, Goodreads