Detecting and Explaining Technological Innovation in Prehistory

Detecting and Explaining Technological Innovation in Prehistory

Author: Michela Spataro

Publisher:

Published: 2019-12-19

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9789088908248

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Technology refers to any set of standardised procedures for transforming raw materials into finished products. Innovation consists of any change in technology which has tangible and lasting effect on human practices, whether or not it provides utilitarian advantages. Prehistoric societies were never static, but the tempo of innovation occasionally increased to the point that we can refer to transformation taking place. Prehistorians must therefore identify factors promoting or hindering innovation.This volume stems from an international workshop, organised by the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 'Scales of Transformation' at Kiel University in November 2017. The meeting challenged its participants to detect and explain technological change in the past and its role in transformation processes, using archaeological and ethnographic case studies. The papers draw mainly on examples from prehistoric Europe, but case-studies from Iran, the Indus Valley, and contemporary central America are also included. The authors adopt several perspectives, including cultural-historical, economic, environmental, demographic, functional, and agent-based approaches.These case studies often rely on interdisciplinary research, whereby field archaeology, archaeometric analysis, experimental archaeology and ethnographic research are used together to observe and explain innovations and changes in the artisan's repertoire. The results demonstrate that interdisciplinary research is becoming essential to understanding transformation phenomena in prehistoric archaeology, superseding typo-chronological description and comparison.This book is a scholarly publication aimed at academic researchers, particularly archaeologists and archaeological scientists working on ceramics, osseous and metal artifacts.


Book Synopsis Detecting and Explaining Technological Innovation in Prehistory by : Michela Spataro

Download or read book Detecting and Explaining Technological Innovation in Prehistory written by Michela Spataro and published by . This book was released on 2019-12-19 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Technology refers to any set of standardised procedures for transforming raw materials into finished products. Innovation consists of any change in technology which has tangible and lasting effect on human practices, whether or not it provides utilitarian advantages. Prehistoric societies were never static, but the tempo of innovation occasionally increased to the point that we can refer to transformation taking place. Prehistorians must therefore identify factors promoting or hindering innovation.This volume stems from an international workshop, organised by the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 'Scales of Transformation' at Kiel University in November 2017. The meeting challenged its participants to detect and explain technological change in the past and its role in transformation processes, using archaeological and ethnographic case studies. The papers draw mainly on examples from prehistoric Europe, but case-studies from Iran, the Indus Valley, and contemporary central America are also included. The authors adopt several perspectives, including cultural-historical, economic, environmental, demographic, functional, and agent-based approaches.These case studies often rely on interdisciplinary research, whereby field archaeology, archaeometric analysis, experimental archaeology and ethnographic research are used together to observe and explain innovations and changes in the artisan's repertoire. The results demonstrate that interdisciplinary research is becoming essential to understanding transformation phenomena in prehistoric archaeology, superseding typo-chronological description and comparison.This book is a scholarly publication aimed at academic researchers, particularly archaeologists and archaeological scientists working on ceramics, osseous and metal artifacts.


Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development

Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development

Author: Franz W. Gatzweiler

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-02-19

Total Pages: 435

ISBN-13: 3319257188

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The aim of the book is to present contributions in theory, policy and practice to the science and policy of sustainable intensification by means of technological and institutional innovations in agriculture. The research insights re from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The purpose of this book is to be a reference for students, scholars and practitioners inthe field of science and policy for understanding and identifying agricultural productivity growth potentials in marginalized areas.


Book Synopsis Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development by : Franz W. Gatzweiler

Download or read book Technological and Institutional Innovations for Marginalized Smallholders in Agricultural Development written by Franz W. Gatzweiler and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-02-19 with total page 435 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The aim of the book is to present contributions in theory, policy and practice to the science and policy of sustainable intensification by means of technological and institutional innovations in agriculture. The research insights re from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The purpose of this book is to be a reference for students, scholars and practitioners inthe field of science and policy for understanding and identifying agricultural productivity growth potentials in marginalized areas.


Innovation and Its Enemies

Innovation and Its Enemies

Author: Calestous Juma

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-06-06

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0190467053

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It is a curious situation that technologies we now take for granted have, when first introduced, so often stoked public controversy and concern for public welfare. At the root of this tension is the perception that the benefits of new technologies will accrue only to small sections of society, while the risks will be more widely distributed. Drawing from nearly 600 years of technology history, Calestous Juma identifies the tension between the need for innovation and the pressure to maintain continuity, social order, and stability as one of today's biggest policy challenges. He reveals the extent to which modern technological controversies grow out of distrust in public and private institutions and shows how new technologies emerge, take root, and create new institutional ecologies that favor their establishment in the marketplace. Innovation and Its Enemies calls upon public leaders to work with scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to manage technological change and expand public engagement on scientific and technological matters.


Book Synopsis Innovation and Its Enemies by : Calestous Juma

Download or read book Innovation and Its Enemies written by Calestous Juma and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016-06-06 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is a curious situation that technologies we now take for granted have, when first introduced, so often stoked public controversy and concern for public welfare. At the root of this tension is the perception that the benefits of new technologies will accrue only to small sections of society, while the risks will be more widely distributed. Drawing from nearly 600 years of technology history, Calestous Juma identifies the tension between the need for innovation and the pressure to maintain continuity, social order, and stability as one of today's biggest policy challenges. He reveals the extent to which modern technological controversies grow out of distrust in public and private institutions and shows how new technologies emerge, take root, and create new institutional ecologies that favor their establishment in the marketplace. Innovation and Its Enemies calls upon public leaders to work with scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to manage technological change and expand public engagement on scientific and technological matters.


The Future of Home Health Care

The Future of Home Health Care

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-08-04

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 0309367565

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, and functional impairments need a range of services and supports to keep living independently. However, there often is not a strong link between medical care provided in the home and the necessary social services and supports for independent living. Home health agencies and others are rising to the challenges of meeting the needs and demands of these populations to stay at home by exploring alternative models of care and payment approaches, the best use of their workforces, and technologies that can enhance independent living. All of these challenges and opportunities lead to the consideration of how home health care fits into the future health care system overall. On September 30 and October 1, 2014, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council convened a public workshop on the future of home health care. The workshop brought together a spectrum of public and private stakeholders and thought leaders to improve understanding of the current role of Medicare home health care in supporting aging in place and in helping high-risk, chronically ill, and disabled Americans receive health care in their communities. Through presentations and discussion, participants explored the evolving role of Medicare home health care in caring for Americans in the future, including how to integrate Medicare home health care into new models for the delivery of care and the future health care marketplace. The workshop also considered the key policy reforms and investments in workforces, technologies, and research needed to leverage the value of home health care to support older Americans, and research priorities that can help clarify the value of home health care. This summary captures important points raised by the individual speakers and workshop participants.


Book Synopsis The Future of Home Health Care by : National Research Council

Download or read book The Future of Home Health Care written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-08-04 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, and functional impairments need a range of services and supports to keep living independently. However, there often is not a strong link between medical care provided in the home and the necessary social services and supports for independent living. Home health agencies and others are rising to the challenges of meeting the needs and demands of these populations to stay at home by exploring alternative models of care and payment approaches, the best use of their workforces, and technologies that can enhance independent living. All of these challenges and opportunities lead to the consideration of how home health care fits into the future health care system overall. On September 30 and October 1, 2014, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council convened a public workshop on the future of home health care. The workshop brought together a spectrum of public and private stakeholders and thought leaders to improve understanding of the current role of Medicare home health care in supporting aging in place and in helping high-risk, chronically ill, and disabled Americans receive health care in their communities. Through presentations and discussion, participants explored the evolving role of Medicare home health care in caring for Americans in the future, including how to integrate Medicare home health care into new models for the delivery of care and the future health care marketplace. The workshop also considered the key policy reforms and investments in workforces, technologies, and research needed to leverage the value of home health care to support older Americans, and research priorities that can help clarify the value of home health care. This summary captures important points raised by the individual speakers and workshop participants.


Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change

Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-12-06

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 0309155940

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Climate change, driven by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, poses serious, wide-ranging threats to human societies and natural ecosystems around the world. The largest overall source of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels. The global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas of concern, is increasing by roughly two parts per million per year, and the United States is currently the second-largest contributor to global emissions behind China. Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change, part of the congressionally requested America's Climate Choices suite of studies, focuses on the role of the United States in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The book concludes that in order to ensure that all levels of government, the private sector, and millions of households and individuals are contributing to shared national goals, the United States should establish a "budget" that sets a limit on total domestic greenhouse emissions from 2010-2050. Meeting such a budget would require a major departure from business as usual in the way the nation produces and uses energy-and that the nation act now to aggressively deploy all available energy efficiencies and less carbon-intensive technologies and to develop new ones. With no financial incentives or regulatory pressure, the nation will continue to rely upon and "lock in" carbon-intensive technologies and systems unless a carbon pricing system is established-either cap-and-trade, a system of taxing emissions, or a combination of the two. Complementary policies are also needed to accelerate progress in key areas: developing more efficient, less carbon-intense energy sources in electricity and transportation; advancing full-scale development of new-generation nuclear power, carbon capture, and storage systems; and amending emissions-intensive energy infrastructure. Research and development of new technologies that could help reduce emissions more cost effectively than current options is also strongly recommended.


Book Synopsis Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change by : National Research Council

Download or read book Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-12-06 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Climate change, driven by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, poses serious, wide-ranging threats to human societies and natural ecosystems around the world. The largest overall source of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels. The global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas of concern, is increasing by roughly two parts per million per year, and the United States is currently the second-largest contributor to global emissions behind China. Limiting the Magnitude of Future Climate Change, part of the congressionally requested America's Climate Choices suite of studies, focuses on the role of the United States in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The book concludes that in order to ensure that all levels of government, the private sector, and millions of households and individuals are contributing to shared national goals, the United States should establish a "budget" that sets a limit on total domestic greenhouse emissions from 2010-2050. Meeting such a budget would require a major departure from business as usual in the way the nation produces and uses energy-and that the nation act now to aggressively deploy all available energy efficiencies and less carbon-intensive technologies and to develop new ones. With no financial incentives or regulatory pressure, the nation will continue to rely upon and "lock in" carbon-intensive technologies and systems unless a carbon pricing system is established-either cap-and-trade, a system of taxing emissions, or a combination of the two. Complementary policies are also needed to accelerate progress in key areas: developing more efficient, less carbon-intense energy sources in electricity and transportation; advancing full-scale development of new-generation nuclear power, carbon capture, and storage systems; and amending emissions-intensive energy infrastructure. Research and development of new technologies that could help reduce emissions more cost effectively than current options is also strongly recommended.


Technological Transitions and System Innovations

Technological Transitions and System Innovations

Author: Frank W. Geels

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9781845424596

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This important book addresses how long term and large scale shifts from one socio-technical system to another come about, using insights from evolutionary economics, sociology of technology and innovation studies. These major changes involve not just technological changes, but also changes in markets, regulation, culture, industrial networks and infrastructure. The book develops a multi-level perspective, arguing that transitions take place through the alignment of multiple processes at three levels: niche, regime and landscape. This perspective is illustrated by detailed historical case studies: the transition from sailing ships to steamships, the transition from horse-and-carriage to automobiles and the transition from propeller-piston engine aircraft to turbojets. This book will be of great interest to researchers in innovation studies, evolutionary economics, sociology of technology and environmental studies. It will also be useful for policy makers involved in long-term sustainability and systems transitions issues.


Book Synopsis Technological Transitions and System Innovations by : Frank W. Geels

Download or read book Technological Transitions and System Innovations written by Frank W. Geels and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2005-01-01 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This important book addresses how long term and large scale shifts from one socio-technical system to another come about, using insights from evolutionary economics, sociology of technology and innovation studies. These major changes involve not just technological changes, but also changes in markets, regulation, culture, industrial networks and infrastructure. The book develops a multi-level perspective, arguing that transitions take place through the alignment of multiple processes at three levels: niche, regime and landscape. This perspective is illustrated by detailed historical case studies: the transition from sailing ships to steamships, the transition from horse-and-carriage to automobiles and the transition from propeller-piston engine aircraft to turbojets. This book will be of great interest to researchers in innovation studies, evolutionary economics, sociology of technology and environmental studies. It will also be useful for policy makers involved in long-term sustainability and systems transitions issues.


Neuroscience Trials of the Future

Neuroscience Trials of the Future

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-11-07

Total Pages: 111

ISBN-13: 0309442583

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

On March 3-4, 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop in Washington, DC, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for improving the integrity, efficiency, and validity of clinical trials for nervous system disorders. Participants in the workshop represented a range of diverse perspectives, including individuals not normally associated with traditional clinical trials. The purpose of this workshop was to generate discussion about not only what is feasible now, but what may be possible with the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the future.


Book Synopsis Neuroscience Trials of the Future by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Neuroscience Trials of the Future written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2016-11-07 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On March 3-4, 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop in Washington, DC, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities for improving the integrity, efficiency, and validity of clinical trials for nervous system disorders. Participants in the workshop represented a range of diverse perspectives, including individuals not normally associated with traditional clinical trials. The purpose of this workshop was to generate discussion about not only what is feasible now, but what may be possible with the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the future.


Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations

Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations

Author: Howard, Caroline

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2013-01-31

Total Pages: 413

ISBN-13: 1466627832

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations brings together research from practitioners on the development, use, and importance of information technology in order to achieve organizational performance. This comprehensive collection is useful for academicians, scholars, researchers and other industry professionals to provide an understanding of strategy and use of information systems in organizations and entities.


Book Synopsis Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations by : Howard, Caroline

Download or read book Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations written by Howard, Caroline and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2013-01-31 with total page 413 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Strategic Adoption of Technological Innovations brings together research from practitioners on the development, use, and importance of information technology in order to achieve organizational performance. This comprehensive collection is useful for academicians, scholars, researchers and other industry professionals to provide an understanding of strategy and use of information systems in organizations and entities.


Advances in Technological Innovations in Higher Education

Advances in Technological Innovations in Higher Education

Author: Adarsh Garg

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2024-03-29

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 1003859755

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The evolution of technology in education can no longer be comprehended simply by looking at the use of computers and networks. Technology is not just a supplementary tool to the conventional method of education. Education has to undergo a complete transformation with technological innovations for the sustainability of quality education as a system and not in silos. Sustainability in education also necessitates a more workable strategy to realize socially viable educational policies and practices which can focus more on personalized learning. Due to various factors like emerging technologies; changing needs of the learners; policy reforms for enhancing employability; and emphasis on uninterrupted education as in the case of the pandemic scenario of COVID-19, there is a need to steer a major transition in the education system. The education system has to be real and proficient for it to be instrumental to nurture an informed and knowledgeable society. This book on technological innovations in higher education is organized, largely, based on the diversity of higher education ecosystems that are supported by technological innovations. Various author viewpoints give insights into the full potential of technology as well as its risks in interrelated areas of higher education to work towards sustainability of value-based quality education across the globe.


Book Synopsis Advances in Technological Innovations in Higher Education by : Adarsh Garg

Download or read book Advances in Technological Innovations in Higher Education written by Adarsh Garg and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2024-03-29 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The evolution of technology in education can no longer be comprehended simply by looking at the use of computers and networks. Technology is not just a supplementary tool to the conventional method of education. Education has to undergo a complete transformation with technological innovations for the sustainability of quality education as a system and not in silos. Sustainability in education also necessitates a more workable strategy to realize socially viable educational policies and practices which can focus more on personalized learning. Due to various factors like emerging technologies; changing needs of the learners; policy reforms for enhancing employability; and emphasis on uninterrupted education as in the case of the pandemic scenario of COVID-19, there is a need to steer a major transition in the education system. The education system has to be real and proficient for it to be instrumental to nurture an informed and knowledgeable society. This book on technological innovations in higher education is organized, largely, based on the diversity of higher education ecosystems that are supported by technological innovations. Various author viewpoints give insights into the full potential of technology as well as its risks in interrelated areas of higher education to work towards sustainability of value-based quality education across the globe.


Modeling Environment-Improving Technological Innovations Under Uncertainty

Modeling Environment-Improving Technological Innovations Under Uncertainty

Author: Alexander Golub

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2008-12-08

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 1134041209

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book presents a compendium of methodologies for evaluating the economic impact of technological innovation upon climate-change policy. There is a broad consensus on the key elements of climate-change science and agreement that near-term actions are needed to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. However, there is little agreement on the costs and benefits of climate policy. Any policy implementation will result in an irreversible but environment-improving investment in alternative technologies; this change will generate immediately-realized costs but significantly-delayed benefits. Hence, a critical element in policy selection is the inherent uncertainty in the climate and economy that can be expected over time.


Book Synopsis Modeling Environment-Improving Technological Innovations Under Uncertainty by : Alexander Golub

Download or read book Modeling Environment-Improving Technological Innovations Under Uncertainty written by Alexander Golub and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2008-12-08 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a compendium of methodologies for evaluating the economic impact of technological innovation upon climate-change policy. There is a broad consensus on the key elements of climate-change science and agreement that near-term actions are needed to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. However, there is little agreement on the costs and benefits of climate policy. Any policy implementation will result in an irreversible but environment-improving investment in alternative technologies; this change will generate immediately-realized costs but significantly-delayed benefits. Hence, a critical element in policy selection is the inherent uncertainty in the climate and economy that can be expected over time.