Technology & Engineering Audiobooks | Science & Technology

Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization

How optimization took over the world and the urgent case for a new approach Optimization is the driving principle of our modern world. We now can manufacture, transport, and organize things more cheaply and faster than ever. Optimized models underlie everything from airline schedules to dating site matches. We strive for efficiency in our daily lives, obsessed with productivity and optimal performance. How did a mathematical concept take on such outsize cultural shape? And what is lost when efficiency is gained? Optimal Illusions traces the fascinating history of optimization from its roots in America's founding principles to its modern manifestations, found in colorful stories of oil tycoons, wildlife ecologists, Silicon Valley technologists, lifestyle gurus, sugar beet farmers, and poker players. Optimization is now deeply embedded in the technologies and assumptions that have come to comprise not only our material reality but what we make of it. Coco Krumme's work in mathematical modeling has made her acutely aware of optimization's overreach. Streamlined systems are less resilient and more at risk of failure. They limit our options and narrow our perspectives. The malaise of living in an optimized society can feel profoundly inhumane. Optimal Illusions exposes the sizable bargains we have made in the name of optimization and asks us to consider what comes next.

Coco Krumme (Author), Coco Krumme (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Umdenken as a Service - Die Zukunft des Maschinenbaus in Europa

»Umdenken as a Service« beschreibt die Reise von drei Maschinenbauern, eine der erfolgreichsten Exportindustrien Europas völlig neu zu denken. Ihr Ziel: Kollaboration und Service statt des klassischen Verkaufs. Ihr Schlüssel: Systemgrenzen verschieben. Alles komplett aufbohren, zerlegen und neu zusammensetzen, lautet die Devise. Das Buch will eine Initialzündung sein – für Ihre eigene Reise zu einem neuen Geschäftsmodell. »Jeder, der heute Verantwortung in der Wirtschaft trägt oder sich auch nur für die Zukunft von Wirtschaft interessiert, sollte sich mit diesem Konzept beschäftigen.« Christoph Keese, Autor und Geschäftsführer der Axel Springer hy GmbH

Benedikt Braig, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Jörg-Andre Junker (Author), Sophie Ronczka (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blood on the Coal: The True Story of the Great Springhill Mine Disaster

NATIONAL BESTSELLER Foreword by Anne Murray The riveting true story of one of Canada’s worst mining disasters, told in the voices of the men who survived it They said it was the world’s deepest and most dangerous coal mine. Those who made that claim were probably correct. What is certain is that in October 1958, the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation’s No. 2 colliery at Springhill, Nova Scotia, was a leading candidate for both those dubious distinctions. The mine was the proverbial “disaster waiting to happen.” And it did. Springhill was the quintessential one-industry town, whose existence depended on coal, a commodity with a dying market. And yet something far worse was soon to come. On the night of October 23, 1958, a “bump” in the mine—actually a small earthquake—shook the ground beneath the town. Seventy-five miners died and scores more were injured in what remains one of Canada’s worst underground disasters. The lives of the survivors were shattered, and Springhill would never be the same again. In compelling detail, Ken Cuthbertson tells the stories of three of the miners and one of the doctors who cared for them following the disaster. This remarkable book is based on historical documents and interviews, as well as new interviews with the last of the surviving miners and their loved ones. It is a story of heroism, sacrifice and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

Ken Cuthbertson (Author), Miles Meili (Narrator)

Audiobook

America's Greatest Road Trip!: Key West to Deadhorse: 9000 Miles Across Backroad USA

Ride along with author Tom Cotter and photographer Michael Alan Ross as they pilot their Ford Bronco/Airstream Basecamp combination 8,881 miles along the lower 48's back roads and byways. Tom Cotter has spent decades ferreting out lost "barn find" collector cars. The process has made him an ardent road tripper, logging thousands of miles every year on America's back roads. Previous journeys have traced Route 66 in his 1939 Ford Woody wagon and followed the Lincoln highway coast to coast behind the wheel of a 1926 Model T. Cotter's journeys led him to wonder: What could be the most epic American road trip? The answer: Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska, its thousands of miles recounted in America's Greatest Road Trip. Cotter and Ross drove across the country, through British Columbia and the Yukon, and finally through Alaska to the literal end of the road. Ross documented their road time in thousands of photographs. Along the way, the pair met fellow road trippers, adventurers, small-town Americans, world travelers, and rolled through an ever-changing geography from the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi Delta to the Great Plains and Mountain states through the Northwest Passage and finally several hundred miles of Alaska's challenging ALCAN Highway. Cotter's observations of Two-Lane America are complemented by Ross's beautiful photography capturing both the sweep and the detail of life off the beaten path. Join them on their once-in-a-lifetime journey-you'll be glad you came along for the ride.

Tom Cotter (Author), Lj Ganser (Narrator)

Audiobook

Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet

Some 40 million miles of roadways encircle the earth, yet we tend to regard them only as infrastructure for human convenience. While roads are so ubiquitous they're practically invisible to us, wild animals experience them as entirely alien forces of death and disruption. In Crossings, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb travels throughout the United States and around the world to investigate how roads have transformed our planet. A million animals are killed by cars each day in the US alone, but as the new science of road ecology shows, the harms of highways extend far beyond roadkill. Creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; invasive plants hitch rides in tire treads; road salt contaminates lakes and rivers; and the very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat. Yet road ecologists are also seeking to blunt the destruction through innovative solutions. Goldfarb meets with conservationists building bridges for California's mountain lions and tunnels for English toads, engineers deconstructing the labyrinth of logging roads that web national forests, animal rehabbers caring for Tasmania's car-orphaned wallabies, and community organizers working to undo the havoc highways have wreaked upon American cities.

Ben Goldfarb (Author), Malcolm Hillgartner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Waste Between Our Ears: The Missing Ingredient to Disrupt Climate Change is in the Trash

The time for effective change is shrinking. In this book, writer, researcher and advocate Gerry Gillespie outlines how we can create a global solution, and it starts between our ears. In order to restore our world ecosystems and our vital soils, he wants to change how we think about our trash. Readers will learn why we all need to change our mind about waste management systems, how to reconnect our organic waste to local soil and food growers, and why this leads to more local jobs. With chapters about source separation, soil management and climate change, and practical approaches to zero waste, Gillespie presents a practical, logical argument for one way to save the world and grow a local economy. In economic and environmental terms, clearly explains how, if waste were collected as source-separated products, more than half of it could be returned to soils as quality compost and biological products. A very large percentage of the remainder can be put back through recycling, re-manufacturing and reusing. And it’s not just theoretical. Gillespie details how this reduction of waste is already being achieved in parts of the world and how we could do it globally … if we could only think differently. Advocates, nonprofit directors, waste managers, landfill directors, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, eco-farmers and anyone searching for environmental solutions and opportunities with source separation should not only read this book … we must figure out how to change our thinking, and put Gillespie’s plan into action.

Gerry Gillespie (Author), Gerry Gillespie (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Your Face Belongs to Us: The Secretive Startup Dismantling Your Privacy

LONGLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 'The dystopian future portrayed in some science-fiction movies is already upon us. Kashmir Hill's fascinating book brings home the scary implications of this new reality' JOHN CARREYROU, author of Bad Blood 'A gripping account' NEW STATESMAN When Kashmir Hill stumbled upon Clearview AI, a mysterious startup selling an app that claimed it could identify anyone using just a snapshot of their face, the implications were terrifying. The app could use the photo to find your name, your social media profiles, your friends and family - even your home address. But this was just the start of a story more shocking than she could have imagined. Launched by computer engineer Hoan Ton-That and politician Richard Schwartz, and assisted by a cast of controversial characters on the alt-right, Clearview AI would quickly rise to the top, sharing its app with billionaires and law enforcement. In this riveting feat of reporting Hill weaves the story of Clearview AI with an exploration of how facial recognition technology is reshaping our lives, from its use by governments and companies like Google and Facebook (who decided it was too radical to release) to the consequences of racial and gender biases baked into the AI. Soon it could expand the reach of policing - as it has in China and Russia - and lead us into a dystopian future. Your Face Belongs to Us is a gripping true story. It illuminates our tortured relationship with technology, the way it entertains us even as it exploits us, and it presents a powerful warning that in the absence of regulation, this technology will spell the end of our anonymity. 'I loved this. A dark and gripping story, meticulously researched and stylishly told' JENNY KLEEMAN, author of Sex Robots & Vegan Meat

Kashmir Hill (Author), Kashmir Hill (Narrator)

Audiobook

Call Center Interview Questions and Answers: The Guide Handbook

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. 'Call Center Interview Questions and Answers: The Guide Handbook' is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to ace their call center job interview. This guidebook is packed with practical tips and strategies for preparing for the interview, answering common and behavioral questions, and tackling technical questions with confidence. The Call Center job Interview book begins by providing an overview of call center roles and responsibilities, highlighting the importance of call center interviews, and outlining key strategies for preparing for the interview. It then dives into a wide range of interview questions, including common questions, behavioral questions, and technical questions related to call center software and tools. Throughout the call centre book, readers will find sample answers to each question, along with detailed explanations and tips for tailoring their responses to fit the specific needs of the company and the job they're applying for. The call center question answers book also includes a glossary of call center terminology, allowing readers to familiarize themselves with key industry terms and concepts. With 'Call Center Interview Questions and Answers: The Guide Handbook' in hand, readers will feel confident and prepared as they head into their call center job interviews. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this book is an essential resource for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of call center customer service.

Chetan Singh (Author), Digital Voice Parag G (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Complete Guide to Safety Officer Interview Questions and Answers

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. 'A Complete Guide to Safety Officer Interview Questions and Answers' is an essential resource for anyone preparing for a safety officer job interview. This safety officer book provides a list of the most commonly asked interview questions for safety officer positions, along with expert guidance on how to answer them effectively. It covers all aspects of the safety officer role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, emergency response planning, safety regulations, and more. The guide includes sample answers to each question, as well as tips on how to tailor your responses to demonstrate your qualifications and experience. It also features practical advice on how to prepare for the interview, including researching the company, reviewing the job description, and practising your responses. Whether you are a seasoned safety officer or just starting out in your career, 'A Complete Guide to Safety Officer Interview Questions and Answers' is the ultimate resource for acing your next interview and landing your dream job in the safety industry.

Chetan Singh (Author), Digital Voice Parag G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Handbook: Fundamentals, Calculations, Design and Q&A

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Handbook is an essential resource for engineers, designers, and technicians involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of air-cooled heat exchangers. This comprehensive guide covers the fundamentals, calculations, design, and Q&A of air-cooled heat exchangers, providing a complete overview of the subject. The book begins with an introduction to the basic principles of heat transfer and fluid mechanics, followed by an explanation of the different types of air-cooled heat exchangers and their applications. The fundamentals of heat exchanger design, such as the selection of materials and the choice of fin types, are also discussed in detail. The book then delves into the calculation of heat transfer rates and pressure drops in air-cooled heat exchangers. Various heat transfer and pressure drop correlations are presented, along with examples to demonstrate their use. The design of air-cooled heat exchangers, including the sizing of the heat exchanger and the selection of the proper fan, is also covered in depth. Finally, the book includes a comprehensive Q&A section that covers a range of topics, from troubleshooting common problems to optimizing the performance of air-cooled heat exchangers. With its clear, concise explanations and practical guidance, the Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the design, operation, or maintenance of air-cooled heat exchangers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, this book is sure to become an indispensable reference for years to come.

Chetan Singh (Author), Digital Voice Maxwell G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Air-Cooled Condenser Fundamentals: Design, Operations, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Q&A

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Air-Cooled Condenser Fundamentals: Design, Operations, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Q&A' is the ultimate guide book for professionals and engineers in the field of ACC, HVAC, and refrigeration. This comprehensive book covers all aspects of air-cooled condenser design, operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This book provides an in-depth understanding of ACC air-cooled condenser systems, including their components, working principles, and various types. The book also covers the latest technologies and industry standards, making it a valuable resource for professionals and students alike. The book includes a comprehensive section on air-cooled condenser troubleshooting, including common problems and solutions, as well as a section on maintenance, including preventative measures and best practices. Additionally, the book includes a comprehensive Q&A section, providing answers to the most common questions about air-cooled condensers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, 'Air-Cooled Condenser Fundamentals: Design, Operations, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Q&A' is the essential resource you need to master air-cooled condenser systems. With its clear and concise explanations, and expert insights, this book is a must-have for anyone working in the field ACCs.

Chetan Singh (Author), Digital Voice Mike G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Logistics Management: Principles, Strategies, Technologies, Terms, and Q&A

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Logistics is a critical aspect of modern business, and its effective management is essential for companies to remain competitive in today's global marketplace. Logistics Management: Principles, Strategies, Technologies, Terms, and Q&A is a logistics guidebook that explores the various functions of logistics management, including transportation, distribution, inventory management, warehousing, supply chain management, logistics questions, answers, terms, and performance measurement. This logistics management book provides readers with a detailed understanding of the key principles and strategies of logistics management, and how they can be applied to enhance the operational efficiency of their organizations. It covers the latest trends and technologies in logistics, including the use of automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and explains how these innovations can be leveraged to improve logistics performance and sustainability. The logistic book also provide insights into the various types of logistics outsourcing and the factors that organizations should consider when outsourcing their logistics operations. It also explores the importance of logistics sustainability and provides strategies for improving the environmental and social impacts of logistics. With case studies and examples from real-world logistics operations, terms, and interview Q&A this logistic management book provides readers with practical insights and recommendations for enhancing their logistics operations. It is a valuable resource for students, academics, and professionals in logistics management, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the key principles and strategies of logistics management.

Chetan Singh (Author), Digital Voice Parag G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Technology & Engineering Audiobooks in Science & Technology