Abstract As the globe becomes more dependent on digitaltechnology to exchange information over the Internet societies are becoming more concerned with issues of privacy. Individuals surfing the net, purchasing products over the Internet, and corresponding with others via the World Wide Web are required to provide personal information that has the potential of being used illegally in many ways. The United States has relied on the wording of the fourth amendment of the constitution in past years to address privacy issues in the country. Yet, as digitaltechnology has evolved the focus on this amendment to resolve privacy concerns in relation to digital media is restricted by privacy in relation to search and seizure. This paper discusses the issues of privacy in relation to digital media, focusing on how these issues are handled in the United States and Canada.
Abstract The paper explains that the case of Napster is typical of copyright infringement because it demonstrates just how inadequate legislation is as it relates to digitaltechnology. The paper explains that in addition, Napster represents just one area where copyright can be violated. The paper shows how the Napster case reveals that in terms of digitaltechnology, the fundamental issue concerns how to reconcile the traditional concept of contributory liability with the widespread use of digitized works made available by the Internet.
From the Paper "With the advent of digital technology, research has found that as many as 90 percent of all Internet users and about 70 percent of users who share files freely admit that copyright is not an issue for them. These people regularly download many different kinds of files, ranging from movies to computer programs. The most likely individuals to download music and share files are students. Young adults behave in comparable ways since they also normally are not concerned about the copyright status of whatever files they download. Music is very easily downloaded, and it is far easier to download music than full-length feature movies."
An analysis of the relationship between human beings and technology and how the particular drama of a human 'being' itself is played out through practices of multimedia.
Abstract This paper examines the significant impact that digitaltechnologies have had on human subjectivity, or in better words, on the understanding of 'human self' and society. More specifically, this paper discusses human beings' relation to new digitaltechnologies, such as the Internet, interactive video games, MUDs (Multi User Dimensions/Dungeons) and virtual reality.
From the Paper "While providing a new and more flexible sense of self and identity (Coyne 1998, 340), new technologies and cyberspace do not let human beings completely free of former pre-digital conceptions of 'self' (Cranny-Francis 2000, 146; McRae 1996, 250). There is still complex power relations run behind those cyber interactions, there are group leaders, deviants within communities, hackers, attempts to privacy violations, forcing people to reveal their real life identities and so on. In most cyber communities, for instance, there is still a strong presence of systematic hierarchy either set formally or appears casually in the process of using them."
Tags: cyberspace, digital, technologies, internet, video, games
Abstract This paper examines the positive benefits to be derived from a phone company switching from analog technology to digitaltechnology - especially in its central offices. The paper reviews the financial gains to be made as well as the customer service benefits and suggests that companies not already on the digital bandwagon had best do so in the near future.
From the Paper "The benefits of digital telephone technology versus analog telephone technology are not necessarily obvious, but they are present and they deserve exposition. The following paper will examine the benefits that would accrue to a telephone company if it were to switch from analog technology in its central offices to digital technology. More specifically, the paper will examine the financial benefits and the customer service benefits to be derived insofar as benefits in these areas are benefits that will most impact the future success and prosperity of any telephone company. Among other things, the following paper will look closely at the technological innovations of the new digital technology. "
Abstract This paper defines digital radiography as a branch of radiography which converts X-ray images to electronic data which can then be viewed and read by radiologists on a monitor. The writer stresses the convenience of being able to store digital radiographic images on computer discs. This paper details the various uses and advantages of digital radiography including the fact that this particular method is quicker and far more accurate than the previous practice of producing x-ray images. This paper discusses the differences between computed radiography and digital direct radiography while also delving into the pros and cons of both radiographic methods.
From the Paper "The 'Direct Digital Radiography' System provides options for the transition to digital technology. This system offers the highest quality images that are available in DR today. Developed only in recent years, the system can be used across a large number of potential applications. The advantages of the system are that it consists of two types of detectors, one direct and the other, indirect. In the setup for its imaging, indirect sensors convert x-rays into light, and then convert that into electronic signals. The images depend on both signal profiles as well as on image resolution. The system relies on a scintillation method, wherein x-ray energy may be converted into light, and this light can then be converted into electronic signals by thin-film diodes."
Tags: computer, digital, technology, radiology, x-ray, film
Abstract This paper takes a look at the impact that modern technology has had, and is having, on organizations. The paper discusses how organizations are now able to standardize the work processes that they use and create a procedure-based automation process which replaces human labor with technology.
Outline:
Organizations are Facing a Change in Day-to-Day Business Operations
Automation
Communication Throughout the Organization
Business has Moved from the Local to the Global
Conclusion
From the Paper "The workforce cannot ignore or resist information technology, because information technology plays such a critical role in the lives of the organizations, which causes the organizations to become fully reliant on the technology to perform their daily activities. For example, in regard to the resistance of taking advantage of new technology, I actually faced the same problem in a recently released project in my organization. We have implemented a new enterprise system to make information delivery more effective and also empower upper managers to retrieve information on their own. Some mangers were hesitant about using the new system, as some of them said the new enterprise system required users to gain more technical skills to use the system. While we were able to provide training, and ensured that the new system was just as easy to use as the remote control for the TV, still some users were unable to change and adapt."
This paper studies how forms of communication have changed due to technological development, concentrating on messaging via cell phones and the Internet.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that while technology mediated modes of communication have existed for generations, innovations in terms of the introduction of digital wireless technologies over the past ten to fifteen years have radically transformed how people communicate. The essay explores this phenomenon with reference to such technologies as digital cell phone text messaging, computer-based instant messaging, and Internet relay chat. With reference to scholarly work on the subject, the paper is argues how the de-centring of face-to-face communication has impacted language structure in compelling users of these technologies to innovate a range of distinct communication forms.
Outline:
Introduction
Digital Communications Technology The Impact of Digital Wireless Communication Upon Language
Conclusion
From the Paper "This technology impacts language in a number of respects. For example, one of the most popular aspects of technology mediated modes of communication is their textual element. While cell phones are, of course, an oral communication medium, one of their most popular added functions lies with text messaging and remote e-mail access. It is difficult to say precisely why text messaging is so popular given that this technology allows the use of oral communication. It may be argued that this is due to the popularity of Instant Messaging through computers, with texting being a logical remote extension of the same practice."
Abstract The writer asks and answers questions concerning digital radio. Will this format be here to stay or will it just become a stepping stone technology? Will the world decide on a single transmitting format? And most importantly, will the general consumer accept this new technology? The beginnings of digital radio have already been seen. These stations, which are received via satellite, have been used by businesses to provide a variety of digital, commercial-free, music to be enjoyed by their customers.
From the Paper "The future of digital radio in Canada relies mostly on the L-Band which Canada introduced to world in 1992. The L-Band is basically a carrier that uses both terrestrial and satellite signals for wireless transmissions. This makes for a carrier that far exceeds that of its predecessors, the FM and AM band, which the government plans to replace by 2010. After digital radio becomes the standard, the CRTC plans on using the AM/FM frequencies for other purposes of wireless transmission. AM radio covers the frequencies of 530KHz to 1630Khz for a bandwidth of 1.1MHz. The bandwidth needed, though, for each channel is 0.01MHz. FM covers the band of 88MHz to 108MHz for a total bandwidth of 20MHz, with 0.25MHz needed per channel. The L-Band on the other hand ranges between 500MHz to 1500MHz, although for digital radio only frequencies from 1452MHz to 1492MHz. are slated. This leaves digital radio with the bandwidth of 40MHz, where 1.5MHz of bandwidth is needed for the 48KHz, 16bit uncompressed audio."
Tags: transmitter, music, technology, satellite, station
Abstract The role of digital compression technology within medicine is currently creating ease of access to medical records and data transfer. Future applications of this technology are expected to facilitate this data transfer yet will also better enhance medical research, identification and diagnosis of physical ailments, and aid in treatment strategies.
Abstract This paper discusses digital television, comparing it to analog television. The paper presents an explanation and assessment of the current laws and mandates regarding digital television in America and in the United Kingdom. The paper explores the technology involved and provides examples of several cable companies that offer digital television.
From the Paper "Though some providers of digital television like Sky claim that weather conditions do not affect the clarity of images on digital television, this fact has been demonstrated as not being true. Weather does affect digital images and there is a certain amount of corruption present. In fact, though the images are better than those of analogous television, the limitations of the compression technology that is used for digital television is apparent in the manner in which "digital artifacts" or "after images" as they are better known occur on the television when the picture changes much too fast, or even when other channels are fighting for the same bandwidth at the same time. Digital television must not be confused with "high definition" television; in fact digital television occupies the same number of lines of 625, as the analogous television."
Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of the digital art form that emerged as a combination of technological expertise and traditional artistic vision. The paper contends that the emerging digitaltechnologies are creating new forms and genres of art, which are a result of the interaction between traditional views of art. The study of the collusion and interaction between technical knowledge and artistic imagination and innovation forms the central trajectory of this paper.
From the Paper "An important aspect to consider in the evolution of digital art is the issue of legitimacy and acceptance. While the acceptance of digital art is far from ubiquitous there is now a strong basis for the recognition of digital art forms. (ibid) However, the hectic pace of technological development has meant that many artists feel inadequate in the face of technology that requires, in many cases, training and a mindset which is oriented towards a technological rather than a traditionally artistic point of view. Connected to this issue is the fact that art theory and aesthetics are struggling to assimilate these new technological methodologies."
Abstract This paper studies the digital divide - the fact that many people have not yet been exposed to technology and other have. It discusses some of the possible reasons for this such as gender, socioeconomic conditions, ethnicity, as well as many other reasons. It discusses technology implementation in the school system regardless of ethnicity so that every child is given an equal opportunity. It concludes that technology access has increased in the recent years but there is still a long way to go, especially in schools.
From the Paper " ? The role of education in contributing to a fairer society has always been double edged. When successful in widening participation in learning, its contribution is powerful and positive. But too often, it can have the opposite effect of being socially selective, even divisive? (Istance, 2001, Abstract, p.1). The price for missing out on education is high. However, many people are not afforded the same educational opportunities as others. Differences in gender, socio-economic background, ethnicity, people with special needs, and people's experience with and access to technology limit their chances at quality education. With a world that changes and progresses as fast as it does, educational equity must span a lifetime."
Tags: computer, digital, divide, education, implementation, internet, technology, women
This paper explores the saliva test, quantitative light fluorescence and digital radiography as improvements in dental technology and cavity detection.
Abstract This paper describes new technology for predicting and preventing dental cavities. The paper first discusses the caries assessment and risk evaluation (CARE) exam, which tests saliva in order to predict future cavities in children. The paper then looks at quantitative light fluorescence, which can identify a problematic area even before it becomes a cavity and advanced digitaltechnology that help dentists find cavities in more cases. The paper concludes that while digitaltechnology and quantitative light fluorescence enable earlier detection of cavities and therefore earlier treatment for patients, ultimately the saliva test is the simplest, least expensive and potentially most revolutionary.
From the Paper "Recent dental research has tended to stress the treatment of cavities. But exciting new research has begun to focus on the prevention and early detection of problematic areas in patient's mouths. Because of the need for early detection of cavities, innovations in saliva testing for problematic teeth, quantitative light fluorescence, and digital radiography are equally, if not more important as other areas of research. Because of these new innovations, recent statistical trends in cavity prevalence in young children may decline within our lifetimes."
Discusses the use of digital imaging in hospital radiology departments, the promise it holds, how it is evolving and the main types of digital imaging.
Abstract This paper explains that, in spite of the usefulness and potential of the digital imaging process in hospital radiology departments, the cost of the equipment it requires has stopped digital imaging in hospital radiology departments from progressing and growing as fast as was hoped. The paper also explains that the slow progression towards digital imagery does not mean that the importance for the future that the technology holds should be discounted. The paper then discusses the two main types of digital imaging systems as they relate to hospital radiology departments and concludes with a discussion of image quality and its significance. A copy of the source documents used are also appended to the paper.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Digital Imaging
Computed Radiography (CR)
Digital Radiography (DR)
Image Quality
From the Paper "Digital imaging in hospital radiology departments came about for several reasons. The most important of these, however, was the idea that the digital images could be viewed by any authorized person at any time, thus making it much easier and faster for those that needed to see them to have access to these images (Gillespie, 1999). These digital images eliminate the need for films and film libraries, thus freeing up space, as well. However, there are still problems with this issue that have stopped digital imaging in hospital radiology departments from progressing and growing as fast as was hoped. The major concern for these departments is the cost that is incurred when it comes to the digital imaging equipment, which is much more expensive than the older methods that were previously used to take x-rays and perform other functions (Gillespie, 1999)."
