Sociotechnical Systems Versus Technological Determinism

Topic 1: Sociotechnical Perspective Versus Tool View

The sociotechnical perspective (Irvine School/Rob Kling) holds that technology and society mutually constitute each other as inseparable phenomena—tech shapes society AND society shapes tech simultaneously and continuously (bi-directional, not one-way).

This rejects the tool view (Introna 2006), which wrongly treats technology as a neutral, objective artifact separate from society where only humans have agency (anthropocentric). Introna argues

Read More

Evolution of Materials: From Stone Age to Nanotechnology

The History of Materials

The history of mankind has been linked to the use of materials. For consideration, we divide history into periods, with names that refer to materials: Stone Age, Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.

  • Stone Age: Characterized by the use of simple materials: bones, pottery, knives, arrows, and spears of flint.
  • Copper Age: Copper is obtained from malachite or chalcopyrite.
  • Bronze Age: Bronze is created by mixing copper with small amounts of tin.
  • Iron Age: The technology of producing
Read More

Molecular Biology Methods for DNA and Protein Analysis

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

In an ELISA, an antigen is detected using a primary antibody and a secondary enzyme-linked antibody. The standard procedure involves:

  • Antigen: Immobilization of the target.
  • Wash: Removal of unbound substances.
  • Primary Antibody: Binding to the specific antigen.
  • Wash: Removal of unbound primary antibodies.
  • Secondary Antibody: Binding to the primary antibody.
  • Wash: Removal of unbound secondary antibodies.
  • Substrate Addition: Adding HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) to react
Read More

Cost Accounting Concepts, CVP & Decision-Making Formulas

Cost Accounting Concepts & CVP Analysis

KEY: DM = Direct Materials, DL = Direct Labor, MOH = Manufacturing Overhead, RM = Raw Materials, WIP = Work in Process, FG = Finished Goods, COGM = Cost of Goods Manufactured, COGS = Cost of Goods Sold, Beg = Beginning, End = Ending, Inv = Inventory, Avg = Average, Mfg = Manufacturing, CM = Contribution Margin, SP = Selling Price, VC = Variable Costs, FC = Fixed Costs, MOS = Margin of Safety, DOL = Degree of Operating Leverage

Chapter 14 – Cost Concepts

  • Prime
Read More

Beauti-Tone Green Line: Positioning and Communication Strategy

Brand Positioning and Communication Analysis

Unclear Positioning Impact

Unclear positioning weakens brand relevance in the market because consumers do not clearly understand what the brand stands for. This reduces trust and credibility. If the brand does not clearly communicate how it is different from competitors, it becomes forgettable. When consumers do not see clear benefits or reasons to choose the brand, competitors with stronger and clearer positioning become more attractive.

Brand Situation

Read More

European Green Deal and Climate Change Policy Frameworks

European Green Deal (EGD)

It’s a roadmap to ensure Europe’s sustainability economy by 2050. Actions include:

  • Investment plan for the EGD and the Just Transition Mechanism.
  • Climate Law to guarantee climate neutrality by 2050.
  • Action Plan for Circular Economy: sustainable use of resources.
  • Sustainable food systems, such as Farm to Fork.
  • Biodiversity Strategy.

GHG Emissions Sectors: ETS vs. Non-ETS

1. ETS (Emissions Trading System): Subject to emissions rights trading (power generation, refineries, and

Read More

Electromagnetic Waves, Sound & Wave Properties

Electromagnetic Waves, Sound & Wave Properties

Electromagnetic waves used in communication with wavelengths between about 1 cm and 20 cm are called (microwaves).

Electric signals that have only two possible values (on and off) are (digital signals).

A(n) (photon) is an electromagnetic wave that behaves like a particle.

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 750 billionths of a meter that can be detected by the human eye is (visible light).

A system of satellites, ground monitoring

Read More

Modern American Literature: Key Movements and Analysis

Unit 1: Make It New – Poetry for a New Century

Historical Context and Introduction

Modernism emerged as a response to the rapid changes in industrialization, war, science, and psychology. Writers rejected Victorian sentimentalism in favor of experimentation, fragmentation, and unconventional forms.

Key Features of Modernist Poetry

  • Imagism: Clarity, direct treatment of the subject, and economy of language.
  • Fragmentation: Poetry mirrors the disordered reality of modern life.
  • Free Verse & Experimental
Read More

Python Machine Learning Code Snippets Collection

Python Machine Learning Code Snippets

Hierarchical Clustering Example

This snippet demonstrates hierarchical clustering using scipy and visualizes the result as a dendrogram, followed by applying Agglomerative Clustering.

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import scipy.cluster.hierarchy as sch
import numpy as np
from sklearn.cluster import AgglomerativeClustering

X = np.random.rand(50, 2)
dendrogram = sch.dendrogram(sch.linkage(X, method='ward'))
plt.title('Dendrogram')
plt.show()

hc = AgglomerativeClustering(
Read More

Polish Musical Heritage: From Folk Roots to Classical Mastery

I. Polish Traditional Music

General Features and Macroregions

1. General features of Polish traditional music: The National Dance (Polonaise) and Popular Religious Songs (Christmas Carols).

2. Central macroregion of Poland: The strongest and most extensive region, considered the pillar of Polish musical tradition. It features many contrasts, described as “variable melody.” The violin is the most important instrument, and improvisation is common.

3. North-West macroregion of Poland: The polka is

Read More