Prince of Programming
Master the basics of programming with C#Prince of Programming teaches real C# programming and core development concepts through engaging, game-themed, story-based examples inspired by classic 1980s adventure platformers. It is designed as a clear and practical guide for anyone who wants to learn C# programming from the ground up.At the end of every chapter, follow the Prince's journey as he solves challenges using the same programming concepts you just learned.Ideal for anyone who want to learn C# the right way from the start.What Makes This Book Different?No information overload. You learn what matters, when it matters.Game-themed story-based examples that don't bore you.Examples include comments and expected output, no computer required.Progressive learning. Each chapter builds on the last.Practical exercises with sample solutions included.What You'll LearnGetting started with Visual Studio 2026 and .NET 10Code structure, naming conventions, and writing clean codeCollections, Variables, data types, and information storageLoops, Logic and decision-makingMethods, functions and Exception handlingObject-oriented programming with classes and inheritanceEvents, delegates and Async programmingCore programming principles (DRY, KISS, YAGNI)You will also learn how to think like a programmer by breaking down problems, debugging systematically, and building solutions that work.Who This Book Is ForComplete beginners who've never written codeSelf-taught or intermediate programmers missing foundational gapsAnyone frustrated with tutorials that skip important stepsLearners wanting clear explanations without complexityYou do not need advanced math skills or an expensive computer. Just curiosity and determination.Learn the Right Way from the StartThis book uses console-based examples to focus on pure programming logic. Once you master these fundamentals, you can apply them to anything including games, web apps, mobile apps, automation tools, and more.Bonus chapters include graphics programming, asynchronous programming, and LINQ.Appendices include debugging techniques and guidance for continuing your programming journey.Visit princeofprogramming.com for code examples and additional resources.
The Fleetwood
Modern software systems appear stable while quietly losing the ability to tell the truth.Outages, data disputes, security incidents, and regulatory failures rarely begin with dramatic technical collapse. More often, they begin with systems that look healthy but cannot produce trustworthy evidence when conditions change. Logs disagree. Timelines shift. Identity becomes ambiguous. Metrics reassure rather than testify.The Fleetwood introduces authority engineering - a discipline for designing software systems that remain truthful under stress.Using the thought experiment of a Cadillac Fleetwood re-engineered with the structural discipline of a 1990s performance workshop, James L. Pulley III explores what it means for a system to possess real authority rather than the appearance of stability. The Fleetwood becomes a physical reference frame for understanding how software systems preserve or lose truth when placed under load.Through clear engineering analogies, the book demonstrates: - Why calm systems can be structurally dishonest- Why elasticity can hide failure instead of fixing it- Why time must be authoritative and auditable- Why identity must be stable and enforceable- Why governance is a technical property, not a management activity- Why refusal - the ability to say "no" - is the foundation of control- Why performance without authority creates systemic riskThe book introduces a structural model of authority built on three load-bearing engineering surfaces: - Infrastructure - the physical limits that cannot be abstracted away- Identity - the boundaries of responsibility and trust- Time - the coordinate system of causalityTogether these form the invariant reference frame required for systems that must testify under financial, operational, or legal dispute.Unlike books focused on scaling, observability, or reliability practices, The Fleetwood addresses the deeper problem beneath them: systems that cannot produce defensible truth.Written for engineers, architects, executives, and system owners responsible for critical software, this book provides a new framework for understanding why modern platforms often feel stable while remaining structurally fragile.This is not a book about cars.It is a book about authority as an engineering property.And about the systems that must be trusted.
Don't Be Afraid of the Mainframe
The missing introduction to mainframe computing for modern IT leaders and professionals.Mainframes process 70% of the world's transactions and deliver 99.999% uptime. Yet most IT executives have never received a proper introduction to this critical infrastructure.Instead, you get myths, jargon, and vendor pitches. When decisions arise-invest? modernize? migrate? integrate?-you lack the fundamental understanding to evaluate options intelligently.This book fixes that.Written for IT leaders and professionals who need to understand mainframes without becoming specialists, this provides the missing foundation: clear, vendor-neutral guidance on what mainframes are, how they work, and how they integrate with modern applications and cloud platforms.What you'll learn: Understanding the platform - What makes mainframes different? Modern capabilities like AI, containers, and DevOps. How integration with cloud-native applications actually works.Evaluating options - Modernize, migrate, integrate, or hybrid approach? Each has trade-offs. This book helps you evaluate based on business value.Managing effectively - How costs work. How to build talent pipelines. How cloud strategy and application integration apply.What makes this different: Vendor-neutral. Business-focused, not just technical. Covers current technology: AI accelerators, quantum-safe encryption, containerization, REST APIs, and integration patterns.Who this is for: CIOs, IT executives, enterprise architects, IT professionals, CFOs, and consultants. You don't need mainframe experience-this is the introduction you never received.The platform isn't the problem. The knowledge gap is.This book closes that gap. Then you can decide.
Polynomials
This book presents a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles accepted and published in the Special Issue "Polynomials: Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition" of the MDPI journal Mathematics. The volume reflects the central role of polynomial theory in modern mathematical research and its growing impact on science, engineering, and applied disciplines.The contributions span a wide range of contemporary topics, including modern umbral calculus, Appell and Sheffer polynomial sequences, q-calculus and quantum calculus-based polynomial structures, orthogonal and multiple orthogonal polynomials, matrix and determinant approaches to polynomial systems, fractional calculus, symbolic computation, and analytic number theory. In addition, several papers explore applications of special polynomial sequences and special functions to physics, engineering, statistics, and related scientific fields.By bringing together both theoretical developments and application-oriented studies, this volume aims to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of recent advances in polynomial theory and its interdisciplinary applications.
Algorithms and Applications of Machine Learning Techniques for Healthcare
Improving human health and providing access to high-quality healthcare for everyone is a global concern. Modern technologies help to promote and maintain health, while avoiding unnecessary disabilities and premature health issues. Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence, which is mainly defined as the capability of a machine to imitate "intelligent" human behavior. This capacity is being widely applied in many areas of our lives such as virtual personal assistants, self-driving cars, security cameras, product recommendations, or disaster alerts. With the union of machine learning and healthcare, researchers around the world have opened new horizons providing impressive advances in healthcare. Thus, a great number of works focus on areas such as patient diagnosis, automating health-related tasks, new treatments and drugs, improvements in diagnosis, cost reduction, better tracking, or telemedicine. However, despite the huge amount of work carried out, we are still very far from being able to consider machine learning to be integrated into healthcare. The aim of this Reprint is to enhance the state-of-the-art in this area significantly, improving the application of machine learning techniques for healthcare.
3D Computer Vision and Smart Building and City, 2nd Edition
This Topic is a continuation of the previous successful Topic, "3D Computer Vision and Smart Building and City". Three-dimensional computer vision is an interdisciplinary subject involving computer vision, computer graphics, artificial intelligence and other fields. Its main contents include 3D perception, 3D understanding and 3D modeling. In recent years, 3D computer vision technology has developed rapidly and has been widely used in unmanned aerial vehicles, robots, autonomous driving, AR, VR and other fields. Smart buildings and cities use various information technologies or innovative concepts to connect as well as various systems and services so as to improve the efficiency of resource utilization, optimize management and services and improve quality of life. Smart buildings and cities can involve some frontier techniques, such as 3D CV for building information models, digital twins, city information models, simultaneous localization and mapping robots. The application of 3D computer vision in smart buildings and cities is a valuable research direction, but it still faces many major challenges. This topic focuses on the theory and technology of 3D computer vision in smart buildings and cities.
Software Performance Risk Management
Most software failures are not caused by code defects. They are caused by risks no one measured.Software Performance Risk Management: Engineering Survival in a World Built on Fragile Software introduces a new approach to governing the survivability of modern software systems. As digital infrastructure becomes more complex and more critical to business operations, performance failures no longer represent technical inconveniences-they represent operational and financial risk.For decades, performance engineering has focused on speed, scalability, and capacity. These practices made systems faster, but not necessarily safer. Outages continue to grow larger, recovery becomes more difficult, and hidden dependencies create failure paths that traditional testing and monitoring cannot reveal.This book defines Software Performance Risk Management (SPRM), a discipline focused on identifying and governing the structural risks that threaten software-dependent organizations. Instead of treating performance as a late-stage testing activity, SPRM treats performance as a continuous risk surface that exists across the entire lifecycle of a system-from architecture through production operations. SPRM_optimizedReaders will learn why widely adopted practices such as performance testing, observability, monitoring, and reliability engineering remain essential yet incomplete. The book introduces practical concepts including blast radius analysis, dependency mapping, passive risk intelligence, and governance models that allow organizations to understand how failures propagate and how they can be contained before they occur.Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, this book shows how organizations can move beyond dashboards and reactive tuning toward proactive survivability governance. The goal is not simply to improve performance, but to reduce fragility and prevent large-scale failure.Written for performance engineers, architects, technology leaders, and executives responsible for digital continuity, this book provides a structured framework for managing performance risk as a business responsibility rather than a technical afterthought. SPRM_optimizedIf your organization depends on software to operate, performance is not just an engineering concern-it is a matter of survival.This book is not about tuning code or selecting tools.It is about understanding where software systems are exposed-and how to govern them before failure becomes inevitable.
Software Performance Risk Management
Most software failures are not caused by code defects. They are caused by risks no one measured.Software Performance Risk Management: Engineering Survival in a World Built on Fragile Software introduces a new approach to governing the survivability of modern software systems. As digital infrastructure becomes more complex and more critical to business operations, performance failures no longer represent technical inconveniences-they represent operational and financial risk.For decades, performance engineering has focused on speed, scalability, and capacity. These practices made systems faster, but not necessarily safer. Outages continue to grow larger, recovery becomes more difficult, and hidden dependencies create failure paths that traditional testing and monitoring cannot reveal.This book defines Software Performance Risk Management (SPRM), a discipline focused on identifying and governing the structural risks that threaten software-dependent organizations. Instead of treating performance as a late-stage testing activity, SPRM treats performance as a continuous risk surface that exists across the entire lifecycle of a system-from architecture through production operations. SPRM_optimizedReaders will learn why widely adopted practices such as performance testing, observability, monitoring, and reliability engineering remain essential yet incomplete. The book introduces practical concepts including blast radius analysis, dependency mapping, passive risk intelligence, and governance models that allow organizations to understand how failures propagate and how they can be contained before they occur.Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, this book shows how organizations can move beyond dashboards and reactive tuning toward proactive survivability governance. The goal is not simply to improve performance, but to reduce fragility and prevent large-scale failure.Written for performance engineers, architects, technology leaders, and executives responsible for digital continuity, this book provides a structured framework for managing performance risk as a business responsibility rather than a technical afterthought. SPRM_optimizedIf your organization depends on software to operate, performance is not just an engineering concern-it is a matter of survival.This book is not about tuning code or selecting tools.It is about understanding where software systems are exposed-and how to govern them before failure becomes inevitable.
Mastering C Language In Depth - A Beginner's Guide To Building A Strong Foundation
AI Explorers
Welcome to AI Explorers, a series designed to help readers of all ages understand one of the most important technologies shaping our time. Artificial intelligence is already woven into everyday life-from the phones in our pockets to the systems that recommend what we watch, guide our work, and influence decisions around the world. Yet despite its growing presence, AI is often explained in ways that feel mysterious, technical, or overwhelming. AI Explorers: Minds Among Machines offers a clear, thoughtful guide to understanding artificial intelligence without a technical background. Through engaging explanations, practical examples, and carefully designed diagrams, this book explores: What artificial intelligence really is-and what it is not How AI systems work internally, explained in a clear and accessible way How modern AI systems learn patterns and generate responses Why concepts like bias, hallucinations, and reliability matter How AI is used in everyday work, creativity, and decision-making The role of technologies such as APIs, embeddings, vector search, and AI agents How humans and intelligent systems can work together responsibly Moving beyond hype and fear, the book invites readers to think clearly about how AI works, where it is useful, and what it means for the future of work, creativity, and human thinking. Whether you are encountering artificial intelligence for the first time or looking for a deeper, more structured understanding, AI Explorers: Minds Among Machines offers a calm, accessible pathway into one of the most transformative technologies of our era. This volume is part of the AI Explorers Series, which introduces artificial intelligence at different stages of learning-from young explorers to professionals seeking thoughtful insight into the age of intelligent machines.
Emerging Distributed/Parallel Computing Systems
This Reprint presents eight papers from the Special Issue "Emerging Distributed and Parallel Computing Systems" that span the core system challenges where computation, networking, and trust meet. Two contributions develop lightweight authentication and key agreement schemes for distributed wireless sensor networks and for the 5G Internet of Vehicles, using practical hardware security and anonymous negotiation to strengthen resilience in resource constrained settings. Privacy-preserving distributed analytics is represented by a framework for origin-destination matrix computation that balances utility and overhead via hybrid differential privacy. Regarding data-driven computing, the Reprint includes advances in machine learning methods, including a deep reinforcement learning recommender with multi-level attention and a tensor-based multi-view projection clustering approach. Three surveys consolidate current knowledge on trends in parallel and distributed systems, analysing TLS 1.3-encrypted traffic, and software-defined wide-area networks, outlining design trade-offs and open research directions. Together, these papers provide an up-to-date snapshot of methods and insights for building scalable, secure, and intelligent distributed computing platforms.
Causality and Complex Systems
Complex systems are unified wholes formed by many interacting units. One key source of their complexity lies in the intricate entanglement of causal structures. A notable feature of these systems is the phenomenon of emergent causality, where stronger causal relationships may arise at the macro-scale rather than the micro-scale, as seen in fields like statistical mechanics. This Special Issue focuses on "Causality and Complex Systems", examining the interplay of causal relationships and the emergence of causal structures within complex systems. The 17 articles in this issue encompass a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, with the shared goal of advancing our understanding of causality in dynamic, interconnected systems. Key contributions of this issue include novel theoretical frameworks for quantifying causal emergence, innovative causal machine learning algorithms, and information-theoretic measures for analyzing causality. Methodological advancements are also presented for causal discovery in complex and nonlinear systems. Furthermore, this issue features interdisciplinary applications across neuroscience, biology, sociology, and environmental science, demonstrating the versatility of causal methods in addressing real-world phenomena. Ultimately, this Special Issue enhances both the theoretical understanding of causality in complex systems and provides practical tools and methodologies to tackle challenges in data-driven research.
Code for Humanity
For many of us, artificial intelligence has become a part of our everyday lives. We don't have to get off the couch to turn the lights off, we use ChatGPT to break down complex tasks, and AI generates media for our entertainment. And as AI progresses advancements in medicine, technology, and beyond, we can see its capacity to create positive change for humanity. Our world is changing at rates we can't even begin to fathom, but is this for the better? Author Paul MacPherson doesn't think so.Part warning, part manifesto, Code for Humanity: A Form of Artificial Super Intelligence looks at where our world is headed with our current use of AI. In vignettes, this book considers the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of artificial intelligence and outlines the many outcomes we could face if we continue to use them. The most probable? The extinction of humankind. Because even with the countless advancements AI has to offer, in the wrong hands, it has the power to destroy. But it's not too late. MacPherson introduces a new artificial super intelligence program, Code for Humanity, founded on human principles. With the help of experts, this program will provide economic, political, and social benefits to humanity, while reducing the dangers of destructive AI. Thought-provoking and one of a kind, Code for Humanity urges that while history may repeat itself, with artificial intelligence, humankind has entered an unprecedented-and dangerous-time. This is our wake-up call.
Code for Humanity
For many of us, artificial intelligence has become a part of our everyday lives. We don't have to get off the couch to turn the lights off, we use ChatGPT to break down complex tasks, and AI generates media for our entertainment. And as AI progresses advancements in medicine, technology, and beyond, we can see its capacity to create positive change for humanity. Our world is changing at rates we can't even begin to fathom, but is this for the better? Author Paul MacPherson doesn't think so.Part warning, part manifesto, Code for Humanity: A Form of Artificial Super Intelligence looks at where our world is headed with our current use of AI. In vignettes, this book considers the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of artificial intelligence and outlines the many outcomes we could face if we continue to use them. The most probable? The extinction of humankind. Because even with the countless advancements AI has to offer, in the wrong hands, it has the power to destroy. But it's not too late. MacPherson introduces a new artificial super intelligence program, Code for Humanity, founded on human principles. With the help of experts, this program will provide economic, political, and social benefits to humanity, while reducing the dangers of destructive AI. Thought-provoking and one of a kind, Code for Humanity urges that while history may repeat itself, with artificial intelligence, humankind has entered an unprecedented-and dangerous-time. This is our wake-up call.
Build GenAI Agents with OpenAI + vLLM
AI agents are getting easier to build, but the surrounding ecosystem of models, SDKs, and frameworks is changing quickly. A lot of agent apps get tricky to maintain since they depend too much on a certain provider, library, or deployment setup. This book looks at a practical alternative, which is to make AI agents whose main logic doesn't change while models, SDKs, and runtimes can be changed around it. It's not about using complicated frameworks. Rather, this book shows you simple architectural patterns that let you set up an agent application so that tools, schemas, prompts, and business logic can stay separate from the runtime layer.For starters, it'll be a simple loop with agents, and we'll gradually build on that with tools that make things deterministic, outputs in a structured JSON format, and schema validation. It'll teach skills, like switching between models through configuration, running the same agent with hosted models or local inference using vLLM, and isolating SDK-specific integrations behind small adapter layers. Later, we will focus on packaging and deployment, in which we will convert the agent into a command-line tool, expose it through a minimal HTTP API, and package the application using Docker. Ultimately, the book puts the project together as a reusable starter template that can be used as a basis for future agent-based applications.Instead of talking about shortcuts or automation, this book focuses on practical development patterns for building maintainable AI agents. Basically, this book is perfect for Python developers, software engineers, and AI practitioners who want a step-by-step process for designing agents that can adapt as the surrounding ecosystem changes.Key LearningsBuild GenAI agents using simple agent loop that accepts prompts, calls tools, and returns structured AI responses.Use structured JSON outputs and Pydantic schemas to make AI agent responses reliable and safe for automation.Design AI tools as deterministic Python functions so agents can call calculators, summarizers, and utilities predictably.Create portable AI agents by separating business logic from LLM and model APIs.Implement a model gateway pattern to switch between OpenAI models, local LLMs, or other providers via configuration.Run the same agent with OpenAI models or local LLM inference using vLLM.Prevent SDK lock-in by isolating AI SDK integrations behind runtime adapters.Use LLM regression prompts and schema validation for better stability of AI Agents during switching the models.Package AI agent as CLI tool and HTTP API for real applications and integrations.Deploy AI agents with Docker containers and environment variable. Table of ContentShipping GenAI Agent in MinutesBuilding Agent WorkflowsReliable and Structured Agent OutputSwitching Models without Rewriting AgentRunning vLLMDesigning Stable Business Logic across Multiple SDKsAgent Packaging and Deployment
Black Forest Shadow
What if learning container security felt like reading a dark fantasy novel?Black Forest Shadow is a unique hybrid book that combines immersive storytelling with practical Docker and Kubernetes security lessons.Set in the Black Forest of 1865, the story follows Gord, a warden guarding a dangerous prisoner, and Roth羹tle, a reluctant guide drawn into a conflict where shadows move quietly, trust fails silently, and small mistakes grow into catastrophic breaches. What unfolds in the forest mirrors the way real-world systems are compromised today.Each chapter delivers: a short dark-fantasy story episode, andone clear, actionable container security lesson.Across 24 chapters, you will learn essential concepts, including: container image hardening, supply-chain security and CVEs, YAML and infrastructure misconfiguration, runtime threat detection, secrets management, incident response and recovery, secure-by-design principles for Docker and Kubernetes.This book is not a dry reference manual and not a replacement for documentation.It is designed to build security intuition-helping you recognize attack patterns, weak signals, and failure modes before they become incidents.Who this book is forSoftware engineers and developers using Docker and KubernetesDevOps and platform engineersSecurity-minded teams adopting cloud-native infrastructureReaders who prefer learning through stories instead of lecturesNo prior security expertise is required. Each concept is explained in context, using narrative rather than jargon.Read it one chapter at a time - or as a single continuous journey.Welcome to the Black Forest.The shadows are already inside.
Digital Dominance Africa
Digital Dominance Africa: How African Creators Can Build Audiences, Monetize Their Work, and Thrive Independently is a groundbreaking guide for the continent's rising digital talent-creators rich in vision, creativity, and ambition but often underserved by the very platforms they rely on. This book provides a practical, Africa-first blueprint for growing loyal audiences, delivering meaningful value, and building sustainable digital businesses without depending on underpaying systems. You'll learn how to attract and nurture engaged communities, create products and services that genuinely improve your followers' lives, develop a distinctive brand that stands out in Africa's dynamic digital landscape, and navigate platform limitations while maintaining ownership, independence, and control. Whether you are an emerging influencer, content creator, or digital entrepreneur, this book equips you with the strategy, mindset, and tools to build lasting influence and thrive in Africa's evolving digital economy-on your own terms.
Multimedia-Based Digital Learning
This Reprint brings together a curated selection of peer-reviewed articles published within the Topical Collection on multimedia-based digital learning in the journal Digital. The collection addresses recent advances in the design, implementation, and evaluation of digital learning environments that leverage multimedia technologies to enhance learning effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. The Reprint covers a broad range of topics, including e-learning and blended learning frameworks, multimedia educational content, learning analytics, educational software and games, digital platforms for distance education, and emerging technologies supporting data-driven and personalized learning experiences. Particular attention is given to interdisciplinary approaches that combine computer science, education, and human-computer interaction, reflecting the evolving role of digital technologies in modern education systems. By consolidating high-quality contributions from international researchers, this Reprint provides a comprehensive overview of the current research trends and methodological approaches in multimedia-based digital learning, serving as a valuable reference for researchers, educators, instructional designers, and practitioners interested in the development and assessment of innovative digital learning solutions.
Ethical Hacking
This book provides an introduction to ethical hacking and cybersecurity, explaining how modern digital systems are protected and how vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed through authorized testing methods. It outlines the fundamental differences between ethical hackers and malicious actors, explores the evolution of cyber threats, and presents key concepts such as network scanning, penetration testing, and system defense strategies. The content also examines the role of ethical hackers in today's technology-driven environment and the growing importance of information security across personal and organizational systems. The book is intended for beginners, aspiring cybersecurity professionals, and readers with a general interest in understanding how digital security works, including those considering a career in ethical hacking or IT security. It assumes a basic familiarity with computers and networks while remaining accessible to readers without advanced technical knowledge. The approach is primarily practical and explanatory, combining foundational theory with real-world tools, techniques, and examples to illustrate how security assessments are conducted and how vulnerabilities are managed in a structured and responsible way.
Time Series Analysis in Earthquake Complex Networks
Earthquake time series are complex due to the variety of forces affecting earthquake generation, the complexity of the Earth's crust and mantle structure, where the earthquake source develops, and the complexity of the earthquake development process in space (generation of elementary cracks, their multiplication and coalescence, leading to main fault formation and final rupture) and time (kinetics of the different stages of the fracturing process). The early stages of the process developing in the deep layers of the Earth's crust cannot be studied in detail experimentally; at present, the only mechanism through which to model these initial stages of earthquake source development is experimental and theoretical modelling. New physical/mathematical methods of data analysis, such as nonlinear dynamics, artificial intelligence/machine learning/deep learning, non-extensive statistical analysis, natural time analysis, and complex network approaches, enable us to obtain mathematical regularities underlying physical/geophysical processes using only the time series of experimental observations.The aim of this Special Issue is to examine the progress in the analysis of complex systems' time series during the fracture process using new approaches to understanding the complexity of earthquake time series.
SAP S/4HANA aATP
In today's fast-paced and customer-driven market, supply chain precision is no longer optional-it is essential. Master SAP S/4HANA aATP delivers a practical, implementation-focused guide to leveraging Advanced Available-to-Promise (aATP) capabilities to transform supply chain performance and customer fulfillment.Designed for SAP consultants, supply chain professionals, and ERP practitioners, this book provides clear, step-by-step guidance on configuring and optimizing aATP within SAP S/4HANA. Readers will learn how to improve inventory visibility, execute real-time order fulfillment, manage backorders efficiently, and enhance customer satisfaction through intelligent availability confirmation.Inside, you will discover how to: Configure and implement SAP S/4HANA aATP effectivelyOptimize inventory allocation and product availabilityExecute real-time availability checks and substitutionsManage backorder processing with advanced rules-based logicImprove supply-demand matching across complex networksAlign SAP capabilities with modern supply chain strategiesWhether you are implementing aATP for the first time or enhancing an existing SAP S/4HANA landscape, this guide bridges the gap between system functionality and real-world supply chain execution.Transform your order fulfillment processes, increase operational transparency, and unlock the full potential of SAP S/4HANA aATP to drive supply chain excellence.
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition (Exam N10-009)
This up-to-date All-in-One exam guide delivers complete coverage of every topic on the N10-009 version of the CompTIA Network+ Certification examGet complete coverage of all the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives inside this comprehensive resource. Written by Jonathan Weissman and created and edited by Mike Meyers, the leading expert on CompTIA certification and training, CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition covers exam N10-009 in full detail. You'll find learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, scenarios, practice exam questions, and in-depth explanations. Designed to help you pass the exam with ease, this authoritative guide also serves as an essential on-the-job reference.Covers all exam topics, including: OSI Model and Number SystemsLocal Communication vs. Remote Communication, ARP, and ICMPIPv4Ports, TCP, and UDPRoutingSwitchingDNS and DHCPIPv6CablingEthernetInstalling a Physical NetworkWireless NetworkingVirtualization and Cloud ComputingData CentersDevices, Access, Management, and MonitoringPolicies and ProceduresNetwork SecurityTroubleshootingOnline content includes: 180 practice exam questions in a customizable test engine20+ lab simulations to help you prepare for the performance-based questionsOne hour of video training from Mike MeyersMike Meyers' favorite shareware and freeware networking tools and utilities
Python in Depth
Step Into the Future of Coding with Python: Your Comprehensive Guide AwaitsDive into the vibrant universe of Python and emerge as a skilled coder and programmer equipped with the knowledge to tackle any challenge the digital world throws your way. Python in Depth: A Multipurpose Coder and Programmer's Guide is not just another programming book; it's a beacon guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of Python, from basic concepts to the most advanced applications.Begin your journey with an insightful introduction that not only welcomes you to the Python community but also prepares you for the exciting path ahead. Explore the world of Python in our first chapter, understanding why Python's simplicity and versatility make it the go-to language for professionals worldwide. Whether you're setting up your environment, selecting an IDE, or diving into Python's syntax and structure, this guide ensures a smooth initiation into coding practices that matter.But that's just the start.As you progress, immerse yourself in intermediate and advanced topics that are crucial for modern development. From object-oriented programming, exception handling, to exploring Python's extensive library ecosystem, every chapter serves as a stepping stone towards mastery. Delve into databases, web frameworks like Django and Flask, and unlock the potential of Python in data science, machine learning, and beyond.What truly sets this guide apart is its dedication to not just teaching Python, but doing so in a manner that promotes readability, efficiency, and best practices. Learn how to optimize your code, adhere to the Python style guide, and navigate the nuances of collaborative development with ease.By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will not only have a deep understanding of Python's core concepts but also have the skills to apply them in real-world scenarios - from web development and data analysis to networking, security, and even creative coding. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, Python in Depth: A Multipurpose Coder and Programmer's Guide is the key to unlocking your full potential in today's tech-driven world.Embark on this transformative journey through Python and ready yourself for a future where the possibilities are limitless. It's time to code, create, and innovate. Let's get started.
Social AI Revolution
Embark on a Digital Odyssey: Become a Maestro of AI-Enhanced CreativityIn the ever-evolving realm of social media, there lies an untapped frontier - the intersection of artificial intelligence and content creation. Imagine wielding the transformative power of AI to not only participate but dominate social media engagement. "Social AI Revolution: Winning Tactics for the Smart Content Creator" is your ultimate guide to mastering this digital renaissance. As you embark on this riveting journey, you will unravel the pioneering tactics that will crown you the sovereign of smart content creation.Navigate the nascent landscape of Social AI with a keen, strategic outlook that delineates the future of digital interaction. Chapter 1 invites you to comprehend the seismic shift AI is causing in social media dynamics - a requisite understanding for any modern content creator. Where others grapple with change, you will be welcoming it with open arms and a shrewd mind.From unearthing the quintessential tools that beckon success to painting the grand picture of your AI-augmented social media strategy, every chapter unfurls critical insights. With a focus on leveraging AI for heartbreaking personalization and distribution efficiencies, you'll learn how to craft content that resonates deeply - honing in on your audience like never before.Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. Chapter 9 dives into the ethical caverns of AI content creation. Steer clear of pitfalls as you chart a course through complicated moral waters, ensuring your creations shine with integrity. And lest you worry about being outpaced, Chapter 10 fortifies you with the skills to stay up-to-speed with AI's rapid evolutions, rendering you invincible in the face of change.Whether you're eyeing the viral zenith or the pragmatic gains from monetization, your approach will be revolutionized. Equip yourself with "Social AI Revolution: Winning Tactics for the Smart Content Creator" and transform from a mere participant into a vanguard of the content frontier. The future isn't just coming; with this book in your arsenal, you are the future.
Text Mining
Encompassing fields such as information retrieval, extraction, classification, summarization and understanding, text mining has become indispensable across diverse application domains. Methodological advances span rule-based systems, statistical approaches, support vector machines, clustering, neural networks and most recently, deep learning, with distance and similarity estimation persisting as central challenges.This Special Issue comprises two survey papers and sixteen research articles, all addressing practical aspects of text mining. The surveys review methods for financial market prediction through social media analysis and sentiment detection, and provide a synthesis of techniques, evaluation strategies, and applications of recommender systems across domains including e-commerce, social media, and online learning.The research articles extend to text classification, sentiment analysis, summarization, and natural language understanding, as well as corpus construction and e-governance applications. Contributions include a large-scale Chinese toponym corpus, CHTopo, deep learning models for tourist behaviour prediction, semantic optimization of artifact presentation, BERT-based knowledge extraction for agricultural ontology construction, and transformer-based approaches for detecting moral features in television narratives.
SwiftUI for Masterminds
SwiftUI for Masterminds is a comprehensive course designed to take you from the fundamentals of SwiftUI to the development of professional applications for Apple platforms.Whether you are a complete beginner starting your journey in app development or an experienced Android developer looking to expand into the Apple ecosystem, this book provides a structured, practical path to mastering SwiftUI.You will not just learn syntax or isolated examples. You will build real applications while understanding the architecture, data flow, state management, navigation, persistence, networking, multimedia integration, system services, and advanced interface design that modern apps require.Every chapter is carefully organized to guide you step by step, with clear explanations, hands-on projects, and progressively more advanced concepts. By the end of the book, you will be able to design, build, and deploy fully functional apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.Inside the book, you will learn: - How SwiftUI works under the hood - How to design adaptive interfaces for multiple Apple devices - How to manage data using modern tools like SwiftData - How to share data between devices - How to integrate with new and old system frameworks - How to publish your applications to the App StoreIf you are serious about building powerful apps and entering the Apple development market with confidence, SwiftUI for Masterminds will give you the knowledge and practical experience you need.Xcode 26, iOS 26, macOS 26, Swift 6.2
The Immortalists
What does it mean for us all when death is treated as a glitch and Silicon Valley invests in the "science" of eternal life? 'A fascinating, deeply reported adventure' OLIVER BURKEMAN 'An essential parable for our digital times' KEVIN FONG 'Riveting' DAILY MAIL From the epic of Gilgamesh to the alchemy of the philosopher's stone, humanity's eternal quest for immortality - and its rejuvenation tricks, therapies and tinctures - has always been our most mortal endeavor. But now the giants of invention and investment are building a fountain of youth of their own creation: one they not only engineer but also own and control. Death is simply their next problem to solve, an expression of a hubris that regards humans as appliances to be fixed and machines to be upgraded. By harnessing technology to 'cure' ageing, and funding cutting-edge - and often controversial - research, today's immortalists are locked in an arms race to pocket the profits of longevity. What was once a wild west of experimentation has wormed its way into Washington's corridors of power. Award-winning broadcaster and academic Aleks Krotoski journeys from cult fringes to the heartlands of government to meet the moguls, effective altruists, geroscientists and entrepreneurs who are disrupting death. Along the way she encounters radical life extensionists transfusing their teenage son's blood, transhumanists who want to upload consciousness to the cloud, biohackers flogging AI-powered wellness apps and billionaire kingmakers building brand-new nations. This razor-sharp investigation asks: do we really want a handful of Silicon Valley powerbrokers to be the architects of our forever?
Prince of Programming
Master the basics of programming with C#Prince of Programming teaches real C# programming and core development concepts through engaging, game-themed, story-based examples inspired by classic 1980s adventure platformers. It is designed as a clear and practical guide for anyone who wants to learn C# programming from the ground up.At the end of every chapter, follow the Prince's journey as he solves challenges using the same programming concepts you just learned.Ideal for anyone who want to learn C# the right way from the start.What Makes This Book Different?No information overload. You learn what matters, when it matters.Game-themed story-based examples that don't bore you.Examples include comments and expected output, no computer required.Progressive learning. Each chapter builds on the last.Practical exercises with sample solutions included.What You'll LearnGetting started with Visual Studio 2026 and .NET 10Code structure, naming conventions, and writing clean codeCollections, Variables, data types, and information storageLoops, Logic and decision-makingMethods, functions and Exception handlingObject-oriented programming with classes and inheritanceEvents, delegates and Async programmingCore programming principles (DRY, KISS, YAGNI)You will also learn how to think like a programmer by breaking down problems, debugging systematically, and building solutions that work.Who This Book Is ForComplete beginners who've never written codeSelf-taught or intermediate programmers missing foundational gapsAnyone frustrated with tutorials that skip important steps Learners wanting clear explanations without complexityYou do not need advanced math skills or an expensive computer. Just curiosity and determination.Learn the Right Way from the StartThis book uses console-based examples to focus on pure programming logic. Once you master these fundamentals, you can apply them to anything including games, web apps, mobile apps, automation tools, and more.Bonus chapters include graphics programming, asynchronous programming, and LINQ.Appendices include debugging techniques and guidance for continuing your programming journey.Visit princeofprogramming.com for code examples and additional resources.
Hacked and Hunted
In the digital world, one click can change everything.Social media promises fame, friendship, and freedom-but beneath the surface lies a darker reality. Hacked and Hunted: A Smart Girl's Guide to Online Safety is a gripping cyber-thriller that exposes how quickly online success can turn into a nightmare-and why digital awareness is no longer optional.Meet Aarushi, Kaneera, and Sophia-three young women connected by friendship and unknowingly bound by danger. Aarushi is a brilliant tech mind who understands the language of machines. Kaneera is a rising social media influencer, basking in likes, followers, and viral fame. Sophia, a determined law student, believes justice can protect the vulnerable. Their lives collide when a celebration of online success spirals into a chilling game of cyber manipulation.What begins as a harmless posting and online engagement soon unravels into a terrifying chain of events-phishing attacks, spyware infections, account takeovers, cyberstalking, doxxing, and personal data being sold on the dark web. A faceless hacker watches their every move, exploiting overshared information and digital blind spots. Trust fractures. Fear escalates. And the line between predator and prey begins to blur.As the threat intensifies, Aarushi is forced to push her technical skills to the limit, venturing into the hacker's world where one mistake could cost everything. Kaneera's online fame becomes a weapon used against her, while Sophia uncovers a painful truth: the greatest danger doesn't always come from strangers-it can emerge from within the systems we trust most.This is more than a fast-paced thriller-it's a wake-up call.Seamlessly blending storytelling with real-world cybersecurity lessons, this book educates readers on: Phishing scams and how attackers manipulate trustWeak passwords, account takeovers, and recovery strategiesSpyware, malware, and device compromiseCyberstalking, doxxing, and digital harassmentDark web data trading and identity exposureEthical hacking, digital footprints, and online traceabilityLong-term practices for protecting privacy and digital identityEach chapter reveals not only what happens to the characters-but how it happens, empowering readers to recognize threats before they become victims themselves.Written by Anand Shinde, an internationally recognized cybersecurity expert and mentor, and Vandana Keswani, a senior enterprise cybersecurity leader and passionate advocate for empowering girls online, this book draws directly from decades of real-world cyber defense experience. Their combined expertise transforms complex threats into relatable, actionable insights-without losing the intensity of a page-turning thriller.Hacked and Hunted is especially powerful for: Teen girls and young women navigating social mediaParents seeking awareness-driven stories for their childrenEducators and mentors promoting digital safetyAnyone who believes "it won't happen to me"This story will make you rethink every password, every post, and every moment you share online.Because in today's digital world, privacy is fragile, trust is exploitable, and awareness is survival.Once you step into this story, there's no turning back.
Smart Parent's Guide to Cybersecurity
Parenting doesn't come with a manual-especially in the digital age.Today's children grow up surrounded by screens, social media, online games, and limitless information. While the internet opens doors to learning, creativity, and connection, it also exposes young minds to risks many parents feel unprepared to handle: cyberbullying, online predators, privacy breaches, scams, screen addiction, and harmful content.Smart Parent's Guide to Cybersecurity is a practical, empowering roadmap designed to help parents confidently protect, guide, and educate their children in an increasingly connected world. Rather than promoting fear or excessive restriction, this book focuses on awareness, communication, trust, and practical action-the foundations of safe and responsible digital parenting.Written by two seasoned cybersecurity professionals with decades of global experience, this guide translates complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, relatable, and actionable advice for parents of all backgrounds. Whether your child is taking their first steps online or already navigating social media and gaming platforms, this book meets you where you are.Inside, you'll learn how to: Understand how children of different age groups use the internetIdentify real-world online threats such as cyberbullying, phishing, scams, malware, and online groomingCreate age-appropriate and secure digital environments across devicesSet healthy boundaries around screen time without damaging trustImplement and manage parental controls effectivelyTeach children digital etiquette, privacy awareness, and online responsibilityRecognize warning signs of online trouble and take the right steps earlySupport your child emotionally when online issues ariseBecome an active, positive presence in your child's digital lifeWhat sets this book apart is its balanced approach. Cybersecurity is not just about tools, filters, or monitoring-it's about equipping children with the judgment and confidence to make smart decisions even when parents aren't watching. Through real-life scenarios, expert insights, and practical strategies, parents learn how to move from control to collaboration, and from fear to preparedness.The book is structured to be easy to follow, with clearly defined chapters covering everything from devices and apps to social media, gaming, and connected technologies. It also includes curated resources, tools, and support networks parents can rely on beyond the book.Together, Anand and Jessen wrote this book with one clear mission: to help parents feel confident, capable, and supported in protecting their children online.If you're a parent who wants to raise a digitally aware, resilient, and responsible child-without panic, guilt, or confusion-Smart Parent's Guide to Cybersecurity is your trusted companion.Because protecting children online starts with informed parents-and meaningful conversations at home.
Unified Compliance
Unified Compliance was written to bridge the gap between technical implementation and regulatoryunderstanding in a the rapidly expanding digital landscape. This comprehensive guide decodes theworld's most important compliance frameworks, including HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST, HITRUST, HITECH, PIPL, DPDP and emerging AI regulations, through clear analysis and structured comparison.Designed for IT departments, legal teams, engineers, compliance departments, the book offerspractical strategies to meet compliance requirements without sacrificing system integrity. With indepthcoverage of risk management, data protection, and cross-jurisdictional standards, this workempowers professionals to align operations with modern expectations for privacy, accountability, and security resilience. Unified Compliance is both a reference and a strategic companion for thosenavigating regulatory complexity in global, hybrid, or sector-specific environments.
Generation AI and the Transformation of Human Being
Many are discussing what AI and other advanced technologies may become; few have thought through what we will become.Generation AI-those born after 2022-will be the first humans to grow up in a world of immersive AI, intelligent robots, and ambiguous boundaries between the born and the made. They will differ fundamentally from us, yet their future is our future too.How do we prepare our children-and ourselves-for careers that don't yet exist?What parts of human connection and purpose can we protect as AI becomes more capable?How will the next generation form their identity when AI can do most of what we consider uniquely human?Drawing on evolutionary biology, social science, and breakthroughs in advanced technologies, renowned scientist-philosopher Gregory Stock offers the most comprehensive analysis yet of how AI will reshape not just our world, but our very nature.From parenting and relationships to the future of education, work, and humanity itself, Generation AI maps the transformation already underway-and how to navigate it with intention rather than fear.
MCP Integrations for Microsoft 365
This book practically brings you the easy-to-follow solutions wherein you can connect AI-driven automation to everyday business tools using Model Context Protocol (MCP), with Microsoft Excel and Word as the primary execution and delivery surfaces. This book focuses on practical integration patterns that developers and technical teams can apply directly in real business environments. You won't find any discussions of model internals or theoretical AI concepts here.The book presents a structured approach to building governed, auditable workflows. It shows how Excel rows act as requests, YAML playbooks define execution logic, and tools such as Jira, databases, document repositories, and reporting systems are integrated through well-defined contracts. We use Microsoft Word as a controlled output surface for reports and deliverables. There are audit logs and approval mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the workflow lifecycle. I will guide you through designing MCP tool contracts, mapping Excel columns to tool arguments, normalizing results for analytics, and shaping outputs for Excel and Power BI. In this book, you will learn to implement safety patterns such as idempotency, retries, policy allowlists, tenant isolation, and least-privilege access. It includes practical chapters on connector development, authentication and secrets handling, governance controls, diagnostics, testing strategies, and deployment patterns for both scheduled and on-demand execution.I strongly recommend this book to developers, platform engineers, and technical architects who work with Microsoft 365. These professionals will learn to integrate AI-assisted workflows into existing business processes without unnecessary complexity.Key LearningsTurn Excel and Word into powerful AI-driven control and delivery hubs for business automation.Automate business workflows with AI Agents without exposing users, model internals and LLMs.Build predictable, auditable, and reusable automation using tool contracts and playbooks.Trigger real business actions across Jira, databases, and documents using Excel and Word.Make use of YAML playbooks to transform multi-step business processes into workflows.Make use of audit logs, approvals, and correlation IDs to execute transparent and compliant AI actions.Prevent duplicate actions using idempotency and request tracking.Practice versioning, policies, and strict access controls for scaling MCP connectors.Table of ContentMCP and Agent PrimerMicrosoft 365 Project BlueprintTool Contracts for Excel and Word AutomationBuilding MCP Connectors as Business ActionsAuthentication and Secrets for Microsoft 365 and SaaSGovernance, Approvals, and Audit TrailsWorkflow Runner with YAML PlaybooksJira Connector with Excel RequestsData and Knowledge ConnectorsShipping MCP Integrations across Microsoft 365 Teams
Private AI with Spark
For those who want to build controlled, reproducible AI systems entirely within your own infrastructure, this book is the most practical and implementation-focused trainer. Instead of relying on external APIs or cloud-hosted intelligence services, this book clearly demonstrates how Apache Spark can orchestrate data preparation, model training, batch inference, reporting, and LLM acceleration in a disciplined and transparent way.As the book opens, it swiftly defines private AI, making it clear that external AI calls are not allowed, full ownership of datasets and model assets is imperative, and repeatable runs with traceable outputs are essential. I will use a realistic sample to show you how to build an end-to-end workflow that ingests raw data, normalizes it into a stable schema, trains a baseline classifier, extracts keywords, generates summaries, and produces structured reports. There's no doubt that each step is implemented with clarity and attention to maintainability. You can be sure that logging, manifests, and monitoring are embedded from the start. We implement classic machine learning techniques, vLLM, performance measurement, batch processing patterns, quarantine handling, and structured metrics to make private AI more usable and compete with cloud-based AI.Beyond experimentation, the book transitions seamlessly into packaging and routine execution. It will teach you to bundle multiple stages into a single command workflow, schedule daily or weekly runs, generate compact run reports, and adapt the architecture to new datasets without redesigning the system. It does not promise instant transformation or one-click AI solutions. Instead, it provides a structured path to building a sustainable private AI backbone using Spark as the orchestration layer.Key LearningsNo external AI calls and full control over data, models, and repeatable runs.Stable canonical schema with downstream ML and reusable reporting.Infuse Classic ML with Spark without introducing LLM complexity.Carry out extractive summaries without hallucination risk.Complete traceability through manifests, prompt versions, and run logs.Implement data and batch flow, along with fast inference using vLLM.Extract inspectable data and surface out the hidden errors using quarantine tables.Measure and store performance for every run with stakeholder reporting.Design single-command pipeline with clear configs to build repeatable AI.Table of ContentUp and Running with Private AIData Workflows using Spark DataFramesPowerful NLP without LLMBatch Inference and Practical OutputsSmart SummariesBoosting with vLLM IntegrationPackaging Private AI
The Little Book Of A.I. Prompts - The Prompt Engineer
THE PROMPT ENGINEER Volume I of The Little Book of A.I. PromptsLanguage is becoming a form of engineering.As artificial intelligence moves beyond code and into conversation, a new professional discipline is emerging one built not from algorithms, but from words. The Prompt Engineer is a thoughtful, rigorous exploration of that discipline.This book treats prompting as more than a technique. It presents it as a craft, a system of reasoning, and a new kind of literacy. Through long-form reflection and careful analysis, it examines how structure, clarity, and intent shape the behaviour of large language models, and why ambiguity, while human, must be handled with precision when language becomes executable.Written as a continuous monologue, The Prompt Engineer blends philosophy, linguistics, and systems thinking to trace the evolution of human-machine dialogue from instruction to collaboration, from syntax to meaning. Minimalist diagrams and red-letter definitions punctuate the text, reinforcing key ideas without interrupting its flow.This is not a quick guide or a collection of tricks. It is a foundational text for those who want to understand what it truly means to write for thinking systems.For readers who see language as architecture, reasoning as design, and clarity as a professional skill, The Prompt Engineer offers a calm, serious entry point into the emerging world of artificial intelligence communication.
Level 7 Leadership
The pace of change has outgrown the old playbook.AI now rewires industries in months, not years. Teams struggle under pressure. Leaders everywhere feel the strain: less certainty, more complexity, and an operating environment that punishes slow thinking and rigid systems.Level 7 Leadership offers a clear path forward.This book gives entrepreneurs and executives a new operating system for the Human+Machine Era-one where humans and machines work as an integrated team. You will learn to lead with greater clarity, speed, and strategic awareness by upgrading the one system that determines everything else: your state.You will see why traditional leadership models fail under exponential change-and how to replace them with practices that stabilize your physiology, sharpen your perception, and unlock higher levels of decision intelligence. You will learn how to build coherent teams that adapt quickly, sense emerging patterns earlier, and execute with precision.Level 7 Leadership is a blueprint for becoming the kind of leader the future demands-one who can navigate uncertainty, unlock collective intelligence, and create at the speed of change.If you want to lead with clarity, resilience, and impact in the age of AI, this book is your competitive advantage.
Side Effects of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a tool-it is becoming an environment. From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the decisions we make about what to read, buy, believe, and remember, AI is quietly shaping the way we think. But what happens when convenience begins to replace cognition? When recommendations replace reasoning? When memory, creativity, and judgment are outsourced to machines?Side Effects of Artificial Intelligence is a powerful and unsettling exploration of how AI is transforming the human mind. Rather than focusing on jobs, robots, or future speculation, this book examines the hidden cognitive consequences already unfolding: shortened attention spans, algorithmically shaped beliefs, the decline of independent reasoning, and the growing dependence on digital systems for memory, decision-making, and identity. It reveals how AI does not simply assist human thinking-it subtly rewires it.Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, behavioral patterns, and real-world technological integration, this book exposes how algorithms control attention, how endless feeds reshape dopamine and focus, how external "digital brains" weaken internal knowledge, and how creativity risks becoming standardized through pattern replication. It confronts the illusion of neutral intelligence and reveals the invisible influence behind recommendations, rankings, and automated judgments.This is not an anti-technology manifesto. It is a call for awareness. AI has the potential to enhance human intelligence-but only if humans remain active thinkers rather than passive users. The greatest risk is not that machines become intelligent, but that humans stop exercising their own intelligence.For readers interested in Artificial Intelligence, psychology, digital culture, cognitive science, and the future of human autonomy, this book offers a deep, thought-provoking analysis of one of the most urgent intellectual questions of our time: If machines begin to think for us, what will remain uniquely human?
Symmetry/Asymmetry of Differential Equations in Biomathematics
Symmetry principles play a fundamental role in understanding the complex dynamics of ecological and biological systems. This Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research that applies mathematical modeling, stability analysis, and bifurcation theory to explore symmetry-related phenomena across diverse biological contexts. The collected works demonstrate how symmetry concepts can reveal universal patterns in population dynamics, disease transmission, and resource management.
Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines II
This reprint compiles the nine articles from the Special Issue "Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines II" of the MDPI Mathematics journal, specifically from its "Engineering Mathematics" section. The articles, while diverse in their specific topics, uniformly focus on mechanisms as their object of study and employ mathematics as their foundational methodology. Key areas explored within the reprint include the following: Synthesis, design, and optimization of mechanisms; Robotics; Automotive applications; Maintenance 4.0; Machine vibrations; Control systems; Biomechanics; Medical devices.This reprint is intended for professionals and researchers in the field of Mechanism and Machine Science, with the aim of contributing to advancements in both mechanical engineering and applied mathematics.
Innovative Technologies and Services for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
This Special Issue Reprint compiles cutting-edge research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), highlighting transformative advancements that broaden their capabilities across diverse sectors. Bringing together contributions from researchers, practitioners, and industry experts, this collection fosters interdisciplinary dialogue while delivering rigorous peer-reviewed insights into UAV technology and services. It covers a comprehensive range of critical topics, such as the following: autonomous navigation and control systems (including advanced algorithms for obstacle detection, path planning, and formation flying); innovative sensing/imaging technologies (hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, thermal imaging for data acquisition); efficient communication/networking solutions (reliable, secure connectivity, network coordination, swarm intelligence for networked UAVs); payload design and service delivery (medical supply transport, infrastructure inspections); energy efficiency research (energy harvesting, optimization algorithms, sustainable power sources); and regulatory/ethical considerations for safe, responsible UAV deployment. Featuring original research articles, reviews, and case studies, this Reprint captures the latest breakthroughs pushing UAV application boundaries. It serves as an invaluable resource for professionals and researchers seeking to keep up to date with industry progress, inspiring further innovation and collaboration to advance UAV technology's real-world impact.
Machine Learning for Pattern Recognition (2nd Edition)
In the recent digital age, machine learning technology has made significant progress, revolutionizing applications in fields such as image recognition, speech processing, and natural language processing. These technologies have not only changed our daily lives but have also had a profound impact on medicine, finance, transportation, and other fields. However, pattern recognition, as an important branch of machine learning, still has many challenges and problems. This 2nd edition Reprint brings together contributions from leading experts in their fields. Each paper provides valuable insights into the latest trends, methods, and challenges in state-of-the-art applications of machine learning for pattern recognition. In addition, the studies in each paper not only showcase the latest advancements in machine learning algorithms but also discuss their successful applications and the challenges encountered in real-world scenarios.As Guest Editors, we are honored to present this 2nd edition Reprint, and we hope that readers, whether researchers, engineers, or students, will find inspiration and guidance in these papers as they explore the growing field of machine learning for pattern recognition. We express our gratitude to the authors for their outstanding contributions, to the reviewers for their critical evaluation, and to the Assistant Editor, Mr. Musea Wu, for his enthusiastic help. We are also sincerely grateful to our readers, whose curiosity and enthusiasm continue to drive innovation in this exciting field.
The Decentralized Web
We were promised freedom online, yet most of us rent our identities and communities from walled gardens. This book shows a different path: protocols over platforms, where decentralised web principles let people carry their data, reputation, and value wherever they go. Inside, you will learn the building blocks behind web3 basics without hype, from peer to peer coordination to decentralised storage and privacy protocols that protect ordinary users. It explains how dao governance and tokenised communities can fund public goods and reduce lock-in, and why open source development is the backbone of resilience. You will also see how internet ownership and digital identity change product design, customer relationships, and the everyday flows of work. Written for designers, founders, policy thinkers, and curious practitioners, it provides checklists, patterns, and plain-language models you can apply immediately. If you want to evaluate trade-offs, avoid centralising by accident, and build systems that respect human dignity, this guide gives you first principles and practical steps to begin.
ChatGPT and Beyond
We are entering a world where conversation is the new interface. The systems sound confident, helpful, and fast - yet fluency is not the same as understanding. This book offers a clear way to work with them without losing your judgement. It explains how large language models actually operate, when to lean on them, and when to switch to sources. You will learn prompt engineering as a design craft, build reliable dialogue systems for everyday tasks, and develop habits for critical thinking with ai. Along the way you will see how human ai communication changes attention, bias, and decision-making; what the real arc of nlp evolution looks like; and practical steps for workplace automation that protect human agency. It also sets out simple, durable practices for ai ethics, cognitive modelling, and choosing generative ai tools that fit your context. For product builders, managers, researchers, educators, and curious professionals, this is a plain-language guide to turning fluent outputs into meaningful outcomes - with humans firmly in charge of purpose and responsibility.
Post-Human Ethics
A machine can be procedurally correct and still feel wrong. When decisions are shared with software, responsibility blurs, trade-offs hide in proxies, and the harms arrive quietly. This book offers a clear framework for understanding ethical ai, diagnosing machine bias, and designing moral algorithms that respect human dignity. You will learn how to specify values without myth, set thresholds for autonomous decisions, and build ai accountability into roles, logs, and reviews. Across justice, healthcare, work, and safety-critical contexts, it shows how algorithmic justice differs from legal compliance, and how to create guardrails before crises choose for you. It treats design decisions as moral decisions and gives you practical tools for stress-testing objectives, communicating uncertainty, and planning redress. Written for leaders, designers, policy teams, and curious citizens, it equips you to navigate ai governance frameworks with confidence, debate ai warfare ethics with clarity, and apply responsible ai design in daily practice. If you want technology that serves society rather than the reverse, this is your blueprint for accountable, human-centred autonomy and credible oversight.
Coding Consciousness
Machines now talk, plan, and surprise us. But do they feel anything at all? This book is a clear guide through the fog, giving you the tools to tell the difference between clever imitation and genuine understanding. You will learn how brains integrate signals, how models represent the world, and why definitions of consciousness change what we think we have built. It explains classic and modern tests, from the turing test to interpretability probes and consciousness tests, and shows where claims can go wrong. For engineers, researchers, policy makers, and curious readers, it offers a practical way to evaluate announcements without falling for hype. Along the way, it grounds abstract ideas in concrete examples from neural networks, embodied agents, and clinical scales in cognitive science and cognitive modeling. If you care about ai ethics, rights, and responsible design, this is your map. You will finish with a disciplined checklist for judging machine consciousness, a sharper grasp of the computational mind, and a language to discuss artificial empathy without confusion. Clear, balanced, and humane, it equips you to think well about thinking machines.
