Computers

With many recent advances in data science, we have many more tools and techniques available for data analysts to extract information from data sets. This book will assist data analysts to move up from simple tools such as Excel for descriptive analytics to answer more sophisticated questions using machine learning. Most of the exercises use R and Python, but rather than focus on coding algorithms, the book employs interactive interfaces to these tools to perform the analysis. Using the CRISP-DM data mining standard, the early chapters cover conducting the preparatory steps in data mining: translating business information needs into framed analytical questions and data preparation. The Jamovi and the JASP interfaces are used with R and the Orange3 data mining interface with Python. Where appropriate, Voyant and other open-source programs are used for text analytics. The techniques covered in this book range from basic descriptive statistics, such as summarization and tabulation, to more sophisticated predictive techniques, such as linear and logistic regression, clustering, classification, and text analytics. Includes companion files with case study files, solution spreadsheets, data sets and charts, etc. from the book.

Features:

• Covers basic descriptive statistics, such as summarization and tabulation, to more sophisticated predictive techniques, such as linear and logistic regression, clustering, classification, and text analytics
• Uses R, Python, Jamovi and JASP interfaces, and the Orange3 data mining interface
• Includes companion files with the case study files from the book, solution spreadsheets, data sets, etc.

This book lends insight into solving some well-known AI problems using the most efficient problem-solving methods by humans and computers. The book discusses the importance of developing critical-thinking methods and skills, and develops a consistent approach toward each problem. This book assembles in one place a set of interesting and challenging AI–type problems that students regularly encounter in computer science, mathematics, and AI courses. These problems are not new, and students from all backgrounds can benefit from the kind of deductive thinking that goes into solving them. The book is especially useful as a companion to any course in computer science or mathematics where there are interesting problems to solve.

Features:

•Addresses AI and problem-solving from different perspectives
•Covers classic AI problems such as Sudoku, Map Coloring, Twelve Coins, Red Donkey, Cryptarithms, Monte Carlo Methods, Rubik’s Cube, Missionaries/Cannibals, Knight’s Tour, Monty Hall, and more
•Includes a companion disc with source code, solutions, figures, and more
•Offers playability sites where students can exercise the process of developing their solutions
•Describes problem-solving methods that might be applied to a variety of situations

eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

Surviving a Cyberattack: Securing Social Media and Protecting Your Home is a roadmap to navigating the internet with confidence.

This comprehensive guide addresses the ever-growing challenges users face in the online world. It explores various online risks, from social media scams and data breaches to online fraud. Recognizing these threats is crucial for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and even your small business. This hands-on reference equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the online landscape safely. It covers essential topics like securing your router and social media accounts, protecting personal information, and mitigating risks for children and vulnerable adults. Additionally, it offers valuable insights on online shopping safety, responsible technology disposal, and surviving a cyberattack.

You’ll learn about

• Safeguarding devices and how to master router configuration,　identifying IoT risks,　and creating impenetrable defenses.
• Navigating social media and securing accounts,　understanding privacy settings,　and banishing social media scams.
• Protecting your children and how to foster responsible online habits,　managing their digital access,　and keeping them safe from harm.
• Securing a small business and shielding data from cyberattacks,　avoiding business scams,　and ensuring responsible social media use.
• Caring for vulnerable family members and protecting them from online predators,　managing their digital accounts,　and handling sensitive topics like digital estate planning.
• Bouncing back from attacks and learning how to properly use data backup practices,　understand reporting procedures,　and emerge stronger from any digital mishap.

This book describes common threats to your cybersecurity and practical steps you can take to avoid them. Threats explained include weak or reused passwords, malware, viruses, social engineering, outdated software, ransomware, the internet of things (IoT) and risky Internet browsing. Tools and techniques to help enhance your security like multi-factor authentication (MFA), firewalls, backups, virtual private networks (VPN) are also explained.

•Discusses how weak passwords can lead to vulnerabilities and how to create strong ones that are easy to remember.
• Describes social engineering attacks, why you may be vulnerable to them and how to protect yourself.
•Explains how Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) works and how to enable it.
•Presents how to protect your system against a Ransomware attack.

Covering all of the major techniques, this book uses both metric and imperial units to illustrate the myriad drawing and editing tools for this popular application. Use the companion files to set up drawing exercises and projects and to see all of the book’s figures. Revit 2025 Architecture includes over 50 “mini-workshops” that complete small projects from concept through actual plotting. Solving all of these workshops will help to master Revit Architecture from beginning to end, without overlooking any of the basic commands and functions. Companion files available for downloading with projects from the book.

FEATURES

• Uses both metric and imperial units to illustrate the myriad drawing and editing tools
• Includes over 50 “mini-workshops” and hundreds of figures that complete small projects
• Helps you to prepare for the Revit Architecture Certified Professional exam
• Exercises and projects included for use as a textbook
• Companion files available for downloading with projects from the book.

BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Explore the transformative world of AI-driven marketing by integrating Artificial Intelligence into modern marketing strategies. This book is designed to help businesses optimize their operations, personalize customer experiences, and harness the full potential of AI to drive growth and innovation. You will learn the foundational concepts of AI and machine learning, discover best practices for data hygiene, structuring, and optimization, and explore how AI tools can transform customer data into actionable insights, enhancing your ability to create personalized and effective marketing campaigns. The book is tailored for marketing professionals, business owners, and digital strategists who are eager to integrate AI into their marketing practices. It is equally valuable for beginners and experienced marketers who want to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.

FEATURES

• Includes step-by-step guides for implementing AI tools in SEO, social media, and email
• Covers the use of AI to analyze customer behavior, benefits of chatbots, and AI-powered customer service
• Features real-world cases from leading companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify
• Uses AI tools to transform customer data into actionable insights for more effective campaigns

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This book is a guide to navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Designed for both novices and seasoned professionals it covers a broad range of topics from fundamental ideas to innovative advancements. Readers will investigate the principles of machine learning, explore the intricacies of deep learning architectures, and discover the applications of natural language processing and computer vision. With its concise explanations and useful examples, it gives readers the knowledge and abilities they need to confidently traverse the changing field of artificial intelligence. This text also looks at real-world case studies and important ethical issues, providing insightful information about the ethical ramifications and societal effects of technology.

Features:

• Practical applications and case studies with a section on use cases across various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and retail.
• Actionable steps for getting started with AI include how to set up an AI development environment, learning Python for AI applications, and utilizing popular AI libraries.
• Resources for further study including, AI online courses, AI communities and forums, and recommended books essentially, a roadmap for continuous learning.

As the field of Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, Generative AI has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of software development. AI models capable of generating high-quality, human-like code can significantly accelerate the software development process, assist in troubleshooting, and even automate tasks traditionally performed by human developers.

Generative AI models, such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and others, are already demonstrating the ability to write functional code, generate documentation, and assist in code review. These models are not only reducing the time it takes to develop applications but are also making software development more accessible to a broader audience, including non-technical users.

This book is intended to serve as a comprehensive guide for developers, technology leaders, and anyone interested in understanding how to leverage Generative AI in software development. It will cover the underlying technology behind these models, practical use cases, integration into development workflows, and ethical considerations. Additionally, it explores how the democratization of coding through AI will shape the future of software engineering.

By providing insights into real-world applications and best practices for integrating generative AI into the software lifecycle, this book empowers readers to stay ahead of the technological curve in a rapidly evolving industry.

Discrete Mathematics presents the material in an easily accessible manner. Beside the usual content (expanded a little bit), a special writing style is used.

We start with the natural numbers, function and relations, as well as the powerset lattice. The second chapter illustrates set theory with its laws and the Generalized Continuum Hypothesis. Chapter 3 delivers Boolean Algebra, with the double exponential formula for the # different boolean functions. The next chapter covers the induction, direct, and indirect proof. Chapter 5 presents combinatorics: Rules of sum, product, quotient, the pigeonhole principle, in/exclusion, permutation and binomial coefficient, plus Stirling numbers of 1^st and 2^nd kind as well as the Bell number; additionally, the recurrence relation with back- and forward reasoning is offered. We conclude with general and conditional probability, incl. the Monty Hall problem.

Discrete Mathematics presents the material in a lively fashion, including topics which are usually not presented. Providing an annex with questions and solutions it offers the chance to the readers worldwide to grasp the subject in this handy and clearly arranged treatise.