3D Printing. The Complete Guide to Mastering 3D Printing Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Stephanie Torta, Jonathan Torta

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of 3D printing, covering its applications in industry, education, and the DIY community. It delves into common 3D printers, materials, and software, guiding you through setting up your own printer and performing essential calibration tasks. Through full-color images, you’ll learn about various printing methods, best practices, and how to finish your projects successfully.The book is divided into three parts: the first part provides a history and evolution of 3D printers, highlighting their industrial and personal use. The second part walks you through setting up a 3D printer, from initial hardware calibration to software functionalities and acquiring 3D objects. You’ll also find step-by-step guides for three different projects.The final part helps you choose the right printer, explains common features, and explores post-market modifications. Understanding 3D printing is crucial as it revolutionizes manufacturing and prototyping processes, enabling creativity and innovation in various fields. This book ensures a smooth journey from a novice to a confident 3D printing enthusiast, equipped with practical skills and knowledge. Companion files with videos, printable objects, and additional lessons enhance your learning experience.

Access 2021 / Microsoft 365 Programming by Example. Mastering VBA for Data Management and Automation

Mercury Learning and Information, Julitta Korol

Updated for Access 2021 and based on bestselling editions, this book is a practical guide on Access programming, perfect for users proficient with the Access UI. It introduces programming concepts through illustrated hands-on exercises and custom projects. You will learn to write and test code with the Visual Basic Editor, use VBA structures like conditions, loops, arrays, collections, and dictionaries, and reprogram database characteristics.The book covers building database solutions with Data Access Objects (DAO) and ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), defining database objects, and managing database security with SQL. It explores enhancing user interaction with Ribbon customizations and event programming in forms and reports. Additionally, you'll learn to use Access with XML and REST API.From getting started with Access VBA to advanced event programming and macros, this book ensures a comprehensive understanding of Access programming. It transitions readers from basic to advanced topics, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to automate Access routine tasks effectively.

Access 365 Project Book. Hands-On Database Creation

Mercury Learning and Information, Julitta Korol

This book is a practical introduction to building and managing Access desktop databases. Instead of merely explaining Microsoft Access, it helps you complete tasks related to creating, using, and managing a database. The hands-on approach focuses on creating a traditional Access desktop database and emphasizes splitting the database for optimized multi-user access. The primary project, the Employee Training Database (ETD), offers practical, real-world experience.The book guides you through database creation and management. It starts with planning and designing a database, followed by creating and setting up Access tables. It then covers primary keys, indexes, and table relationships, and populating tables with data. The middle sections include working with queries and designing and customizing forms.The latter part focuses on designing and using reports and customizing them. It concludes with compacting, splitting, and securing the database for optimized performance and security. These concepts enable efficient database management and enhance multi-user collaboration. This book transitions you from a novice to a proficient user, equipped with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. Companion files with hands-on examples enrich your learning.

Adobe InDesign. Creative Class for Beginners

Mercury Learning and Information, Lauren Saalmuller, Stephanie Torta

This book explores digital design, tailored for beginners eager to master Adobe InDesign, and serves as a valuable resource for experienced users refining their skills. It demystifies Adobe InDesign, defining essential tools through engaging projects and tutorials. Starting with navigating the interface, it lays a solid foundation by teaching how to open and create documents, understand the workspace, and tailor the program to individual needs.The book offers practical experience with projects such as web banners, social media ads, logos, flyers, posters, covers, newsletters, and booklets. Each project builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of InDesign's capabilities. A complete “Save the Sharks” marketing campaign allows users to apply their skills in a real-world context, with options to customize content for personal campaigns.Understanding Adobe InDesign is crucial for creating professional-quality designs. This book transitions users from novices to confident designers, equipped with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. It ensures a smooth learning journey, enhancing creative potential and proficiency in digital design. Companion files with video tutorials and project files enrich the learning experience, making it an essential resource for all levels.

AI Horizons. Shaping a Better Future Through Responsible Innovation and Human Collaboration

Mercury Learning and Information, Enamul Haque

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and societies, understanding its broader implications is crucial. AI Horizons offers an in-depth exploration of the ethical challenges and social consequences associated with AI, such as privacy, bias, and the digital divide. The book underscores the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability, stressing the need for a responsible approach to AI development.The book further examines how AI is being adopted across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and finance, providing real-world case studies that highlight its transformative power. However, it also considers the unique challenges emerging markets face and the potential of AI to address critical global issues like poverty and climate change.AI Horizons advocates for a collaborative partnership between humans and AI, promoting human-centric design and governance frameworks to ensure that AI enhances human intelligence rather than replacing it. Through a balanced approach, the book calls for informed dialogue, public literacy in AI, and robust policies to guide AI's development responsibly and equitably.

Angular and Deep Learning Pocket Primer. A Comprehensive Guide to AI and Expert Systems for Professionals

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

As part of the Pocket Primer series, this book introduces basic deep learning concepts and integrates them into Angular 10 applications. It offers a fast-paced introduction to deep learning features and popular classifiers. Covering Angular 10 functionality, deep learning concepts, and key classification algorithms, the book includes code samples and figures. Topics such as TensorFlow and Keras are also explored.The book begins with an introduction to AI and its applications, followed by state space search and heuristic search strategies. You will delve into expert systems, their development life cycle, knowledge acquisition, and representation. These topics lead to a deeper understanding of neural networks, the learning process, and fuzzy logic systems, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of AI and deep learning principles.Understanding these concepts is essential for developing sophisticated AI applications and enhancing Angular 10 projects. This book transitions you from a novice to a proficient developer, equipped with practical skills and knowledge. Advanced topics like fuzzy expert systems and logic programming are covered, culminating in advanced Prolog. Companion files with source code and color figures enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for integrating deep learning with Angular 10.

Angular and Machine Learning Pocket Primer. A Comprehensive Guide to Angular and Integrating Machine Learning

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

As part of the best-selling *Pocket Primer* series, this book introduces readers to basic machine learning concepts and integrates them into Angular applications. It offers a fast-paced introduction to essential machine learning features and an overview of popular classifiers. Covering Angular functionality, basic machine learning concepts, and key classification algorithms, the book includes numerous code samples and figures. Topics such as TensorFlow and Keras are also explored.The book begins with a quick introduction to Angular, followed by UI controls, user input, and forms and services. As you progress, you will delve into machine learning, working with classifiers, and integrating TensorFlow.js with Angular. These foundational topics ensure a comprehensive grasp of both Angular and machine learning principles, equipping you with practical skills for developing sophisticated applications.Understanding these concepts is crucial for enhancing Angular projects with machine learning capabilities. This book transitions you from a novice to a proficient developer, equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to create advanced applications. Companion files with source code and color figures enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for integrating machine learning with Angular.

Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems. Techniques and Applications for Problem Solving

Mercury Learning and Information, I. Gupta, G. Nagpal

This book covers current AI applications and techniques for solving problems and accomplishing tasks. It introduces branches of AI such as formal logic, reasoning, knowledge engineering, expert systems, neural networks, and fuzzy logic. It emphasizes expert systems, with sections on state space search, knowledge engineering, neural networks, fuzzy logic, and Prolog.It begins with an introduction to AI and its applications, setting the stage for foundational concepts. Readers are guided through state space search and heuristic search strategies, crucial for problem-solving in AI. The focus shifts to expert systems, covering their development life cycle, knowledge acquisition, and representation, providing a deep dive into emulating human decision-making.Later chapters cover neural networks and the learning process, essential for creating adaptive systems. Sections on fuzzy logic and fuzzy systems introduce methods for handling uncertainty in AI. Final chapters on programming in logic and advanced Prolog offer practical techniques for AI solutions. This approach equips readers with the skills to apply AI in various domains, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and understanding of intelligent systems.

Artificial Intelligence Basics. A Self-Teaching Introduction

Mercury Learning and Information, N. Gupta, R. Mangla

This book is designed as a self-teaching introduction to the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence (AI). It begins with the history of AI, the Turing test, and early applications, providing a strong foundation. Later chapters cover the basics of searching, game playing, and knowledge representation. The journey continues with detailed explorations of expert systems and machine learning, equipping readers with essential AI techniques.As the course progresses, you will delve into separate programming chapters on Prolog and Python, learning how to implement AI concepts in these languages. These chapters offer practical coding experience, enhancing your understanding of AI programming. The book culminates with a comprehensive chapter on AI machines and robotics, showcasing numerous modern applications and providing a glimpse into the future of AI technology.Understanding these AI concepts is crucial as they form the basis of many modern technologies and applications. This book ensures a smooth transition from a beginner to a proficient AI practitioner, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By the end of the book, you will have a thorough understanding of AI's history, core principles, and practical implementations, ready to apply this knowledge to real-world problems and projects.

Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century. The Future of Technology and Human Innovation

Mercury Learning and Information, Stephen Lucci, Sarhan M. Musa, Danny Kopec

This third edition provides a comprehensive, accessible presentation of AI, including examples, applications, full-color images, and human interest boxes. New chapters on deep learning, AI security, and AI programming keep the content cutting-edge. Topics like neural networks, genetic algorithms, natural language processing, planning, and complex board games are covered.The course starts with an AI overview, moving through uninformed search, intelligent search methods, and game-based strategies. It delves into logic in AI, knowledge representation, production systems, uncertainty in AI, and expert systems. Middle chapters cover machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. It continues with nature-inspired search methods, natural language processing, and automated planning, ending with robotics and advanced computer games.These AI concepts are crucial for developing sophisticated AI applications. This book transitions you from novice to proficient AI practitioner, equipped with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. Companion files with resources, simulations, and figures enhance learning. By the end, you'll understand AI principles and applications, ready to tackle real-world challenges.

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. A Practical Guide to Advanced AI Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book introduces AI, then explores machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and reinforcement learning. Readers learn about classifiers like logistic regression, k-NN, decision trees, random forests, and SVMs. It delves into deep learning architectures such as CNNs, RNNs, LSTMs, and autoencoders, with Keras-based code samples supplementing the theory.Starting with a foundational AI overview, the course progresses into machine learning, explaining classifiers and their applications. It continues with deep learning, focusing on architectures like CNNs and RNNs. Advanced topics include LSTMs and autoencoders, essential for modern AI. The book also covers NLP and reinforcement learning, emphasizing their importance.Understanding these concepts is vital for developing advanced AI systems. This book transitions you from beginner to proficient AI practitioner, combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Appendices on Keras, TensorFlow 2, and Pandas enrich the learning experience. By the end, readers will understand AI principles and be ready to apply them in real-world scenarios.

AutoCAD 2024 Beginning and Intermediate. Mastering 2D Drafting Techniques for All Levels

Mercury Learning and Information, Munir Hamad

This book comprehensively covers AutoCAD 2024 – 2D Drafting, using metric and imperial units. It details drawing and editing tools with companion files for exercises and projects (available for free download). With over 100 exercises, it guides readers from basic commands to complex projects, ensuring no fundamental aspect is overlooked.Starting with AutoCAD basics, the book covers precise drafting, modifying commands, layering, text writing, dimensioning, and plotting. Advanced topics include block tools, table styles, dimension styles, interface customization, parametric constraints, dynamic blocks, external referencing, sheet sets, and CAD standards.This guide is essential for mastering AutoCAD 2024, transitioning users from beginners to proficient drafters with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. Companion files enhance hands-on practice and mastery of 2D drafting.

Autodesk Revit 2025 Architecture. Mastering Revit Techniques for Efficient Architectural Design

Mercury Learning and Information, Munir Hamad

This book is a complete guide to mastering Autodesk Revit 2025, starting with the basics and progressively covering advanced architectural design techniques. It begins by introducing the Revit interface, navigation tools, and essential concepts like CAD vs. BIM, ensuring a solid foundation for beginners.Readers will then learn to create and modify architectural elements, such as walls, doors, windows, and roofs while exploring detailed workflows for project setup, annotation, and documentation. Each chapter includes hands-on exercises and practical examples to reinforce learning and improve proficiency with Revit’s powerful tools.The final sections delve into advanced topics like creating families, managing work sets, and using project phasing and design options. By the end of the book, readers will have gained the expertise to use Revit effectively in real-world architectural projects, making it an essential resource for both novice and experienced users.

Autodesk(R) Revit(R) 2024 Architecture. Mastering Building Design with BIM

Mercury Learning and Information, Munir Hamad

This book covers all major techniques in Revit 2024 Architecture using both metric and imperial units. It details the myriad drawing and editing tools and includes over 50 mini-workshops that guide users from concept to plotting. By solving these workshops, readers will master Revit Architecture, covering all basic commands and functions. Companion files with templates and models are available for practical application.The course begins with an introduction to Revit 2024, followed by detailed chapters on drawing, modifying, project preparation, and wall construction. Subsequent chapters cover doors, windows, curtain walls, floors, roofs, components, and ceilings. Users will also learn about creating stairs, ramps, railings, views, annotations, legends, and visualization.Further, the book delves into schedules, project phasing, design options, topography, rooms, tagging, detailing, groups, file import/export, mass creation, and customizing elements. It concludes with chapters on creating and customizing families, and managing worksets and shared views, ensuring comprehensive knowledge and skills in Revit 2024 Architecture.

Bash Command Line and Shell Scripts Pocket Primer. Mastering Bash Commands and Scripting Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

As part of the best-selling Pocket Primer series, this book introduces readers to useful command-line utilities for creating powerful shell scripts. It focuses on the “bash” command set, though many concepts apply to other command shells like sh, ksh, zsh, and csh. The book covers piping data between commands and using versatile sed and awk commands. Aimed at beginners, it also serves as a good reference for those with some experience in shell scripting.The journey starts with an introduction to bash, covering files and directories, useful commands, and conditional logic with loops. Readers then learn to filter data with grep, transform data with sed, and work with awk. The book introduces shell scripts, showcasing their use with grep and awk for data manipulation. Various scripts are provided for data scientists and analysts needing shell-based solutions for text file cleaning.Understanding these concepts is crucial for simplifying routine tasks and creating efficient shell scripts. This book transitions readers from novices to proficient scriptwriters, combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Companion files with source code examples enhance learning. By the end, readers will be equipped to implement shell scripts in real-world scenarios.

Bash for Data Scientists. A Comprehensive Guide to Shell Scripting for Data Science Tasks

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book introduces powerful command line utilities for creating efficient shell scripts to process datasets. Using the bash shell, the examples and scripts focus on small datasets to help readers understand the features of grep, sed, and awk. Companion files with code are available for download from the publisher.The course starts with an introduction to the basics, covering files and directories, and useful commands. It then progresses to conditional logic and loops, providing a solid foundation for processing datasets. Detailed chapters on using grep, sed, and awk illustrate their capabilities in handling and cleaning various types of datasets effectively.Advanced topics include processing datasets with Pandas, exploring NoSQL, SQLite, and Python. The book equips data scientists, analysts, and anyone seeking shell-based solutions with practical skills. By the end, users will be adept at creating robust scripts for dataset processing, combining command line utilities for optimal results.

Basic Electronics. Theory and Practice

Mercury Learning and Information, Sean Westcott, Jean Riescher Westcott

This updated edition introduces students and hobbyists to electronics, covering microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication. Each chapter includes a lab, progressing to building a robot with Arduino and Netduino. New material on Raspberry Pi and Python is included, with companion files featuring videos and code samples.The course begins with basic electronics concepts, building circuits, and understanding components. It covers digital theory and practical applications with sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. Topics include electricity theory, currents, circuits, tools, safety, and components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. Advanced topics include power supplies, soldering, digital theory, integrated circuits, memory, and microcontrollers.These concepts are crucial for innovation in electronics. This book transitions readers from basic labs to constructing a robot using open-source hardware. It covers Raspberry Pi projects and explores cybersecurity and IoT. Appendices include math for electronics, a timeline of innovations, careers in electronics, and a glossary. This guide provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it invaluable for mastering electronics.

Big Data Using Hadoop and Hive. Master Big Data Solutions with Hadoop and Hive

Mercury Learning and Information, Nitin Kumar

This book is a guide for developers and engineers to use Hadoop and Hive for scalable big data applications. It covers reading, writing, and managing large datasets with Hive and provides a concise introduction to Apache Hadoop and Hive, detailing their collaboration to simplify development. Through clear examples, the book explains the logic, code, and configurations needed for building successful distributed applications.The course starts with an introduction to big data and Apache Hadoop fundamentals. It then covers the Hadoop Distributed Filesystem and how to get started with Hadoop. The journey continues with interfaces to access HDFS files, resource management with Yet Another Resource Negotiator, and MapReduce for data processing. The book also explores Hive architecture, storage types, and the Hive query language.Mastering these concepts is vital for creating scalable big data solutions. This book ensures a smooth transition from novice to proficient Hadoop and Hive user, providing practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. By the end, readers will be able to set up, configure, and optimize Hadoop, utilize Hive for data management, and effectively solve big data challenges.

Blockchain, Bitcoin, and the Digital Economy. Unlocking the Future of Financial Technology

Mercury Learning and Information, Len Mei

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, discussing its fundamentals, development issues, potential applications, security, and use in cryptocurrency. It also delves into fintech, its current status, and related concepts in the digital economy. The rapidly changing nature of these topics makes the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Numerous references offer up-to-date information on these subjects.The course begins with an overview of blockchain and its basic concepts, followed by an in-depth look at Bitcoin and its associated issues. The journey continues with consensus mechanisms, exploring altcoins, and mutual distributed ledgers. The book then shifts focus to applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency, highlighting industrial uses, payment systems, and lending. Governance, regulation, and future trends in blockchain technology are also covered.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency. This book ensures a smooth transition from novice to knowledgeable enthusiast, equipping readers with practical insights and comprehensive knowledge. By the end, readers will grasp blockchain technology's impact on various industries and its potential for future innovations.

Classic Game Design. From Pong to Pac-Man with Unity: Crafting Timeless Retro Games with Expert Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Franz Lanzinger

This book teaches you to design and develop classic arcade video games. Using modern, free software tools like Unity, you’ll create five retro games inspired by the classics. All source code, art, and sound files are provided in the companion files. You'll enjoy customizing graphics, adjusting scoring, coding AI, and creating sound effects, gaining a deep understanding of the roots of modern video game design from the '70s and '80s.The course begins with an introduction and essential tools, then guides you through creating various retro games. Each chapter builds on the previous one with detailed instructions, exercises, and classic game design rules. The book includes historical anecdotes from a former Atari programmer and insights on applying classic game design concepts to modern games.Understanding these design elements is crucial for developing engaging video games. This book transitions readers from beginners to proficient game developers, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering classic game design with modern tools.

Computational Physics. A Comprehensive Guide to Numerical Methods in Physics

Mercury Learning and Information, Darren Walker

This updated edition introduces computational physics for performing experiments on the computer. It provides a grounding in scientific programming with examples in the context of physics problems. Using C++ as the primary language, it covers interpolation, integration, and solving differential equations, from simple concepts to advanced topics. The book includes a chapter on high-performance computing and parallel programming.Understanding computational physics is crucial for data manipulation and real-world simulations. The book starts with introductory topics and progresses to advanced material, including a C++ library and sample programs. Readers will learn problem-solving methods and constructing models.This journey equips readers with skills for scientific tasks, demonstrating efficient problem-solving and model construction. The practical approach ensures users can apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, making it an essential resource for those interested in computational physics.

Computer Concepts and Management Information Systems. A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Computing and Information Management

Mercury Learning and Information, C. P. Gupta, K. K. Goyal

This book provides a self-teaching introduction to computer fundamentals and management information systems (MIS). It covers hardware components, software applications, Microsoft Office, information systems, ERP, CRM, security, business ethics, and cybercrime. The goal is to make these complex subjects accessible and easy to understand.The course begins with basic computer concepts, followed by an introduction to software. It then offers detailed information on Microsoft Office, covering Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. The journey continues with a deep dive into MIS, exploring its applications, ERP systems, security measures, business ethics, and the challenges of cybercrime.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the digital world and leveraging technology in business. This book transitions readers from beginners to knowledgeable users, blending theoretical insights with practical skills. Companion files with source code examples and figures enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering computers and MIS.

Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL With C++ (Edition 3). Mastering 3D Graphics and Animation Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, V. Scott Gordon, John L. Clevenger

This edition provides step-by-step instruction on modern OpenGL 4.0+ GLSL shader programming with C++, covering theoretical foundations of 3D computer graphics. Every shader stage is explored, from basics like modeling, textures, lighting, and shadows, to advanced techniques such as tessellation, noise maps, water, and stereoscopy. Expanded coverage includes camera control, refraction, and ray tracing with bounding volume hierarchies. Companion files include source code, shaders, model files, and skyboxes for all examples in the book.Understanding these concepts is crucial for creating sophisticated 3D graphics applications. The course begins with OpenGL basics and pipeline understanding, followed by mathematical foundations and managing 3D graphics data. It covers texture mapping, 3D models, lighting, shadows, enhancing surface detail, and advanced topics like parametric surfaces, tessellation, and geometry shaders. Final chapters delve into simulating water, ray tracing, and stereoscopy for 3D graphics.This book equips readers with the knowledge to master OpenGL programming and 3D graphics, making it invaluable for developers and enthusiasts aiming to advance their skills. The practical approach and comprehensive examples ensure thorough learning, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with Java. A Comprehensive Guide to Modern 3D Graphics Programming

Mercury Learning and Information, V. Scott Gordon, John L. Clevenger

This book is designed for computer science undergraduates and professionals interested in mastering 3D graphics using OpenGL in Java with JOGL. It follows a “teach-yourself” format with numerous examples that can be run as presented. Unique in its approach, it covers OpenGL 4.0+ shader programming using Java, providing all the necessary materials to install JOGL and execute every example. The course starts with an introduction to OpenGL and the graphics pipeline, followed by mathematical foundations essential for 3D graphics. It then delves into managing 3D graphics data, texture mapping, and creating 3D models. Lighting, shadows, and enhancing surface detail are covered, along with advanced techniques like parametric surfaces, tessellation, and geometry shaders. The final chapters explore simulating water, ray tracing, and stereoscopy for 3D glasses and VR headsets. This book equips readers with comprehensive skills in OpenGL programming and 3D graphics, making it an invaluable resource for developing sophisticated graphics applications. The practical approach ensures thorough learning, bridging the gap between theory and application.