The Reinforcement Learning Workshop. Learn how to apply cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms to a wide range of control problems

Alessandro Palmas, Emanuele Ghelfi, Dr. Alexandra Galina Petre, Mayur Kulkarni, ...

Various intelligent applications such as video games, inventory management software, warehouse robots, and translation tools use reinforcement learning (RL) to make decisions and perform actions that maximize the probability of the desired outcome. This book will help you to get to grips with the techniques and the algorithms for implementing RL in your machine learning models.Starting with an introduction to RL, youÔÇÖll be guided through different RL environments and frameworks. YouÔÇÖll learn how to implement your own custom environments and use OpenAI baselines to run RL algorithms. Once youÔÇÖve explored classic RL techniques such as Dynamic Programming, Monte Carlo, and TD Learning, youÔÇÖll understand when to apply the different deep learning methods in RL and advance to deep Q-learning. The book will even help you understand the different stages of machine-based problem-solving by using DARQN on a popular video game Breakout. Finally, youÔÇÖll find out when to use a policy-based method to tackle an RL problem.By the end of The Reinforcement Learning Workshop, youÔÇÖll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to solve challenging problems using reinforcement learning.

Learning OpenCV 3 Application Development

Samyak Datta

Computer vision and machine learning concepts are frequently used in practical computer vision based projects. If you’re a novice, this book provides the steps to build and deploy an end-to-end application in the domain of computer vision using OpenCV/C++. At the outset, we explain how to install OpenCV and demonstrate how to run some simple programs. You will start with images (the building blocks of image processing applications), and see how they are stored and processed by OpenCV. You’ll get comfortable with OpenCV-specific jargon (Mat Point, Scalar, and more), and get to know how to traverse images and perform basic pixel-wise operations. Building upon this, we introduce slightly more advanced image processing concepts such as filtering, thresholding, and edge detection. In the latter parts, the book touches upon more complex and ubiquitous concepts such as face detection (using Haar cascade classifiers), interest point detection algorithms, and feature descriptors. You will now begin to appreciate the true power of the library in how it reduces mathematically non-trivial algorithms to a single line of code!The concluding sections touch upon OpenCV’s Machine Learning module. You will witness not only how OpenCV helps you pre-process and extract features from images that are relevant to the problems you are trying to solve, but also how to use Machine Learning algorithms that work on these features to make intelligent predictions from visual data!

Oracle Coherence 3.5. Create Internet-scale applications using Oracle’s high-performance data grid

Patrick Peralta, Mark Falco, Aleksandar Seovic

Scalability, performance, and reliability have to be designed into an application from the very beginning, as there may be substantial cost or implementation consequences if they need to be added down the line. This indispensible book will teach you how to achieve these things using Oracle Coherence, a leading data grid product on the market.Authored by leading Oracle Coherence authorities, this essential book will teach you how to use Oracle Coherence to build high-performance applications that scale to hundreds of machines and have no single points of failure. You will learn when and how to use Coherence features such as distributed caching, parallel processing, and real-time events within your application, and understand how Coherence fits into the overall application architecture. Oracle Coherence provides a solid architectural foundation for scalable, high-performance and highly available enterprise applications, through features such as distributed caching, parallel processing, distributed queries and aggregations, real-time events, and the elimination of single points of failure.However, in order to take full advantage of these features, you need to design your application for Coherence from the beginning. Based on the authors' extensive knowledge of Oracle Coherence, and how to use it in the real world, this book will provide you with all the information you need in order to leverage various Coherence features properly. It contains a collection of best practice-based solutions and mini-frameworks that will allow you to be more productive from the very beginning.The early chapters cover basics like installation guidelines and caching topologies, before moving on to the domain model implementation guidelines, distributed queries and aggregations, parallel processing, and real-time events. Towards the end, you learn how to integrate Coherence with different persistence technologies, how to access Coherence from platforms other than Java, and how to test and debug classes and applications that depend on Coherence.

Enterprise Security: A Data-Centric Approach to Securing the Enterprise. A guide to applying data-centric security concepts for securing enterprise data to enable an agile enterprise

Aaron Woody

Enterprise security redefined using a data-centric approach and trust models to transform information security into a business enablement process. It is a unique and forward thinking approach for deciding the best method to secure data in the enterprise, the cloud, and in BYOD environments.Enterprise Security: A Data-Centric Approach to Securing the Enterprise will guide you through redefining your security architecture to be more affective and turn information security into a business enablement process rather than a roadblock. This book will provide you with the areas where security must focus to ensure end-to-end security throughout the enterprise-supporting enterprise initiatives such as cloud and BYOD. Enterprise Security: A Data-Centric Approach to Securing the Enterprise will first introduce the reader to a new security architecture model and then explores the must have security methods and new tools that can used to secure the enterprise.This book will take a data-centric approach to securing the enterprise through the concept of Trust Models and building a layered security implementation focused on data. This is not your traditional security book focused on point solutions and the network aspect of security. This book combines best practice methods with new methods to approach enterprise security and how to remain agile as the enterprise demands more access to data from traditionally untrusted assets, hosted solutions, and third parties. Applied Information Security - A Data-Centric Approach to Securing the Enterprise will provide the reader an easy-to-follow flow from architecture to implementation, diagrams and recommended steps, and resources for further research and solution evaluation.This book is a reference and guide for all levels of enterprise security programs that have realized that non-data centric security is no longer practical and new methods must be used to secure the most critical assets in the enterprise.

Hands-On Microservices with JavaScript. Build scalable web applications with JavaScript, Node.js, and Docker

Tural Suleymani

Keep up with the ever-evolving web development landscape by mastering JavaScript microservices with expert guidance from Tural Suleymani—a full-stack software engineer, architect, software development teacher, Microsoft MVP, and three-time C# Corner MVP. He distills over a decade of experience crafting high-performance, scalable solutions into this guide. He’ll walk you through the fundamentals of microservices, providing a solid foundation in architecture, design principles, and the necessary tools and technologies. From beginners to seasoned developers, this book offers a clear pathway to mastering microservices with JavaScript.With the help of hands-on tasks that simulate real-world scenarios, you’ll learn how to build reliable and scalable microservices. You’ll explore synchronous and asynchronous communication, real-time data streaming, and how to secure and monitor your services. The book’s emphasis on a design-first approach ensures that your microservices are maintainable and future-proof. Detailed case studies from industry experts will enhance your learning experience and provide practical insights into building microservices in production environments.By the end of this book, you'll be ready to create cloud-ready, high-performing microservices using cutting-edge JavaScript frameworks and tools and tackle real-world challenges, ensuring your applications are secure and efficient.

Microsoft Azure Machine Learning. Explore predictive analytics using step-by-step tutorials and build models to make prediction in a jiffy with a few mouse clicks

Sumit Mund, Christina Storm

Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services Exam Ref AZ-801. Configure advanced Windows Server services for on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments

Chris Gill, Shannon Kuehn

Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services Exam Ref AZ-801 helps you master various cloud and data center management concepts in detail, helping you grow your expertise in configuring and managing Windows Server in on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-based workloads. Throughout the book, you'll cover all the topics needed to pass the AZ-801 exam and use the skills you acquire to advance in your career.With this book, you’ll learn how to secure your on-premises Windows Server resources and Azure IaaS workloads. First, you’ll explore the potential vulnerabilities of your resources and learn how to fix or mitigate them. Next, you'll implement high availability Windows Server virtual machine workloads with Hyper-V Replica, Windows Server Failover Clustering, and Windows File Server.You’ll implement disaster recovery and server migration of Windows Server in on-premises and hybrid environments. You’ll also learn how to monitor and troubleshoot Windows Server environments.By the end of this book, you'll have gained the knowledge and skills required to ace the AZ-801 exam, and you'll have a handy, on-the-job desktop reference guide.

Delphi GUI Programming with FireMonkey. Unleash the full potential of the FMX framework to build exciting cross-platform apps with Embarcadero Delphi

Andrea Magni, Marco Cantu

FireMonkey (FMX) is a cross-platform application framework that allows developers to create exciting user interfaces and deliver applications on multiple operating systems (OS). This book will help you learn visual programming with Delphi and FMX.Starting with an overview of the FMX framework, including a general discussion of the underlying philosophy and approach, you’ll then move on to the fundamentals and architectural details of FMX. You’ll also cover a significant comparison between Delphi and the Visual Component Library (VCL). Next, you’ll focus on the main FMX components, data access/data binding, and style concepts, in addition to understanding how to deliver visually responsive UIs. To address modern application development, the book takes you through topics such as animations and effects, and provides you with a general introduction to parallel programming, specifically targeting UI-related aspects, including application responsiveness. Later, you’ll explore the most important cross-platform services in the FMX framework, which are essential for delivering your application on multiple platforms while retaining the single codebase approach. Finally, you’ll learn about FMX’s built-in 3D functionalities.By the end of this book, you’ll be familiar with the FMX framework and be able to build effective cross-platform apps.

Sustainable IT Playbook for Technology Leaders. Design and implement sustainable IT practices and unlock sustainable business opportunities

Niklas Sundberg, Hélene Barnekow

We are at a critical point in human history. Humanity is under threat, but all is not lost. We can take action! But how?Sustainable IT Playbook for Technology Leaders will show you how. It will walk you through the construction and implementation of a sustainable IT strategy and enable you to do your bit for the future of mankind.The book is split into three parts. Part I details the “why” and the clear and present danger that humanity faces today: the climate crisis. How did we get here, what are the immediate threats, what are the planetary boundaries that we need to peel back to safe levels, and what impact does IT have on society at large? Part II will focus on the what.” It examines the nitty-gritty details of what we can do to unlock significant returns on sustainable investments toward a more sustainable future. Part III, the final part of the book, focuses on the “how.” How do you turn your ideas into action? What do you need to do to establish your baseline and your direction of travel towards your objective? This part provides tangible case studies and explains how you can start your journey today to begin delivering global and impactful objectives.By the end of this book, you’ll be able to plan, implement, and communicate a sustainable IT strategy and set yourself apart as a progressive technology leader.

Go: Design Patterns for Real-World Projects. Build production-ready solutions in Go using cutting-edge technology and techniques

Vladimir Vivien, Mario Castro Contreras, Mat Ryer

The Go programming language has firmly established itself as a favorite for building complex and scalable system applications. Go offers a direct and practical approach to programming that lets programmers write correct and predictable code using concurrency idioms and a full-featured standard library. This practical guide is full of real-world examples to help you get started with Go in no time at all. You’ll start by understanding the fundamentals of Go, then get a detailed description of the Go data types, program structures, and Maps. After that, you’ll learn how to use Go concurrency idioms to avoid pitfalls and create programs that are exact in expected behavior. Next, you will get familiar with the tools and libraries that are available in Go to write and exercise tests, benchmarking, and code coverage. After that, you will be able to utilize some of the most important features of GO such as Network Programming and OS integration to build efficient applications. Then you’ll start applying your skills to build some amazing projects in Go. You will learn to develop high-quality command-line tools that utilize the powerful shell capabilities and perform well using Go’s built-in concurrency mechanisms. Scale, performance, and high availability lie at the heart of our projects, and the lessons learned throughout the sections will arm you with everything you need to build world-class solutions. You will get a feel for app deployment using Docker and Google App Engine. Each project could form the basis of a start-up, which means they are directly applicable to modern software markets. With these skills in hand, you will be able to conquer all your fears of application development and go on to build large, robust and succinct apps in Go.This Learning Path combines some of the best that Packt has to offer in one complete, curated package. It includes content from the following Packt products:1. Learning Go Programming2. Go Design Patterns3. Go Programming Blueprints, Second Edition

Defending APIs. Uncover advanced defense techniques to craft secure application programming interfaces

Colin Domoney, Chris Wysopal, Isabelle Mauny

Along with the exponential growth of API adoption comes a rise in security concerns about their implementation and inherent vulnerabilities. For those seeking comprehensive insights into building, deploying, and managing APIs as the first line of cyber defense, this book offers invaluable guidance. Written by a seasoned DevSecOps expert, Defending APIs addresses the imperative task of API security with innovative approaches and techniques designed to combat API-specific safety challenges.The initial chapters are dedicated to API building blocks, hacking APIs by exploiting vulnerabilities, and case studies of recent breaches, while the subsequent sections of the book focus on building the skills necessary for securing APIs in real-world scenarios.Guided by clear step-by-step instructions, you’ll explore offensive techniques for testing vulnerabilities, attacking, and exploiting APIs. Transitioning to defensive techniques, the book equips you with effective methods to guard against common attacks. There are plenty of case studies peppered throughout the book to help you apply the techniques you’re learning in practice, complemented by in-depth insights and a wealth of best practices for building better APIs from the ground up.By the end of this book, you’ll have the expertise to develop secure APIs and test them against various cyber threats targeting APIs.

The Manager's Guide to Employee Feedback. Master this essential skill for new managers and successfully deliver feedback to raise your team's performance with this practical guide book and

Glenn Robert Devey

Master this essential skill for new managers and successfully deliver feedback to raise your team’s performance with this practical guide book and ebook.

Mastering NGINX. Click here to enter text. - Second Edition

Dimitri Aivaliotis

NGINX is a high-performance HTTP server and mail proxy designed to use very few system resources. But despite its power it is often a challenge to properly configure NGINX to meet your expectations. Mastering Nginx is the solution – an insider’s guide that will clarify the murky waters of NGINX’s configuration. Tune NGINX for various situations, improve your NGINX experience with some of the more obscure configuration directives, and discover how to design and personalize a configuration to match your needs.To begin with, quickly brush up on installing and setting up the NGINX server on the OS and its integration with third-party modules. From here, move on to explain NGINX's mail proxy module and its authentication, and reverse proxy to solve scaling issues. Then see how to integrate NGINX with your applications to perform tasks.The latter part of the book focuses on working through techniques to solve common web issues and the know-hows using NGINX modules. Finally, we will also explore different configurations that will help you troubleshoot NGINX server and assist with performance tuning.

Xamarin Blueprints. Click here to enter text

Michael Williams

Do you want to create powerful, efficient, and independent apps from scratch that will leverage the Xamarin framework and code with C#? Well, look no further; you’ve come to the right place!This is a learn-as-you-build practical guide to building eight full-fledged applications using Xamarin.Forms, Xamarin Android, and Xamarin iOS.Each chapter includes a project, takes you through the process of building applications (such as a gallery Application, a text-to-speech service app, a GPS locator app, and a stock market app), and will show you how to deploy the application’s source code to a Google Cloud Source Repository. Other practical projects include a chat and a media-editing app, as well as other examples fit to adorn any developer’s utility belt. In the course of building applications, this book will teach you how to design and prototype professional-grade applications implementing performance and security considerations.

Blender 3D 2.49 Incredible Machines

Allan Brito, Ton Roosendaal

Blender 3D provides all the features you need to create super-realistic 3D models of machines for use in artwork, movies, and computer games. Blender 3D 2.49 Incredible Machines gives you step-by-step instructions for building weapons, vehicles, robots, and more.This book will show you how to use Blender 3D for mechanical modeling and product visualization. Through the pages of the book, you will find a step-by-step guide to create three different projects: a fantasy weapon, a spacecraft, and a giant robot. Even though these machines are not realistic, you will be able to build your own sensible and incredible machines with the techniques that you will learn in this book along with the exercises and examples.All the three sections of this book, which cover three projects, are planned to have an increasing learning curve. The first project is about a hand weapon, and with that we can image a small-sized object with tiny details. This first part of the book will show you how to deal with these details and model them in Blender 3D.In the second project, we will create a spacecraft, adding a bit of scale to the project, and new materials and textures as well. With this project, we will be working with metal, glass, and other elements that make the spacecraft. Along with the object, a new space environment will be created in the book too.At the end we have a big and complex object, which is the transforming robot. This last part of the book will cover the modeling of two objects and show how you can make one transform into the other. The scale and number of objects in this project are quite big, but the same principles as in the other projects are applied here with a step-by-step guide on how to go through the workflow of the project.

Oracle ADF Faces Cookbook. Transform the quality of your user interfaces and applications with this fascinating cookbook for Oracle ADF Faces. Over 80 recipes give you an insight into virtually every angle of the framework’s potential

Amr Gawish, Amr Ismail Gawish