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.

Python 3 Data Visualization Using ChatGPT / GPT-4. Master Python Visualization Techniques with AI Integration

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book teaches Python 3 programming and data visualization, exploring cutting-edge techniques with ChatGPT/GPT-4 for generating compelling visuals. It starts with Python essentials, covering basic data types, loops, functions, and advanced constructs like dictionaries and matrices. The journey progresses to NumPy's array operations and data visualization using libraries such as Matplotlib and Seaborn. The book also covers tools like SVG graphics and D3 for dynamic visualizations.The course begins with foundational Python concepts, moves into NumPy and data visualization with Pandas, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Advanced chapters explore ChatGPT and GPT-4, demonstrating their use in creating data visualizations from datasets like the Titanic. Each chapter builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Python and visualization techniques.These concepts are crucial for Python practitioners, data scientists, and anyone in data analytics. This book transitions readers from basic Python programming to advanced data visualization, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files with code, datasets, and figures enhance learning, making this an essential resource for mastering Python and data visualization.

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.

TensorFlow 2 Pocket Primer. A Quick Reference Guide for TensorFlow 2 Developers

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

As part of the best-selling *Pocket Primer* series, this book introduces beginners to basic machine learning algorithms using TensorFlow 2. It provides a fast-paced introduction to TensorFlow, covering core features and machine learning basics with Python code samples. An appendix includes Keras-based code samples and explores MLPs, CNNs, RNNs, and LSTMs. The chapters illustrate how to solve various tasks, encouraging further reading to deepen your knowledge.The journey begins with an introduction to TensorFlow 2, followed by essential APIs and datasets. You'll explore linear regression and classifiers, learning to apply TensorFlow to practical problems. The comprehensive appendix covers advanced topics like NLPs and deep learning architectures, enhancing your understanding of machine learning.Understanding these concepts is crucial for modern AI applications. This book transitions readers from basic TensorFlow use to advanced machine learning techniques, blending theory with practical examples. Companion files with source code and figures enhance learning, making this an essential resource for mastering TensorFlow and machine learning.

Game Development Using Python. Mastering Interactive Game Creation and Development through Python

Mercury Learning and Information, James R. Parker

This book guides you through the basic game development process using Python, covering essential topics such as graphics, sound, artificial intelligence, animation, and game engines. Real games are created as you progress through the text, and significant parts of a game engine are built and made available for download. New chapters on card games and a side-scroller are included. The companion files contain all the resources described in the book, including example code, game assets, video/sound editing software, and color figures.The course begins with an introduction to how games work, followed by in-depth chapters on graphics and images, the game loop, and game AI, specifically focusing on collision detection. It then moves on to navigation, control, and sound, guiding you through creating a jet boat race game. Advanced topics such as animation, networking, and platformers are covered, providing a comprehensive understanding of game development.Designed for both beginners and those with some experience, this book equips readers with the skills needed to develop their own games. It emphasizes practical application, ensuring you can implement what you learn. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in game development and the ability to create engaging, interactive games using Python.

Java for Developers Pocket Primer. A Concise Guide to Mastering Java Programming

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

As part of the best-selling Pocket Primer series, this book offers a thorough introduction to Java development for beginners. It provides a fast-paced overview of core Java concepts and APIs, using Java 8 code samples. Companion files with source code are included.The journey begins with an introduction to Java, covering Boolean logic, Unicode, and user input. It progresses through methods, constructors, loops, arrays, and recursion. The course then delves into object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and data structures. Advanced topics include streams, file handling, and integrating Java with SQL. The book also lists new features from Java 9 to Java 13.Understanding these concepts is crucial for developing efficient Java applications. This book transitions readers from basic to advanced Java programming, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files enhance the learning experience, making this book an essential resource for mastering Java development.

Tech Trends of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Navigating the Future of Technology in Business

Mercury Learning and Information, D. Pyo, J. Hwang, Y. Yoon

The term 4th Industrial Revolution is often mentioned in the media, but public understanding of its technologies lags behind their rapid development. This book bridges the gap, explaining essential technologies like IoT, blockchain, AI, cloud computing, and big data. It aims to enhance comprehension by minimizing technical content.The book introduces key technologies and their applications, emphasizing their importance in contemporary business models. Readers will find accessible descriptions and practical examples to aid understanding. Covering topics and trends vital for modern business, this book ensures readers grasp the technological landscape shaping the future.Throughout the book, you'll explore how these technologies are revolutionizing industries and their integration into business strategies. This journey provides a comprehensive understanding of the 4th Industrial Revolution, equipping readers with the knowledge needed to navigate and leverage these advancements effectively.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. A Comprehensive Guide to UAV Technology and Applications

Mercury Learning and Information, P. K. Garg

This book offers a comprehensive overview of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), covering their basic concepts, components, and various applications. It delves into the different sensors used in UAVs, the architecture of autonomous UAVs, and the communication tools and devices required to acquire real-time data. The book also explores the software needed to analyze UAV data and the rules and regulations necessary for operating UAVs. The importance of UAV technology is highlighted through its diverse applications in fields such as construction, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, forestry, search and rescue, surveillance, transportation, disaster management, logistics, health, and journalism. The book underscores the potential of UAVs to revolutionize these industries by improving efficiency and safety.Throughout the book, readers will journey from understanding the theory, hardware, and software components of UAVs to exploring their practical uses. Each chapter includes review questions to reinforce understanding, ensuring that readers gain a solid grasp of the subject matter. This text is essential for anyone interested in the current and future impact of UAV technology.

Data Analysis for Business Decisions. A Laboratory Manual

Mercury Learning and Information, Andres Fortino

This manual is for business analysts to enhance their statistical analysis skills, with case studies focusing mainly on Excel. It covers basic descriptive techniques, linear regression, forecasting, t-Test, chi-square, A/B testing, text data analysis, and Big Data management. Companion files include solution spreadsheets, sample files, and data sets.The course starts with data shaping and cleaning, installing the Analysis ToolPak, and descriptive statistics. It progresses through histograms, scatter plots, Pareto analysis, correlation, linear and multivariate regression, and forecasting. Advanced topics include inferential statistics, contingency analysis, and A/B testing. The final chapters cover text analytics, big data sets, and data visualization.These techniques are crucial for informed business decisions. This book guides users from basic to advanced analysis, blending theory with practical skills. Companion files enhance learning, making this manual essential for mastering statistical analysis in business.