The Creation of a Conscious Machine. The AI Quest: Building Awareness with Advanced Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Mercury Learning and Information, Jean E. Tardy

This book delves into Generative AI and the potential for AI to achieve consciousness. It covers historical and modern perspectives on AI, from ancient myths to the Turing Test and current advancements. The book explores the theoretical and practical aspects of creating a conscious AI, including specifications for synthetic consciousness and integrating AI with human cognition. It questions whether generative AI can meet traditional criteria of consciousness.The journey begins with understanding consciousness, tracing AI's origins, and clarifying human cognition through AI. It examines early AI failures, fears of success, and the engineering of consciousness. The book also explores archaic AI representations, the intelligence of automatons, and the relevance of the Turing Test, concluding with strategies for achieving synthetic consciousness.These concepts are crucial for advancing AI towards synthetic consciousness. This book transitions readers from historical perspectives to modern AI challenges, blending theory with practical insights. It is an essential resource for understanding the future of AI and its potential to achieve consciousness.

Data Wrangling Using Pandas, SQL, and Java. A Comprehensive Guide to Data Cleaning and Transformation

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book is designed for aspiring data scientists and those involved in data cleaning. It covers features of NumPy and Pandas, along with creating databases and tables in MySQL. It also addresses various data wrangling tasks using Python scripts and awk-based shell scripts. Companion files with code are available from the publisher.Understanding data cleaning and manipulation is vital for data scientists. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to essential tools and techniques. From Python basics to advanced data wrangling, it equips readers with the skills needed to manage and clean data effectively.The journey begins with an introduction to Python and progresses through working with data, Pandas, and SQL. It also covers Java, JSON, XML, and specific data cleaning tasks. The book culminates with detailed data wrangling techniques, ensuring readers gain practical, hands-on experience in data management.

Navigating the Stock Market. A Practical Guide for Buying, Selling, and AI Risk Management

Mercury Learning and Information, Arshad Khan

This book is perfect for investors, financial analysts, and portfolio managers. It simplifies stock market investing, offering strategies and practical advice for all levels. Key topics include research, buying and selling strategies, and using AI for risk management. The book equips you with essential knowledge and tools for successful stock investing.The course begins with planning, research, and screening, then moves to buying strategies and identifying winning characteristics. It covers company and sector analysis, selling techniques, stock prices, valuation, profitability, market behavior, and technical analysis. Advanced topics include monitoring the economy, market indicators, and avoiding investment mistakes.Understanding these concepts is crucial for informed investment decisions. The final chapters focus on risk management and leveraging AI in stock investing, addressing AI risks and mitigation strategies. This book guides readers from basic to advanced stock market concepts, blending theory with practical skills, making it essential for mastering stock investing.

Google Gemini for Python. Coding with Bard: Mastering Python with Google's AI Tools

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book bridges Python 3 programming and Generative AI, equipping readers with the skills to navigate both domains confidently. It starts with Python basics, covering data types, number formatting, text manipulation, loops, functions, data structures, NumPy, Pandas, conditional logic, and reserved words. You'll also learn about handling user input, managing exceptions, and working with command-line arguments.The journey continues into Generative AI, distinguishing it from Conversational AI. It introduces popular platforms and models, including Bard (now called Gemini) and its competitors, providing insights into their capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and applications. The final chapters show how to generate various Python 3 code samples using Gemini.Understanding these concepts is crucial for modern programming and AI applications. This book transitions readers from basic Python programming to advanced AI techniques, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files with source code and figures enhance the learning experience, making this an essential resource for mastering Python 3 and Generative AI.

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.

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.

WORKING WITH grep, sed, AND awk Pocket Primer. A Quick Guide to Mastering Powerful Command Line Tools

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book introduces readers to three powerful command-line utilities—grep, sed, and awk—that can create simple yet powerful shell scripts. Using the bash shell, it focuses on small text files to help readers understand these tools. Grep searches for patterns in data, sed modifies data, and awk performs tasks on pattern matches. Aimed at those new to the bash environment, the book is also valuable for those with some experience.The journey starts with grep, teaching how to search for specific words or patterns in data. It then moves to sed, showing how to change or modify data efficiently. Finally, it delves into awk, a versatile programming language for searching and processing data files. The book also includes a chapter on using regular expressions with these tools, enhancing your scripting capabilities.Mastering these utilities is crucial for efficient data handling and automation in a bash environment. This book transitions readers from basic to advanced command-line skills, blending theory with practical examples. It is an essential resource for anyone looking to harness the full power of bash scripting.

Data Structures and Program Design Using C++. A Self-Teaching Introduction to Data Structures and C++

Mercury Learning and Information, D. Malhotra, N. Malhotra

This book introduces the fundamentals of data structures using C++ in a self-teaching format. It covers managing large amounts of information, SEO, and creating Internet/Web indexing services. Practical analogies with real-world applications help explain technical concepts. The book includes end-of-chapter exercises such as programming tasks, theoretical questions, and multiple-choice quizzes.The course starts with an introduction to data structures and the C++ language, progressing through arrays, linked lists, queues, searching and sorting, stacks, trees, multi-way search trees, hashing, files, and graphs. Each chapter builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of data structures.Understanding these concepts is crucial for managing large databases and optimizing web services. This book guides readers from basic to advanced data structure techniques, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files with source code and data sets enhance the learning experience, making this book an essential resource for mastering data structures with C++.

CSS3 and SVG with Gemini. Explore advanced CSS3 and SVG techniques with Gemini technology

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering CSS3 and SVG technologies, with a focus on their integration with Gemini. It begins with an introduction to Generative AI and prompt engineering, laying the foundation for using Gemini effectively. Detailed chapters explore CSS3 fundamentals and advanced 3D animation techniques, offering practical examples to enhance understanding.The book dives into scalable vector graphics (SVG) basics, advancing into complex designs, and demonstrates how to integrate SVG with Gemini for creating dynamic visuals. Structured to cater to both beginners and advanced learners, each chapter provides in-depth coverage of concepts and hands-on exercises to apply knowledge practically.Readers will gain skills to create professional-grade graphics and animations, leveraging the power of Gemini and combining it with CSS3 and SVG. This resourceful book is ideal for web developers, designers, and anyone aiming to expand their expertise in modern web technologies.

Linear Algebra. Learn the Foundations and Applications of Vector Spaces

Mercury Learning and Information, L. Shen, Haohao Wang, J. Wojdylo

This book introduces the fundamental concepts of linear algebra and applies the theorems in computation-oriented applications. It is suitable for a one-semester course and combines definitions and proofs with a focus on computational applications. Examples illustrate the use of software packages such as Mathematica, Maple, and Sage.The journey begins with vector spaces and progresses through linear transformations and operators. It then covers orthogonal bases and matrix decomposition. The material includes a brief introduction to aspects of abstract algebra related to linear algebra, such as groups, rings, modules, fields, and polynomials over fields.Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving complex problems in various fields. This book transitions readers from basic definitions to advanced computational applications, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It is an essential resource for mastering linear algebra and its applications.

Prompt Engineering Using ChatGPT. Crafting Effective Interactions and Building GPT Apps

Mercury Learning and Information, Mehrzad Tabatabaian

This book is designed for mastering prompt engineering in artificial intelligence, focusing on ChatGPT, GPT-4, and GPT plug-ins. It explores fundamental principles, practical techniques, and real-world applications. Readers will learn the role of prompts in AI interactions, the anatomy of well-constructed prompts, and various prompt styles. The book also covers setting constraints to guide AI responses and ensure ethical interactions, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.The journey begins with the foundations of prompts and crafting contextual prompts. It progresses to asking specific questions, providing constraints, and creating diverse content prompts. Advanced chapters cover debugging, iterating prompts, and using GPT-4 with plug-ins. The book concludes with real-world applications, future trends, and ethical considerations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of prompt engineering.Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective AI interactions. This book transitions readers from basic to advanced prompt engineering, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It is an essential resource for mastering prompt engineering and building innovative GPT applications.

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.

Microsoft Excel Functions and Formulas. Master Excel Formulas and Functions for Efficient Data Management With Excel 2021/Microsoft 365

Mercury Learning and Information, Brian Moriarty, Bernd Held, Theodor Richardson

In this updated edition for Excel 2021, Microsoft 365, and previous versions, this book reveals the secrets of Excel through practical examples in a quick reference format. It includes new chapters on data analytics and shortcut keys, making it an essential resource for both beginners and experienced users. The book is designed to help you understand, create, and apply formulas efficiently.The journey begins with an introduction to formulas, followed by chapters on logical, text, date, and time functions. You will explore statistical, mathematical, and financial functions, along with database, lookup, and reference functions. The book also delves into conditional formatting, dynamic array formulas, special solutions, and user-defined functions, providing step-by-step instructions and ready-to-use Excel screenshots.By the end of the course, you will have mastered Excel's advanced formulas and functions, enabling you to perform complex data analysis and enhance your productivity. Companion files include video tutorials, over 250 worksheet examples, and all figures from the text, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Data Literacy With Python. A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Analyzing Data with Python

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book ushers readers into the world of data, emphasizing its importance in modern industries and how its management leads to insightful decision-making. Using Python 3, the book introduces foundational data tasks and progresses to advanced model training concepts. Detailed, step-by-step Python examples help readers master training models, starting with the kNN algorithm and moving to other classifiers with minimal code adjustments. Tools like Sweetviz, Skimpy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn are introduced for hands-on chart and graph rendering.The course begins with working with data, detecting outliers and anomalies, and cleaning datasets. It then introduces statistics and progresses to using Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization. Each chapter builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of data management and analysis.These concepts are crucial for making data-driven decisions. This book transitions readers from basic data handling to advanced model training, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files with source code and data sets enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering data science with Python.

Data Science Fundamentals Pocket Primer. An Essential Guide to Data Science Concepts and Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book, part of the Pocket Primer series, introduces the basic concepts of data science using Python 3 and other applications. It offers a fast-paced introduction to data analytics, statistics, data visualization, linear algebra, and regular expressions. The book features numerous code samples using Python, NumPy, R, SQL, NoSQL, and Pandas. Companion files with source code and color figures are available.Understanding data science is crucial in today's data-driven world. This book provides a comprehensive introduction, covering key areas such as Python 3, data visualization, and statistical concepts. The practical code samples and hands-on approach make it ideal for beginners and those looking to enhance their skills.The journey begins with working with data, followed by an introduction to probability, statistics, and linear algebra. It then delves into Python, NumPy, Pandas, R, regular expressions, and SQL/NoSQL, concluding with data visualization techniques. This structured approach ensures a solid foundation in data science.

The AI Marketing Playbook. Mastering the Latest AI Tools and Techniques for Next-Gen Marketing Success

Mercury Learning and Information, Mark Lamplugh

This book offers a comprehensive guide to integrating AI into modern marketing strategies, transforming how businesses engage with audiences. It begins with an overview of AI’s role in marketing, its evolution, and its benefits in driving innovation. Early chapters cover foundational topics like AI, machine learning, and data preparation for effective AI implementation.The book then explores practical applications, such as analyzing customer behavior for personalized experiences and using AI-powered chatbots for improved customer service. You’ll learn to apply image and video recognition for visual marketing and leverage AI for social media strategies that boost engagement. The book also covers predictive analytics, AI-driven email marketing, and techniques to optimize SEO and content marketing.Further chapters focus on automating marketing processes and using AI to support sales enablement with actionable insights. The final chapter discusses ethical considerations and the future of AI in marketing, emphasizing the balance between automation and human creativity. This book equips marketing professionals and business leaders with the tools to harness AI’s potential for impactful marketing strategies.

Python 3 and Data Analytics Pocket Primer. A Quick Guide to NumPy, Pandas, and Data Visualization

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book, part of the best-selling Pocket Primer series, introduces readers to the fundamental concepts of data analytics using Python 3. The course begins with a concise introduction to Python, covering essential programming constructs and data manipulation techniques. This foundation sets the stage for deeper dives into data analytics, emphasizing the importance of data cleaning, a critical step in any data analysis process.Following the Python basics, the course explores powerful libraries such as NumPy and Pandas for efficient data handling and manipulation. It then delves into statistical concepts, providing the necessary background for understanding data distributions and analytical methods. The course culminates in data visualization techniques using Matplotlib and Seaborn, demonstrating how to effectively communicate insights through graphical representations.Throughout the course, numerous code samples and practical examples are provided, reinforcing learning and offering hands-on experience. Companion files with source code and figures are available online, supporting the learning journey. This comprehensive guide equips both beginners and seasoned professionals with the skills needed to excel in data analytics.

A.I. Revealed. Exploring AI foundations, advanced applications, and ethical considerations

Mercury Learning and Information, Erik Herman

Unlock the transformative power of artificial intelligence in this comprehensive journey through its foundational principles and practical applications. Start by grasping the essentials of AI and machine learning, progressing to advanced topics like deep learning, neural networks, and cutting-edge applications in natural language processing and computer vision. Each concept is delivered with real-world relevance, ensuring a clear understanding of the theory and its implementation.Dive deeper into the ethical dimensions of AI, exploring critical issues such as bias and fairness. Gain insights into how AI is revolutionizing industries through case studies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The course culminates with an exploration of emerging technologies and the future of AI, equipping you with foresight into its transformative potential.Whether you're taking your first steps in AI development or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this course offers a structured pathway to mastery. With hands-on guidance, you'll develop a robust foundation and confidence to contribute meaningfully in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Python 3 and Machine Learning Using ChatGPT / GPT-4. Harness the Power of Python, Machine Learning, and Generative AI

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in Python programming, machine learning, and using ChatGPT-4 in data science. It starts with an introduction to Pandas for data manipulation and analysis. The book then explores various machine learning classifiers, from kNN to SVMs. Later chapters cover GPT-4's capabilities, enhancing linear regression analysis, and using ChatGPT in data visualization, including AI apps, GANs, and DALL-E.The journey begins with mastering Pandas and machine learning fundamentals. It progresses to applying GPT-4 in linear regression and machine learning classifiers. The final chapters focus on using ChatGPT for data visualization, making complex results accessible and understandable.Understanding these concepts is crucial for modern data scientists. This book transitions readers from basic Python programming to advanced applications of ChatGPT-4 in data science. Companion files with source code, datasets, and figures enhance learning, making this an essential resource for mastering Python, machine learning, and AI-driven data visualization.

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.

Embedded Vision. Mastering Advanced Techniques for Real-Time Image Processing and Analysis

Mercury Learning and Information, S. R. Vijayalakshmi, S. Muruganand

Embedded vision integrates computer vision into machines using algorithms to interpret images or videos. This book serves as an introductory guide for designing vision-enabled embedded products, with applications in AI, machine learning, industrial, medical, automotive, and more. It covers hardware architecture, software algorithms, applications, and advancements in cameras, processors, and sensors.The course begins with an overview of embedded vision, followed by industrial and medical vision applications. It then delves into video analytics, digital image processing, and camera-image sensors. Subsequent chapters cover embedded vision processors, computer vision, and AI integration. The final chapter presents real-time vision-based examples.Understanding these concepts is vital for developing advanced vision-enabled machines. This book takes readers from the basics to advanced topics, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It is an essential resource for mastering embedded vision technology across various industries.

Microsoft Excel 2021 Programming Pocket Primer. A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Excel VBA

Mercury Learning and Information, Julitta Korol

This book, part of the successful Pocket Primer series, is designed for those who need to quickly master Excel programming fundamentals. It offers a concise, efficient introduction to VBA, ensuring you only learn what you need to feel comfortable with Excel VBA. The concepts learned in this book also apply to Access programming. The nine chapters progressively introduce you to programming in Microsoft Excel 2021.Starting with a quick guide to Excel macros and the VBA programming environment, the book moves on to fundamental concepts and writing function procedures. You will learn to add decision-making capabilities and looping statements to your programs, store and manage multiple values using arrays and collections, and utilize built-in tools for testing and debugging your code.By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in Excel VBA, enabling you to automate tasks and enhance your productivity. This structured approach makes the book an essential resource for mastering Excel VBA efficiently and effectively.

CSS3 and SVG with Claude 3. Mastering CSS3 and SVG: Techniques for Advanced Data Visualization and Animation

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book is an essential guide for mastering advanced CSS3 and SVG techniques, ideal for web developers aiming to create visually striking and interactive web content. It starts with an in-depth look at CSS3, covering shadow effects, gradients, 2D and 3D transforms, and sophisticated animations. You'll learn to implement complex styling, use media queries for responsive design, and create dynamic keyframe animations. Security practices and effective use of CSS3 are also addressed.Moving to SVG, the book explores creating scalable vector graphics for advanced data visualizations and animations. You'll learn to use SVG elements like shapes, gradients, and Bezier curves, and how to seamlessly integrate them with CSS3 for dynamic, interactive graphics. Detailed tutorials on SVG filters, transforms, and animations enable you to build intricate visual effects and engaging content. Practical examples show how to combine CSS3 and SVG for responsive, high-performance web projects.By the end, you’ll have the skills to craft compelling web applications using CSS3 and SVG, whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer looking to elevate your web design expertise.