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.

Fintech Fundamentals. Understanding Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Modern Industries

Mercury Learning and Information, Len Mei

This book explores the digital technologies essential for building the new digital economy. It delves into concepts such as cloud and edge computing, 5G telecommunication, blockchain, big data, and AI, explaining how these technologies enable the digital economy. It also examines the impact of financial technology on both traditional and emerging industries, providing a comprehensive introduction for those interested in further research on these subjects.The course begins with an introduction to the digital economy, followed by detailed discussions on various foundational technologies. Topics such as cloud and edge computing, 5G, blockchain, and AI are covered, highlighting their roles in the digital economy. The book also addresses the transformation of financial services and the impact of fintech on various industries, offering a broad understanding of the current and future landscape.Designed for professionals and researchers, this book equips readers with the knowledge to understand and engage with the digital economy. It provides a solid foundation for further exploration, making it an essential resource for those looking to navigate and contribute to the evolving digital world.

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.

AI in Digital Marketing. Harnessing AI tools to revolutionize digital marketing strategies

Mercury Learning and Information, Maria Johnsen

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the digital marketing landscape, offering innovative solutions for personalization, automation, and efficiency. This comprehensive guide explores AI's impact on digital marketing, focusing on data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and customer engagement strategies. It empowers marketers to understand and leverage AI's potential in crafting targeted campaigns and optimizing workflows.Readers will explore essential topics like machine learning, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis, all tailored for marketing applications. Practical insights on SEO, content creation, and social media listening are combined with advanced concepts such as programmatic advertising, AI-powered customer support, and marketing automation. The book ensures a balance between foundational knowledge and actionable strategies.This resource equips digital marketers, strategists, and analysts to adopt emerging trends, drive measurable results, and maintain a competitive edge in the AI-driven marketing ecosystem. It is the perfect companion for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and harness the power of AI in their digital marketing efforts.

Enterprise Transformation to Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse. Strategies for the Technology Revolution: Navigating Future Technologies with Agility and Innovation

Mercury Learning and Information, William Kimmerly

This book guides organizations in effectively responding to the metaverse, a rapidly converging collection of advanced technologies, methods, and models. The metaverse is poised to be as disruptive as the personal computer, Internet, and smartphone, impacting personal, social, professional, and business lives. The book covers essential metaverse technologies and concepts, helping organizational leaders plan their transformation strategies.The journey begins with an introduction and key definitions, followed by the evolution of IT governance and responses to disruptive technologies. It delves into AI, machine learning, blockchain, platforms, algorithms, edge computing, quantum computing, and immersive technologies like VR, AR, MR, and XR. Further chapters explore holographic technologies, deep tech, and other metaverse-related technologies, along with organizational structures and governance frameworks for the metaverse era.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the metaverse transformation. The book concludes with a detailed hypothetical case study, illustrating how such a transformation can be achieved. This resource helps executives and professionals chart an effective course to the metaverse, blending theoretical insights with practical applications.

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.

Game Testing. Mastering the Art of Quality Assurance in Game Development

Mercury Learning and Information, Robert Denton Bryant

This updated fourth edition is your comprehensive guide to video game testing. Whether you're a student aspiring to join the industry or a professional honing your skills, this book covers essential aspects of game testing. It explains how testers fit into development and provides practical knowledge of tools, roles, responsibilities, and metrics for game quality.The book guides you through test design and QA methods using real game scenarios and interviews with veteran developers. You'll learn the basics of game testing, writing bug reports, and defect tracking. The chapters cover exploratory testing, gameplay testing, combinatorial testing, and regression testing.Each chapter includes questions and exercises, suitable for classroom or personal study. Companion files with templates and tutorials for creating combinatorial tables and test flow diagrams are included, forming the basis of a robust QA plan. This edition equips you with the skills to succeed in game testing and contribute effectively to any development team.

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.