Businesses today are faced with a highly competitive market and fast-changing technologies. In order to meet demanding customers' needs, they rely on high quality software. A new field of study, soft computing techniques, is needed to estimate the efforts invested in component-based software. Component-Based Systems: Estimating Efforts Using Soft Computing Techniques is an important resource that uses computer-based models for estimating efforts of software. It provides an overview of component-based software engineering, while addressing uncertainty involved in effort estimation and expert opinions. This book will also instruct the reader how to develop mathematical models. This book is an excellent source of information for students and researchers to learn soft computing models, their applications in software management, and will help software developers, managers, and those in the industry to apply soft computing techniques to estimate efforts.

This innovative text bridges media theory, psychology, and interpersonal communication by describing how our relationships with media emulate the relationships we develop with friends and romantic partners through their ability to replicate intimacy, regularity, and reciprocity. In research-rich, conversational chapters, the author applies psychological principles to understand how nine influential media technologies-theatrical film, recorded music, consumer market cameras, radio, network and cable television, tape cassettes, video gaming, and dial-up internet service providers-irreversibly changed the communication environment, culture, and psychological expectations that we then apply to future media technologies. With special attention to mediums absent from the traditional literature, including recorded music, cable television, and magnetic tape, this book encourages readers to critically reflect on their own past relationships with media and consider the present environment and the future of media given their own personal habits. 20th Century Media and the American Psyche is ideal for media studies, communication, and psychology students, scholars, and industry professionals, as well as anyone interested in a greater understanding of the psychological significance of media technology, usage, and adoption across the past 150 years.

This student-friendly book provides an accessible overview of the primary debates about the effects of video games. It expands on the original The Video Game Debate to address the new technologies that have emerged within the field of game studies over the last few years. Debates about the negative effects of video game play have been evident since their introduction in the 1970s, but the advent of online and mobile gaming has revived these concerns, reinvigorating old debates and generating brand new ones. The Video Game Debate 2 draws from the latest research findings from the top scholars of digital games research to address these concerns. The book explores key developments such as virtual and augmented reality, the use of micro-transactions, the integration of loot boxes, and the growth of mobile gaming and games for change (serious games). Furthermore, several new chapters explore contemporary debates around e-sports, gamification, sex and gender discrimination in games, and the use of games in therapy. This book offers students and scholars of games studies and digital media, as well as policymakers, the essential information they need to participate in the debate.

Modern computing relies on future and emergent technologies which have been conceived via interaction between computer science, engineering, chemistry, physics and biology. This highly interdisciplinary book presents advances in the fields of parallel, distributed and emergent information processing and computation. The book represents major breakthroughs in parallel quantum protocols, elastic cloud servers, structural properties of interconnection networks, internet of things, morphogenetic collective systems, swarm intelligence and cellular automata, unconventionality in parallel computation, algorithmic information dynamics, localized DNA computation, graph-based cryptography, slime mold inspired nano-electronics and cytoskeleton computers. Features Truly interdisciplinary, spanning computer science, electronics, mathematics and biology Covers widely popular topics of future and emergent computing technologies, cloud computing, parallel computing, DNA computation, security and network analysis, cryptography, and theoretical computer science Provides unique chapters written by top experts in theoretical and applied computer science, information processing and engineering From Parallel to Emergent Computing provides a visionary statement on how computing will advance in the next 25 years and what new fields of science will be involved in computing engineering. This book is a valuable resource for computer scientists working today, and in years to come.

Soft computing methods such as neural networks and genetic algorithms draw on the problem solving strategies of the natural world which differ fundamentally from the mathematically-based computing methods normally used in engineering. Human brains are highly effective computers with capabilities far beyond those of the most sophisticated electronic computers. The 'soft computing' methods they use can solve very difficult inverse problems based on reduction in disorder. This book outlines these methods and applies them to a range of difficult engineering problems, including applications in computational mechanics, earthquake engineering, and engineering design. Most of these are difficult inverse problems - especially in engineering design - and are treated in depth.

This book offers critical perspectives on the digital 'iconic', exploring how the notion of the iconic is re-appropriated and re-made online, and the consequences for humanity and society. Examining cross-cultural case studies of iconic images in digital spaces, the author offers original and critical analyses, theories and perspectives on the notion of the 'iconic', and on its movement, re-appropriation and meaning making on digital platforms. A carefully curated selection of case studies illustrates topics such as phantom memory; martyrdom; denigration and pornographic recoding; digital games as simulacra; and memes as 'artification'. Situating the notion of the iconic firmly within contemporary cultures, the author takes a thematic approach to investigate the iconic as an unstable and unfinished phenomenon online as it travels through platforms temporally and spatially. The book will be an important resource for academics and students in the areas of media and communications, digital culture, cultural studies, visual communication, visual culture, journalism studies and digital humanities.

Representation Theory of Symmetric Groups is the most up-to-date abstract algebra book on the subject of symmetric groups and representation theory. Utilizing new research and results, this book can be studied from a combinatorial, algorithmic or algebraic viewpoint. This book is an excellent way of introducing today's students to representation theory of the symmetric groups, namely classical theory. From there, the book explains how the theory can be extended to other related combinatorial algebras like the Iwahori-Hecke algebra. In a clear and concise manner, the author presents the case that most calculations on symmetric group can be performed by utilizing appropriate algebras of functions. Thus, the book explains how some Hopf algebras (symmetric functions and generalizations) can be used to encode most of the combinatorial properties of the representations of symmetric groups. Overall, the book is an innovative introduction to representation theory of symmetric groups for graduate students and researchers seeking new ways of thought.

This book focuses on elementary concepts of both radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) and wireless power transfer (WPT), and highlights their fundamental requirements followed by recent advancements. It provides a systematic overview of the key components required for RFEH and WPT applications and also comprehensively introduces the pioneering research advancements achieved to date. The state-of-the-art circuit design topologies for the two different applications are presented mainly in terms of antenna operating frequencies, polarization characteristics, efficient matching network circuits, rectifier topologies, and overall rectenna systems. The book serves as a single point of reference for practicing engineers and researchers searching for potential sources and elements involved in the RFEH system as well as in the WPT system, and need rapid training and design guidelines in the following areas: * Different sensing elements used in RFEH and WPT * Inclusions of mathematical expressions and design problems * Illustration of some design examples and performance enhancement techniques

Published in 1993. Software reuse has been shown to achieve improvements in productivity, quality and timeliness of software. The collection of papers in this book were given at a seminar organized by UNICOM and the British Computer Society Software Reuse Specialist Group. They address the reasons why software reuse can maximize an organization's return from past expenditure and ensure a good future expenditure. Increasing the automation of software development requires access to explicit knowledge about processes and products involved. The chapters examine the relationship between reuse and other aspects of software engineering, including management techniques and structures, CASE, methodologies and object orientation. In addition, the papers aim to provide a structures insight into new techniques which will become available through the 1990s. This text is suitable for software managers and directors, software engineers, software professionals, academics, and other involved in software engineering research.

Justice apps - mobile and web-based programmes that can assist individuals with legal tasks - are being produced, improved, and accessed at an unprecedented rate. These technologies have the potential to reshape the justice system, improve access to justice, and demystify legal institutions. Using artificial intelligence techniques, apps can even facilitate the resolution of common legal disputes. However, these opportunities must be assessed in light of the many challenges associated with app use in the justice sector. These include the digital divide and other accessibility issues; the ethical challenges raised by the dehumanisation of legal processes; and various privacy, security, and confidentiality risks. Surveying the landscape of this emergent industry, this book explores the objectives, opportunities, and challenges presented by apps across all areas of the justice sector. Detailed consideration is also given to the use of justice apps in specific legal contexts, including the family law and criminal law sectors. The first book to engage with justice apps, this book will appeal to a wide range of legal scholars, students, practitioners, and policy-makers.

Crossing Numbers of Graphs is the first book devoted to the crossing number, an increasingly popular object of study with surprising connections. The field has matured into a large body of work, which includes identifiable core results and techniques. The book presents a wide variety of ideas and techniques in topological graph theory, discrete geometry, and computer science. The first part of the text deals with traditional crossing number, crossing number values, crossing lemma, related parameters, computational complexity, and algorithms. The second part includes the rich history of alternative crossing numbers, the rectilinear crossing number, the pair crossing number, and the independent odd crossing number.It also includes applications of the crossing number outside topological graph theory. Aimed at graduate students and professionals in both mathematics and computer science The first book of its kind devoted to the topic Authored by a noted authority in crossing numbers

With Chromatic Graph Theory, Second Edition, the authors present various fundamentals of graph theory that lie outside of graph colorings, including basic terminology and results, trees and connectivity, Eulerian and Hamiltonian graphs, matchings and factorizations, and graph embeddings. Readers will see that the authors accomplished the primary goal of this textbook, which is to introduce graph theory with a coloring theme and to look at graph colorings in various ways. The textbook also covers vertex colorings and bounds for the chromatic number, vertex colorings of graphs embedded on surfaces, and a variety of restricted vertex colorings. The authors also describe edge colorings, monochromatic and rainbow edge colorings, complete vertex colorings, several distinguishing vertex and edge colorings. Features of the Second Edition: The book can be used for a first course in graph theory as well as a graduate course The primary topic in the book is graph coloring The book begins with an introduction to graph theory so assumes no previous course The authors are the most widely-published team on graph theory Many new examples and exercises enhance the new edition

Probability as an Alternative to Boolean LogicWhile logic is the mathematical foundation of rational reasoning and the fundamental principle of computing, it is restricted to problems where information is both complete and certain. However, many real-world problems, from financial investments to email filtering, are incomplete or uncertain in nature. Probability theory and Bayesian computing together provide an alternative framework to deal with incomplete and uncertain data. Decision-Making Tools and Methods for Incomplete and Uncertain DataEmphasizing probability as an alternative to Boolean logic, Bayesian Programming covers new methods to build probabilistic programs for real-world applications. Written by the team who designed and implemented an efficient probabilistic inference engine to interpret Bayesian programs, the book offers many Python examples that are also available on a supplementary website together with an interpreter that allows readers to experiment with this new approach to programming. Principles and Modeling Only requiring a basic foundation in mathematics, the first two parts of the book present a new methodology for building subjective probabilistic models. The authors introduce the principles of Bayesian programming and discuss good practices for probabilistic modeling. Numerous simple examples highlight the application of Bayesian modeling in different fields. Formalism and AlgorithmsThe third part synthesizes existing work on Bayesian inference algorithms since an efficient Bayesian inference engine is needed to automate the probabilistic calculus in Bayesian programs. Many bibliographic references are included for readers who would like more details on the formalism of Bayesian programming, the main probabilistic models, general purpose algorithms for Bayesian inference, and learning problems. FAQsAlong with a glossary, the fourth part contains answers to frequently asked questions. The authors compare Bayesian programming and possibility theories, discuss the computational complexity of Bayesian inference, cover the irreducibility of incompleteness, and address the subjectivist versus objectivist epistemology of probability. The First Steps toward a Bayesian ComputerA new modeling methodology, new inference algorithms, new programming languages, and new hardware are all needed to create a complete Bayesian computing framework. Focusing on the methodology and algorithms, this book describes the first steps toward reaching that goal. It encourages readers to explore emerging areas, such as bio-inspired computing, and develop new programming languages and hardware architectures.

Provides complete update and organization of the previous books, with some material moving online; Includes new problems, projects, and exercises; Includes interactive coding resources to accompany the book, including examples in the text, exercises, projects, and refection questions.

This comprehensive book unveils the working relationship of blockchain and the fog/edge computing. The contents of the book have been designed in such a way that the reader will not only understand blockchain and fog/edge computing but will also understand their co-existence and their collaborative power to solve a range of versatile problems. The first part of the book covers fundamental concepts and the applications of blockchain-enabled fog and edge computing. These include: Internet of Things, Tactile Internet, Smart City; and E-challan in the Internet of Vehicles. The second part of the book covers security and privacy related issues of blockchain-enabled fog and edge computing. These include, hardware primitive based Physical Unclonable Functions; Secure Management Systems; security of Edge and Cloud in the presence of blockchain; secure storage in fog using blockchain; and using differential privacy for edge-based Smart Grid over blockchain. This book is written for students, computer scientists, researchers and developers, who wish to work in the domain of blockchain and fog/edge computing. One of the unique features of this book is highlighting the issues, challenges, and future research directions associated with Blockchain-enabled fog and edge computing paradigm. We hope the readers will consider this book a valuable addition in the domain of Blockchain and fog/edge computing.

This revised edition has more breadth and depth of coverage than the first edition. Information Technology: An Introduction for Today's Digital World introduces undergraduate students to a wide variety of concepts that they will encounter throughout their IT studies and careers. The features of this edition include: Introductory system administration coverage of Windows 10 and Linux (Red Hat 7), both as general concepts and with specific hands-on instruction Coverage of programming and shell scripting, demonstrated through example code in several popular languages Updated information on modern IT careers Computer networks, including more content on cloud computing Improved coverage of computer security Ancillary material that includes a lab manual for hands-on exercises Suitable for any introductory IT course, this classroom-tested text presents many of the topics recommended by the ACM Special Interest Group on IT Education (SIGITE). It offers a far more detailed examination of the computer and IT fields than computer literacy texts, focusing on concepts essential to all IT professionals - from system administration to scripting to computer organization. Four chapters are dedicated to the Windows and Linux operating systems so that students can gain hands-on experience with operating systems that they will deal with in the real world.

Want to create devices that interact with the physical world? This cookbook is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with the popular Arduino microcontroller and programming environment. You'll find more than 200 tips and techniques for building a variety of objects and prototypes such as IoT solutions, environmental monitors, location and position-aware systems, and products that can respond to touch, sound, heat, and light. Updated for the Arduino 1.8 release, the recipes in this third edition include practical examples and guidance to help you begin, expand, and enhance your projects right away-whether you're an engineer, designer, artist, student, or hobbyist. Get up to speed on the Arduino board and essential software concepts quickly Learn basic techniques for reading digital and analog signals Use Arduino with a variety of popular input devices and sensors Drive visual displays, generate sound, and control several types of motors Connect Arduino to wired and wireless networks Learn techniques for handling time delays and time measurement Apply advanced coding and memory-handling techniques

Details information on essential mathematics required to implement civil engineering applications using data science techniques Discusses the broad background of data science and its fundamentals Focusses on structural engineering, transportation systems, water resource management, geomatics, and environmental engineering Includes Python programming libraries to solve complex problems Addresses various real-world applications of data science-based civil engineering use cases

The volume focusses on intermediate concepts of the PIC16F1847-Based PLC project, and covers arithmetical operation ability of PLCs, logical function performers and operations like AND, NAND, OR, NOR. Further, it explains shift and rotate macros moving bits in a register to right or left, and selection macros enabling one value to be selected from several given values according to certain criteria. Demultiplexer circuit is illustrated, which is used to send a signal to one of many devices. Finally, it explains decoder, priority encoder and conversion macros. All the concepts are supported using flowcharts. Aimed at researchers and graduate students in electrical engineering, power electronics, robotics and automation, sensors, this book: Presents arithmetical and logical macros to carry out arithmetical and logical operations to be used for 8-bit or 16-bit variables and/or constant values. Provides shift and rotate macros to do arithmetical or logical shift and rotate operations to be used for 8-bit or 16-bit variables. Proposes selection macros to enable the user to do 8-bit or 16-bit move, load, selection, maximum, minimum, limiting, multiplexing and byte multiplexing operations. Develops demultiplexer macros, decoder macros and priority encoder macros to be used as combinational circuits. Presents conversion macros to provide functions to convert given data from one format to another one.

This book discusses Change Management Impact Analysis and how this method is used to analysis the risks and benefits of a change management initiative when it pertains to obtaining critical insight into how the change management program budget should be allotted. The process also offers useful indicators for what areas within the system should be monitored during the change management process. This book presents theoretical analysis of practical implications and surveys, along with analysis. It covers the functions aimed at identifying various stakeholders associated with the software such as requirement component, design component, and class component. The book talks about the interrelationship between the change and the effects on the rest of the system and dives deeper to include the critical role that the analysis places on the existing multiple functions such as estimating the development costs, the project overhead costs, cost for the modification of the system, and system strength or detecting errors in the system during the process. Case studies are also included to help researchers and practitioners to absorb the material presented. This book is useful to graduate students, researchers, academicians, institutions, and professionals that interested in exploring the areas of Impact Analysis.

The PIC16F1847-Based PLC project supports up to 4 analog inputs and 1 analog output, 1 High Speed Counter, 2 PWM (pulse width modulation) outputs, 1 Drum Sequencer Instruction with up to 16 steps, the implementation of Sequential Function Charts (SFCs) with up to 24 steps. This volume presents advanced concepts of the PIC16F1847-Based PLC project and consists of topics like program control, high speed counter and PWM macros. It further explains memory related drum sequencer instruction, sequential functional charts, and analog input and output modules. Aimed at researchers and graduate students in electrical engineering, power electronics, robotics and automation, sensors, this book: Presents program control macros to enable or disable a block of PLC program or to move execution of a program from one place to another. Proposes a High-Speed Counter and four PWM Macros for high speed counting and PWM operations. Develops memory related macros to enable the user to do memory read/write operations. Provides a Drum Sequencer instruction with up to 16 steps and 16 outputs on each step. Discusses the implementation of Sequential Function Chart (SFC) elements with up to 24 steps.

For courses in Software Engineering, Software Development, or Object-Oriented Design and Analysis at the Junior/Senior or Graduate level. This text can also be utilized in short technical courses or in short, intensive management courses. Shows students how to use both the principles of software engineering and the practices of various object-oriented tools, processes, and products. Using a step-by-step case study to illustrate the concepts and topics in each chapter, Bruegge and Dutoit emphasize learning object-oriented software engineer through practical experience: students can apply the techniques learned in class by implementing a real-world software project. The third edition addresses new trends, in particular agile project management (Chapter 14 Project Management) and agile methodologies (Chapter 16 Methodologies).

The first edition of Exercises in Programming Style was honored as an ACM Notable Book and praised as "The best programming book of the decade." This new edition retains the same presentation but has been upgraded to Python 3, and there is a new section on neural network styles. Using a simple computational task (term frequency) to illustrate different programming styles, Exercises in Programming Style helps readers understand the various ways of writing programs and designing systems. It is designed to be used in conjunction with code provided on an online repository. The book complements and explains the raw code in a way that is accessible to anyone who regularly practices the art of programming. The book can also be used in advanced programming courses in computer science and software engineering programs. The book contains 40 different styles for writing the term frequency task. The styles are grouped into ten categories: historical, basic, function composition, objects and object interactions, reflection and metaprogramming, adversity, data-centric, concurrency, interactivity, and neural networks. The author states the constraints in each style and explains the example programs. Each chapter first presents the constraints of the style, next shows an example program, and then gives a detailed explanation of the code. Most chapters also have sections focusing on the use of the style in systems design as well as sections describing the historical context in which the programming style emerged.

Metaheuristic algorithms are considered as generic optimization tools that can solve very complex problems characterized by having very large search spaces. Metaheuristic methods reduce the effective size of the search space through the use of effective search strategies. Book Features: Provides a unified view of the most popular metaheuristic methods currently in use Includes the necessary concepts to enable readers to implement and modify already known metaheuristic methods to solve problems Covers design aspects and implementation in MATLAB (R) Contains numerous examples of problems and solutions that demonstrate the power of these methods of optimization The material has been written from a teaching perspective and, for this reason, this book is primarily intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students of artificial intelligence, metaheuristic methods, and/or evolutionary computation. The objective is to bridge the gap between metaheuristic techniques and complex optimization problems that profit from the convenient properties of metaheuristic approaches. Therefore, engineer practitioners who are not familiar with metaheuristic computation will appreciate that the techniques discussed are beyond simple theoretical tools, since they have been adapted to solve significant problems that commonly arise in such areas.