An IT survival guide for CEOs from the leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers' IT Business Risk Management Practice Managing IT as a Business is a comprehensive guide for CEOs and other executives looking to link corporate strategy with information technology. Until now, the inability of companies to meld IT organizations, systems, and technology and to link these to strategic business drivers has been one of the major obstacles to achieving sustainable IT business value. In this book, Lutchen provides practical advice to executives seeking to make the link between IT and strategy and to minimize key IT business risks. For leaders who want to maximize their IT investment, Managing IT as a Business offers the most enlightened guidance available. Mark D. Lutchen (Harrison, NY) leads PricewaterhouseCoopers' IT Business Risk Management Practice and was the firm's Global CIO during its massive merger (1997 - 98). He has almost 30 years of experience advising key executives in the areas of technology management, globalization, and mergers and acquisitions.

Billions of people around the world lack internet access. No one cared until the whole world had to go online.

President Joe Biden has repeatedly said that the United States would close the digital divide under his leadership. However, the divide still affects people and communities across the country. The complex and persistent reality is that millions of residents live in digital deserts, and many more face disproportionate difficulties when it comes to getting and staying online, especially people of color, seniors, rural residents, and farmers in remote areas.

Economic and health disparities are worsening in rural communities without available internet access. Students living in urban digital deserts with little technology exposure are ill prepared to compete for emerging occupations. Even seniors struggle to navigate the aging process without access to online information and remote care.

In this book, Nicol Turner Lee, a leading expert on the American digital divide, uses personal stories from individuals around the country to show how the emerging digital underclass is navigating the spiraling online economy, while sharing their joys and hopes for an equitable and just future.

Turner Lee argues that achieving digital equity is crucial for the future of America’s global competitiveness and requires radical responses to offset the unintended consequences of increasing digitization. In the end, Digitally Invisible proposes a pathway to more equitable access to existing and emerging technologies, while encouraging readers to weigh in on this shared goal.

"Made me look at the industrial revolution, invention, sleeping beauties, contexts and the forces that shape our societies differently."—David Byrne, New York Times Book Review How the history of technological revolutions can help us better understand economic and political polarization in the age of automation From the Industrial Revolution to the age of artificial intelligence, The Technology Trap takes a sweeping look at the history of technological progress and how it has radically shifted the distribution of economic and political power among society’s members. As Carl Benedikt Frey shows, the Industrial Revolution created unprecedented wealth and prosperity over the long run, but the immediate consequences of mechanization were devastating for large swaths of the population. Middle-income jobs withered, wages stagnated, the labor share of income fell, profits surged, and economic inequality skyrocketed. These trends, Frey documents, broadly mirror those in our current age of automation, which began with the Computer Revolution. Just as the Industrial Revolution eventually brought about extraordinary benefits for society, artificial intelligence systems have the potential to do the same. But Frey argues that this depends on how the short term is managed. In the nineteenth century, workers violently expressed their concerns over machines taking their jobs. The Luddite uprisings joined a long wave of machinery riots that swept across Europe and China. Today’s despairing middle class has not resorted to physical force, but their frustration has led to rising populism and the increasing fragmentation of society. As middle-class jobs continue to come under pressure, there’s no assurance that positive attitudes to technology will persist. The Industrial Revolution was a defining moment in history, but few grasped its enormous consequences at the time. The Technology Trap demonstrates that in the midst of another technological revolution, the lessons of the past can help us to more effectively face the present.

Efficiently using data structures to collect, organise and retrieve information is one of the core abilities modern computer engineers are expected to have. This student-friendly textbook provides a complete view of data structures and algorithms using the Python programming language, striking a balance between theory and practical application. All major algorithms have been discussed and analysed in detail, and the corresponding codes in Python have been provided. Diagrams and examples have been extensively used for better understanding. Running time complexities are also discussed for each algorithm, allowing the student to better understand how to select the appropriate one. Written with both undergraduate and graduate students in mind, the book will also be helpful with competitive examinations for engineering in India such as GATE and NET. As such, it will be a vital resource for students as well as professionals who are looking for a handbook on data structures in Python.

Find out everything you need to know to use the powerful Unity engine to its full potential for 3D and 2D game development, simulation, artificial intelligence, and beyond. From the basics of scripting to techniques for interactivity, AI and behavior, animation, narrative, and networking, this flexible, mind-bogglingly popular engine is useful for anything that needs some form of visuals and real-time simulation. With this thoroughly updated problem-solving cookbook, beginner to intermediate Unity developers will get started in two ways: First, you'll learn about the Unity engine through brief recipes that teach specific features of the software and scripting systems. Second, you'll apply a collection of snippets of code to address common scenarios, such as properly keeping score, or accepting input, or sharing state over the network. Using the cookbook format, this edition pinpoints the problem, sets out the solution, and discusses how to solve your problem in the best and most straightforward way possible. You'll find solutions for: 2D and 3D graphics Math, physics, and character control Animation and movement Behavior and AI Sound and music Narrative and dialogue Input and gameplay Scripting and user interface Simulation and synthetic data creation Networking and accessing web content Analytics and telemetry

This book constitutes the proceedings of the First International Conference on 5G for Future Wireless Networks, 5GWN 2017, held in Beijing, China, in April 2017. The 64 full papers were selected from 135 submissions and present the state of the art and practical applications of 5G technologies. The exponentially growing data traffic caused by the development of mobile Internet and smart phones requires powerful networks. The fifth generation (5G) techniques are promising to meet the requirements of this explosive data traffic in future mobile communications.

Cyberpsychology is an emerging area of psychological study that aims to understand and explain all facets of online behaviour. This book brings together overviews from a number of leading authorities in the field, to suggest how academic theory and research can be applied to a variety of online behaviours. Both positive and negative behaviours are considered, including topics as diverse as parenting the online child, age-related internet usage and cultural considerations in online interactions. Psychological research can no longer view online and offline worlds as different entities, but must consider online behaviours as equally distinct as offline activities. This is especially apparent when looking at online dating, the role that social networks play in organisations and online consumer behaviours, and in a consideration of the role that psychological research plays in underpinning the multi-billion pound gaming industry. Focusing on these personal applications of the Internet, insight is also offered into the role that theory and research plays in training military personnel as well as the use of psychometric testing to select and retain employees.

This book contains revised selected papers from the 18th International Conference on Membrane Computing, CMC 2017, held in Bradford, UK, in July 2017. The 18 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 29 submissions. They deal with membrane computing (P systems theory), an area of computer science aiming to abstract computing ideas and models from the structure and the functioning of living cells, as well as from the way the cells are organized in tissues or higher order structures. The volume also contains 2 invited talks.

Contrary to popular myth, we do not yet live in the “Information Age.� At best, we live the “Data Age,� obsessed with the production, collection, storage, dissemination, and monetization of digital data. But data, in and of itself, isn’t valuable. Data only becomes valuable when we make sense of it. We rely on “information professionals� to help us understand data, but most fail in their efforts. Why? Not because they lack intelligence or tools, but mostly because they lack the necessary skills. Most information professionals have been trained primarily in the use of data analysis tools (Tableau, PowerBI, Qlik, SAS, Excel, R, etc.), but even the best tools are only useful in the hands of skilled individuals. Anyone can pick up a hammer and pound a nail, but only skilled carpenters can use a hammer to build a reliable structure. Making sense of data is skilled work, and developing those skills requires study and practice. Weaving data into understanding involves several distinct but complementary thinking skills. Foremost among them are critical thinking and scientific thinking. Until information professionals develop these capabilities, we will remain in the dark ages of data. This book is for information professionals, especially those who have been thrust into this important work without having a chance to develop these foundational skills. If you’re an information professional and have never been trained to think critically and scientifically with data, this book will get you started. Once on this path, you’ll be able to help usher in an Information Age worthy of the name.

Mit seinem Workshop 2017 zum Thema "Logistik und Echtzeit" bietet der GI/GMA/ITG-Fachausschuss Echtzeitsysteme Wissenschaftlern, Nutzern und Herstellern ein Forum, auf dem neue Trends und Entwicklungen zu folgenden Programmschwerpunkten vorgestellt werden: Eingebettete Systeme, Echtzeitkommunikation, Leistungssteuerung und -bewertung, Logistik und Echtzeit sowie funktionale Sicherheit. Berichte zu aktuellen Anwendungen und zur Ausbildung runden die Publikation ab. 

Best books of 2021, Financial Times 'Grab some popcorn and take a front row seat, because Robin Wigglesworth has an astonishing story to tell you' Tim Harford, author of How to Make the World Add Up 'A fascinating account of an investment revolution' Ian Fraser, Literary Review 'A magisterial, delightfully written history offering up portraits of the academic scribblers and entrepreneurial practitioners who created the index-fund revolution' The Wall Street Journal 'Wigglesworth has written an important book' Patrick Hosking, Financial Editor, The Times 'A terrific read' Gregory Zuckerman, author of The Man Who Solved the Market 'A fascinating journey and a crucial book for anyone trying to understand the financial markets' Bradley Hope, author of Billion Dollar Whale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Trillions, Financial Times journalist Robin Wigglesworth unveils the vivid secret history of index funds, bringing to life the colourful characters behind their birth, growth and evolution into a world-conquering phenomenon. It is the untold story behind one of the most pressing financial uncertainties of our time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'An easy-to-understand and fun read, full of lively characters and little-known details of how finance really works today' Gillian Tett, author of Anthro-Vision

Advances in communications technology continue to accelerate. To maintain the competitive edge in such a dynamic environment, today's managers, professionals and engineers can expect to be challenged daily to keep pace with the technical and organizational issues, opportunities and threats surrounding the operation and management of any communications system. The purpose of this book is to enable these people to detect, understand, handle and control a communications system during a crisis.

• Integrated use of real-world examples.
• Numerous case studies illustrate how actual disasters are detected, studies, and successfully controlled.
• Delineates the procedures required for the smooth and safe operation of telecommunications, broadcasting and computer systems during a crisis.

This open access Brief introduces the basic principles of control theory in a concise self-study guide. It complements the classic texts by emphasizing the simple conceptual unity of the subject. A novice can quickly see how and why the different parts fit together. The concepts build slowly and naturally one after another, until the reader soon has a view of the whole. Each concept is illustrated by detailed examples and graphics. The full software code for each example is available, providing the basis for experimenting with various assumptions, learning how to write programs for control analysis, and setting the stage for future research projects. The topics focus on robustness, design trade-offs, and optimality. Most of the book develops classical linear theory. The last part of the book considers robustness with respect to nonlinearity and explicitly nonlinear extensions, as well as advanced topics such as adaptive control and model predictive control. New students, as well as scientists from other backgrounds who want a concise and easy-to-grasp coverage of control theory, will benefit from the emphasis on concepts and broad understanding of the various approaches.

‘Hello Computer’ is a story of a working-class girl who begins a life-long love affair with technology after seeing a computer for the first time in 1967. Her journey takes us through exciting times and epic events, from the dawn of the internet to the dotcom boom, from punch cards to the raspberry pi and virtual worlds. Linda shares her experiences of computing through real life stories where systems are designed to make a difference to people’s lives. Demonstrating that although technology changes constantly, fundamentally, people don’t change that much. Against a backdrop of unspoken bias the story captures the struggles faced by many young women, then and now. It is positive, heart-warming and full of hope that women will become more influential within tech. A story of ambition, passion and programming, inspirational for future generations of women and girls in STEM.

There are many textbooks on algorithms focusing on big-O notation and basic design principles. This book offers a unique approach to taking the design and analyses to the level of predictable practical efficiency, discussing core and classic algorithmic problems that arise in the development of big data applications, and presenting elegant solutions of increasing sophistication and efficiency. Solutions are analyzed within the classic RAM model, and the more practically significant external-memory model that allows one to perform I/O-complexity evaluations. Chapters cover various data types, including integers, strings, trees, and graphs, algorithmic tools such as sampling, sorting, data compression, and searching in dictionaries and texts, and lastly, recent developments regarding compressed data structures. Algorithmic solutions are accompanied by detailed pseudocode and many running examples, thus enriching the toolboxes of students, researchers, and professionals interested in effective and efficient processing of big data.

- one of the first books to focus on the role of AI in and for Africa - tackles a wide range of issues including algorithmic bias and regulation - includes cross-disciplinary expertise from both the humanities and sciences

Here is a book containing information about more than 500 Web sites about dinosaurs. Sites are rated for quality and cross-referenced by type, level of complexity, and availability of special features.

How long does it take for your website to load? Web performance is just as critical for small and medium-sized websites as it is for massive websites that receive tons of hits. Before you pour money and time into rewriting your code or replacing your infrastructure, first consider a reverse-caching proxy server like Varnish. With this practical book, you'll learn how Varnish can give your website or API an immediate performance boost. Varnish mimicks the behavior of your webserver, caches its output in memory, and serves the result directly to clients without having to access your webserver. If you're a web developer familiar with HTTP, this book helps you master Varnish basics, so you can get up and running in no time. You'll learn how to use the Varnish Configuration Language and HTTP best practices to achieve faster performance and a higher hit rate.Understand how Varnish helps you gain optimum web performance Use HTTP to improve the cache-ability of your websites, web applications, and APIs Properly invalidate your cache when the origin data changes Optimize access to your backend servers Avoid common mistakes when using Varnish in the wild Use logging and debugging tools to examine the behavior of Varnish

This book is both a reference for engineers and scientists and a teaching resource, featuring tutorial chapters and research papers on feature extraction. Until now there has been insufficient consideration of feature selection algorithms, no unified presentation of leading methods, and no systematic comparisons.

This book contains the full papers on which the invited lectures of the 4th International Conference on Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (4ICEGE) were based. The conference was held in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 25 to 28 June, 2007. The papers offer a comprehensive overview of the progress achieved in soil dynamics and geotechnical earthquake engineering, examine ongoing and unresolved issues, and discuss ideas for the future.

What is combinatorial optimization? Traditionally, a problem is considered to be c- binatorial if its set of feasible solutions is both ?nite and discrete, i. e. , enumerable. For example, the traveling salesman problem asks in what order a salesman should visit the cities in his territory if he wants to minimize his total mileage (see Sect. 2. 2. 2). The traveling salesman problem’s feasible solutions - permutations of city labels - c- prise a ?nite, discrete set. By contrast, Differential Evolution was originally designed to optimize functions de?ned on real spaces. Unlike combinatorial problems, the set of feasible solutions for real parameter optimization is continuous. Although Differential Evolution operates internally with ?oating-point precision, it has been applied with success to many numerical optimization problems that have t- ditionally been classi?ed as combinatorial because their feasible sets are discrete. For example, the knapsack problem’s goal is to pack objects of differing weight and value so that the knapsack’s total weight is less than a given maximum and the value of the items inside is maximized (see Sect. 2. 2. 1). The set of feasible solutions - vectors whose components are nonnegative integers - is both numerical and discrete. To handle such problems while retaining full precision, Differential Evolution copies ?oating-point - lutions to a temporary vector that, prior to being evaluated, is truncated to the nearest feasible solution, e. g. , by rounding the temporary parameters to the nearest nonnegative integer.

This book provides an original graph theoretical approach to the fundamental properties of wireless mobile ad-hoc networks. This approach is combined with a realistic radio model for physical links between nodes to produce new insight into network characteristics like connectivity, degree distribution, hopcount, interference and capacity. The book establishes directives for designing ad-hoc networks and sensor networks. It will interest the academic community, and engineers who roll out ad-hoc and sensor networks.

Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) constitute cognitive models in the form of fuzzy directed graphs consisting of two basic elements: the nodes, which basically correspond to “concepts� bearing different states of activation depending on the knowledge they represent, and the “edges� denoting the causal effects that each source node exercises on the receiving concept expressed through weights. Weights take values in the interval [-1,1], which denotes the positive, negative or neutral causal relationship between two concepts. An FCM can be typically obtained through linguistic terms, inherent to fuzzy systems, but with a structure similar to the neural networks, which facilitates data processing, and has capabilities for training and adaptation. During the last 10 years, an exponential growth of published papers in FCMs was followed showing great impact potential. Different FCM structures and learning schemes have been developed, while numerous studies report their use in many contexts with highly successful modeling results.   The aim of this book is to fill the existing gap in the literature concerning fundamentals, models, extensions and learning algorithms for FCMs in knowledge engineering. It comprehensively covers the state-of-the-art FCM modeling and learning methods, with algorithms, codes and software tools, and provides a set of applications that demonstrate their various usages in applied sciences and engineering.