This book contains the refereed proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Agile Software Development, XP 2016, held in Edinburgh, UK, in May 2016. While agile development has already become mainstream in industry, this field is still constantly evolving and continues to spur an enormous interest both in industry and academia. To this end, the XP conference attracts a large number of software practitioners and researchers, providing a rare opportunity for interaction between the two communities. The 14 full papers accepted for XP 2016 were selected from 42 submissions. Additionally, 11 experience reports (from 25 submissions) 5 empirical studies (out of 12 submitted) and 5 doctoral papers (from 6 papers submitted) were selected, and in each case the authors were shepherded by an experienced researcher. Generally, all of the submitted papers went through a rigorous peer-review process.

This volume provides workers in the industry with an overview of different approaches to professionalism. It focuses specifically on software engineering as a profession, covering issues such as the role of professional bodies, project management, user awareness, and standards recognition. It also takes account of general topics such as ethical and legal responsibilities, training and education. It includes contributions from leading researchers from a variety of backgrounds, including IBM UK, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, and the Department of Education and Employment. This is one of the first volumes to cover professionalism in software engineering at an advanced level. It is aimed primarily at practitioners and researchers in industry, particularly those working on professional development programs. It will also provide further reading for graduate and postgraduate students on software engineering courses.

Paul Norton and Tracy Hall are an ordinary couple, with an extraordinary story to tell. They are psychics and mediums. In The Spirit of Love they reveal their own journeys as mediums and share some of the amazing communications they have been privileged to convey. Paul Norton was just 19 when he realised that he was in touch with the spirit world. His father had been trying to connect with him before he committed suicide. Soon after, he started to work as a professional medium, touring theatres and giving private readings. Disillusioned that her spirit friends had not warned her that her brother was about to commit suicide, grieving medium Tracy Hall decided that she no longer wanted to use her own gifts to help others. Months later, she went to see Paul Norton at a spiritualist meeting. Through Paul, Tracy's brother told her not to give up her work and that help was on it's way. Soon after, Paul invited Tracy to work with him. Together they embarked on a journey of spiritual discovery that also led to a blossoming relationship. The Spirit of Love shares the moving story of how fate brought them together, and is full of amazing and uplifting stories about their work.

Rhiannon Selene Godfrey, part scientist, part paranormal prodigy, opens a box from a mysterious stranger to find three marble statues dating back to ancient Greece. J.W. of J.W.'s Magic Emporium sends a warning along with the Oneiroi, and writes Rhiannon that he chose her because of her skills at dream divination. They aren't so great, leaving Rhee no choice but to cram in order to stop the dream demon's pranks unleashed in Celestial Beginnings. Her mom's New Age shop has become a haven for the angry spirits, who want Rhee's help. She thinks. She calls upon her namesake, the moon goddess of Greek mythology, Selene, for guidance as she and her friends attempt to capture the demons, and resolve an ancient curse.

Josh Grady is a screwed up teen about to get a second chance. After stealing a car, wrecking it in a terrible accident that puts his best friend in a coma, he's given a lucky break he's not sure he deserves. Instead of juvie, he's sent to Shining Star Boy's Ranch. Josh resents the rules, the counselors and the teachers, but most of all he hates the family atmosphere which reminds him of all he's lost. Journaling becomes an outlet that leads to self discovery. After many mistakes, Josh realizes that the hardest lesson of all is forgiveness.

Adoption doesn't end when the papers are signed -- not for the birth mother, not for the adoptive mother and not for the adopted child. It is a decision with consequences that last a lifetime. While there are many wonderful books on how to adopt, when to adopt, making an adoption plan, and the like, ADOPTION IS FOREVER is at times humorous, sometimes gut-wrenching, but always honest. "A refreshingly new look at adoption," reviews Roger H. Rubin, Ph.D.