Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queens secret society of spies and killers and possibly his life to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to fnd safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerfulWhy does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power the Lady's Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in an inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence and they need Octavia's powers to succeed.Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.

Nixy Bauer, Home in an Hour Nixy Bauer is used to her classmates being very, very unhappy to see her. After all, she's working with the enemy she's on their parents payrolls.Nixy is a bounty hunter in a virtual-reality gaming world. Kids in the MEEP, as they call it, play entirely with their minds, while their bodies languish in a sleeplike state on the couch. Irritated parents, looking to wrench their kids back to reality, hire Nixy to jump into the game and retrieve them. Luckily for Nixy and her wallet, she's the best leveller out there.But when the game's billionaire developer and Nixy's parents boss loses track of his own son in the MEEP, Nixy is in for the biggest challenge of her bounty-hunting career. Wyn Salvador isn't some lazy kid looking to escape his homework, and this is no ordinary levelling job: Wyn does not want to be found. And he's left behind a suicide note.Nixy takes the job but quickly discovers that Wyns not hiding he's being held inside the game against his will. But who is holding him captive, and why?Nixy and Wyn attempt to fight their way out of a mind game unlike any they've encountered. And the battle brings them closer than either could have imagined. But when the whole world is virtual, how can Nixy possibly know what's real?

Carey Baldwin, author of the thrilling novel Confession, returns with a new story featuring two of her most beloved characters. Fans of Tess Gerritsen and Lisa Gardner will devour this riveting story of rivals caught in a killer's twisted web.When a coed falls prey to a sadistic murderer, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin "Caity" Cassidy and Special Agent Atticus Spenser are called in to testify—one for the defense, one for the prosecution. With warring approaches to justice, these two rivals have been butting heads for years—both inside the courtroom and out. And at first, this case appears to be no different.But when a brutal attack leaves the accused man dead and Caity in critical condition, petty differences take a backseat to saving lives. As the lone survivor, Caity knows too much, and the killer—a madman calling himself the Man in the Maze—is coming back for round two. Now Caity and Spense must join forces to uncover the killer's identity before Caity's time—and luck—runs out.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and widely considered to be Edna Ferber's greatest achievement, So Big is a classic novel of turn-of-the-century Chicago. It is the unforgettable story of Selina Peake DeJong, a gambler's daughter, and her struggles to stay afloat and maintain her dignity and her sanity in the face of marriage, widowhood, and single parenthood. A brilliant literary masterwork from one of the twentieth century's most accomplished and admired writers, the remarkable So Big still resonates with its unflinching view of poverty, sexism, and the drive for success.

Under pressure to get a tasty, nutritious dinner on the table in a flashLike the idea of preparing fork-tender beef stew in thirty minutes and pot roast in under an hourAll this and more is made possible by the pressure cooker, a magical appliance that produces soul-satisfying, homemade food in one-third (or less) the standard cooking time.In Pressure Perfect, Lorna Sass, the country's leading authority on pressure cooking, distills her two decades of experience into one comprehensive volume. First learn everything you need to know about buying and using today's 100% safe cookers. Then enjoy?more than?200 recipes for preparing soups, meats, poultry, grains, beans, vegetables, and desserts in record time. How about whipping up a savory risotto in 4 minutes, chicken cacciatore in 12 minutes, or a delectable chocolate cheesecake in 25 minutes?Because the pressure cooker tenderizes tough cuts of meat quickly, you can prepare fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs or lamb shanks on weekday nights instead of waiting for a special occasion. The pressure cooker also allows you to make delectable one-pot meals in minutes. Among the many innovative recipes and techniques, you'll learn to cook meatloaf and potatoes simultaneously in 10 minutes, and meatballs, pasta, and sauce at the same time in only 5 minutes. Many recipes also suggest Cook-Along ideas for preparing vegetables and grains along with the entrée.To further?help?those cooking under pressure (and who isn't nowadays?), each chapter contains timing charts for quick reference. Tips and Pressure Points in every recipe ensure optimum results.This ultimate guide to pressure cooking is a must for all busy cooks, boaters, brides, college students, and anyone looking for a great way to make irresistible, healthy, home-made food fast.

Life in modern Tokyo is a blast for Rei Shimura, a young Japanese-American woman who enjoys busy days as an antiques dealer and steamy nights with a devoted new boyfriend. But things come to a standstill when Rei overpays for a rare old chest of drawers for a wealthy client, the owner of a famous Zen temple in Kamakura. The exquisite tansu turns out to be a fake: the worst deal Rei has ever made. When the temple family turns on Rei -- and the con man who sold the tansu is murdered -- she realizes she's opened a Pandora's box of deception and murder. A young martial artist, an aspiring rock singer, and an elderly antiques mentor all become part of Rei's search for the killer through the shadows of an ancient culture. As her world begins to rapidly and inexplicably unravel, Rei realizes that it will take strength, wit, and a Zen attitude to survive.

Travel deeper into the mysterious world of the Copernicus Legacy with the Copernicus Archives: exciting, fast-paced novellas that get you close to the characters and the heart of the adventure.The Copernicus Archives #2: Becca and the Prisoner's Cross is studious language expert Becca's thrilling first-person account of the next stop in the Kaplans' perilous journey. As Becca and her family race through London, it's up to Becca to make sense of the strange time blackouts she's experiencing before the evil Teutonic Order beats them to the next relic. Or worse, hurts the people she loves.Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Ridley Pearson, Becca and the Prisoner's Cross continues the thrilling Copernicus Legacy quest and brings one of the characters into the spotlight.Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts

Gear up for a roller-coaster ride into the world of JavaScript and programming with this easy-to-follow, fun, and entertaining project-based guideAbout This BookGet to know the concepts of HTML and CSS to work with JavaScriptExplore the concepts of object-oriented programmingFollow this step-by-step guide on the fundamentals of JavaScript programmingWho This Book Is ForIf you've never written code before or you are completely new to the world of web programming, then this book is the right choice for you. This book is for kids of age 10 years and above and parents who are completely new to the world of programming and want to get introduced to programming.What You Will LearnLearn how to work with Google Developer tools to iterate, debug and profile your codeDevelop a Battleship game using the basic concepts of HTML and CSSGet to know the fundamentals of JavaScript programmingCreate our own version of Pac Man game.Discover the vital concepts of object-oriented programmingIn DetailJavaScript is the most widely-used programming language for web development and that's not all! It has evolved over the years and is now being implemented in an array of environments from websites to robotics. Learning JavaScript will help you see the broader picture of web development.This book will take your imagination to new heights by teaching you how to work with JavaScript from scratch. It will introduce you to HTML and CSS to enhance the appearance of your applications. You’ll then use your skills to build on a cool Battleship game! From there, the book will introduce you to jQuery and show you how you can manipulate the DOM. You’ll get to play with some cool stuff using Canvas and will learn how to make use of Canvas to build a game on the lines of Pacman, only a whole lot cooler! Finally, it will show you a few tricks with OOP to make your code clean and will end with a few road maps on areas you can explore further.Style and approachThis is an easy-to-follow, informative, and fun guide that takes a project-based approach to teaching programming in JavaScript. You will learn everything you need to get started with serious web application development.

Master BeagleBone programming by doing simple electronics and Internet of Things projectsAbout This BookQuickly develop electronics projects that interact with Internet applications using JavaScript and PythonLearn about electronics components such as sensors and motors, and how to communicate with them by writing programsA step-by-step guide to explore the exciting world of BeagleBone—from connecting BeagleBone to doing electronics projects and creating IoT applicationsWho This Book Is ForIf you want to learn programming on embedded systems with BeagleBone by doing simple electronics projects, this book is for you. This book is also helpful to BeagleBone owners who want to quickly implement small-scale home automation solutions. It is assumed that you have familiarity with C and Python programming. Some familiarity with electronics is helpful but not essential.What You Will LearnConnect your BeagleBone to a computer in different ways and get the Cloud9 IDE running to quick-start programming on the BeagleBoneGet to know about BeagleBone extension pins such as GPIO and how to connect various electronics components with BeagleBoneRead and write to various electronics components such as LED, Push-button, sensors, and motorsGrasp in-depth theory on Analog, PWM, and BUS programming and the electronics components used in programsHandle data to and from various BUS supporting modules such as UART, I2C, and SPI using the Adafruit BBIO Python libraryWrite real-life IoT applications in JavaScript and Python such as shooting an e-mail on overheat and controlling a servo motor remotelyMake use of online free cloud services to store and analyze sensor data collected on the BeagleBoneDiscover what else can be done using the BeagleBoneGet to grips with embedded system BUS communicationIn DetailThe whole world is moving from desktop computers to smartphones and embedded systems. We are moving towards utilizing Internet of Things (IoT). An exponential rise in the demand for embedded systems and programming in the last few years is driving programmers to use embedded development boards such as Beaglebone.BeagleBone is an ultra-small, cost-effective computer that comes with a powerful hardware. It runs a full-fledged Debian Linux OS and provides numerous electronics solutions. BeagleBone is open source and comes with an Ethernet port, which allows you to deploy IoT projects without any additions to the board. It provides plenty of GPIO, Anlaog pins, and UART, I2C, SPI pins which makes it the right choice to perform electronics projects. This gives you all the benefits of Linux kernel such as multitasking, multiusers, and extensive device driver support. This allows you to do programming in many languages including high-level languages such as JavaScript and Python.This book aims to exploit the hardware and software capabilities of BeagleBone to create real-life electronics and IoT applications quickly. It is divided into two parts. The first part covers JavaScript programs. The second part provides electronics projects and IoT applications in Python.First, you will learn to use BeagleBone as tool to write useful applications on embedded systems. Starting with the basics needed to set up BeagleBone and the Cloud9 IDE, this book covers interfacing with various electronics components via simple programs. The electronics theory related to these components is then explained in depth before you use them in a program. Finally, the book helps you create some real-life IoT applications.Style and approachAn easy-to-follow guide full of real-world electronics programs and quick troubleshooting tips using BeagleBone. All the required electronics concepts are explained in detail before using them in a program and all programs are explained in depth. Most of the theory is covered in the first part; while the second part gives you some quick programs.

Learn the fundamentals of Cython to extend the legacy of your applicationsAbout This BookLearn how to extend C applications with pure Python codeGet more from Python – you’ll not only learn Cython, you’ll also unlock a greater understanding of how to harness PythonPacked with tips and tricks that make Cython look easy, dive into this accessible programming guide and find out what happens when you bring C and Python together!Who This Book Is ForThis book is for developers who are familiar with the basics of C and Python programming and wish to learn Cython programming to extend their applications.What You Will LearnReuse Python logging in CMake an IRC bot out of your C applicationExtend an application so you have a web server for rest callsPractice Cython against your C++ codeDiscover tricks to work with Python ConfigParser in CCreate Python bindings for native librariesFind out about threading and concurrency related to GILExpand Terminal Multiplexer Tmux with CythonIn DetailCython is a hybrid programming language used to write C extensions for Python language. Combining the practicality of Python and speed and ease of the C language it’s an exciting language worth learning if you want to build fast applications with ease.This new edition of Learning Cython Programming shows you how to get started, taking you through the fundamentals so you can begin to experience its unique powers.You’ll find out how to get set up, before exploring the relationship between Python and Cython. You’ll also look at debugging Cython, before moving on to C++ constructs, Caveat on C++ usage, Python threading and GIL in Cython. Finally, you’ll learn object initialization and compile time, and gain a deeper insight into Python 3, which will help you not only become a confident Cython developer, but a much more fluent Python developer too.Style and approachThis practical and a fast-paced guide gives you all the information you need to start programming using Cython.

Master Puppet for configuration management of your systems in an enterprise deploymentAbout This BookThis book is an advanced guide to using and deploying Puppet 4 in your organization with a special focus on issues faced in larger enterprise deploymentsFrom an experienced author, learn to deal with scaling, performance, and multiple developers with the help of real-world examplesThis is the most up-to-date guide on Puppet, and covers the advanced concepts of Puppet 4Who This Book Is ForThis book is for those who have intermediate knowledge of Puppet and are looking to deploy it in their environment. Some idea how to write simple modules for configuration management with Puppet is a prerequisite for this book.What You Will LearnScale out your Puppet infrastructure using proxying techniquesAutomate your code promotion workflow using Git and r10kSolve real-world problems using public modules from the Puppet ForgeUse Hiera to separate the data of your configuration from the code of your configurationWrite your own custom facts in RubyExtend Puppet with your own custom facts, modules, and typesUse exported resources to orchestrate change between machinesDebug a puppetserver using Java techniquesIn DetailPuppet is a configuration management system and a language. It was written for and by system administrators to manage large numbers of systems efficiently and prevent configuration drifts.Mastering Puppet deals with the issues faced when scaling out Puppet to handle large numbers of nodes. It will show you how to fit Puppet into your enterprise and allow many developers to work on your Puppet code simultaneously. In addition, you will learn to write custom facts and roll your own modules to solve problems. Next, popular options for performing reporting and orchestration tasks will be introduced in this book. Moving over to troubleshooting techniques, which will be very useful. The concepts presented are useful to any size organization.By the end of the book, you will know how to deal with problems of scale and exceptions in your code, automate workflows, and support multiple developers working simultaneously.Style and approachThis book is a step-wise guide packed with examples to help you configure complex systems in Puppet.

An administrator’s guide to configuring, securing, customizing, and extending MoodleAbout This BookLearn how to plan, install, optimize, customize, and configure MoodleGuarantee a cutting-edge learning experience in a secure and customizable environment while optimizing your day-to-day workloadA one-stop guide with a problem-solution approach and a wide range of real-world examplesWho This Book Is ForIf you are a technician, systems administrator, or part of academic staff, this is the book for you. This book is ideal for anyone who has to administer a Moodle system. Whether you are dealing with a small-scale local Moodle system or a large-scale multi-site Virtual Learning Environment, this book will assist you with any administrative task. Some basic Moodle knowledge is helpful, but not essential.What You Will LearnInstall and update Moodle on multiple platforms manually and via CLI and GITManage courses and categories, users and cohorts, as well as rolesGet Moodle hooked up to repositories, portfolios, and open badgesConfigure Moodle for mobile usage, accessibility, localization, communication, and collaborationGuarantee backups, security and privacy, and achieve maximum performance via the Moodle Universal Cache and the new cron systemConfigure the Moodle events system to generate comprehensive reports, statistics, and learning analyticsNetwork Moodle with Mahara and extend it with third-party add-ons and via LTICustomize Moodle web services to enable mobile learning and integration with other IT systemsIn DetailMoodle is the de facto standard for open source learning platforms. However, setting up and managing a learning environment can be a complex task since it covers a wide range of technical, organizational, and pedagogical topics. This ranges from basic user and course management, to configuring plugins and design elements, all the way to system settings, performance optimization, events frameworks, and so on.This book concentrates on basic tasks such as how to set up and configure Moodle and how to perform day-to-day administration activities, and progresses on to more advanced topics that show you how to customize and extend Moodle, manage courses, cohorts, and users, and how to work with roles and capabilities. You’ll learn to configure Moodle plugins and ensure your VLE conforms to pedagogical and technical requirements in your organization. You’ll then learn how to integrate the VLE via web services and network it with other sites, including Mahara, and extend your system via plugins and LTI. By the end of this book, you will be able to set up an efficient, fully fledged, and secure Moodle system.Style and approachThe book takes a problem-solution approach to fall in line with your day-to-day operations. This is a one-stop reference for any task you will ever come across when administering a Moodle site of any shape and size.

Discover how to build iOS and watchOS applications in Swift 2 using XcodeAbout This BookGets you up and running with Swift programming without any prior iOS development experience.A fast paced guide showing best practices and lets you get up to speed with Swift to quickly build your own iOS applicationsA unique practical approach to make your life with Swift easy.Who This Book Is ForAre you interested in learning SwiftDo you want to write iOS applications in SwiftIf yes, then this is the book for you. No prior iOS programming experience is assumed; however, having some experience with any programming language will be beneficial.What You Will LearnDive into Swift and explore its innovative and powerful syntaxWork with Swift in Xcode to get a unique and productive approach to developmentFind out how to create complete iOS applicationsDiscover rapid prototyping with a Swift playgroundGet to know how to use the Swift storyboard to develop multi-page applicationsGet to grips with parsing JSON and XML data from network sourcesBuild a network client for GitHub repositories, with full source code on GitHubIn DetailSwift was considered one of the biggest innovations last year, and certainly with Swift 2 announced at WWDC in 2015, this segment of the developer space will continue to be hot and dominating.This is a fast-paced guide to provide an overview of Swift programming and then walks you through in detail how to write iOS applications. Progress through chapters on custom views, networking, parsing and build a complete application as a Git repository, all by using Swift as the core languageStyle and approachThis fast-paced practical guide will quickly give you hands-on experience with all the features of Swift programming. Following the practical examples in the book will help you successfully create your own iOS applications.

Over 80 recipes to get up and running with CentOS 7 Linux serverAbout This BookA practical guide to install, configure, administer and maintain CentOS 7 serversAn in-depth guide to the CentOS 7 operating system, exploring its various new features and changes in server administrationPresents tricks and solutions to tackle common server issues with the help of practical examples and real-life scenariosWho This Book Is ForThis book is targeted at beginner and more experienced system administrators alike who want to use CentOS as their server solution. Readers do not need much pre-knowledge or experience at all to work with this book.What You Will LearnInstall and configure CentOS 7 Linux server system from scratch using normal and advanced methodsMaintain a performance-based and secure server solution by deploying expert configuration advice and managing software packagesMonitor, manage and develop your server's file system to maintain a stable performanceGain best practice methods on sharing files and resources through a networkInstall and configure common standard services such as web, mail, FTP, database and domain name server technologiesIntroduce you to the world of operating-system-level virtualization using the Docker platform.Understand the fundamentals of the Security-Enhanced Linux access control architectureMonitor your IT infrastructure using NagiosIn DetailThis book will provide you with a comprehensive series of starting points that will give you direct access to the inner workings of the latest CentOS version 7 and help you trim the learning curve to master your server.You will begin with the installation and basic configuration of CentOS 7, followed by learning how to manage your system, services and software packages. You will then gain an understanding of how to administer the file system, secure access to your server and configure various resource sharing services such as file, printer and DHCP servers across your network. Further on, we cover advanced topics such as FTP services, building your own DNS server, running database servers, and providing mail and web services. Finally, you will get a deep understanding of SELinux and you will learn how to work with Docker operating-system virtualization and how to monitor your IT infrastructure with Nagios.By the end of this book, you will have a fair understanding of all the aspects of configuring, implementing and administering CentOS 7 Linux server and how to put it in control.Style and approachThis book is a practical reference guide with hands-on examples and solutions to real-world administration problems. It covers in-depth and comprehensive information on CentOS 7 and its new features.

Build high-speed and highly scalable telephony systems using OpenSIPSAbout This BookInstall and configure OpenSIPS to authenticate, route, bill, and monitor VoIP callsGain a competitive edge using the most scalable VoIP technologyDiscover the latest features of OpenSIPS with practical examples and case studiesWho This Book Is ForIf you want to understand how to build a SIP provider from scratch using OpenSIPS, then this book is ideal for you. It is beneficial for VoIP providers, large enterprises, and universities. This book will also help readers who were using OpenSER but are now confused with the new OpenSIPS.Telephony and Linux experience will be helpful to get the most out of this book but is not essential. Prior knowledge of OpenSIPS is not assumed.What You Will LearnLearn to prepare and configure a Linux system for OpenSIPSFamiliarise yourself with the installation and configuration of OpenSIPSUnderstand how to set a domain and create users/extensionsConfigure SIP endpoints and make calls between themMake calls to and from the PSTN and create access control lists to authorize callsInstall a graphical user interface to simplify the task of provisioning user and system informationImplement an effective billing system with OpenSIPSMonitor and troubleshoot OpenSIPS to keep it running smoothlyIn DetailOpenSIPS is a multifunctional, multipurpose signalling SIP server. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is nowadays the most important VoIP protocol and OpenSIPS is the open source leader in VoIP platforms based on SIP. OpenSIPS is used to set up SIP Proxy servers. The purpose of these servers is to receive, examine, and classify SIP requests. The whole telecommunication industry is changing to an IP environment, and telephony as we know it today will completely change in less than ten years. SIP is the protocol leading this disruptive revolution and it is one of the main protocols on next generation networks. While a VoIP provider is not the only kind of SIP infrastructure created using OpenSIPS, it is certainly one of the most difficult to implement.This book will give you a competitive edge by helping you to create a SIP infrastructure capable of handling tens of thousands of subscribers.Starting with an introduction to SIP and OpenSIPS, you will begin by installing and configuring OpenSIPS. You will be introduced to OpenSIPS Scripting language and OpenSIPS Routing concepts, followed by comprehensive coverage of Subscriber Management. Next, you will learn to install, configure, and customize the OpenSIPS control panel and explore dialplans and routing. You will discover how to manage the dialog module, accounting, NATTraversal, and other new SIP services. The final chapters of the book are dedicated to troubleshooting tools, SIP security, and advanced scenarios including TCP/TLS support, load balancing, asynchronous processing, and more.A fictional VoIP provider is used to explain OpenSIPS and by the end of the book, you will have a simple but complete system to run a VoIP provider.Style and approachThis book is a step-by-step guide based on the example of a VoIP provider. You will start with OpenSIPS installation and gradually, your knowledge depth will increase.

Automate and control your home using the power of the BeagleBone Black with practical home automation projectsAbout This BookBuild, set up, and develop your circuits via step-by-step tutorial of practical examples, from initial board setup to device driver managementGet access to several kinds of computer peripherals to monitor and control your domestic environment using this guideThis book is spread across 10 chapters all focused on one practical home automation projectWho This Book Is ForThis book is for developers who know how to use BeagleBone and are just above the “beginner” level. If you want to learn to use embedded machine learning capabilities, you should have some experience of creating simple home automation projects.What You Will LearnBuild a CO (and other gas) sensor with a buzzer/LED alarm to signal high concentrationsLog environment data and plot it in a fancy mannerDevelop a simple web interface with a LAMP platformPrepare complex web interfaces in JavaScript and get to know how to stream video data from a webcamUse APIs to get access to a Google Docs account or a WhatsApp/Facebook account to manage a home automation systemAdd custom device drivers to manage an LED with different blinking frequenciesDiscover how to work with electronic components to build small circuitsUse an NFS, temperature sensor, relays, and other peripherals to monitor and control your surroundingsIn DetailBeagleBone is a microboard PC that runs Linux. It can connect to the Internet and can run OSes such as Android and Ubuntu. BeagleBone is used for a variety of different purposes and projects, from simple projects such as building a thermostat to more advanced ones such as home security systems.Packed with real-world examples, this book will provide you with examples of how to connect several sensors and an actuator to the BeagleBone Black. You’ll learn how to give access to them, in order to realize simple-to-complex monitoring and controlling systems that will help you take control of the house. You will also find software examples of implementing web interfaces using the classical PHP/HTML pair with JavaScript, using complex APIs to interact with a Google Docs account, WhatsApp, or Facebook. This guide is an invaluable tutorial if you are planning to use a BeagleBone Black in a home automation project.Style and approachThis step-by-step guide contains several home automation examples that can be used as base projects for tons of other home automation and control systems. Through clear, concise examples based on real-life situations, you will quickly get to grips with the core concepts needed to develop home automation applications with the BeagleBone Black using both the C language and high-level *ing languages such as PHP, Python, and JavaScript.

Gain practical insights into predictive modelling by implementing Predictive Analytics algorithms on public datasets with PythonAbout This BookA step-by-step guide to predictive modeling including lots of tips, tricks, and best practicesGet to grips with the basics of Predictive Analytics with PythonLearn how to use the popular predictive modeling algorithms such as Linear Regression, Decision Trees, Logistic Regression, and ClusteringWho This Book Is ForIf you wish to learn how to implement Predictive Analytics algorithms using Python libraries, then this is the book for you. If you are familiar with coding in Python (or some other programming/statistical/*ing language) but have never used or read about Predictive Analytics algorithms, this book will also help you. The book will be beneficial to and can be read by any Data Science enthusiasts. Some familiarity with Python will be useful to get the most out of this book, but it is certainly not a prerequisite.What You Will LearnUnderstand the statistical and mathematical concepts behind Predictive Analytics algorithms and implement Predictive Analytics algorithms using Python librariesAnalyze the result parameters arising from the implementation of Predictive Analytics algorithmsWrite Python modules/functions from scratch to execute segments or the whole of these algorithmsRecognize and mitigate various contingencies and issues related to the implementation of Predictive Analytics algorithmsGet to know various methods of importing, cleaning, sub-setting, merging, joining, concatenating, exploring, grouping, and plotting data with pandas and numpyCreate dummy datasets and simple mathematical simulations using the Python numpy and pandas librariesUnderstand the best practices while handling datasets in Python and creating predictive models out of themIn DetailSocial Media and the Internet of Things have resulted in an avalanche of data. Data is powerful but not in its raw form - It needs to be processed and modeled, and Python is one of the most robust tools out there to do so. It has an array of packages for predictive modeling and a suite of IDEs to choose from. Learning to predict who would win, lose, buy, lie, or die with Python is an indispensable skill set to have in this data age.This book is your guide to getting started with Predictive Analytics using Python. You will see how to process data and make predictive models from it. We balance both statistical and mathematical concepts, and implement them in Python using libraries such as pandas, scikit-learn, and numpy.You’ll start by getting an understanding of the basics of predictive modeling, then you will see how to cleanse your data of impurities and get it ready it for predictive modeling. You will also learn more about the best predictive modeling algorithms such as Linear Regression, Decision Trees, and Logistic Regression. Finally, you will see the best practices in predictive modeling, as well as the different applications of predictive modeling in the modern world.Style and approachAll the concepts in this book been explained and illustrated using a dataset, and in a step-by-step manner. The Python code snippet to implement a method or concept is followed by the output, such as charts, dataset heads, pictures, and so on. The statistical concepts are explained in detail wherever required.

Learn to design, build, and manage your infrastructure on the most popular of all the Cloud platforms—Amazon Web ServicesAbout This BookLearn how to leverage various Amazon Web Services (AWS) components and services to build a secure, reliable, and robust environment to host your applications onDeep dive into the core AWS service offerings with hands-on tutorials, real-world use case scenarios, and best practicesA self-paced, systematic, and step-by-step guide to learning and implementing AWS in your own environmentWho This Book Is ForThis book is for those who want to learn and leverage AWS. Although no prior experience with AWS is required, it is recommended that you have some hands-on experienceofLinux, Web Services, and basic networkingWhat You Will LearnA brief introduction to Cloud Computing and AWS accompanied by steps to sign up for your first AWS accountCreate and manage users, groups, and permissions using AWSS Identity and Access Management servicesGet started with deploying and accessing EC2 instances, working with EBS Volumes and SnapshotsCustomize and create your very own Amazon Machine ImageDesign and deploy your instances on a highly secured, network isolated environment using Amazon VPCEffectively monitor your AWS environment using specialized alarms, custom monitoring metrics, and much moreExplore the various benefits of Database-as-a-Service offerings and leverage them using Amazon RDS and Amazon DynamoDBTake an in-depth look at what’s new with AWS, including EC2 Container Service and Elastic File SystemIn DetailAWS is at the forefront of Cloud Computing today. Many businesses are moving away from traditional datacenters and toward AWS because of its reliability, vast service offerings, lower costs, and high rate of innovation. Because of its versatility and flexible design, AWS can be used to accomplish a variety of simple and complicated tasks such as hosting multitier websites, running large scale parallel processing, content delivery, petabyte storage and archival, and lots more.Whether you are a seasoned sysadmin or a rookie, this book will provide you with all the necessary skills to design, deploy, and manage your applications on the AWS cloud platform. The book guides you through the core AWS services such as IAM, EC2, VPC, RDS, and S3 using a simple real world application hosting example that you can relate to. Each chapter is designed to provide you with the most information possible about a particular AWS service coupled with easy to follow hands-on steps, best practices, tips, and recommendations.By the end of the book, you will be able to create a highly secure, fault tolerant, and scalable environment for your applications to run on.Style and approach This in-depth and insightful guide is filled with easy-to-follow examples, real-world use cases, best practices, and recommendations that will help you design and leverage AWS.

Master the advanced concepts of PL/SQL for professional-level certification and learn the new capabilities of Oracle Database 12cAbout This BookLearn advanced application development features of Oracle Database 12c and prepare for the 1Z0-146 examinationBuild robust and secure applications in Oracle PL/SQL using the best practicesPacked with feature demonstrations and illustrations that will help you learn and understand the enhanced capabilities of Oracle Database 12cWho This Book Is ForThis book is for Oracle developers responsible for database management. Readers are expected to have basic knowledge of Oracle Database and the fundamentals of PL/SQL programming. Certification aspirants can use this book to prepare for 1Z0-146 examination in order to be an Oracle Certified Professional in Advanced PL/SQL.What You Will LearnLearn and understand the key SQL and PL/SQL features of Oracle Database 12cUnderstand the new Multitenant architecture and Database In-Memory option of Oracle Database 12cKnow more about the advanced concepts of the Oracle PL/SQL language such as external procedures, securing data using Virtual Private Database (VPD), SecureFiles, and PL/SQL code tracing and profilingImplement Virtual Private Databases to prevent unauthorized data accessTrace, analyze, profile, and debug PL/SQL code while developing database applicationsIntegrate the new application development features of Oracle Database 12c with the current conceptsDiscover techniques to analyze and maintain PL/SQL codeGet acquainted with the best practices of writing PL/SQL code and develop secure applicationsIn DetailOracle Database is one of the most popular databases and allows users to make efficient use of their resources and to enhance service levels while reducing the IT costs incurred. Oracle Database is sometimes compared with Microsoft SQL Server, however, Oracle Database clearly supersedes SQL server in terms of high availability and addressing planned and unplanned downtime. Oracle PL/SQL provides a rich platform for application developers to code and build scalable database applications and introduces multiple new features and enhancements to improve development experience.Advanced Oracle PL/SQL Developer's Guide, Second Edition is a handy technical reference for seasoned professionals in the database development space. This book starts with a refresher of fundamental concepts of PL/SQL, such as anonymous block, subprograms, and exceptions, and prepares you for the upcoming advanced concepts. The next chapter introduces you to the new features of Oracle Database 12c, not limited to PL/SQL. In this chapter, you will understand some of the most talked about features such as Multitenant and Database In-Memory. Moving forward, each chapter introduces advanced concepts with the help of demonstrations, and provides you with the latest update from Oracle Database 12c context. This helps you to visualize the pre- and post-applications of a feature over the database releases. By the end of this book, you will have become an expert in PL/SQL programming and will be able to implement advanced concepts of PL/SQL for efficient management of Oracle Database.Style and approach The book follows the structure of the Oracle Certification examination but doesn't restrict itself to the exam objectives. Advanced concepts have been explained in an easy-to-understand style, supported with feature demonstrations and case illustrations.

Enter the era of medical research using mobile devices with the help of this guide on ResearchKit!About This BookCreate a simple clinical research app using most aspects of ResearchKitBuild a simple survey with various data types with the results printed on the screen.A step-by-step guide introducing Apple's ResearchKit and techniques to incorporate it into various apps.Who This Book Is ForThis book is aimed at medical researchers with basic iOS coding knowledge and iOS developers looking to create clinical research apps.What You Will LearnLearn to create customized consent formGet introduced to two backend services: a simple backend server using Sinatra and Sage BridgeBuild a custom task (a conditional survey example) and a navigable taskGet an Overview of ResearchKit's open source repository and App CoreInteraction with the hardware of the device including the gyro and the motion sensorsLearn the basics of this revolutionary technologyGet introduced to the barebones app and learn to write your first codeIn DetailResearchKit is an open source software development framework from Apple that lets you easily create mobile applications for clinical research studies. ResearchKit provides you the ability to orchestrate the administration of tasks and recording of the results. ResearchKit provides tasks in order to perform informed consent, active tasks, and surveys.Starting with the basics of the ResearchKit framework, this books walks you through the steps of creating iOS applications that could serve as the basis of a clinical research mobile app.This book will introduce readers to ResearchKit and how to turn your iPhone into into a clinical research tool. The book will start off by installing and building the research framework in line with the researcher's needs; during this, the reader will learn to embed ResearchKit in the application and create a small task.After this, the book will go a little deeper into creating modules for surveys, consents, and so on. The book will also cover the various aspects of privacy and security with regard to participant data, and how to build dashboards for visualizing medical data and results in line with the researcher's requirements: data backends, JSON serialization and deserialization, and so on.Readers will be able to fully utilize ResearchKit for medical research, will be able to get more and more patients to participate in their surveys, and will gain insights from the surveys using the dashboards created.Style and approachA hands-on guide with ample screenshots for you to follow and learn about ResearchKit. Each topic is explained sequentially and placed in context so that you can get a better understanding of every step in the process of creating clinical research apps.

Develop games for iOS and Android using Cocos2d with the aid of over 70 step-by-step recipesAbout This BookLearn to efficiently use Cocos2d to develop cross-platform games, and have them work on iOS as well as AndroidGet acquainted with industry-wide professional tools such as Glyph Designer, Texture Packer, and Physics Editor, as well as using the Swift/ Sprite builder implementation of Cocos2dUse the easy-to-follow recipes to develop as well as deploy games to the Playstore and the App StoreWho This Book Is ForThis book is for intermediate game developers and especially the ones who are generally curious to find out what’s new in Cocos2d v 3.3.What You Will LearnBuild custom sprites with custom animations for the gameBuild interactivity into your game by adding gestures and touch interactionsUnderstand AI enemy programming and path finding to make games more excitingAdd physics to your game to make it more lively and interactiveGet familiar with the Swift and Sprite builder implementations along with Objective-C programmingPerform hassle-free deployment of games built in iOS onto AndroidAdd effects and particle systems to make the game more colorfulIn DetailCocos2d is the world’s leading game development framework for developing iOS games. With the introduction of Swift and Spritebuilder, it has become easier than ever to develop the games of your dreams without much effort. With Cocos2d, you can also deploy the game on Android, thereby maximizing profit and reducing development and porting costs.The book starts off with a detailed look at how to implement sprites and animations into your game to make it livelier. You will then learn to add scenes to the game such as the gameplay scene and options scene and create menus and buttons in these scenes, as well as creating transitions between them. From there on, you will get an understanding of how to program user interactions such as tapping, holding, and swiping. You’ll then add accelerometer inputs and physics to the scene, and make objects respond back to the inputs. A game is practically incomplete without audio being added, so this will be covered next.The next section will include ways to add Artificial Intelligence to enemies in the game, allowing them to patrol, chase, and shoot in a projectile manner. You will then learn to use NSUserDefault to save and load game progress, and create and access files using JSON, Plist, and XML files for custom storage and retrieval of data. Then you will learn to add dynamic lighting to your game and will use industry-wide tools such as Texture Packer, Glyph Designer, Physics Editor, Particle Designer, and Sprite Illuminator to create more visually appealing and performance-optimized games.Towards the end of the book, we dive into Apple’s latest programming language—Swift, highlighting the major differences between Objective C and Swift. The book culminates with taking your existing game developed for iOS and porting it to Android, showing you how to install the Android Xcode plugin as well.Style and approachThe book is written in an extremely lucid and step-by-step manner; it can be understood easily by anyone. The topics included are broken down into individual chapters so you can refer to the specific chapter to get answers on the subject you are interested in.