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Principles and Applications of Vector Network Analyzer Calibration Techniques (River Publishers Series in Communications and Networking)
by J. Apolinar Reynoso Hernández Manuel Alejandro Pulido GaytanThis book summarizes the work developed over more than two decades in the field of advanced calibration techniques for vector network analyzers, by the RF and Microwave Group at The Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, which is led by Dr. J. Apolinar Reynoso-Hernández, author of this book. This book is written so that every electrical engineer, with knowledge of electrical circuits and linear algebra basics, can understand the principles of VNA calibration techniques.Vector network analyzers are normally used by engineers and researchers working in the RF and microwave field, which usually requires advanced and specialized courses at graduate level. The reader should be able to implement any VNA calibration technique, decide the most adequate calibration for a given measurement condition, and interpret the measurement results, as a seasoned RF metrology expert. Principles and Applications of Vector Network Analyzer Calibration Techniques is a useful book for beginners and professionals working on• Microwave de-embedding and test fixture characterization• Characterization of uniform transmission lines• Load-pull measurements.It is also:• An ideal tutorial for professionals and postgraduate/research stu-dents taking courses in microwave calibration techniques.• A useful textbook for practicing electronics engineering and researchers working in the RF microwave field: calibration techniques and load-pull measurements.
Principles and Methods of Quantum Information Technologies
by Yoshihisa Yamamoto Kouichi SembaThis book presents the research and development-related results of the "FIRST" Quantum Information Processing Project, which was conducted from 2010 to 2014 with the support of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. The project supported 33 research groups and explored five areas: quantum communication, quantum metrology and sensing, coherent computing, quantum simulation, and quantum computing. The book is divided into seven main sections. Parts I through V, which consist of twenty chapters, focus on the system and architectural aspects of quantum information technologies, while Parts VI and VII, which consist of eight chapters, discuss the superconducting quantum circuit, semiconductor spin and molecular spin technologies. Readers will be introduced to new quantum computing schemes such as quantum annealing machines and coherent Ising machines, which have now arisen as alternatives to standard quantum computers and are designed to successfully address NP-hard/NP-complete combinatorial optimization problems, which are ubiquitous and relevant in our modern life. The book offers a balanced mix of theory-based and experimentation-based chapters written by leading researchers. Extensive information is provided on Quantum simulation, which focuses on the implementation of various many-body Hamiltonians in a well-controlled physical system, Quantum key distribution, Quantum repeaters and quantum teleportation, which are indispensable technologies for building quantum networks with various advanced applications and require far more sophisticated experimental techniques to implement.
Principles and Practice of Blockchains
by Kevin Daimi Nour El Madhoun Ioanna DionysiouThis book provides an essential compilation of relevant and cutting edge academic and industry work on key Blockchain topics. This book concentrates on a wide range of advances related to Blockchains which include, among others, Blockchain principles, architecture and concepts with emphasis on key and innovative theories, methodologies, schemes and technologies of Blockchain, Blockchain platforms and architecture, Blockchain protocols, sensors and devices for Blockchain, Blockchain foundations, and reliability analysis of Blockchain-based systems. Further, it provides a glimpse of future directions where cybersecurity applications are headed. The book is a rich collection of carefully selected and reviewed manuscripts written by diverse cybersecurity application experts in the listed fields and edited by prominent cybersecurity applications researchers and specialists.
Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming
by Michel RueherThis book constitutes the refereed conference proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming, CP 2016, held in Toulouse, France, in September 2016. The 63 revised regular papers presented together with 4 short papers and the abstracts of 4 invited talks were carefully reviewed and selected from 157 submissions. The scope of CP 2016 includes all aspects of computing with constraints, including theory, algorithms, environments, languages, models, systems, and applications such as decision making, resource allocation, scheduling, configuration, and planning. The papers are grouped into the following tracks: technical track; application track; computational sustainability track; CP and biology track; music track; preference, social choice, and optimization track; testing and verification track; and journal-first and sister conferences track.
Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming: 24th International Conference, Cp 2018, Lille, France, August 27-31, 2018, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #11008)
by John HookerThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming, CP 2018, held in Lille, France, in August 2018.The 41 full and 9 short papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 114 submissions. They deal with all aspects of computing with constraints including theory, algorithms, environments, languages, models, systems, and applications such as decision making, resource allocation, scheduling, configuration, and planning. The papers were organized according to the following topics/tracks: main technical track; applications track; CP and data science; CP and music; CP and operations research; CP, optimization and power system management; multiagent and parallel CP; and testing and verification.
Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming: 25th International Conference, CP 2019, Stamford, CT, USA, September 30 – October 4, 2019, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #11802)
by Thomas Schiex Simon De GivryThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming, CP 2019, held in Stamford, CT, USA, France, in September/October 2019.The 44 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 118 submissions. They deal with all aspects of computing with constraints including theory, algorithms, environments, languages, models, systems, and applications such as decision making, resource allocation, scheduling, configuration, and planning. The papers were organized according to the following topics/tracks: technical track; application track; multi-agent and parallel CP track; testing and verification track; CP and data science track; computational sustainability; and CP and life sciences track.
Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming: 26th International Conference, CP 2020, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, September 7–11, 2020, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #12333)
by Helmut SimonisThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming, CP 2020, held in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, in September 2020. The conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 55 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 122 submissions. They deal with all aspects of computing with constraints including theory, algorithms, environments, languages, models, systems, and applications such as decision making, resource allocation, scheduling, configuration, and planning. The papers were organized according to the following topics/tracks: technical track; application track; and CP and data science and machine learning.
Principles and Practice of Multi-Agent Systems
by Matteo Baldoni Cristina Baroglio Floris Bex Floriana Grasso Nancy Green Mohammad-Reza Namazi-Rad Masayuki Numao Merlin Teodosia SuarezThis book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-workshop proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on Empathic Computing, IWEC 2014, co-loacted with PRICAI 2014, held in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, in December 2014, as well as the 6th International Workshop on Empathic Computing, IWEC 2015, and the 15th Workshop on Computational Models of Natural Argument, CMNA XV, both co-located with PRIMA 2015, held in Bertinoro, Italy, in October 2015. The 12 papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 32 initial submissions. The workshops are going alongside with the PRIMA 2015 Conference and are intended to facilitate active exchange, interaction and comparison of approaches, methods and various ideas in specific areas related to intelligent agent systems and multiagent systems.
Principles and Practices of CAD/CAM
by Vikrant Sharma Vikram Sharma Om Ji ShuklaCAD/CAM systems are perhaps the most crucial advancement in the field of new technology relating to engineering, design and drawing in all technical domains. CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. These systems are useful in all facets of contemporary design and architecture. The fundamentals of CAD/CAM systems are covered in detail throughout this book. This book aims to introduce the fundamental aspects, complete with an adequate numberof illustrations and examples, without delving too deeply into the specifics of the subject matter. This book is valuable in the classroom for both teachers and students. Features Each chapter begins with the Learning Outcomes (LOs) section, which highlights the critical points of that chapter. All LOs, solved examples, and questions are mapped to six Bloom Taxonomy levels (BT levels). Offers fundamental concepts of CAD/CAM without becoming too complicated. Solved examples are presented in each section after the theoretical discussion to clarify the concept of that section. Chapter-end summaries reinforce key ideas and help readers recall the concepts discussed. Students and professionals need to have a working knowledge of CAD/CAM since it has many applications and continues to expand. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels of engineering courses use this book as their primary textbook. It will also be helpful for managers, consultants, and professionals.
Principles and Structures of FPGAs
by Hideharu AmanoThis comprehensive textbook on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) covers its history, fundamental knowledge, architectures, device technologies, computer-aided design technologies, design tools, examples of application, and future trends. Programmable logic devices represented by FPGAs have been rapidly developed in recent years and have become key electronic devices used in most IT products. This book provides both complete introductions suitable for students and beginners, and high-level techniques useful for engineers and researchers in this field. Differently developed from usual integrated circuits, the FPGA has unique structures, design methodologies, and application techniques. Allowing programming by users, the device can dramatically reduce the rising cost of development in advanced semiconductor chips. The FPGA is now driving the most advanced semiconductor processes and is an all-in-one platform combining memory, CPUs, and various peripheral interfaces. This book introduces the FPGA from various aspects for readers of different levels. Novice learners can acquire a fundamental knowledge of the FPGA, including its history, from Chapter 1; the first half of Chapter 2; and Chapter 4. Professionals who are already familiar with the device will gain a deeper understanding of the structures and design methodologies from Chapters 3 and 5. Chapters 6–8 also provide advanced techniques and cutting-edge applications and trends useful for professionals. Although the first parts are mainly suitable for students, the advanced sections of the book will be valuable for professionals in acquiring an in-depth understanding of the FPGA to maximize the performance of the device.
Principles in Noisy Optimization: Applied to Multi-agent Coordination (Cognitive Intelligence and Robotics)
by Amit Konar Pratyusha RakshitNoisy optimization is a topic of growing interest for researchers working on mainstream optimization problems. Although several techniques for dealing with stochastic noise in optimization problems are covered in journals and conference proceedings, today there are virtually no books that approach noisy optimization from a layman’s perspective; this book remedies that gap. Beginning with the foundations of evolutionary optimization, the book subsequently explores the principles of noisy optimization in single and multi-objective settings, and presents detailed illustrations of the principles developed for application in real-world multi-agent coordination problems. Special emphasis is given to the design of intelligent algorithms for noisy optimization in real-time applications. The book is unique in terms of its content, writing style and above all its simplicity, which will appeal to readers with a broad range of backgrounds.The book is divided into 7 chapters, the first of which provides an introduction to Swarm and Evolutionary Optimization algorithms. Chapter 2 includes a thorough review of agent architectures for multi-agent coordination. In turn, Chapter 3 provides an extensive review of noisy optimization, while Chapter 4 addresses issues of noise handling in the context of single-objective optimization problems. An illustrative case study on multi-robot path-planning in the presence of measurement noise is also highlighted in this chapter. Chapter 5 deals with noisy multi-objective optimization and includes a case study on noisy multi-robot box-pushing. In Chapter 6, the authors examine the scope of various algorithms in noisy optimization problems. Lastly, Chapter 7 summarizes the main results obtained in the previous chapters and elaborates on the book’s potential with regard to real-world noisy optimization problems.
Principles of AI Governance and Model Risk Management: Master the Techniques for Ethical and Transparent AI Systems
by James SaylesNavigate the complex landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and model risk management using a holistic approach encompassing people, processes, and technology. This book provides practical guidance, oversight structure and centers of excellence, and actionable insights for organizations seeking to harness the power of AI responsibly, ethically, and transparently. By addressing the technical, ethical, and societal dimensions of AI governance, organizations will be empowered to build trustworthy AI systems that benefit both their bottom line and the broader community. Featuring successful mitigating controls based on proven use cases, the book underscores the importance of aligning AI strategy with AI governance, striking a balance between AI innovation, risk mitigation as well as broader business goals. You’ll receive pointers for designing a well-governed AI development lifecycle, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and continuous monitoring throughout the AI development lifecycle. This book highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, i.e., boards of directors, CxOs, corporate counsel, compliance officers, audit executives, data scientists, developers, validators, etc. You’ll gain practical advice on addressing the challenges related to the ownership of AI-generated content and models, stressing the need for legal frameworks and international collaboration. You’ll also learn the importance of auditing AI systems, developing protocols for rapid response in case of AI-related crises, and building capacity for AI actors through education. Principles of AI Governance and Model Risk Management demonstrates its value-added uniqueness by detailing a strategy to ensure a cohesive approach to managing AI-related risks, global compliance, policy, privacy, and AI-human collaboration and oversight. What You Will Learn Different approaches to AI adoption, from building in-house AI capabilities to partnering with external providers Key factors to consider when choosing an AI solution and how to ensure its successful integration into existing workflows AI technologies, their business impact, and ethical considerations to make informed decisions and foster responsible AI The environmental impacts of AI systems and the need for sustainable practices in AI development and deployment. Who This Book is For Business executives and process owners/representatives, risk officers, cybersecurity professionals, legal counsel and ethics officers, human resource professionals, data scientists, AI developers, and CTOs.
Principles of Abstract Interpretation
by Patrick CousotIntroduction to abstract interpretation, with examples of applications to the semantics, specification, verification, and static analysis of computer programs.Formal methods are mathematically rigorous techniques for the specification, development, manipulation, and verification of safe, robust, and secure software and hardware systems. Abstract interpretation is a unifying theory of formal methods that proposes a general methodology for proving the correctness of computing systems, based on their semantics. The concepts of abstract interpretation underlie such software tools as compilers, type systems, and security protocol analyzers. This book provides an introduction to the theory and practice of abstract interpretation, offering examples of applications to semantics, specification, verification, and static analysis of programming languages with emphasis on calculational design. The book covers all necessary computer science and mathematical concepts--including most of the logic, order, linear, fixpoint, and discrete mathematics frequently used in computer science--in separate chapters before they are used in the text. Each chapter offers exercises and selected solutions. Chapter topics include syntax, parsing, trace semantics, properties and their abstraction, fixpoints and their abstractions, reachability semantics, abstract domain and abstract interpreter, specification and verification, effective fixpoint approximation, relational static analysis, and symbolic static analysis. The main applications covered include program semantics, program specification and verification, program dynamic and static analysis of numerical properties and of such symbolic properties as dataflow analysis, software model checking, pointer analysis, dependency, and typing (both for forward and backward analysis), and their combinations. Principles of Abstract Interpretation is suitable for classroom use at the graduate level and as a reference for researchers and practitioners.
Principles of Applied Engineering
by Elizabeth A. Stephan Kenneth Reid David ReepingNIMAC-sourced textbook
Principles of Automated Drafting (Mechanical Engineering Ser. #28)
by Daniel L. RyanThis book introduces the reader to each phase of the subject, step-by-step to enable one to use the various automated drafting devices, instruments and technique of application. It shows the way to produce acceptable drafting in the framework of high productivity.
Principles of Blended Learning: Shared Metacognition and Communities of Inquiry (Issues in Distance Education)
by D. Randy Garrison Norman D. Vaughan Martha Cleveland-Innes Deborah DellThe rapid migration to remote instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic has expedited the need for more research, expertise, and practical guidelines for online and blended learning. A theoretical grounding of approaches and practices is imperative to support blended learning and sustain change across multiple levels in education organizations, from leadership to classroom. The Community of Inquiry is a valuable framework that regards higher education as both a collaborative and individually constructivist learning experience. The framework considers the interdependent elements of social, cognitive, and teaching presence to create a meaningful learning experience. In this volume, the authors further explore and refine the blended learning principles presented in their first book, Teaching in Blended Learning Environments: Creating and Sustaining Communities of Inquiry, with an added focus on designing, facilitating, and directing collaborative blended learning environments by emphasizing the concept of shared metacognition.
Principles of Computational Genomics (Chapman & Hall/CRC Computational Biology Series)
by Paolo ProveroThe advent of high-throughput experimental assays, and in particular of next-generation sequencing, has revolutionized life sciences by enabling the generation of data at the scale of the whole genome. Extracting biologically useful or clinically actionable information from this data requires analytical methods quite different from the ones used to analyze low-throughput experimental results. The development of these methods is the goal of computational biology.Understanding the principles on which these methods are based is thus necessary for all students and researchers in life sciences. This book provides the conceptual framework needed to understand computational genomics enough to be able to follow the arguments in recent papers, or to collaborate with computational scientists in research projects. In particular, it introduces the mathematical and statistical basis of the methods in some depth. The main focus is on the analysis of next-generation-sequencing assays, both for the interpretation of the DNA sequence per se (sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, genetic variants) and for the study of gene regulation and epigenomics (gene expression, transcription factor binding, chromatin states, 3D structure of the genome). The final chapter discusses the associations of genetic variants with phenotypes and diseases, and their biological interpretation.Principles of Computational Genomics provides a solid foundation for understanding the many parts of computational genomics, including those not treated directly in the book. It will be of great benefit to students and researchers across the life sciences.
Principles of Computer Architecture
by Miles J. Murdocca Vincent P. HeuringDesigned especially for undergraduates in computer-related disciplines, with emphasis to support the compiler, operating system, and networking courses. For a first course in computer architecture or computer organization. This text covers computer architecture at the instruction set architecture (ISA) and system design levels. Starting with foundation material on data representation and computer arithmetic, the book moves through the basic components of a computer architecture, covering topics at increasing levels of complexity up through CISC, network architecture, and parallel architecture. the authors have adopted the use of a SPARC-subset for an instructional ISA called "ARC" (A RISC Computer), which is carried through the mainstream of the book, and is complemented with platform-independent software tools that simulate the ARC ISA as well as the MIPS and x86 (Pentium) ISAs.
Principles of Computer Security: Comp TIA Security and Beyond
by Dwayne Williams Chuck Cothren Roger Davis Gregory White Wm. ConklinLearn IT security fundamentals while getting complete coverage of the objectives for the latest release of CompTIA Security+ certification exam SY0-501. This thoroughly revised, full-color textbook discusses communication, infrastructure, operational security, attack prevention, disaster recovery, computer forensics, and much more. Written by a pair of highly respected security educators, Principles of Computer Security: CompTIA Security+® and Beyond, Fifth Edition (Exam SY0-501) will help you pass the exam and become a CompTIA certified computer security expert.
Principles of Computer Systems and Network Management
by Dinesh Chandra VermaSystems Management is emerging as the predominant area for computer science in the enterprise, with studies showing that the bulk (up to 80%) of an enterprise IT budget is spent on management/operational issues and is the largest piece of the expenditure. This textbook provides an overview of the field of computer systems and network management. Systems management courses are being taught in different graduate and undergraduate computer science programs, but there are no good books with a comprehensive overview of the subject. This text book will provide content appropriate for either an undergraduate course (junior or senior year) or a graduate course in systems management.
Principles of Cyber-Physical Systems
by Rajeev AlurA foundational text that offers a rigorous introduction to the principles of design, specification, modeling, and analysis of cyber-physical systems.A cyber-physical system consists of a collection of computing devices communicating with one another and interacting with the physical world via sensors and actuators in a feedback loop. Increasingly, such systems are everywhere, from smart buildings to medical devices to automobiles. This textbook offers a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to the principles of design, specification, modeling, and analysis of cyber-physical systems. The book draws on a diverse set of subdisciplines, including model-based design, concurrency theory, distributed algorithms, formal methods of specification and verification, control theory, real-time systems, and hybrid systems, explaining the core ideas from each that are relevant to system design and analysis.The book explains how formal models provide mathematical abstractions to manage the complexity of a system design. It covers both synchronous and asynchronous models for concurrent computation, continuous-time models for dynamical systems, and hybrid systems for integrating discrete and continuous evolution. The role of correctness requirements in the design of reliable systems is illustrated with a range of specification formalisms and the associated techniques for formal verification. The topics include safety and liveness requirements, temporal logic, model checking, deductive verification, stability analysis of linear systems, and real-time scheduling algorithms. Principles of modeling, specification, and analysis are illustrated by constructing solutions to representative design problems from distributed algorithms, network protocols, control design, and robotics.This book provides the rapidly expanding field of cyber-physical systems with a long-needed foundational text by an established authority. It is suitable for classroom use or as a reference for professionals.
Principles of Cybercrime
by Jonathan CloughWe live in a digital age. The proliferation of digital technology, and the convergence of computing and communication devices, has transformed the way in which we socialise and do business. While overwhelmingly positive, there has also been a dark side to these developments. Proving the maxim that crime follows opportunity, virtually every advance has been accompanied by a corresponding niche to be exploited for criminal purposes; so-called 'cybercrimes'. Whether it be fraud, child pornography, stalking, criminal copyright infringement or attacks on computers themselves, criminals will find ways to exploit new technology. The challenge for all countries is to ensure their criminal laws keep pace. The challenge is a global one, and much can be learned from the experience of other jurisdictions. Focusing on Australia, Canada, the UK and the US, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal principles that apply to the prosecution of cybercrimes.
Principles of Data Fabric: Become a data-driven organization by implementing Data Fabric solutions efficiently
by Sonia MezzettaApply Data Fabric solutions to automate Data Integration, Data Sharing, and Data Protection across disparate data sources using different data management styles.Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookKey FeaturesLearn to design Data Fabric architecture effectively with your choice of toolBuild and use a Data Fabric solution using DataOps and Data Mesh frameworksFind out how to build Data Integration, Data Governance, and Self-Service analytics architectureBook DescriptionData can be found everywhere, from cloud environments and relational and non-relational databases to data lakes, data warehouses, and data lakehouses. Data management practices can be standardized across the cloud, on-premises, and edge devices with Data Fabric, a powerful architecture that creates a unified view of data. This book will enable you to design a Data Fabric solution by addressing all the key aspects that need to be considered.The book begins by introducing you to Data Fabric architecture, why you need them, and how they relate to other strategic data management frameworks. You'll then quickly progress to grasping the principles of DataOps, an operational model for Data Fabric architecture. The next set of chapters will show you how to combine Data Fabric with DataOps and Data Mesh and how they work together by making the most out of it. After that, you'll discover how to design Data Integration, Data Governance, and Self-Service analytics architecture. The book ends with technical architecture to implement distributed data management and regulatory compliance, followed by industry best practices and principles.By the end of this data book, you will have a clear understanding of what Data Fabric is and what the architecture looks like, along with the level of effort that goes into designing a Data Fabric solution.What you will learnUnderstand the core components of Data Fabric solutionsCombine Data Fabric with Data Mesh and DataOps frameworksImplement distributed data management and regulatory compliance using Data FabricManage and enforce Data Governance with active metadata using Data FabricExplore industry best practices for effectively implementing a Data Fabric solutionWho this book is forIf you are a data engineer, data architect, or business analyst who wants to learn all about implementing Data Fabric architecture, then this is the book for you. This book will also benefit senior data professionals such as chief data officers looking to integrate Data Fabric architecture into the broader ecosystem.
Principles of Data Mining
by David J. Hand Heikki Mannila Padhraic SmythThe growing interest in data mining is motivated by a common problem across disciplines: how does one store, access, model, and ultimately describe and understand very large data sets? Historically, different aspects of data mining have been addressed independently by different disciplines. This is the first truly interdisciplinary text on data mining, blending the contributions of information science, computer science, and statistics. The book consists of three sections. The first, foundations, provides a tutorial overview of the principles underlying data mining algorithms and their application. The presentation emphasizes intuition rather than rigor. The second section, data mining algorithms, shows how algorithms are constructed to solve specific problems in a principled manner. The algorithms covered include trees and rules for classification and regression, association rules, belief networks, classical statistical models, nonlinear models such as neural networks, and local "memory-based" models. The third section shows how all of the preceding analysis fits together when applied to real-world data mining problems. Topics include the role of metadata, how to handle missing data, and data preprocessing.
Principles of Data Mining
by Max BramerData Mining, the automatic extraction of implicit and potentially useful information from data, is increasingly used in commercial, scientific and other application areas. Principles of Data Mining explains and explores the principal techniques of Data Mining: for classification, association rule mining and clustering. Each topic is clearly explained and illustrated by detailed worked examples, with a focus on algorithms rather than mathematical formalism. It is written for readers without a strong background in mathematics or statistics, and any formulae used are explained in detail. This second edition has been expanded to include additional chapters on using frequent pattern trees for Association Rule Mining, comparing classifiers, ensemble classification and dealing with very large volumes of data. Principles of Data Mining aims to help general readers develop the necessary understanding of what is inside the 'black box' so they can use commercial data mining packages discriminatingly, as well as enabling advanced readers or academic researchers to understand or contribute to future technical advances in the field. Suitable as a textbook to support courses at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in a wide range of subjects including Computer Science, Business Studies, Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics and Forensic Science.