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Bet on Black: The Good News about Being Black in America Today
by Eboni K. WilliamsEssence Magazine 2023 Must ReadBet on Black is a call to action for Black people all over the world to adopt a fresh, highly informed mindset that will change their lives. Blackness is a rich, expansive place that centers resilience, excellence, beauty, panache, and brilliance. But these notions of Blackness have long been distorted by American racism, where for generations Black folks have been expected to live a subordinate, second-class existence in the country they call home. Williams delves into some of the cornerstones of leading a first-class Black life, including: Don&’t Let Anyone Make You Their Black Sidekick Carry Your Blackness Proudly Everywhere You Go Disrupt Oppressive Power Structures No Need to Codeswitch Black Community is Invincible When We Get Together In this book, journalist and attorney Eboni K. Williams delves into some of the cornerstones of leading a first-class Black life, ranging from understanding one&’s history to investing in the sometimes challenging processes of success. She does this all while sharing intimate details of her own story. Bet on Black will reawaken your own self-worth and understanding of the value of celebrating Blackness—whether yours or others&’. Williams boldly proclaims that Blackness is the single most misunderstood construct in America. Bet on Black invites you to join her on the quest to show the world what Blackness really is.
And the Rest is History (Chronicles of St. Mary's #8)
by Jodi TaylorThe eighth book in the bestselling Chronicles of St Mary's series which follows a group of tea-soaked disaster magnets as they hurtle their way around History. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.Because, my dear Max, you dance on the edge of darkness ... and I don't think it would take very much for you to dance my way.When an old enemy appears out of nowhere with an astonishing proposition for Max - a proposition that could change everything Max is tempted. Very tempted.With an end to an old conflict finally in sight, it looks as if St Mary's problems are over with. Can they all now live happily ever after?As everything hangs in the balance, Max and St Mary's find themselves engulfed in tragedies worse than they could ever imagine.Is this the end? Readers love Jodi Taylor: 'Once in a while, I discover an author who changes everything... Jodi Taylor and her protagonista Madeleine "Max" Maxwell have seduced me' 'A great mix of British proper-ness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun' 'Addictive. I wish St Mary's was real and I was a part of it' 'Jodi Taylor has an imagination that gets me completely hooked' 'A tour de force'
The Little Book of Tarot: An Introduction to Fortune-Telling and Divination
by Xanna Eve ChownHave you ever wondered what fate has in store for you? Then let this beginner's guide reveal the secrets of the mystical world of Tarot. For hundreds of years, Tarot cards have been used as a tool for divination, and a way to cast light on life's questions and challenges. Contrary to popular belief, anyone can read the Tarot. You don't need to be psychic or spend years training, as the images on the cards are powerful and universal. The best way to get started is to dive right in.This little book will guide you on your journey, introducing you to each of the 78 cards, with tips to help you decode their symbolism and remember their meanings. With advice on choosing your deck and tips on how to prepare and read your cards, The Little Book of Tarot has everything you'll need to gain your first glimpse into the misty realms of the future.It's time to step inside the world of the Tarot and begin your voyage to self-discovery. What message will the cards hold for you?
Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise
by Oscar HijuelosFrom a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a novel inspired by the friendship between famed writer and humorist Mark Twain and legendary explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley—"surely among the best books Oscar ever wrote" (Paul Auster). Acclaimed novelist Oscar Hijuelos was fascinated by the Twain-Stanley connection and eventually began researching and writing a novel that used the scant historical record of their relationship as a starting point for a more detailed fictional account. It was a labor of love for Hijuelos; indeed, he was still revising the manuscript the day before his sudden passing in 2013. The resulting novel is a richly woven tapestry of people and events that is unique among the author's works. Ingeniously blending correspondence, memoir, and third-person omniscience to explore the intersection of these Victorian giants in a long-vanished world, the novel superbly channels two vibrant but very different figures, from their early days as journalists in the American West, to their admiration and support of each other&’s writing, mutual hatred of slavery, social life together in the dazzling literary circles of the time, and even a mysterious journey to Cuba to search for Stanley&’s adoptive father. A compelling and deeply felt historical fantasia that utilizes the full range of Hijuelos&’s gifts, as well as an unforgettable coda to a brilliant writing career. Includes a reading group guide.
Little Book of Chanel (Little Books of Fashion)
by Emma Baxter-Wright WelbeckLittle Book of Chanel is the pocket-sized and beautifully illustrated story of the most celebrated fashion designer in history. Chronicling the life and legacy of Coco Chanel, one of fashion's most influential couturiers, this gorgeous book offers a fascinating account of Chanel's evolution and innovation. From her early days of millinery, through her revolutionary inventions in sportswear and jersey fashions for women, to the classics that made her name, such as the Chanel cardigan jacket, little black dress and exquisite perfumes. Detailed photographs and sketches of Chanel's designs, along with fashion photography and catwalk shots, pay tribute to one of the world's most highly regarded fashion houses and the woman behind it, making a striking gift for any lover of fashion.
Caribbean Home Economics in Action Book 3 Fourth Edition: A complete health & family management course for the Caribbean
by Caribbean Association of Home EconomistsProvide a solid foundation for the study of Home Economics at CSEC® level and for CVQ certification using a project-based approach with the only resource written by the Caribbean Association of Home Economists. This resource enables students to master the design skills process in the Family and Consumer Management disciplines for both personal and professional aspirations. - Develop understanding with 'Consider this' and 'Did you know?' features which allow for reflection and stretches student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills.- Consolidate knowledge with discussion topics and short practice questions, which enables students' confidence in the subject matter to grow as they prepare for assessment. - Identify avenues for career development with realistic and practical connections to training opportunities clearly signposted throughout.
Farewell, Amethystine
by Walter MosleyFrom &“master of the genre&” (Washington Post) Walter Mosley, Detective Easy Rawlins&’ latest client sends him down a warren of memory and nostalgia—blinding him to reason and risk. January 1970 finds Ezekiel &“Easy&” Rawlins, LA&’s premier Black detective, at 50 years of age despite all expectations. He has a loving family, a beautiful home, and a thriving investigation agency. All is right with the world… and then Amethystine Stoller, his own personal Helen of Troy, arrives. Her ex-husband is missing. A simple enough case. But even as Easy takes his first step in the investigation he trips. He falls into the memory of things past. Little things, like loss, love, a world war, and a hunger that has eaten at him since he was a Black boy on his own on the streets of Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas. The missing ex, a young white man named Curt Fields, is found dead. Easy&’s only real friend in the LAPD, Melvin Suggs, has gone into hiding rather than allow his femme fatale wife to go to the gas chamber. And that&’s only the beginning. Easy finds himself pressed into a reckoning. All of his success cannot succor his heart. The 1970&’s have ushered in new expectations of men and women, Black and White, and Easy has to make a choice that will almost certainly hasten a permanent descent, one that might sunder his soul.
An Argumentation of Historians (Chronicles of St. Mary's #9)
by Jodi TaylorThe ninth book in the bestselling Chronicles of St Mary's series which follows a group of tea-soaked disaster magnets as they hurtle their way around History. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.They say you shouldn't push your luck. Max gives her own luck a massive shove every day - and it's only a matter of time until luck pushes back... January 1536 - the day of Henry VIII's infamous jousting accident. Historians from St Mary's are there in force, recording and documenting. And, arguing - obviously.A chance meeting between Max and the Time Police leads to a plan of action. And, it's one that will have very serious consequences - especially for Max. Her private life is already more than a little rocky. But with Leon recovering and Matthew safe in the future there will never be a better opportunity to bring down Clive Ronan, once and for all.From Tudor England to the burning city of Persepolis - and from a medieval siege to a very nasty case of 19th century incarceration - Max is determined that this time, he will not escape. Readers love Jodi Taylor: 'Once in a while, I discover an author who changes everything... Jodi Taylor and her protagonista Madeleine "Max" Maxwell have seduced me' 'A great mix of British proper-ness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun' 'Addictive. I wish St Mary's was real and I was a part of it' 'Jodi Taylor has an imagination that gets me completely hooked' 'A tour de force'
Pearson Edexcel A Level US Government and Politics Second Edition
by Simon Lemieux Anthony J Bennett David TuckHelp your students develop a critical understanding of the latest developments in US Government and Politics with this fully updated textbook for Pearson Edexcel A-level Politics. This trusted textbook by Anthony J Bennett, revised by David Tuck and Simon Lemieux, is specially designed to reflect the Edexcel specification and help your students approach complex topics with confidence. Ensure in-depth coverage of Government and Politics of the USA, with a fully revised and up-to-date approach to recent political developments, including the 2024 US presidential election Enhance students' analytical and evaluation skills through engaging activities, real-world case studies, debates, and exam-style questions Build in-depth knowledge by placing recent political developments in a historical context to highlight the influence of political history on current eventsSupports your students by emphasising key terms and clarifying synoptic links across topics in the specification Find answer guidance for practice questions at www.hachettelearning.com.
Mastering ROS for Robotics Programming: Best practices and troubleshooting solutions when working with ROS, 3rd Edition
by Lentin Joseph Jonathan CacaceDesign, build, and simulate complex robots using the Robot Operating SystemKey FeaturesBecome proficient in ROS programming using C++ with this comprehensive guideBuild complex robot applications using the ROS Noetic Ninjemys release to interface robot manipulators with mobile robotsLearn to interact with aerial robots using ROSBook DescriptionThe Robot Operating System (ROS) is a software framework used for programming complex robots. ROS enables you to develop software for building complex robots without writing code from scratch, saving valuable development time. Mastering ROS for Robotics Programming provides complete coverage of the advanced concepts using easy-to-understand, practical examples and step-by-step explanations of essential concepts that you can apply to your ROS robotics projects. The book begins by helping you get to grips with the basic concepts necessary for programming robots with ROS. You'll then discover how to develop a robot simulation, as well as an actual robot, and understand how to apply high-level capabilities such as navigation and manipulation from scratch. As you advance, you'll learn how to create ROS controllers and plugins and explore ROS's industrial applications and how it interacts with aerial robots. Finally, you'll discover best practices and methods for working with ROS efficiently. By the end of this ROS book, you'll have learned how to create various applications in ROS and build your first ROS robot.What you will learnCreate a robot model with a 7-DOF robotic arm and a differential wheeled mobile robotWork with Gazebo, CoppeliaSim, and Webots robotic simulatorsImplement autonomous navigation in differential drive robots using SLAM and AMCL packagesInteract with and simulate aerial robots using ROSExplore ROS pluginlib, ROS nodelets, and Gazebo pluginsInterface I/O boards such as Arduino, robot sensors, and high-end actuatorsSimulate and perform motion planning for an ABB robot and a universal arm using ROS-IndustrialWork with the motion planning features of a 7-DOF arm using MoveItWho this book is forIf you are a robotics graduate, robotics researcher, or robotics software professional looking to work with ROS, this book is for you. Programmers who want to explore the advanced features of ROS will also find this book useful. Basic knowledge of ROS, GNU/Linux, and C++ programming concepts is necessary to get started with this book.
GNU/Linux Rapid Embedded Programming: Your one-stop solution to embedded programming on GNU/Linux
by Rodolfo GiomettiAn annotated guide to program and develop GNU/Linux Embedded systems quicklyKey FeaturesRapidly design and build powerful prototypes for GNU/Linux Embedded systemsBecome familiar with the workings of GNU/Linux Embedded systems and how to manage its peripheralsWrite, monitor, and configure applications quickly and effectively, manage an external micro-controller, and use it as co-processor for real-time tasksBook DescriptionEmbedded computers have become very complex in the last few years and developers need to easily manage them by focusing on how to solve a problem without wasting time in finding supported peripherals or learning how to manage them. The main challenge with experienced embedded programmers and engineers is really how long it takes to turn an idea into reality, and we show you exactly how to do it. This book shows how to interact with external environments through specific peripherals used in the industry. We will use the latest Linux kernel release 4.4.x and Debian/Ubuntu distributions (with embedded distributions like OpenWrt and Yocto). The book will present popular boards in the industry that are user-friendly to base the rest of the projects on - BeagleBone Black, SAMA5D3 Xplained, Wandboard and system-on-chip manufacturers. Readers will be able to take their first steps in programming the embedded platforms, using C, Bash, and Python/PHP languages in order to get access to the external peripherals. More about using and programming device driver and accessing the peripherals will be covered to lay a strong foundation. The readers will learn how to read/write data from/to the external environment by using both C programs or a scripting language (Bash/PHP/Python) and how to configure a device driver for a specific hardware. After finishing this book, the readers will be able to gain a good knowledge level and understanding of writing, configuring, and managing drivers, controlling and monitoring applications with the help of efficient/quick programming and will be able to apply these skills into real-world projects. What you will learnUse embedded systems to implement your projectsAccess and manage peripherals for embedded systemsProgram embedded systems using languages such as C, Python, Bash, and PHPUse a complete distribution, such as Debian or Ubuntu, or an embedded one, such as OpenWrt or YoctoHarness device driver capabilities to optimize device communicationsAccess data through several kinds of devices such as GPIO's, serial ports, PWM, ADC, Ethernet, WiFi, audio, video, I2C, SPI, One Wire, USB and CANWho this book is forThis book targets Embedded System developers and GNU/Linux programmers who would like to program Embedded Systems and perform Embedded development. The book focuses on quick and efficient prototype building. Some experience with hardware and Embedded Systems is assumed, as is having done some previous work on GNU/Linux systems. Knowledge of scripting on GNU/Linux is expected as well.
IoT and Edge Computing for Architects: Implementing edge and IoT systems from sensors to clouds with communication systems, analytics, and security, 2nd Edition
by Perry LeaLearn to design, implement, and secure your IoT infrastructure. Revised and expanded for edge computing. Key Features Build a complete IoT system that's the best fit for your organization Learn about different concepts, tech, and trade-offs in the IoT architectural stack Understand the theory and implementation of each element that comprises IoT design Book Description Industries are embracing IoT technologies to improve operational expenses, product life, and people's well-being. An architectural guide is needed if you want to traverse the spectrum of technologies needed to build a successful IoT system, whether that's a single device or millions of IoT devices. IoT and Edge Computing for Architects, Second Edition encompasses the entire spectrum of IoT solutions, from IoT sensors to the cloud. It examines modern sensor systems, focusing on their power and functionality. It also looks at communication theory, paying close attention to near-range PAN, including the new Bluetooth® 5.0 specification and mesh networks. Then, the book explores IP-based communication in LAN and WAN, including 802.11ah, 5G LTE cellular, Sigfox, and LoRaWAN. It also explains edge computing, routing and gateways, and their role in fog computing, as well as the messaging protocols of MQTT 5.0 and CoAP. With the data now in internet form, you'll get an understanding of cloud and fog architectures, including the OpenFog standards. The book wraps up the analytics portion with the application of statistical analysis, complex event processing, and deep learning models. The book then concludes by providing a holistic view of IoT security, cryptography, and shell security in addition to software-defined perimeters and blockchains. What you will learn Understand the role and scope of architecting a successful IoT deployment Scan the landscape of IoT technologies, from sensors to the cloud and more See the trade-offs in choices of protocols and communications in IoT deployments Become familiar with the terminology needed to work in the IoT space Broaden your skills in the multiple engineering domains necessary for the IoT architect Implement best practices to ensure reliability, scalability, and security in your IoT infrastructure Who this book is for This book is for architects, system designers, technologists, and technology managers who want to understand the IoT ecosphere, technologies, and trade-offs, and develop a 50,000-foot view of IoT architecture. An understanding of the architectural side of IoT is necessary.
Vulkan 3D Graphics Rendering Cookbook: Implement expert-level techniques for high-performance graphics with Vulkan
by Sergey Kosarevsky Alexey Medvedev Viktor LatypovMaster Vulkan 1.3 with practical recipes for building, rendering, and optimizing stunning 3D graphics, guided by AR and rendering experts Sergey Kosarevsky and Alexey Medvedev Purchase the eBook for full-color contentKey FeaturesLearn to harness Vulkan 1.3 for building high-performance applicationsIntegrate cutting-edge rendering techniques into a real-time 3D engineUse bindless Vulkan to render complex 3D scenes efficientlyPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionWritten by experts with decades of rendering experience, this cookbook equips you with practical, hands-on recipes to master modern 3D graphics development by using bindless Vulkan. Focusing on Vulkan 1.3, this second edition starts by setting up your development environment, and quickly transitions to building a robust 3D rendering framework using self-contained recipes. Each recipe helps you incrementally enhance your codebase, integrating a variety of 3D rendering techniques and algorithms into a cohesive project. You’ll get to grips with core techniques, such as glTF 2.0 physically based rendering, image-based lighting, and GPU-driven rendering. The chapters help you grasp advanced topics, including glTF animations, screen-space rendering techniques, and optimization strategies. You’ll also learn how to use glTF 2.0 advanced PBR extensions and handle complex geometry data, ensuring your rendering engine is both powerful and performant. These new additions will enable you to create dynamic and realistic 3D graphics environments, fully utilizing Vulkan’s capabilities. By the end of this 3D rendering book, you’ll have gained an improved understanding of best practices used in modern graphic APIs and be able to create fast and versatile 3D rendering frameworks.What you will learnMaster the core features of Vulkan 1.3, with a focus on bindless renderingLearn effective techniques for debugging and profiling Vulkan applicationsBuild a glTF 2.0 physically based rendering pipeline from scratchEnhance visual quality with advanced glTF 2.0 PBR extensionsIntegrate multiple rendering techniques and optimizations into a single applicationManage large-scale content efficiently in real-time 3D rendering enginesLeverage Vulkan compute pipelines for advanced image and geometry processingWho this book is forThis book is for 3D graphics developers who want to build high-performance rendering engines with the latest Vulkan features and modern rendering methods. Whether you’re an experienced developer with a solid grasp of 3D rendering math or someone proficient in C++ and basic linear algebra, this book offers valuable insights to deepen your expertise. If you’ve dabbled in creating custom 3D applications without relying on premade rendering engines, you’ll find this guide particularly useful.
MicroPython Cookbook: Over 110 practical recipes for programming embedded systems and microcontrollers with Python
by Marwan AlsabbaghLearn how you can control LEDs, make music, and read sensor data using popular microcontrollers such as Adafruit Circuit Playground, ESP8266, and the BBC micro:bitKey FeaturesLoad and execute your first program with MicroPythonProgram an IoT device to retrieve weather data using a RESTful APIGet to grips with integrating hardware, programming, and networking concepts with MicroPythonBook DescriptionMicroPython is an open source implementation of Python 3 that runs in embedded environments. With MicroPython, you can write clean and simple Python code to control hardware instead of using complex low-level languages such as C and C++. This book guides you through all the major applications of the MicroPython platform to build and program projects that use microcontrollers. This MicroPython book covers recipes that will help you experiment with the programming environment and hardware programmed in MicroPython. You'll find tips and techniques for building a variety of objects and prototypes that can sense and respond to touch, sound, position, heat, and light. This book will take you through the uses of MicroPython with a variety of popular input devices and sensors. You'll learn techniques to handle time delays and sensor readings, and apply advanced coding techniques to create complex projects. As you advance, you'll deal with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and integration with other online web services. In addition to this, you'll use MicroPython to make music with bananas and create portable multiplayer video games that incorporate sound and light animations into the gameplay. By the end of this book, you'll have mastered the tips and tricks to troubleshoot your development problems and take your MicroPython project to the next level.What you will learnExecute code without any need for compiling or uploading using REPL (read-evaluate-print-loop)Program and control LED matrix and NeoPixel drivers to display patterns and colorsBuild projects that make use of light, temperature, and touch sensorsConfigure devices to create Wi-Fi access points and use network modules to scan and connect to existing networksUse Pulse width modulation to control DC motors and servosBuild an IoT device to display live weather data from the internet at the touch of a buttonWho this book is forIf you want to build and program projects that use microcontrollers, this book will offer you dozens of recipes to guide you through all the major applications of the MicroPython platform. Although no knowledge of MicroPython or microcontrollers is expected, a general understanding of Python is necessary to get started with this book.
MicroPython Projects: A do-it-yourself guide for embedded developers to build a range of applications using Python
by Jacob BeningoExplore MicroPython through a series of hands-on projects and learn to design and build your own embedded systems using the MicroPython Pyboard, ESP32, the STM32 IoT Discovery kit, and the OpenMV camera module. Key Features Delve into MicroPython Kernel and learn to make modifications that will enhance your embedded applications Design and implement drivers to interact with a variety of sensors and devices Build low-cost projects such as DIY automation and object detection with machine learning Book Description With the increasing complexity of embedded systems seen over the past few years, developers are looking for ways to manage them easily by solving problems without spending a lot of time on finding supported peripherals. MicroPython is an efficient and lean implementation of the Python 3 programming language, which is optimized to run on microcontrollers. MicroPython Projects will guide you in building and managing your embedded systems with ease. This book is a comprehensive project-based guide that will help you build a wide range of projects and give you the confidence to design complex projects spanning new areas of technology such as electronic applications, automation devices, and IoT applications. While building seven engaging projects, you'll learn how to enable devices to communicate with each other, access and control devices over a TCP/IP socket, and store and retrieve data. The complexity will increase progressively as you work on different projects, covering areas such as driver design, sensor interfacing, and MicroPython kernel customization. By the end of this MicroPython book, you'll be able to develop industry-standard embedded systems and keep up with the evolution of the Internet of Things. What you will learn Develop embedded systems using MicroPython Build a custom debugging tool to visualize sensor data in real-time Detect objects using machine learning and MicroPython Discover how to minimize project costs and reduce development time Get to grips with gesture operations and parsing gesture data Learn how to customize and deploy the MicroPython kernel Explore the techniques for scheduling application tasks and activities Who this book is for If you are an embedded developer or hobbyist looking to build interesting projects using MicroPython, this book is for you. A basic understanding of electronics and Python is required while some MicroPython experience will be helpful.
Hands-On RTOS with Microcontrollers: Building real-time embedded systems using FreeRTOS, STM32 MCUs, and SEGGER debug tools
by Brian AmosBuild a strong foundation in designing and implementing real-time systems with the help of practical examples Key Features Get up and running with the fundamentals of RTOS and apply them on STM32 Enhance your programming skills to design and build real-world embedded systems Get to grips with advanced techniques for implementing embedded systems Book Description A real-time operating system (RTOS) is used to develop systems that respond to events within strict timelines. Real-time embedded systems have applications in various industries, from automotive and aerospace through to laboratory test equipment and consumer electronics. These systems provide consistent and reliable timing and are designed to run without intervention for years. This microcontrollers book starts by introducing you to the concept of RTOS and compares some other alternative methods for achieving real-time performance. Once you've understood the fundamentals, such as tasks, queues, mutexes, and semaphores, you'll learn what to look for when selecting a microcontroller and development environment. By working through examples that use an STM32F7 Nucleo board, the STM32CubeIDE, and SEGGER debug tools, including SEGGER J-Link, Ozone, and SystemView, you'll gain an understanding of preemptive scheduling policies and task communication. The book will then help you develop highly efficient low-level drivers and analyze their real-time performance and CPU utilization. Finally, you'll cover tips for troubleshooting and be able to take your new-found skills to the next level. By the end of this book, you'll have built on your embedded system skills and will be able to create real-time systems using microcontrollers and FreeRTOS. What you will learn Understand when to use an RTOS for a project Explore RTOS concepts such as tasks, mutexes, semaphores, and queues Discover different microcontroller units (MCUs) and choose the best one for your project Evaluate and select the best IDE and middleware stack for your project Use professional-grade tools for analyzing and debugging your application Get FreeRTOS-based applications up and running on an STM32 board Who this book is for This book is for embedded engineers, students, or anyone interested in learning the complete RTOS feature set with embedded devices. A basic understanding of the C programming language and embedded systems or microcontrollers will be helpful.
Python Robotics Projects: Build smart and collaborative robots using Python
by Prof. Diwakar VaishLeverage the power of Python to build DIY robotic projects About This Book • Design, build, and stimulate collaborative robots • Build high-end robotics projects such as a customized personal Jarvis • Leverage the power of Python and ROS for DIY robotic projects Who This Book Is For If building robots is your dream, then this book is made for you. Prior knowledge of Python would be an added advantage. What You Will Learn • Get to know the basics of robotics and its functions • Walk through interface components with microcontrollers • Integrate robotics with the IoT environment • Build projects using machine learning • Implement path planning and vision processing • Interface your robots with Bluetooth In Detail Robotics is a fast-growing industry. Multiple surveys state that investment in the field has increased tenfold in the last 6 years, and is set to become a $100-billion sector by 2020. Robots are prevalent throughout all industries, and they are all set to be a part of our domestic lives. This book starts with the installation and basic steps in configuring a robotic controller. You'll then move on to setting up your environment to use Python with the robotic controller. You'll dive deep into building simple robotic projects, such as a pet-feeding robot, and more complicated projects, such as machine learning enabled home automation system (Jarvis), vision processing based robots and a self-driven robotic vehicle using Python. By the end of this book, you'll know how to build smart robots using Python. Style and approach A simple step-by-step guide to help you learn the concepts of robotics using simple to advanced steps. You'll not only learn the concepts of AI, machine learning, and Vision Processing, but also how to practically implement them in your projects.
Building Smart Drones with ESP8266 and Arduino: Build exciting drones by leveraging the capabilities of Arduino and ESP8266
by Syed Omar TowahaLeverage the WiFi chip to build exciting QuadcoptersKey FeaturesLearn to create a fully functional Drone with Arduino and ESP8266 and their modified versions of hardware.Enhance your drone's functionalities by implementing smart features.A project-based guide that will get you developing next-level drones to help you monitor a particular area with mobile-like devices.Book DescriptionWith the use of drones, DIY projects have taken off. Programmers are rapidly moving from traditional application programming to developing exciting multi-utility projects. This book will teach you to build industry-level drones with Arduino and ESP8266 and their modified versions of hardware. With this book, you will explore techniques for leveraging the tiny WiFi chip to enhance your drone and control it over a mobile phone. This book will start with teaching you how to solve problems while building your own WiFi controlled Arduino based drone. You will also learn how to build a Quadcopter and a mission critical drone. Moving on you will learn how to build a prototype drone that will be given a mission to complete which it will do it itself. You will also learn to build various exciting projects such as gliding and racing drones. By the end of this book you will learn how to maintain and troubleshoot your drone. By the end of this book, you will have learned to build drones using ESP8266 and Arduino and leverage their functionalities to the fullest.What you will learnIncludes a number of projects that utilize different ESP8266 and Arduino capabilities, while interfacing with external hardwareCovers electrical engineering and programming concepts, interfacing with the World through analog and digital sensors, communicating with a computer and other devices, and internet connectivityControl and fly your quadcopter, taking into account weather conditionsBuild a drone that can follow the user wherever he/she goesBuild a mission-control drone and learn how to use it effectivelyMaintain your vehicle as much as possible and repair it whenever requiredWho this book is forIf you are a programmer or a DIY enthusiast and keen to create a fully functional drone with Arduino and ESP8266, then this book is for you. Basic skills in electronics and programming would be beneficial. This book is not for the beginners as it includes lots of ideas not detailed how you can do that. If you are a beginner, then you might get lost here. The prerequisites of the book include a good knowledge of Arduino, electronics, programming in C or C++ and lots of interest in creating things out of nothing.
Another Time, Another Place (Chronicles of St. Mary's #12)
by Jodi Taylor'Jodi Taylor is quite simply the Queen of Time. Her books are a swashbuckling joyride through History' C. K. MCDONNELL'A great mix of British properness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun' *****BOOK 12 IN THE INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S SERIESFor fans of Jasper Fforde, Doctor Who, Genevieve Cogman and Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club---'It's time, Max.' And so, a whole new chapter opens up...It's long been known that if a thing can go wrong, it will. With knobs on, usually. Disasters start to pile up. A new colleague with no respect for the past and a great deal to prove. Historians lost in time. And - worst of all - Rosie Lee on her very first jump. Then there's the small matter of Max's dishonourable discharge.From Tudor England to the Tower of Babel - it's all going horribly wrong.Jobless and homeless, Max receives an offer she can't refuse. Another time, another place. A refuge, perhaps.She's got that wrong, too. Readers love Jodi Taylor: 'Once in a while, I discover an author who changes everything... Jodi Taylor and her protagonista Madeleine "Max" Maxwell have seduced me''Addictive. I wish St Mary's was real and I was a part of it''Jodi Taylor has an imagination that gets me completely hooked''A tour de force'
The Bondwoman's Narrative: A Novel (Virago Modern Classics Ser.)
by Hannah CraftsThought to be the first novel written by a Black female slave, this work is both a historically important literary event and a gripping autobiographical story. When her master is betrothed to a woman who conceals a tragic secret, Hannah Crafts, a young slave on a wealthy North Carolina plantation, runs away in a bid for her freedom up North. Pursued by slave hunters, imprisoned by a mysterious and cruel captor, held by sympathetic strangers, and forced to serve a demanding new mistress, she finally makes her way to freedom in New Jersey. Her compelling story provides a fascinating view of American life in the mid-1800s and the literary conventions of the time. Written in the 1850's by a runaway slave,The Bondswoman's Narrative is a provocative literary landmark and a significant historical event that will captivate audiences. Includes an updated preface adding additional context about the author's incredible life.
Plan for the Worst (Chronicles of St. Mary's #11)
by Jodi Taylor'A great mix of British properness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun' ***** BOOK 11 IN THE INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S SERIESFor fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, Jasper Fforde and Doctor Who.I would have trusted this man with my life. Until a couple of days ago, anyway.You know what they say - hope for the best, but plan for the worst.Max is quite accustomed to everything going wrong. She's St Mary's, after all. Disaster is her default state. But with her family reunited and a jump to Bronze Age Crete in the works, life is getting back to normal. Well, normal for St Mary's. And then, following one fateful night at the Tower of London, everything Max thought she knew comes crashing down around her.Too late for plans. The worst has happened. And who can Max trust now? Readers love Jodi Taylor: 'Once in a while, I discover an author who changes everything... Jodi Taylor and her protagonista Madeleine "Max" Maxwell have seduced me''A great mix of British proper-ness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun''Addictive. I wish St Mary's was real and I was a part of it''Jodi Taylor has an imagination that gets me completely hooked''A tour de force'
Digital Capitalism and its Limits: Technotopia, Power and Risk
by Vishwas SatgarThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been described as the next big leap in digital capitalism. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 3D printing and robotisation, we are led to believe, will bring more progress, growth and development while also helping us to resolve the deep and multiple crises the world is in. Billions are being invested in these technologies, accompanied by sharp geopolitical rivalries to secure an edge in the control over them. Volume 8 in the Democratic Marxism series invites readers to think more deeply and critically about digital capitalism and its limits. While most governments in the world, including South Africa, have accepted a techno-nationalist narrative and have deliberated on the risks for the planet and humanity, the volume interrogates the effects and consequences of advances in artificial intelligence and heightened technological innovation and industrialisation on employment, democracy and the climate. Viewing the grand social engineering of 4IR through a Marxist lens, the volume contributors engage critically with the class project of digital monopoly capitalism and its powerful totalitarian tendencies. They question the dangerous technotopian imaginary shaping this digital techno-shift, the implications of algorithmic data extractivism, the securitisation of already weak market democracies, the social consequences of digital learning, lack of regulation, and the power dynamics in the labour process. Anchored in techno-realism, the interdisciplinary perspective captured in this volume puts forward alternatives for democratisation and a just transition to protect human and non-human life.
Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset (Wiley Finance)
by Aswath DamodaranUpdated edition of the definitive guide to investment valuation tools and techniques Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset delves into valuation techniques for a variety of different asset classes, including real options, start-up firms, unconventional assets, distressed companies and private equity, real estate, and many more, and explains how to choose the right model for any given asset valuation scenario. The models are presented with real-world examples so as to capture some of the problems inherent in applying these models, with discussion of differences and common elements between the models to provide readers with a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Written by a professor of finance who is widely regarded as one of the best educators and thinkers on the topic of investment valuation, this newly revised and updated Fourth Edition explores topics including: Understanding financial statements, the basics of risk, and tests and evidence for market efficiency Estimating risk parameters and costs of financing, terminal value, and equity value per share Using scenario analysis, decision trees, and simulations for probabilistic approaches in valuation Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset is an essential resource for all investors and students of financial markets seeking an all-in-one guide to expand their valuation knowledge and make better investment decisions.
On Earth as in Heaven: Ecological Vision and Initiatives of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Orthodox Christianity and Contemporary Thought)
by Ecumenical Patriarch BartholomewOver the past two decades, the world has witnessed alarming environmental degradation—climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the pollution of natural resources—together with a failure to implement environmental policies and an ever-widening gap between rich and poor. As this new volume of his writings reveals, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continually proclaimed the primacy of spiritual values in determining environmental ethics and action. For him, the predicament we face is not primarily ecological but in fact spiritual: The ultimate aim is to see all things in God, and God in all things.On Earth as in Heaven demonstrates just why His All Holiness has been dubbed the “Green Patriarch” by former Vice President Al Gore (recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental activism) and the media.This third and final volume of the spiritual leader’s selected writings showcases his statements on environmental degradation, global warming, and climate change. It contains numerous speeches and interviews in various circumstances, including ecological symposia, academic seminars, and regional and international events, over the first twenty years of his ministry. This volume also encompasses a selection of pastoral letters and exhortations—ecclesiastical, ecumenical, and academic—by His All Holiness for occasions such as Easter and Christmas, honorary doctorates, and academic awards.On Earth as in Heaven is a rich collection, essential for religious scholars, those looking for a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity, and anyone concerned with the environmental and social issues we face today.On Earth as in Heaven is available from the Knowledge Unlatched on an open-access basis.
Here Down on Dark Earth: Loss and Remembrance in New York City
by Larry RacioppoDiscover New York’s poignant memorials through powerful photographs capturing everything from fleeting tributes to enduring monumentsThe photographs in Here Down on Dark Earth document the many ways New Yorkers express their intertwined feelings of loss and remembrance. The famous and the unknown, the rich and the poor, meet the same fate, but how they are mourned and remembered varies greatly. New York City’s monuments and memorials are large and small, civic and personal, traditional and vernacular, planned and spontaneous. Some commemorate a significant event such as the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, others the death of a single child hit by a stray bullet. A memorial of stone and steel dedicated to deceased WWII veterans from a church parish may outlast a painted Rest-In-Peace (RIP) memorial wall for a slain teenager. Still, both grow out of the feeling of loss and a desire to preserve the memory of departed loved ones.As Racioppo traveled throughout New York City, he became increasingly aware of the impermanence of these memorials. The paint eventually peels, and the image gradually disappears. Sanitation workers remove the rotted toys and flowers. Small and personal, or large and communal, created by professionals or amateurs, the memorials in Here Down on Dark Earth express a powerful sense of loss and connection. Throughout the book, the author’s contextual notes accompany the poignant photographs depicting these expressions of remembrance.