An easy-to-follow introduction to support vector machines This book provides an in-depth, easy-to-follow introduction to support vector machines drawing only from minimal, carefully motivated technical and mathematical background material. It begins with a cohesive discussion of machine learning and goes on to cover: Knowledge discovery environments Describing data mathematically Linear decision surfaces and functions Perceptron learning Maximum margin classifiers Support vector machines Elements of statistical learning theory Multi-class classification Regression with support vector machines Novelty detection Complemented with hands-on exercises, algorithm descriptions, and data sets, Knowledge Discovery with Support Vector Machines is an invaluable textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. It is also an excellent tutorial on support vector machines for professionals who are pursuing research in machine learning and related areas.
Discover grid computing-how to successfully build, implement, and manage widely distributed computing architecture With technology budgets under increasing scrutiny and system architecture becoming more and more complex, many organizations are rethinking how they manage and use technology. Keeping a strong business focus, this publication clearly demonstrates that the current ways of tying applications to dedicated hardware are no longer viable in today's competitive, bottom line-oriented environment. This evolution in distributed computing is leading a paradigm shift in leveraging widely distributed architectures to get the most processing power per IT dollar. Presenting a solid foundation of data management issues and techniques, this practical book delves into grid architecture, services, practices, and much more, including: * Why businesses should adopt grid computing * How to master the fundamental concepts and programming techniques and apply them successfully to reach objectives * How to maximize the value of existing IT investments The author has tailored this publication for two distinct audiences. Business professionals will gain a better understanding of how grid computing improves productivity and performance, what impact it can have on their organization's bottom line, and the technical foundations necessary to discuss grid computing with their IT colleagues. Following the author's expert guidance and practical examples, IT professionals, architects, and developers will be equipped to initiate and carry out successful grid computing projects within their own organizations.
Micro and nanosystems represent a major scientific and technological challenge, with actual and potential applications in almost all fields of the human activity. The aim of the present book is to present how concepts from dynamical control systems (modeling, estimation, observation, identification, feedback control) can be adapted and applied to the development of original very small-scale systems and of their human interfaces. The application fields presented here come from micro and nanorobotics, biochips, near-field microscopy (AFM and STM) and nanosystems networks. Alina Voda has drawn contributions from leading experts at top research universities in France to produce a first overview of the major role that control systems science can play in the development of micro and nanosciences and technologies.
Arithmetic and Logic in Computer Systems provides a useful guide to a fundamental subject of computer science and engineering. Algorithms for performing operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in digital computer systems are presented, with the goal of explaining the concepts behind the algorithms, rather than addressing any direct applications. Alternative methods are examined, and explanations are supplied of the fundamental materials and reasoning behind theories and examples. No other current books deal with this subject, and the author is a leading authority in the field of computer arithmetic. The text introduces the Conventional Radix Number System and the Signed-Digit Number System, as well as Residue Number System and Logarithmic Number System. This book serves as an essential, up-to-date guide for students of electrical engineering and computer and mathematical sciences, as well as practicing engineers and computer scientists involved in the design, application, and development of computer arithmetic units.
Financial services institutions like international banks and insurance companies frequently need to adapt to changes in their environments, yet manage risk and ensure regulatory compliance. The author Hans Wegener reveals how metadata can be used to achieve a successful and technological evolution. This unique approach is divided into three parts to: Explain how metadata can be used to increase an organization's ability to adopt changes Outline the peculiarities of financial corporations and how they affect value creation and solution design Present the practical side of effectively managing metadata and sustaining long term success Wegener firstly illustrates the peculiarities of both metadata management and the financial services industry. He combines both, puts them into context of use, and explains where and how this makes life difficult, as well as where and how value is created. This enables the reader to understand the impact of metadata management on his/her organization, its typical side effects, necessities, and benefits. The book then goes onto reveal how different crosscutting concerns managed in large financial corporations (change, risk, and compliance management) can revolutionize business by supporting them with metadata management. This provides a blueprint to be used in strategic planning. Finally, the mechanics of three important practical areas are discussed in-depth, namely managing evolution, quality, and sustainability. This provides helpful scripts for practitioners to be used in real-life.
Written by Bruce Hopkins, the foremost expert on nonprofit law, this is your complete analysis of the procedures and practices of the IRS in its audits of tax-exempt organizations. Practical in presentation, this book offers advice on undergoing audits, details today's exempt organizations' issues, and authoritatively examines detailed documentation and citations, as well as numerous case studies, tips, forms, and checklists.
Line-by-line tips and instructions to successfully file Form 1023 IRS Form 1023 Tax Preparation Guide provides comprehensive instructions for completing and filing the new and significantly revised Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). Nonprofit organizations–including health and human service organizations, schools, private foundations, churches, libraries, museums, cultural institutions, environmental protection organizations, and other charitable, smaller groups–contend daily with issues related to their IRS filings, from qualifying and applying for tax-exempt status to maintaining and managing it. Written for nonprofit executives and directors, accountants, nonprofit boards, lawyers, consultants, and volunteers, IRS Form 1023 Tax Preparation Guide is brimming with helpful advice and features, including: * Strategies for obtaining IRS recognition of tax-exempt status as a charitable organization including a Suitability Checklist to evaluate viability of making application * Insights into the rationale behind the information requested by the IRS * Specific suggestions for answering each question on Form 1023 and navigating the steps involved in the approval process * Practical advice on the alternatives available in contesting an adverse IRS determination * An overview of state filing requirements * A companion Web site that allows nonprofits to download key model forms and connect to IRS forms * Easy-to-use worksheets to help manage such critical concerns as public charity status, tax-exempt eligibility, reporting to the IRS, and tax compliance
Invaluable guidance on the most important legal issues facing nonprofits today Internet communication is the lifeblood of countless nonprofit organizations, yet there exists no specific law to provide for its regulation. Without solid legal guidance, nonprofits risk not only missing out on the unlimited opportunities that the Internet has to offer, but also jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. The Nonprofits' Guide to Internet Communications Law analyzes and explains the laws applicable to Internet communications by nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit law expert Bruce Hopkins writes that with Congress and government agencies reluctant to create new law, it will ultimately be up to the courts to determine the future of Internet law affecting nonprofit organizations. Extrapolating from the underlying principles of existing law, Hopkins addresses the legal ramifications of Internet business activities, charitable-giving administration, fundraising programs, lobbying, political campaign activities, and more. The Nonprofits' Guide to Internet Communications Law proves an unparalleled resource for this emerging field.
Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos is an innovative book that provides practical and original solutions to the impending boomer/gamer knowledge and skills transfer gap. The book outlines how gamer values such as the use of cheat codes, the love of gadgets, the need to play games, and the desire to be constantly connected can be used as methods for moving information from the heads of the boomers to the fingertips and gadgets of the gamers. As organizations begin to think strategically about how to attract, retain, and train new talent, this book, written by Karl Kapp, named one of 2007's Top 20 Most Influential Training Professionals by TrainingIndustry, Inc., will be an invaluable resource.
Is e-learning at your organization chronically underfunded? Discover how you can create workplace solutions with minimal budget in e-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring. Author Jane Bozarth, recognized as e-Learning Centre's October 2005 Pick of the Month, provides the nuts-and-bolts information you need to incorporate e-learning solutions at minimal cost. She offers myriad strategies for building from-scratch programs, recycling, reusing, and repurposing resources; negotiating reasonable expenses for «store bought» e-learning products; and incorporating real-world ideas for assembling tools, techniques, and strategies into workplace solutions.