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Distributed Computing to Blockchain: Architecture, Technology, and Applications provides researchers, computer scientists, and data scientists with a comprehensive and applied reference covering the evolution of distributed systems computing into blockchain and associated systems. Divided into three major sections, the book explores the basic topics in the blockchain space extending from distributed systems architecture, distributed ledger, decentralized web to introductory aspects of cryptoeconomics (cryptography and economics) of decentralized applications. The book further explores advanced concepts such as smart contracts; distributed token mining, initial coin offerings; proof of work; public, private, and other blockchains; cryptography; security; and blockchains. The book goes on to review byzantine fault tolerance, distributed ledgers versus blockchains, and blockchain protocols. The final section covers multiple use cases and applications of distributed computing and the future directions for blockchains. - Presented as a focused reference handbook describing the evolution of distributed systems, blockchain, and consensus algorithms emphasizing the architectural and functional aspects - Integrates the various concepts of cryptography in blockchain and further extends to blockchain forensics - Provides insight and detailed Interpretation of algorithms for consensus in blockchains

System Assurances: Modeling and Management updates on system assurance and performance methods using advanced analytics and understanding of software reliability growth modeling from today's debugging team's point-of-view, along with information on preventive and predictive maintenance and the efficient use of testing resources. The book presents the rapidly growing application areas of systems and software modeling, including intelligent synthetic characters, human-machine interface, menu generators, user acceptance analysis, picture archiving and software systems. Students, research scholars, academicians, scientists and industry practitioners will benefit from the book as it provides better insights into modern related global trends, issues and practices. - Provides software reliability modeling, simulation and optimization - Offers methodologies, tools and practical applications of reliability modeling and resources allocation - Presents cost modeling and optimization associated with complex systems

Nature-Inspired Computing Paradigms in Systems: Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety and Cost (RAMS+C) and Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) covers several areas that include bioinspired techniques and optimization approaches for system dependability. The book addresses the issue of integration and interaction of the bioinspired techniques in system dependability computing so that intelligent decisions, design, and architectures can be supported. It brings together these emerging areas under the umbrella of bio- and nature-inspired computational intelligence. The primary audience of this book includes experts and developers who want to deepen their understanding of bioinspired computing in basic theory, algorithms, and applications. The book is also intended to be used as a textbook for masters and doctoral students who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the role of bioinspired techniques in system dependability. - Provides the latest review - Covers various nature-inspired techniques applied to RAMS+C and PHM problems - Includes techniques applied to new applications

Recent Advances in System Reliability Engineering describes and evaluates the latest tools, techniques, strategies, and methods in this topic for a variety of applications. Special emphasis is put on simulation and modelling technology which is growing in influence in industry, and presents challenges as well as opportunities to reliability and systems engineers. Several manufacturing engineering applications are addressed, making this a particularly valuable reference for readers in that sector. - Contains comprehensive discussions on state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and strategies from industry - Connects the latest academic research to applications in industry including system reliability, safety assessment, and preventive maintenance - Gives an in-depth analysis of the benefits and applications of modelling and simulation to reliability

This 2e of Toxoplasma gondii reflects the significant advances in the field in the last 5 years, including new information on the genomics, epigenomics and proteomics of T. gondii as well as a new understanding of the population biology and genetic diversity of this organism. T. gondii remains the best model system for studying the entire Apicomplexa group of protozoans, which includes Malaria, making this new edition essential for a broad group of researchers and scientists. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a one-celled protozoan parasite known as T. gondii. The infection produces a wide range of clinical syndromes in humans, land and sea mammals, and various bird species. Most humans contract toxoplasmosis by eating contaminated, raw or undercooked meat (particularly pork), vegetables, or milk products; by coming into contact with the T. gondii eggs from cat feces; or by drinking contaminated water. The parasite damages the ocular and central nervous systems, causing behavioral and personality alterations as well as fatal necrotizing encephalitis. It is especially dangerous for the fetus of an infected pregnant woman and for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV-infected patients. - Completely updated, the 2e presents recent advances driven by new information on the genetics and genomics of the pathogen - Provides the latest information concerning the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis - Offers a single-source reference for a wide range of scientists and physicians working with this pathogen, including parasitologists, cell and molecular biologists, veterinarians, neuroscientists, physicians, and food scientists