Information theory and inference, taught together in this exciting textbook, lie at the heart of many important areas of modern technology - communication, signal processing, data mining, machine learning, pattern recognition, computational neuroscience, bioinformatics and cryptography. The book introduces theory in tandem with applications. Information theory is taught alongside practical communication systems such as arithmetic coding for data compression and sparse-graph codes for error-correction. Inference techniques, including message-passing algorithms, Monte Carlo methods and variational approximations, are developed alongside applications to clustering, convolutional codes, independent component analysis, and neural networks. Uniquely, the book covers state-of-the-art error-correcting codes, including low-density-parity-check codes, turbo codes, and digital fountain codes - the twenty-first-century standards for satellite communications, disk drives, and data broadcast. Richly illustrated, filled with worked examples and over 400 exercises, some with detailed solutions, the book is ideal for self-learning, and for undergraduate or graduate courses. It also provides an unparalleled entry point for professionals in areas as diverse as computational biology, financial engineering and machine learning.

An inspiring monograph that captures the practical yet beautiful architecture of one of the leading architectural firms in the world

Bestselling author Harvey Mackay reveals his techniques for the most essential tool in business--networking, the indispensable art of building contacts. Now in paperback, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty is Harvey Mackay's last word on how to get what you want from the world through networking. For everyone from the sales rep facing a career-making deal to the entrepreneur in search of capital, Dig Your Well explains how meeting these needs should be no more than a few calls away. This shrewdly practical book distills Mackay's wisdom gleaned from years of "swimming with sharks," including: What kinds of networks exist How to start a network, and how to wring the most from it The smart way to downsize your list--who to keep, who to dump How to keep track of favors done and favors owed--Is it my lunch or yours? What you can do if you are not good at small talk Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty is a must for anyone who wants to get ahead by reaching out.

Harvey Mackay is a legend-and now he's back with the sum total of decades of sales know-how, teaching go-getters how to make the sale and hit the numbers, day in and day out. His advice is rooted in road-tested, real-world experiences and include new tips on the Web, LinkedIn and Facebook. As a lifelong student of the sales game, Mackay has spent decades collecting secrets, wisdom, and anecdotes. He features his Mackay Morals-life lessons such as: • Big shots are just little shots who kept shooting. • Helping someone up won't pull you down-and could very easily pull them to your side. • Be like the turtle: If he didn't stick his neck out, he wouldn't get anywhere at all. There is no one better to show you how to be a high-energy, determined, creative sales dynamo than Harvey Mackay.