\begin{chapterabstract}
This chapter introduces the dissertation and thesis by providing:
\begin{itemize}
- \item a general introduction to the topics and research venues
+ \item a general introduction to the topics and research venues;
\item a reading guide;
\item background material on the \glsxtrlong{IOT}, \glsxtrlongpl{DSL}, \glsxtrlong{TOP}, \gls{ITASK}, and \gls{MTASK};
\item and a detailed overview of the scientific contributions.