Chinese traders and explorers first visited the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, in the early fourteenth century. The traveler Wang Dayuan “discovered” the island sultanate for the Chinese world, and merchants increasingly dealt in Maldivian goods such as coconuts, cowrie shells, and ambergris. Zheng He’s fifteenth-century voyages ventured to the islands, by then a trading hub, and brought their envoys to Beijing. But the Maldives faded from Chinese records by the end of the s...

Originating in the sea, especially in the waters surrounding the low-lying islands of the Maldives, Cypraea moneta (sometimes confused with Cypraea annulus) was transported to various parts of Afro-Eurasia in the prehistoric era, and in many cases, it was gradually transformed into a form of money in various societies for a long span of time. Yang provides a global examination of cowrie money within and beyond Afro-Eurasia from the archaeological period to the early twent...

This book is an updated, accessible approach to nonlinear structural analysis, focusing on the physical interpretation of nonlinear behaviors in framed structures. Unlike its predecessor, which was mathematically oriented, this revised edition simplifies the analysis by using the universally valid 'rigid body rule,' emphasizing physical understanding over intricate mathematical formulations.Covering key structural forms — plane and space trusses, plane and space frames — the book a...

Flexible Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters and SensorsA systematic and complete discussion of the latest progress in flexible piezoelectric energy harvesting and sensing technologiesIn Flexible Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters and Sensors, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive exploration of the design methods, working mechanisms, microfabrication processes, and applications of flexible energy harvesters for wea...

Spannender Roman aus dem chinesischen Befreiungskampf. China 1949: Weite Teile des Landes haben die Volksbefreiungsstreitkräfte schon befreit. Noch hält sich die Tschiang-Kai-schek Reaktion in ihrer letzten Bastion, der Stadt Tschungking. Gegen die grausame Unterdrückung des Volkes, gegen den Terror der Geheimdienste mit Folter und KZ`s erhebt sich der Widerstand. Flugblätter, Streiks und Demonstrationen, bewaffneter Aufstand und Ausbruch aus dem KZ - immer höher schlagen die Wogen der Vol...

Presents the first ever guide for vehicle scanning of the dynamic properties of bridgesWritten by the leading author on the subject of vehicle scanning method (VSM) for bridges, this book allows engineers to monitor every bridge of concern on a regular and routine basis, for the purpose of maintenance and damage detection. It includes a review of the existing literature on the topic and presents the basic concept of extracting bridge frequencies from a moving test ...

Framework for scanning modal parameters of bridges from vehicle responses utilizing the Vehicle Scanning Method (VSM)Advanced Vehicle Scanning Method: Bridge Modal Parameter Identification delivers a complete theoretical framework for scanning of the modal parameters (frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes) of bridges from vehicle responses. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the application of the Vehicle Scanning Method (VSM) for differen...

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties-including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness-that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from th

This book elaborates on the physical principles of polarization remote sensing. It explains the reflective characteristics of surface objects and atmosphere separately, including theory, experiment, instrument and application. In addition, it introduces how polarization remote sensing works in advanced research programs as it can be used in aviation, astronomy, disaster risk prevention and navigation fields. This book serves as a fundamental and comprehensive reference for researchers and ...

The problems in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) are not only novel and interesting but also deeply rooted in profound mathematical context. The team at the International Mathematical Olympiad Research Center at East China Normal University has compiled and studied problems from past IMOs, dividing them into four volumes based on the mathematical fields involved: algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.In the geometry volume, the IMO geometry problems are o...

Big data has been upgraded to our national strategy and has become a catalyst for national and local economic development. With the further promotion of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the new business model needs to optimize and upgrade. The integration of the blockchain industry will fully implement the digital China strategy and promote the application of big data in China.This unique compendium gives a comprehensive understanding of the blockchain content through the path of...

Graphene for Post-Moore Silicon OptoelectronicsProvides timely coverage of an important research area that is highly relevant to advanced detection and control technologyProjecting device performance beyond the scaling limits of Moore’s law requires technologies based on novel materials and device architecture. Due to its excellent electronic, thermal, and optical properties, graphene has emerged as a scalable, low-cost material with enormo...