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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

This book presents, for the first time, data analytics for smart infrastructures. The authors draw on over a decade’s experience working with industry and demonstrating the capabilities of data analytics for infrastructure and asset management.The volume gives data-driven solutions to cover critical capabilities for infrastructure and asset management across three domains: 1) situation awareness 2) predictive analytics and 3) decision support. The reader will gain from various data...

This book introduces the application of computer vision (CV) and AI technologies to indoor personnel information monitoring, outdoor thermal environment monitoring, construction safety monitoring, and HVAC equipment monitoring.Computer Vision and AI for Indoor/Outdoor Thermal Environment*, Construction Safety, and HVAC Equipment Monitoring* explores non-contact measurement techniques relevant to the field of indoor human information and their applications in on-demand regu...

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 presents a systematic, authoritative, and in-depth exploration of the archaeological restoration and historical evolution of Chinese palace architecture, drawing on methodologies from archaeology, history, and architecture. It fills the gap left by the scarcity of architectural remains and research predating the Tang dynasty, reinforces the foundations of Chinese architectural archaeology, and introduces innovative theoretical perspectives.Adopting a multidisciplinary and...

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 ...

This book provides its reader with a good understanding of the stabilization of switched nonlinear systems (SNS), systems that are of practical use in diverse situations: design of fault-tolerant systems in space- and aircraft; traffic control; and heat propagation control of semiconductor power chips. The practical background is emphasized throughout the book; interesting practical examples frequently illustrate the theoretical results with aircraft and spacecraft given particular promine...