Yi Zhou – författare

Chinese for Working Professionals is for learners who intend to use Chinese in a multinational global workplace. It has eight thematic units focusing on developing learners’ transferrable skills in addition to expanding the cross-cultural competences required in a real-world work-place.

Key features:

This textbook is a key resource for learners of Chinese at an ACTFL Intermediate-High proficiency level and above, or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) B1.2 to B2.1 level in terms of language control, extensive and applicable vocabulary and expressions, communication strategies, as well as cultural awareness.

Chinese for Working Professionals is for learners who intend to use Chinese in a multinational global workplace. It has eight thematic units focusing on developing learners’ transferrable skills in addition to expanding the cross-cultural competences required in a real-world work-place.

Key features:

This textbook is a key resource for learners of Chinese at an ACTFL Intermediate-High proficiency level and above, or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) B1.2 to B2.1 level in terms of language control, extensive and applicable vocabulary and expressions, communication strategies, as well as cultural awareness.

Pipe failures in water distribution systems can have a serious impact and hence it’s important to maintain the condition and integrity of the distribution system. This book presents a whole-life cost optimisation model for the rehabilitation of water distribution systems. It combines a pipe breakage number prediction model with a pipe criticality assessment model, which enables the creation of a well-constructed and more tightly constrained optimisation model. The pipe breakage number prediction model combines information on the physical characteristics of the pipes with historical information on breakage and failure rates. A weighted multiple nonlinear regression analysis is applied to describe the condition of different pipe groups. The criticality assessment model combines a pipe’s condition with its hydraulic significance through a modified TOPSIS. This model enables the optimisation to focus its efforts on those important pipes. The whole life cost optimal rehabilitation model is a multiple-objective and multiple-stage model, which provides a suite of rehabilitation decisions that minimise the whole life cost while maximising its long-term performance. The optimisation model is solved using a modified NSGA-II. The utility of the developed models is that it allows decision makers to prioritize their rehabilitation strategy in a proactive and cost-effective manner.

Pipe failures in water distribution systems can have a serious impact and hence it’s important to maintain the condition and integrity of the distribution system. This book presents a whole-life cost optimisation model for the rehabilitation of water distribution systems. It combines a pipe breakage number prediction model with a pipe criticality assessment model, which enables the creation of a well-constructed and more tightly constrained optimisation model. The pipe breakage number prediction model combines information on the physical characteristics of the pipes with historical information on breakage and failure rates. A weighted multiple nonlinear regression analysis is applied to describe the condition of different pipe groups. The criticality assessment model combines a pipe’s condition with its hydraulic significance through a modified TOPSIS. This model enables the optimisation to focus its efforts on those important pipes. The whole life cost optimal rehabilitation model is a multiple-objective and multiple-stage model, which provides a suite of rehabilitation decisions that minimise the whole life cost while maximising its long-term performance. The optimisation model is solved using a modified NSGA-II. The utility of the developed models is that it allows decision makers to prioritize their rehabilitation strategy in a proactive and cost-effective manner.

Bridges are subject to daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. The temperature variations can affect bridge materials and structural integrity, often interacting with other loads and masking their effects. Understanding temperature behaviors is crucial for accurate load assessment and bridge performance evaluation.

This book comprehensively studies temperature behaviors of bridges, covering beam, arch, cable‑stayed, and suspension bridges using analytical, numerical, and field monitoring approaches. For each type of bridge, it not only reports field monitoring results but also presents an integrated heat‑transfer and structural analysis framework, significantly enhancing the efficiency of simulating bridge temperature behaviors. Moreover, this book derives simple and general analytical formulas for temperature‑induced deformations of bridges that can be easily adopted by engineers. This standout feature has not been previously studied and reported within academic and engineering societies.

A unique feature of this book is the presentation of 25‑year field monitoring data of the Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge, the most extensive field data available, showing the long‑term behavior of the bridge. This invaluable data demonstrates the effects of global warming on infrastructure and necessitates the review of current design codes in the context of climate change. Other typical bridges, including the Hong Kong‑Zhuhai‑Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Footbridge, are also used as examples to enhance understanding.

Temperature Behavior of Bridges is an essential resource for postgraduate students, researchers, and engineers seeking to master the temperature behaviors affecting modern bridge infrastructure.

Bridges are subject to daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. The temperature variations can affect bridge materials and structural integrity, often interacting with other loads and masking their effects. Understanding temperature behaviors is crucial for accurate load assessment and bridge performance evaluation.

This book comprehensively studies temperature behaviors of bridges, covering beam, arch, cable‑stayed, and suspension bridges using analytical, numerical, and field monitoring approaches. For each type of bridge, it not only reports field monitoring results but also presents an integrated heat‑transfer and structural analysis framework, significantly enhancing the efficiency of simulating bridge temperature behaviors. Moreover, this book derives simple and general analytical formulas for temperature‑induced deformations of bridges that can be easily adopted by engineers. This standout feature has not been previously studied and reported within academic and engineering societies.

A unique feature of this book is the presentation of 25‑year field monitoring data of the Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge, the most extensive field data available, showing the long‑term behavior of the bridge. This invaluable data demonstrates the effects of global warming on infrastructure and necessitates the review of current design codes in the context of climate change. Other typical bridges, including the Hong Kong‑Zhuhai‑Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Footbridge, are also used as examples to enhance understanding.

Temperature Behavior of Bridges is an essential resource for postgraduate students, researchers, and engineers seeking to master the temperature behaviors affecting modern bridge infrastructure.

This book presents the exceptional biography of the 20th century Chinese astronomer Cheng Maolan, who came to France in 1926 on a China-France cooperation program to do his PhD with the idea of returning to China after a few years. Instead, he lived two lives. He first stayed in France and studied astronomy in Lyon, the “Silk city”, where he suffered the hardships of the German occupation, but also witnessed the construction of the Haute-Provence Observatory. After the war, he started a promising career at Lyon Observatory. However, in 1957 he decided to live a second life, by returning to the motherland, which had in the meantime become the People''s Republic of China. There, he suffered the hardships of the Cultural Revolution, but he managed to play a pivotal role in establishing the Beijing Observatory as its director. In particular, he prepared the ground for the Xinglong 2-m telescope, which saw its first light in 1989, ten years after his death.

Cheng Maolan is now considered a "Chinese hero": an "Astronomy and Technology Museum" was built and named after him in 2018, in his native city of Boye, Hebei Province, China, featuring a tall, white statue in front of the building.

Seen from “inside the IAU,” this book tells the in-depth story of a major crisis in which China “divorced” from the International Astronomical Union in 1960  as a protest against the admission of Taiwan. This happened to all the scientific unions at the same time, and to the Olympic Games, which, unexpectedly, would serve as a laboratory for the “reconciliation” which took place following the re-opening of China to the world 20 years later.

The so-called “China conflict” is the most important crisis in the post-WWII history of the IAU. Yet, many details about this conflict and its links to broader geopolitical events have long remained unsettled, obscure, or altogether absent. In particular, the book describes for the first time the “separation” period, which covered the Cultural Revolution, and in which the IAU made desperate official efforts to reach out to China, while some groups of Western and Chinese astronomers managed to keep contact at times. On the occasion of the IAU Centenary celebrations in 2019, the book revisits this painful succession of events using unpublished documents from the IAU Archives and the International Council of Scientific Unions. The book also contains supplementary typescripts of selected handwritten correspondences and the full translation of key original Chinese documents unknown to readers outside China.

What emerges is a complex and fascinating story of human relations and science diplomacy under the shadow of the Cold War. Readers will learn how the 20-year “China conflict” as lived by astronomers and scientists is important not only for the history of the IAU, but also for the history of contemporary China. 

“This book is full of so many original documents of the IAU office, very reliable and good to open to the public readers.” Shuhua Ye, Shanghai Observatory (IAU Vice-President, 1988-1994)

This book is a companion book to "Astronomers as Diplomats," published at the same time in the same series.

This book focuses on nonlinear wave equations, which are of considerable significance from both physical and theoretical perspectives. It also presents complete results on the lower bound estimates of lifespan (including the global existence), which are established for classical solutions to the Cauchy problem of nonlinear wave equations with small initial data in all possible space dimensions and with all possible integer powers of nonlinear terms.

Further, the book proposes the global iteration method, which offers a unified and straightforward approach for treating these kinds of problems. Purely based on the properties of solut

Dive headfirst into the electrifying universe of AI with "Prompt Design Patterns" - the ultimate blueprint for sculpting unparalleled human-AI dialogues. Tailored with precision for pros, novices, and everyone with a spark of AI curiosity, this tome unlocks the secrets of 23 transformative prompt design patterns, offering a seamless fusion of art and science.

Highlights of This AI Gem:

Explore 23 Transformative Prompt Patterns:

Demystify 8 Grand Riddles of Prompt Engineering:

"Prompt Design Patterns" isn''t just a guide - it''s a captivating voyage through the multifaceted realm of AI. Picture this: journeying from the simplicity of planning holidays to delving into the intricate realms of medical diagnostics and deciphering the unpredictable tides of financial markets. What makes this odyssey truly enriching? The abundance of real-world examples. Each chapter presents a rich tapestry of scenarios, case studies, and insights from AI maestros. Accompanied by vivid illustrations, these examples make grasping AI an engaging and interactive endeavor. Positioned at the forefront of AI''s ever-evolving landscape, this book invites you to probe deeper, challenge established ideas, and spark innovation. Who knows, with the wisdom you absorb, perhaps you''ll be the one to herald the next wave of AI advancements.

In today''s world, where artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, shaping every facet of our lives and businesses, "AI Native Enterprise" emerges as an indispensable guide for visionary leaders seeking to navigate the journey towards integrating AI at the heart of their business strategy. This book advocates for AI-Native thinking, a transformative approach that embeds AI into the very DNA of business, marking a shift towards next-generation enterprises. With insights drawn from analyzing over 500 business cases across most industries and organizational functions, it offers a rich, data-backed exploration of opportunities and challenges of becoming an AI-native leader.

Harnessing the Transformative Power of Generative AI

"AI Native Enterprise" delves into the revolutionary impact of Generative AI (GenAI), showcasing its role in redefining competitive landscapes, reshaping business models, and establishing new paradigms for growth and innovation. With AI everywhere, the book underscores the importance of embracing AI-native thinking to tackle digital age challenges, encompassing ethical considerations, governance complexities, and the imperative for a profound cultural shift towards AI integration.

Strategic Frameworks and Practical Insights from 500+ Real-World Business Cases

Through strategic frameworks like the AI Business Value Octagon, the book empowers leaders to assess and leverage AI''s strategic impact effectively. It navigates through the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Experience (ROE), and introduces a comprehensive AI Risk Mitigation Framework, equipping leaders with the necessary tools for informed decision-making and responsible AI deployment. Engaging case studies provide actionable insights for spearheading AI-powered business transformation in an era where AI is everywhere.

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"AI Native Enterprise" is tailored for a diverse audience eager to spearhead the transformation into AI-native enterprises. Executives, board members, and business leaders across industries will find invaluable guidance on leveraging AI to craft the new business DNA. Investors will discover insights into capitalizing on AI-driven opportunities. Technical leaders, including CTOs and CIOs, will gain a deep understanding of AI integration challenges and solutions. Business strategists and transformation leaders will learn about cutting-edge strategies for next-generation businesses. AI professionals, academic luminaries, and scholars-in-the-making will explore advanced concepts and the latest in AI research. In essence, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about pioneering AI-powered business transformation.

Embark on Your AI Transformation Journey

The book lays out a visionary roadmap for organizations ready to embrace the AI-everywhere paradigm. It calls for a strategic shift to AI-Native thinking, guiding readers through intricacies of AI integration for achieving unparalleled success. Start your journey towards transforming your organization into an AI-native enterprise today and lead your business into a new era of pervasive innovation and growth. This book is your gateway to becoming a frontrunner in the AI-powered future.