To win the God of War’s favour was wise – to fall in love with him would ruin me.

As the heir to the Tianxia throne, Liyen must renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals who once protected them. But when her grandfather steals to save her life, the immortal queen commands the powerful God of War to attack Liyen’s home in revenge.

Liyen ascends vowing to end her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. To learn their secrets and to protect her people, she forges a tenuous alliance with the one she should fear and mistrust the most: the ruthless God of War.

A treacherous attraction ignites as they are drawn together. Yet darker forces are closing in and with her kingdom plunged into peril once more, Liyen must risk everything to save her people from an unspeakable fate, even if it means losing everything…even her heart.

Learn to effectively manage all supply chain activities with Wisner/Tan/Leong's PRINCIPLES OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A BALANCED APPROACH.

This unique text discusses supply management from four perspectives: purchasing, operations, logistics and process integration. This balanced approach varies significantly from other books that concentrate on only one area. Updates and new references highlight recent events, including supply chain challenges during the global pandemic. This edition follows the natural flow through the supply chain of trading partners as you examine how supply chain management impacts all areas and processes of the firm.

You learn to address real concerns in both domestic and global supply chains as well-organized chapters demonstrate the practical applications of supply chain management in today's workplace. Updated profiles and interesting business examples demonstrate practices at work. MindTap digital resources are available to assist in mastering concepts.

MMA fighter Cole Young, accustomed to taking a beating for money, is unaware of his heritage—or why Outworld's Emperor Shang Tsung has sent his best warrior, Sub-Zero, an otherworldly Cryomancer, to hunt Cole down. Fearing for his family's safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with.

Soon, he finds himself at the temple of Lord Raiden, an Elder God and the protector of Earthrealm, who grants sanctuary to those who bear the mark. Here, Cole trains with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano, as he prepares to stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.

But will Cole be pushed hard enough to unlock his arcana—the immense power from within his soul—in time to save not only his family, but to stop Outworld once and for all?

A Generalized Framework of Linear Multivariable Control proposes a number of generalized models by using the generalized inverse of matrix, while the usual linear multivariable control theory relies on some regular models. The book supports that in H-infinity control, the linear fractional transformation formulation is relying on the inverse of the block matrix. If the block matrix is not regular, the H-infinity control does not apply any more in the normal framework. Therefore, it is very important to relax those restrictions to generalize the classical notions and models to include some non-regular cases. This book is ideal for scholars, academics, professional engineer and students who are interested in control system theory.

Due to the financial crisis around the world, stability of the banking sector is critical. Several rounds of banking reforms in China have aimed to improve performance and competition, and "Performance, Risk and Competition in the Chinese Banking Industry" provides a comprehensive analysis of performance, risk, competition and their relationships in Chinese banking industry. The book consists of seven chapters: the first chapter gives an introduction, followed by an overview of the Chinese banking sector in chapter two. Chapter three discusses corporate governance in the Chinese banking sector. The fourth and fifth chapters investigate risk, performance, competition, and their relationships. Chapter six outlines future development of the Chinese banking sector, and finally, chapter seven provides a conclusion.
provides a comprehensive analysis of risk conditions in the Chinese banking sectora detailed investigation on the performance of the Chinese banking sectorexamines the state of competition

Semiconductor gas sensors have a wide range of applications in safety, process control, environmental monitoring, indoor or cabin air quality and medical diagnosis. This important book summarises recent research on basic principles, new materials and emerging technologies in this essential field.
The first part of the book reviews the underlying principles and sensing mechanisms for n- and p-type oxide semiconductors, introduces the theory for nanosize materials and describes the role of electrode-semiconductor interfaces. The second part of the book describes recent developments in silicon carbide- and graphene-based gas sensors, wide bandgap semiconductor gas sensors and micromachined and direct thermoelectric gas sensors. Part 3 discusses the use of nanomaterials for gas sensing, including metal oxide nanostructures, quantum dots, single-alled carbon nanotubes and porous silicon. The final part of the book surveys key applications in environmental monitoring, detecting chemical warfare agents and monitoring gases such as carbon dioxide.
Semiconductor gas sensors is a valuable reference work for all those involved in gas monitoring, including those in the building industry, environmental engineers, defence and security specialists and researchers in this field.
Provides an overview of resistor and non-resistor sensorsReviews developments in gas sensors and sensing methods, including graphene based sensors and direct thermoelectric sensorsDiscusses the use of nanomaterials in gas sensing

This book provides an introduction to the physics of nanoelectronics, with a focus on the theoretical aspects of nanoscale devices. The book begins with an overview of the mathematics and quantum mechanics pertaining to nanoscale electronics, to facilitate the understanding of subsequent chapters. It goes on to encompass quantum electronics, spintronics, Hall effects, carbon and graphene electronics, and topological physics in nanoscale devices.
Theoretical methodology is developed using quantum mechanical and non-equilibrium Green s function (NEGF) techniques to calculate electronic currents and elucidate their transport properties at the atomic scale. The spin Hall effect is explained and its application to the emerging field of spintronics - where an electron s spin as well as its charge is utilised - is discussed. Topological dynamics and gauge potential are introduced with the relevant mathematics, and their application in nanoelectronic systems is explained. Graphene, one of the most promising carbon-based nanostructures for nanoelectronics, is also explored.
Begins with an overview of the mathematics and quantum mechanics pertaining to nanoscale electronicsEncompasses quantum electronics, spintronics, Hall effects, carbon and graphene electronics, and topological physics in nanoscale devicesComprehensively introduces topological dynamics and gauge potential with the relevant mathematics, and extensively discusses their application in nanoelectronic systems"

A heartwarming bestselling Korean novel about the power of books to heal, as a woman leaves her busy life in Seoul to open a bookshop café in the countryside where guests can stay overnight

Welcome to Soyangri Book Kitchen

In a peaceful village in the countryside, far from the bustling heart of Seoul, lies a book lovers’ paradise. With its wafts of delicious food and book-filled shelves, Soyangri Book Kitchen is dotingly managed by its plucky proprietor Yoojin. Her aim? To create a sanctuary for weary souls like herself.

But the book kitchen is more than just a place to eat or read – it’s a place which offers its guests a true escape, not just inside the pages of its many books, but in the warm embrace of an overnight bookstay.

Over the course of a year, seven individuals, all at a crossroads in their lives, find their way to Yoojin’s book kitchen. Among them are Da-in, a singer grappling with an identity crisis, Sohee, a promising lawyer confronted with a daunting medical diagnosis, and Soohyuk, a young musical director whose dreams have been stifled by failure.

As they arrive in Soyangri, each of them will find their life subtly transformed by the magic of its books and the kindness of its people.

IN THIS FAIRYTALE, MONSTERS WEAR CROWNS . . .

Never Ever After is a powerful and fierce reimagining of Cinderella, a breathtaking new fantasy romance influenced by Chinese fairytales from the acclaimed Sunday Times bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has only survived as a skilled thief and an even better liar. But when she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.

Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she's never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, and soon she is trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed - her only ally a cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own.

To break free, Yining must embark on a perilous quest to fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her, and choose who to trust when allies can be as deadly as enemies.

Willie Somerset Maugham is one of the greatest writers of the early twentieth century. But in 1921 he is beleaguered by an unhappy marriage, ill-health and business interests that have gone badly awry. He is also struggling to write.

His friend Robert Hamlyn offers an escape in the Straits Settlements of Penang, where Robert’s steely wife Lesley learns to see Willie as he is – a man who has no choice but to mask his true self.

As Willie prepares to leave, Lesley confides in him secrets of her own, including how she came to know the charismatic revolutionary Dr Sun Yat Sen. And more scandalous still, her connection to an Englishwoman charged with murder in the Kuala Lumpur courts – a tragedy drawn from fact, and worthy of fiction.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. With contributions from global leading scholars, this Research Agenda offers an interdisciplinary collection of ideas investigating gender and leadership; where we are today and where we are going. Using critical perspectives, chapters challenge the way we think about gender and leadership by questioning the status quo. Providing cutting edge discussion from authors of diverse genders, races, ages, ethnicities, and religions, this book provides analysis of the key issues and methodologies in modern leadership research. Forward thinking, it examines current guidelines and provides insight towards an equitable and positive change in leadership. Leadership scholars and graduate students interested in business leadership as well as gender and management more broadly will find this not only an informative but an illuminating read.

The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name...
We do it in the dark. Under the sheets. With a penlight. We wear sunglasses and a baseball hat at the bookstore. We have a "special place" where we store them. Let's face it: Not many folks are willing to publicly admit they love romance novels. Meanwhile, romance continues to be the bestselling fiction genre. Ever. So what's with all the shame?
Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan -- the creators of the wildly popular blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books -- have no shame They look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of romance novels and tackle the hard issues and questions:
-- The heroine's irresistible Magic Hoo Hoo and the hero's untamable Wang of Mighty Lovin'
-- Sexual trends. Simultaneous orgasms. Hymens. And is anal really the new oral?
-- Romance novel cover requirements: man titty, camel toe, flowers, long hair, animals, and the O-face
-- Are romance novels really candy-coated porn or vehicles by which we understand our sexual and gender politics?
With insider advice for writing romances, fun games to discover your inner Viking warrior, and interviews with famous romance authors, "Beyond Heaving Bosoms" shows that while some romance novels are silly -- maybe even tawdry -- they can also be intelligent, savvy, feminist, and fabulous, just like their readers

This state-of-the-art Encyclopedia provides a detailed snapshot study of politics in Asia. Curated by two internationally recognised scholars, entries offer key insights and critical reference points in order to navigate the vastness, diversity and dynamism of Asian politics. Cross-disciplinary in approach, this pioneering Encyclopedia of Asian Politics reviews a broad range of issues such as democratisation, identity politics, political culture and terrorism, as well as the regional divisions across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Contributors include a wealth of specialist academics and practitioners from a diverse array of fields. They provide case studies on specific countries for further insight, focussing on China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan and Vietnam among other territories. Offering a high level of detail in an accessible manner, this definitive Encyclopedia will be crucial reading for students and academics in international relations, international politics, Asian studies and Asian politics. It will also prove an excellent reference point for practitioners and professionals working in the field. Key Features: Covers the latest developments in the field of Asian politics Signposts extensive additional resources for further reading and exploration Over 50 entries organised according to key geographic regions and conceptual themes Entries written by leading scholars reviewing core topics in the current political landscape

This comprehensive Research Handbook examines the key drivers of the arms trade, mapping the main trends in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. It also explores the principal defence markets internationally, including the US, China, India, Russia and the UK in greater detail. Across twenty-six chapters, international experts assess the central drivers of the arms trade, such as the insecurities of small states in an increasingly realist world of power politics, the continued presence of conflict, technological change and the presence of corruption. Analysing critical issues from the future of air and naval power and their implications for the trade to the impact of emerging technology and the prospects for arms control, the chapters raise a number of central issues as to the challenges and future direction of the arms trade. The Research Handbook concludes that defence spending and procurement have remained paramount and on a general upward trend since the Cold War, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. This Research Handbook will be a valuable resource for academics and students of international relations, security studies and political science. Its global approach will also be beneficial for arms policy analysts and defence professionals.

The bestselling debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess. A young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm, setting her on a dangerous path where those she loves are not the only ones at risk… *THE INSTANT TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* THERE ARE MANY LEGENDS ABOUT MY MOTHER… Raised far away on the moon, Xingyin was unaware she was being hidden from the Celestial Emperor – who exiled her mother for stealing the elixir of immortality. But when her magic flares and reveals her, Xingyin is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind. Alone, powerless, and afraid, Xingyin makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. In disguise, she trains alongside the Emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, despite the passion which flames between them. Vowing to rescue her mother, Xingyin embarks on a quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, Xingyin must challenge the ruthless Emperor, leaving her torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos… Inspired by the legend of Chang’e the Moon Goddess, this captivating debut weaves Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of love and family, immortals and magic. “A breathtaking debut novel that will sweep readers away. Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish. I love this book.� ¯Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series “This vivid, unputdownable debut effortlessly whisks us into the celestial realms of Chinese high fantasy. A captivating treat for lovers of Chinese fantasy dramas and newcomers alike.� ¯Shelley Parker-Chan, bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun “A lush, dreamy gem of a novel.� ¯Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The City of Brass “Strikingly evocative, tense, and heartfelt, Daughter of the Moon Goddess leaves you dreaming of dragons.� ¯Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter

Are business schools on the wrong track? For many years, business schools enjoyed rising enrollments, positive media attention, and growing prestige in the business world. However, due to the disruption of Covid-19, many previously ignored issues relating to MBA programs resurfaced. As a result, MBA programs now face lower enrollments and intense criticism for being deficient in preparing future business leaders and ignoring essential topics like ethics, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. The Future of Business Schools discusses these issues in the context of three critical areas: complexity, sustainability, and destiny. How do we prepare students for a new and complex world, how can business schools focus on the planet's sustainability, and how will they shape a better future for everyone? The chapters present views and suggestions of business school professors, researchers, and leaders from different contexts and countries as well as ideas for business school stakeholders, on topics from program structures, course content, and teaching materials to research topics. In addition to examples of innovations, there are tools offered to help universities navigate complexity and prepare for uncertainty. The material will assist business school faculty, staff, and administrators as well as professionals, policymakers, and organizations in identifying new directions for business schools in this evolving field.

The world today needs mindful leaders who care for the holistic well-being of their students and staff, inspiring all to renew schools with compassion, creativity and courage. But what is mindful leadership, and how can leaders create and sustain mindful schools? Mindful Leadership for Schools draws on the educational thought of Confucius and explores how Confucian mindful leadership (CML) can offer a solution. This book shows how a Confucian mindful leader is one who attends to self, others, things and events respectfully, promoting the virtues of love, harmony and social justice through personal cultivation, role-modelling, community-building, coaching and initiating reforms. Tan explores how this approach complements and strengthens authentic, instructional, distributed and transformational leadership strategies, offering a novel and practical leadership approach that combines ancient wisdom and modern educational research.

Semiconductors and Semimetals, Volume 111 highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Precision Medicine. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

Murry is tired of being told to hurry. It's not that he doesn't want to pick up the pace. Sloths just are not made to move fast. Can't everyone see that he is trying his best? Murry dreams of being good at sport. But whoever has seen a sloth win a race or score a goal? Poor Murry feels destined to be slow forever. However, one day, an excursion to the lake helps Murry discover his speed and that you don't always need to hurry to be fast. Hurry Murry! is a story about how it is possible to achieve success by going at one's own pace in a fast-moving world.