Innovations in cloud and service-oriented architectures continue to attract attention by offering interesting opportunities for research in scientific communities. Although advancements such as computational power, storage, networking, and infrastructure have aided in making major progress in the implementation and realization of cloud-based systems, there are still significant concerns that need to be taken into account. Principles, Methodologies, and Service-Oriented Approaches for Cloud Computing aims to present insight into Cloud principles, examine associated methods and technologies, and investigate the use of service-oriented computing technologies. In addressing supporting infrastructure of the Cloud, including associated challenges and pressing issues, this reference source aims to present researchers, engineers, and IT professionals with various approaches in Cloud computing.

Teaching and Learning Chinese in Higher Education deals with the current issues and challenges faced by teachers and learners of Chinese. Written by leading professionals and academics, the book is the first collection of research articles based on data collected in higher education institutions in the UK. The studies focus on concerns related to learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) and aim to establish studies on teaching Chinese as a foreign language (TCFL) as part of the mainstream of applied linguistics The contributors have applied their theoretical backgrounds in applied linguistics and education to tackle issues such as how to benchmark the Chinese written language with CEFR, how to integrate standardised Chinese proficiency tests with institutional assessments and teaching methodologies. Teaching and Learning Chinese in Higher Education will be invaluable to professionals, academics and students seeking theoretical frameworks in applied linguistics for TCFL.

As two Asian giants and rising power, the interactions between India and China have global significance. This book analyses the multifaceted and multi-layered character of Sino-Indian relations since the beginning of the 21st century in a period marked by cooperation and competition. Positioned in a social constructivist framework that emphasizes mutual perceptions and socialization, the book draws analytical leverage from two core concepts - national identity and national interest - to form the basis of the research inquiry. The author argues that the dynamics of national identity and national interest play an important role in determining their relations and shows how and why in the current international structure, including a context of accelerated globalization, their national identities as rising power and emerging power coupled with national interest of economic development have defined and directed their international positions and foreign policy-making. A unique approach to analysing Sino-Indian relations, this book is of interest to academics in the fields of Asian Politics and International Relations.

Teaching and Learning Chinese in Higher Education deals with the current issues and challenges faced by teachers and learners of Chinese. Written by leading professionals and academics, the book is the first collection of research articles based on data collected in higher education institutions in the UK. The studies focus on concerns related to learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) and aim to establish studies on teaching Chinese as a foreign language (TCFL) as part of the mainstream of applied linguistics The contributors have applied their theoretical backgrounds in applied linguistics and education to tackle issues such as how to benchmark the Chinese written language with CEFR, how to integrate standardised Chinese proficiency tests with institutional assessments and teaching methodologies. Teaching and Learning Chinese in Higher Education will be invaluable to professionals, academics and students seeking theoretical frameworks in applied linguistics for TCFL.

As two Asian giants and rising power, the interactions between India and China have global significance. This book analyses the multifaceted and multi-layered character of Sino-Indian relations since the beginning of the 21st century in a period marked by cooperation and competition. Positioned in a social constructivist framework that emphasizes mutual perceptions and socialization, the book draws analytical leverage from two core concepts - national identity and national interest - to form the basis of the research inquiry. The author argues that the dynamics of national identity and national interest play an important role in determining their relations and shows how and why in the current international structure, including a context of accelerated globalization, their national identities as rising power and emerging power coupled with national interest of economic development have defined and directed their international positions and foreign policy-making. A unique approach to analysing Sino-Indian relations, this book is of interest to academics in the fields of Asian Politics and International Relations.

Focusing on assessing competence in a language with a logographic script and Romanised phonological system Starting from introduction of basic concepts of language assessment to discussion of complex issues Presenting a consistent and theoretical framework based on research of L2 acquisition of Chinese Offering recommended lists of references for further understanding and studies Providing purposeful topics of discussion, tasks and projects for individual, pair and group work

Focusing on assessing competence in a language with a logographic script and Romanised phonological system Starting from introduction of basic concepts of language assessment to discussion of complex issues Presenting a consistent and theoretical framework based on research of L2 acquisition of Chinese Offering recommended lists of references for further understanding and studies Providing purposeful topics of discussion, tasks and projects for individual, pair and group work

This innovative sourcebook builds a dynamic understanding of China's early medieval period (220-589) through an original selection and arrangement of literary, historical, religious, and critical texts. A tumultuous and formative era, these centuries saw the longest stretch of political fragmentation in China's imperial history, resulting in new ethnic configurations, the rise of powerful clans, and a pervasive divide between north and south. Deploying thematic categories, the editors sketch the period in a novel way for students and, by featuring many texts translated into English for the first time, recast the era for specialists. Thematic topics include regional definitions and tensions, governing mechanisms and social reality, ideas of self and other, relations with the unseen world, everyday life, and cultural concepts. Within each section, the editors and translators introduce the selected texts and provide critical commentary on their historical significance, along with suggestions for further reading and research.