Text Difficulty,Working Memory Capacity and Mind Wandering During Chinese EFL Learners’Reading

This experimental study investigated how text difficulty and different working memory capacity(WMC)affected Chinese EFL learners’reading comprehension and their tendency to engage in task-unrelated thoughts,that is,mind wandering(MW),in the course of reading.Sixty first-year university non-English majors participated in the study.A two-factor mixed experimental design of 2(text difficulty:difficult and simple)×2(WMC:high/large and low/small)was employed.Results revealed that 1)the main and interaction effects of WMC and text difficulty on voluntary MW were significant,whereas those on involuntary MW were not;2)while reading the easy texts,the involuntary MW of high-WMC individuals was less frequent than that of low-WMC ones,whereas while reading the difficult ones,the direct relationship between WMC and involuntary MW was not found;and that 3)high-WMC individuals had a lower overall rate of MW and better reading performance than low-WMC individuals did,but with increasing text difficulty,their rates of overall MW and voluntary MW were getting higher and higher,and the reading performance was getting lower and lower.These results lend support to WM theory and have pedagogical implications for the instruction of L2 reading.

Double-Doped Carbon-Based Electrodes with Nitrogen and Oxygen to Boost the Areal Capacity of Zinc-Bromine Flow Batteries

Ensuring a stable power output from renewable energy sources,such as wind and solar energy,depends on the development of large-scale and long-duration energy storage devices.Zinc–bromine fl ow batteries(ZBFBs)have emerged as cost-eff ective and high-energy-density solutions,replacing expensive all-vanadium fl ow batteries.However,uneven Zn deposition during charging results in the formation of problematic Zn dendrites,leading to mass transport polarization and self-discharge.Stable Zn plating and stripping are essential for the successful operation of high-areal-capacity ZBFBs.In this study,we successfully synthesized nitrogen and oxygen co-doped functional carbon felt(NOCF4)electrode through the oxidative polymerization of dopamine,followed by calcination under ambient conditions.The NOCF4 electrode eff ectively facilitates effi cient“shuttle deposition”of Zn during charging,signifi cantly enhancing the areal capacity of the electrode.Remarkably,ZBFBs utilizing NOCF4 as the anode material exhibited stable cycling performance for 40 cycles(approximately 240 h)at an areal capacity of 60 mA h/cm^(2).Even at a high areal capacity of 130 mA h/cm^(2),an impressive energy effi ciency of 76.98%was achieved.These fi ndings provide a promising pathway for the development of high-areal-capacity ZBFBs for advanced energy storage systems.

Short-Term Memory Capacity across Time and Language Estimated from Ancient and Modern Literary Texts. Study-Case: New Testament Translations

We study the short-term memory capacity of ancient readers of the original New Testament written in Greek, of its translations to Latin and to modern languages. To model it, we consider the number of words between any two contiguous interpunctions Ip, because this parameter can model how the human mind memorizes “chunks” of information. Since IP can be calculated for any alphabetical text, we can perform experiments—otherwise impossible— with ancient readers by studying the literary works they used to read. The “experiments” compare the IP of texts of a language/translation to those of another language/translation by measuring the minimum average probability of finding joint readers (those who can read both texts because of similar short-term memory capacity) and by defining an “overlap index”. We also define the population of universal readers, people who can read any New Testament text in any language. Future work is vast, with many research tracks, because alphabetical literatures are very large and allow many experiments, such as comparing authors, translations or even texts written by artificial intelligence tools.

SMConf: One-Size-Fit-Bunch, Automated Memory Capacity Configuration for In-Memory Data Analytic Platform

Spark is the most popular in-memory processing framework for big data analytics.Memory is the crucial resource for workloads to achieve performance acceleration on Spark.The extant memory capacity configuration approach in Spark is to statically configure the memory capacity for workloads based on user’s specifications.However,without the deep knowledge of the workload’s system-level characteristics,users in practice often conservatively overestimate the memory utilizations of their workloads and require resource manager to grant more memory share than that they actually need,which leads to the severe waste of memory resources.To address the above issue,SMConf,an automated memory capacity configuration solution for in-memory computing workloads in Spark is proposed.SMConf is designed based on the observation that,though there is not one-size-fit-all proper configuration,the one-size-fit-bunch configuration can be found for in-memory computing workloads.SMConf classifies typical Spark workloads into categories based on metrics across layers of Spark system stack.For each workload category,an individual memory requirement model is learned from the workload’s input data size and the strong-correlated configuration parameters.For an ad-hoc workload,SMConf matches its memory requirement signature to one of the workload categories with small-sized input data and determines its proper memory capacity configuration with the corresponding memory requirement model.Experimental results demonstrate that,compared to the conservative default configuration,SMConf can reduce the memory resource provision to Spark workloads by up to 69%with the slight performance degradation,and reduce the average turnaround time of Spark workloads by up to 55%in the multi-tenant environments.

A Chessboard Model of Human Brain and An Application on Memory Capacity

The famous claim that we only use about 10% of the brain capacity has recently been challenged. Researchers argue that we are likely to use the whole brain, against the 10% claim. Some evidence and results from relevant studies and experiments related to memory in the field of neuroscience lead to the conclusion that if the rest 90% of the brain is not used, then many neural pathways will degenerate. What is memory? How does the brain function? What would be the limit of memory capacity? This article provides a model established upon the physiological and neurological characteristics of the human brain, which can give some theoretical support and scientific explanation to explain some phenomena. It may not only have theoretically significance in neuroscience, but can also be practically useful to fill in the gap between the natural and machine intelligence.

Influence of Working Memory Capacity on the Frequency of Self-Repairs

This article explored the influence of working memory capacity on the frequency of self-repairs.The narrative task and listening span task were used.Twenty post-graduate students participated in this study.Overall,the results of this study illustrated that the working memory is a factor of self-repairs.Speakers who have higher working memory capacity produce lesser self-repairs.This finding provides teachers with a new insight into second language teaching;that is,teachers can improve the amount of lexical knowledge when teaching students who have lower working memory in order to help them produce more accurate language during the process of L2 speech production.

Design optimization of cast Cu-Al-Be-B alloys for high damping capacity

This paper investigated high-damping Cu-Al-Be-B cast alloys using metallographic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrical resistance measurements for transformation temperatures. The results showed that beryllium can stabilize β phase, resulting in a thermo-elastic martensite microstructure leading to high-damping capacity in cast Cu-Al-Be-B alloys. Trace additions of boron to Cu-Al-Be alloys can significantly refine the grains, providing high strength and ductility to the alloys. A factorial design of experiment method was used to optimize the composition and properties of cast Cu-Al-Be-B alloys. The optimal microstructure for thermo-elastic martensite can be obtained by adjusting the amounts of aluminum and beryllium to eutectoid or pseudo-eutectoid compositions. An optimized cast Cu-Al-Be-B alloy was developed to provide excellent mechanical properties, tensile strength σ_b=767MPa, elongation δ=7.62%, and damping capacity S. D. C=18.70%.

Performance and capacity fading reason of LiMn_2O_4/graphite batteries after storing at high temperature

Spinel LiMn204 was synthesized by a solid-state method. A 204468-size battery was fabricated and stored at 55℃. The structure and morphology of the LiMn204 cathode were analyzed by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） technique. Energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） was used to analyze the surface component of the carbon anode. The discharge capacities of LiMn204 stored for 0, 24, 48, and 96 h are 106, 98, 96, and 92 mAh·g^-1, respectively. The cyclic performance is improved after storage. The capacity retentions of LiMn204 stored for 0, 24, 48, and 96 h are 83.8%, 85.8%, 86.9%, and 88.6% after 180 cycles. The intensity of all the LiMn204 diffraction peaks is weakened. Mn is detected from the carbon electrode when the battery is stored for 96 h. Cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS） were used to examine the surface state of the electrode after storage. The results show that the resistance and polarization of LiMn2O4/electrolyte is increased after storage, which is responsible for the fading of capacity.

Zero-Thermal Expansion and Heat Capacity of Zirconium Pyrovanadate Doped with Zirconia and Vanadium (V) Oxide

The dominant phase ZrV2O7 material, doped with zirconia and vanadium (V) oxide, was synthesized by solid state reaction and sol-gel methods. X-ray power diffraction patterns show that it is cubic structure. Thermal mechanic analysis measurements exhibit a zero-thermal expansion of this material above 150 degreesC. Meanwhile, the heat capacity dependent on temperature, determined by differential scanning calorimetry, keeps in constant almost in the same temperature range. The relationship between unusual thermal expansion and abnormal heat capacity is discussed with Gruneisen parameter.

Ordered mesoporous Cu-ZnO-Al_2O_3 adsorbents for reactive adsorption desulfurization with enhanced sulfur saturation capacity

To enhance sulfur adsorption and reactive activity, ordered mesoporous Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 adsorbents were prepared by a novel one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly strategy using P123 as a structure-directing agent and ethanol as the solvent for reactive adsorption desulfurization. The metal oxide precursor molecules around P123 micellized, and self-assembly simultaneously occurred during evaporation from an ethanol solution at 60 °C, leading to the formation of the p6 mm hexagonal symmetry mesoporous structure. Characterization results prove that the Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 adsorbents possess an ordered mesoporous structure with high thermal stability, large surface area（386–226 m2/g）, large pore volume（0.60–0.46 cm3/g）, and good dispersion of ZnO and Cu, which is beneficial for transforming S-compounds to ZnO. The sulfur saturation capacity of the ordered-mesoporous-structure Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 adsorbents is larger（49.4 mg/g） than that of the unordered mesoporous structure（13.5 mg/g）.

Study on sulphide capacity of CaO-SiO_2-Al_2O_3-MgO-Fe_tO slags

The sulphide capacity of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-FetO slags was studied at 1773 K using gas-slag equilibrium techniques. Utilizing a Pt crucible, the slag was equilibrated with a mixture of gases, namely, CO, CO2, SO2 and N2 to provide the partial pressure of oxygen and sulphur. It was shown that at fixed FetO and Al2O3 contents and a fixed { （%CaO）＋（%MgO）}/（%SIO2） ratio, the sulphide capacity decreases with increasing MgO content. At a constant （%CaO）/（%SiO2） ratio and constant MgO and Al2O3 contents, increasing the FetO content of the slags also results in an increase of the sulphide capacity. The rising basicity of （%CaO）/（%SiO2） from 1.0 to 1.4 at fixed MgO, FetO and Al2O3 contents significantly increases the sulphide capacity.

Effect of environmental temperature on damping capacity of Cu-Al-Mn alloy

The effect of environmental temperature on the damping capacity of Cu-7.66Al-9.52Mn (mass fraction, %) alloy was studied. The result shows that with increasing the environmental temperature, the logarithmic decrement increases firstly and reaches the maximal value of 0.118. The reason is that more phase interfaces and twinning boundaries can move at a higher temperature, leading to higher consumption of energy, in despite of the decreasing of the amount of martensite. When the environmental temperature is above Ms, with further increase in the environmental temperature, the logarithmic decrement decreases sharply mainly because there is little martensite remaining in the alloy.

Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia Exposure on Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Repeated Restraint Stress and Forced Swimming Induced-Mouse Model

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) shows as its main symptoms debilitating fatigue that is not relieved by physiological rest, depression, inflammation, learning disability and memory impairment. But, intermittent hypoxia, consisting of alternating exposure to hypoxia and normoxia, plays a very important role in improving CFS. However, the essential components for improving learning and memory in CFS patients as well as their mechanism are largely unknown. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the effects of 12% and 15% hypoxia on the expression of alpha tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in CFS induced-mouse model for clarifying the effects on the learning and memory function. Methods: A total of 48 type IC mice were used. The CFS mouse model was established using restrained stress and repeated forced swimming. Treatment of CFS was done by exposing CFS mice to intermittent hypoxia at 12% and 15%. The effects of intermittent hypoxia on learning and memory as well as its mechanism of action on inflammation were tested respectively with the Morris test, the SDS page, the immunohistochemistry technique and the Nissl staining. Results: We found that 12% and 15% intermittent hypoxia exposure improved learning capacity and memory of CFS induced-mice. SDS page showed that CFS caused higher TNF-α expression. By exposing CFS mice to 12% and 15% intermittent hypoxia, TNF-α expression decreased significantly, with a much better effect at 15%. Both TNF-α and NF-κB increased in CFS state and decreased after treatment with intermittent hypoxia. Conclusion: Intermittent hypoxia improves learning capacity and memory. It acted by decreasing NF-κB come to down-regulating TNF-α and ameliorates learning capacity and memory impairment in CFS mice.

Quantum speed-up capacity in different types of quantum channels for two-qubit open systems

A potential acceleration of a quantum open system is of fundamental interest in quantum computation, quantum communication, and quantum metrology. In this paper, we investigate the ＂quantum speed-up capacity＂ which reveals the potential ability of a quantum system to be accelerated. We explore the evolutions of the speed-up capacity in different quantum channels for two-qubit states. We find that although the dynamics of the capacity is varying in different kinds of channels, it is positive in most situations which are considered in the context except one case in the amplitude-damping channel. We give the reasons for the different features of the dynamics. Anyway, the speed-up capacity can be improved by the memory effect. We find two ways which may be used to control the capacity in an experiment： selecting an appropriate coefficient of an initial state or changing the memory degree of environments.

Lost in the Present: Anterograde Amnesia and Medical Decision Making Capacity

Although there have been a limited number of case reports of human bilateral hippocampal injury, none of these have addressed the impact of such injuries on medical decision making capacity. The authors present a case of an elderly man with discrete bilateral hippocampal injury. As a result of his injury, the patient was hopelessly “lost in the present” and only retained the basic cognitive functions necessary to have decision making capacity for a limited period of time. He was unable to appreciate the nature of his injury, the potential risks involved in his decisions, and the recommended course of treatment longer than a few minutes. The patient’s resultant neurocognitive deficits left him lacking medical decision making capacity, a likely outcome for patients with persistent anterograde amnesia.

Capacity Titration Technique for Determining the Solid Diffusion Coefficient of Intercalary Species within Insertion-host Materials

In this paper, the capacity titration technique （CT technique） was developed on basis of the RPG （ratio of potentio-charge capacity to galvano-charge capacity） method to continuously determine the solid diffusion coefficient D of the intercalary species within insertion-host materials with a small voltage region. The linear equations of D vs. q （value of ratio of the potentio-charge capacity to the galvano-charge capacity） were given in different range of q. By the CT technique,the Li^＋ solid diffusion coefficients D within LiMn2O4 at different voltages were determined. The results showed that the values of D varied from 3.447×10^-9 cm^2/s to 7.60×10^-11 cm^2/s in the voltage range of charge from 3.3V to 4.3V as a function of voltage with “W” shape.

Factors affecting specific capacity and rate performance of aqueous Li4Ti5O12 battery

The use of an aqueous slurry in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries has the advantages of being environmentally friendly,harmless to the human body,and low in production cost.In this study,the factors affecting the specific capacity and rate performance of the aqueous Li4Ti5O12 battery were studied,including the Li4Ti5O12 structure,aqueous binder,conductive agent,and surface density.The results show that a spherical secondary particle structure of Li4Ti5O12 is beneficial to its discharge rate performance.In addition,an aqueous binder with high conductivity improves the specific capacity and high rate charge/discharge performance of the battery,and when the amount of binder is 3%,the Li4Ti5O12 battery performs better.A chain structure in the conductive agent also improves the specific capacity and discharge rate performance of the Li4Ti5O12 battery,and increases the degree to which the discharge rate performance of the conductive agent can be further improved.Lastly,the lower the surface density,the better the rate performance of the Li4Ti5O12 battery.

A Prediction Method of Trend-Type Capacity Index Based on Recurrent Neural Network

Due to the increase in the types of business and equipment in telecommunications companies,the performance index data collected in the operation and maintenance process varies greatly.The diversity of index data makes it very difficult to perform high-precision capacity prediction.In order to improve the forecasting efficiency of related indexes,this paper designs a classification method of capacity index data,which divides the capacity index data into trend type,periodic type and irregular type.Then for the prediction of trend data,it proposes a capacity index prediction model based on Recurrent Neural Network(RNN),denoted as RNN-LSTM-LSTM.This model includes a basic RNN,two Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM)networks and two Fully Connected layers.The experimental results show that,compared with the traditional Holt-Winters,Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA)and Back Propagation(BP)neural network prediction model,the mean square error(MSE)of the proposed RNN-LSTM-LSTM model are reduced by 11.82%and 20.34%on the order storage and data migration,which has greatly improved the efficiency of trend-type capacity index prediction.