A Comparative Study of the L2 Pragmatic Competence of University Students in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland:The Contributions of Sociocultural Context and Linguistic Proficiency

This study investigates the differences in pragmatic competence between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland university students.Participants included 19 native speakers of English,115 Chinese mainland students,divided into those who had spent time abroad in an English-speaking country(CM A)and those who had not(CM NA),and 97 Hong Kong students,divided into those from an English-medium secondary school(Hong Kong EMI)and those from a Chinese-medium school(Hong Kong CMI).Linguistic proficiency was measured by a C-test,and pragmatic competence by a Metapragmatic Knowledge Test,an Irony Test and a Monologic Role Play.Group scores were compared using ANCOVAs to control for differences in proficiency.The results point to a continuum of pragmatic competence—EMI>CMI>CM A>CM NA—reflecting the groups’access to English in real-life contexts.The differences between the Hong Kong groups and the Chinese mainland groups were clearest in those tests measuring processing capacity(i.e.,Irony Response Time and the Monologic Role Play).CM A,but not CM NA,performed as well as the Hong Kong groups on measures of metapragmatic awareness.The results are discussed in terms of Bialystok’s(1993)distinction between analyzed representation and control of processing.

Process model of IT impacts on firm competitiveness based on application capability of information technology

To investigate the process of information technology （IT） impacts on firm competitiveness, an integrated process model of IT impacts on firm competitiveness is brought forward based on the process-oriented view, the resource-based view and the complementary resource view, which is comprised of an IT conversion process, an information system （IS） adoption process, an IS use process and a competition process. The application capability of IT plays the critical role, which determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the aforementioned four processes. The process model of IT impacts on firm competitiveness can also be used to explain why, under what situations and how IT can generate positive organizational outcomes, as well as theoretical bases for further empirical study.

Experimental study of pavement performance of basalt fiber-modified asphalt mixture

To discuss the pavement performance of basalt fiber-modified asphalt mixtures,the optimum dosages of asphalt and fibers are studied by the Marshall test and the rutting test.The results demonstrate that the optimum dosages of asphalt and fibers are 4.63% and 0.3%,respectively.Then the pavement performances of basalt（polyester,xylogen）fiber-modified asphalt mixtures are investigated through high temperature stability tests,water stability tests and low temperature crack resistance tests.It indicates that the pavement performances of the fiber-modified asphalt mixtures such as rutting dynamic stability,freezing splitting tensile strength,low temperature crack resistance and so on are improved compared with control asphalt mixture.The results show that the pavement performances of asphalt mixtures can be improved by fiber-modifiers.Besides,the improvement effects of basalt fiber are superior to polyester fiber and xylogen fiber.

Value co-creation model based on IS application capabilities

To illustrate how firms and customers co-create value in business to business （B2B） e-commerce, an integrated value co-creation model is proposed based on information systems （IS） application capabilities from the relational view. IS application capabilities, relational assets, customer agility and relational value are constructed and tested by empirical analysis. The empirical research tests and verifies the mediating effect of customer agility, and the interactions of IS application capabilities and relational assets, as well as their effect on relational value. This model expands the research framework of value co-creation in service dominant logic, and reveals the mechanism of how f＇n＇ms and customers co-create value in B2B e-commerce based on IS application capabilities, which provides the basis for further theory development and a practice guide.

Study on the Soil Moisture Stress Level in Regulated Deficit Irrigation Experiment

On the basis of discussing the influencing mode of plant moisture stress on plant physiological process and the division of soil moisture availability range, the water suction values partitioning soil moisture were put forward, and then the corresponding water moistures under water stress were obtained by conversing together with characteristic curve of water moisture.

Akebia ― a valuable wild fruit under domestication

Akebia is a wild fruit originating in the Yangtse river valley and the surrounding areas. It includes mainly three species （subspecies）： Akebia trifoliata, Akebia trifoliata subsp, australis, and Akebia quinata. It has many good traits, such as large fruit size, early fruit-setting and high yield, excellent eating quality, and good environmental adaptability. However, there are some shortcomings with the fruit, including thick skin, excessive number of seeds, and relatively small proportion of edible flesh. Akebia is also a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the functions of relieving internal heat and diuresis, dredging venation and improving blood circulation, cleansing facial chloasma, detoxication and anti-cancer activities. Akebia can be used as fresh fruit, for processing, and for pharmaceutical purposes. We have been undertaking a series of research on the domestication and utilization of Akebia, including cultivar selection, techniques for cultivation, storage and processing, and related basic studies. A Chinese trade name “Hehuanguo” and an English trade name “Joyfruit” have been registered for Akebia to facilitate its commercial development.

Ageing process of pre-precipitation phase in Ni_(0.75)Al_(0.05)Fe_(0.2) alloy based on phase field method

By utilizing phase field method combined with analysis on free energy and interatomic potentials, pre-precipitation phase formation and transformation process of Ni0.75Al0.05Fe0.2 alloy in early precipitation stage during the ageing process under 1 000 K were studied. And free energy, microstructures, compositions and volume fractions of pre-precipitation phase and equilibrium phase were analyzed. The simulation results indicate that nonstoichiometric Llo pre-precipitation phase formed first, and then would gradually transform into L12 equilibrium phase. It is discovered that the phase transformation process was closely related to free energy and interatomic potentials. Additionally, it is revealed that free energy of Llo pre-precipitation phase was higher and interatomic potential was smaller than that of L12 equilibrium phase. Therefore, it is concluded that Llo phase was unstable, and phase transformation would occur to L12 which was more stable.

Design of dense gap-graded friction course mixture

The design procedure of a dense gap-graded friction course（DGGFC） with coarse aggregate void filling method is presented. Testing results show that a DGGFC mixture possesses a dense stone-matrix structure, good stability and almost the same texture depth as stone matrix asphalt （SMA）. It also has a coarse and even surface after paving and has no separation during construction. It is durable and impermeable. It balances and improves the inherent inconsistency of asphalt mixture between the large texture depth for skid resistance and the impermeability for durability. The actual application in the Nanning-Liuzhou Expressway also shows that the performance of the DGGFC is as excellent as that of SMA, while the DGGFC mixture is cheaper than SMA. The DGGFC mixture is good for wearing course of pavement. Further research on DGGFC can be helpful for improving the surface skid resistance, prolonging the life-span period and reducing the construction costs of asphalt pavement.

Varietal Characteristics and Nutrition Characteristics of Several New Varieties of High Biomass Sugarcanes for Sugar and Energy

[Objective] The aim was to study the varietal characteristics of six new varieties of high biomass sugarcanes for sugar and energy namely GT02-833,GT97-69,GT02-351,GT03-2287,B9 and GT02-770,as well as the nutrition characteristics of them under drip irrigation conditions. [Method] Industrial and agronomic characters,total N,total P,total K and chlorophyll content were determined. [Result] Cane yield,total biomass yield and sugar content of six varieties were more than 180,200 and 25 t/hm2 respectively,which were higher than that of the control Xintaitang 22. The total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents of six varieties were high and persistent from Jul to Nov,but they decreased sharply in Dec. Total potassium content of all varieties increased from Jul to Dec. Chlorophyll content of all varieties were high from Aug to Oct,but they decreased sharply in Nov. Total nitrogen,total phosphorus and total potassium content of GT02-833,GT97-69 and B9 were higher than that of CK. [Conclusion] GT02-833,GT97-69 and B9 had characteristic of efficient use of nutrients,thus should be extended as elite varieties.

English newspapers and magazines and the teaching of College English

Reading English newspapers and magazines is an effective way to help the students get the latest information worldwide and improve English levels. The present article first analyzes the features of the English newspapers and magazines and then proposes making good use of them through such classroom activities as discussing the hot issue and role-playing to provide more authentic situations in which the students can have chances to practice four English skills, achieving the ideal teaching result.

Development,modeling and application of piezoelectric fiber composites

Piezoelectric materials are capable of actuation and sensing and have been used in a wide variety of smart devices and structures.Active fiber composite and macro fiber composite are newly developed types of piezoelectric composites,and show superior properties to monolithic piezoelectric wafer due to their distinctive structures.Numerous work has focused on the performance prediction of the composites by evaluation of structural parameters and properties of the constituent materials with analytical and numerical methods.Various applications have been explored for the piezoelectric fiber composites,including vibration and noise control,health monitoring,morphing of structures and energy harvesting,in which the composites play key role and demonstrate the necessity for further development.

Insight into Capture of Greenhouse Gas （CO2） based on Guanidinium Ionic Liquids

Quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics are used to simulate guanidinium ionic liquids. Results show that the stronger interaction exists between guanidine cation and chlorine anion with interaction energy about 109.216 kcal/mol. There are two types of spatial distribution for the title system： middle and top. Middle mode is a more stable conformation according to energy and geometric distribution. It is also verified by radial distribution function. The continuous increase of carbon dioxide （CO2） does not affect the structure of ionic liquids, but CO2 molecules are always captured by the cavity of ionic liquids.

Estimation of Net Primary Productivity of Terrestrial Vegetation in China by Remote Sensing

Among the many approaches for studying the net primary productivity (NPP), a new method by using remote sensing was introduced in this paper. With spectral information source (the visible band, near infrared band and thermal infrared band) of NOAA-AVHRR, we can get the relative index and parameters, which can be used for estimating NPP of terrestrial vegetation. By means of remote sensing, the estimation of biomass and NPP is mainly based on the models of light energy utilization. In other words, the biomass and NPP can be calculated from the relation among NPP, absorbed photosynthetical active radiation (APAR) and the rate (epsilon) of transformation of APAR to organic matter, thus: NPP = ( FPAR x PAR) x [epsilon * x sigma (T) x sigma (E) x sigma (S) x (1 - Y-m) x (1 - Y-g)]. Based upon remote sensing ( RS) and geographic information system (GIS), the NPP of terrestrial vegetation in China in every ten days was calculated, and the annual NPP was integrated. The result showed that the total NPP of terrestrial vegetation in China was 6.13 x 10(9) t C . a(-1) in 1990 and the maximum NPP was 1 812.9 g C/m(2). According to this result, the spatio-temporal distribution of NPP was analyzed. Comparing to the statistical models, the RS model, using area object other than point one, can better reflect the distribution of NPP, and match the geographic distribution of vegetation in China.

Comparison of two schemes for district cooling system utilizing cold energy of liquefied natural gas

Two schemes（scheme Ⅰ and scheme Ⅱ）for designing a district cooling system（DCS）utilizing cold energy of liquefied natural gas（LNG）are presented.In scheme Ⅰ,LNG cold energy is used to produce ice,and then ice is transported to the central cooling plant of the DCS.In scheme Ⅱ,return water from the DCS is directly chilled by LNG cold energy,and the chilled water is then sent back to the central plant.The heat transportation loss is the main negative impact in the DCS and is emphatically analyzed when evaluating the efficiency of each scheme.The results show that the DCS utilizing LNG cold energy is feasible and valuable.The cooling supply distance of scheme Ⅱ is limited within 13 km while scheme Ⅰ has no distance limit.When the distance is between 6 and 13 km,scheme Ⅱ is more practical and effective.Contrarily,scheme Ⅰ has a better economic performance when the distance is shorter than 6 km or longer than 13 km.

Preparation and Applications of Biodegradable Mulch

[Objective] The aim was to introduce preparation methods of biodegradable mulch of starch, and analyze the comprehensive properties, including structure, me- chanical property and degradation. [Method] Environmental factors of biodegradable mulch of starch and common mulch were collected to make analysis and compar- isons on temperature, ground temperature, and illumination intensity with different mulches. Furthermore, the germination rates of broach bean and garlic were mea- sured with mulches covered. [Result] The comprehensive property of biodegradable mulch of starch performed better. [Conclusion] The biodegradable mulch of starch could reduce environmental pollutions and the application would be recommended.

Utilization Potential of Sorghum-Sudan Grass Hybrid as a Bio-energy Resource

In this paper, we discussed the utilization potential of Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid as a bio-energy resource, including the growth speed, biomass, adapt- ability, resistance, photosynthesis, and calorific value. The Sorghum-Sudan grass hy- brid grew rapidly, and it had abundant biomass resources, strong adaptability and strong resistance （leanness-resistance, salt-tolerance, alkali-tolerance, etc）. Moreover, the planting of Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid did not occupy the farmland. It had high photosynthetic efficiency and high calorific value. Its composition also met the requirements by raw material of bio-energy resources. In addition, the economic benefits of Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid as a bio-energy resource were analyzed, and the existing problems and countermeasures in the development of Sorghum-Su- dan grass hybrid as a bio-energy resource were discussed.

Scheme of Nitrogen Reasonable Fertilization in Mulberry Gardens of Sichuan Hilly Areas

Abstract In the research, five test groups were set, including urea at O, 120, 240, 360 and 480 kg/hm^2, respectively, and analysis was conducted on mulberry leaf yield and some characters of the quality in order to establish utility functions of ap-plied N in mulberry gardens with different production purposes and to provide schemes of rational N fertilization. The results indicated that yield of mulberry leaf and content and yield of active nutritional substances in the leaves would be reduced either by insufficient or excessive N quantity. In addition, 240 kg/hm^2 of applied N significantly improved active nutritional substances in leaf and 360 kg/hm^2 of applied N significantly improved yields of mulberry leaf and active nutritional sub-stances. Therefore, utility functions of applied N quantity with leaf yield, DNJ content and yield were established accordingly. The optimal N quantity in mulberry gardens for sericulture is recommended 360 kg/hm^2 and the optimal N quantities in mulberry gardens for increase of yield and content of DNJ are 299.56 and 294.72 kg/hm^2, respectively.

Calculation model of edge carbon atoms in graphite particles for anode of lithium-ion batteries

Based on the hexagonal crystallite model of graphite,the electrochemical characteristics of carbon atoms on the edge and basal plane were proposed by analyzing graphite crystal structure and bonds of carbon atoms in different sites.A spherical close-packed model for graphite particle was developed.The fractions of surface carbon atoms（SCA） and edge carbon atoms（ECA） were derived in the expression of crystallographic parameters and particle size,and the effects of ECA on the initial irreversible capacity and the mechanisms of action were analyzed and verified.The results show that the atoms on the edge are more active for electrochemical reactions,such as electrolyte decomposition and tendency to form stable bond with other atoms and groups.For the practical graphite particle,corresponding modifying factors were introduced to revise the difference in calculating results.The revised expression is suitable for the calculation of the fractions of SCA and ECA for carbon materials such as graphite,disordered carbon and modified graphite.

Reconsideration on the role of pragmatic transfer

This paper reconsiders the role of L 1 pragmatic transfer on English learning after a brief historical review of the pragmatic transfer research. As pragmatic transfer is a communicative strategy which the language learners tend to use to deal with the immediate problems and difficulties in communication and to develop their pragmatic competence of the target language, the paper comes to the conclusion that foreign language teachers should consciously introduce the pragmatic transfer as a communicative strategy into the classroom teaching, and try to find effective means to cultivate their students＇ abilities of pragmatic transfer in order to develop pragmatic competence.

Influence of the Interaction Between Phonons and Coulomb Potential on the Properties of a Bound Polaron in a Quantum Dot

The properties of a bound polaron in a parabolic quantum dot with weak electron-LO-phonon coupling under a Coulomb field are studied. The ground state energy of the bound polaron is derived by using a linear combination operator and the perturbation method. The influence of the interaction between phonons with different wave vectors in the recoil process on the ground state energy of the bound polaron is discussed. Numerical calculations are performed,and the results show that the ground state energy increases significantly as the effective confinement length of the quantum dot decreases,considering of the interaction between phonons. When l0〉1.0, the influence of the interaction between phonons on the ground state energy cannot be ignored.