Response Ability to External Signal Enhanced by Biological Spatial Configuration in Coupled Hindmarsh-Rose Neural System

The effect of realistic topology configuration of intercellular connections on the response ability in coupled cell system is numerically investigated by using the Hindmarsh-Rose model. For the proper coupling intensity, we set the control parameter to be near the critical value, and the external stimulus is introduced to the first cell in coupled system. It is found that, on one hand, when the cells are coupled with some proper topological structures, the external stimulus could transmit through the system, and shows better response ability and higher sensitivity. On the other hand, the influence of topological configuration on the synchronous ability and selection effect of neural system are also discussed. Our results display that the topology of coupled system may play an important role in the process of signal propagation, which could help us to understand the coordinated performance of cells in tissue.

An Empirical Study of the Senior Corporate Managers＇ Ability to Innovate

Senior corporate managers＇ innovation ability and spirit are very important in the growth process of corporate business development. This paper focuses on the innovation capacities of the senior corporate managers of listed companies in China and the complex relationship between firm performance and the operating environment to study and analyze the management and development of Chinese enterprises. Through relevant theoretical analysis and development of research hypotheses using the A-shares in Shanghai and Shenzhen listed companies announced in 2007 and 2008, the authors design an empirical model. The study found that in Chinese listed companies, the higher the innovation spirit of senior corporate managers, the better their business performances; the stronger the dynamic and complexity of the operating environment, the more the corporate managers＇ innovation ability will be developed.

Preparation of Fluoroalkyl End-Capped Oligomer/Cyclodextrin Polymer Composites: Development of Fluorinated Composite Material Having a Higher Adsorption Ability toward Organic Molecules

Fluoroalkyl end-capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomer [RF-(CH2CHSi(OMe)3)n-RF;RF = CF(CF3)OCF7, n = 2, 3;RF-(VM)n-RF] was applied to the preparation of fluoroalkyl end-capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomer/α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrin polymers (α-, β-, γ-CDPs) composites [RF-(VM-SiO2)n-RF/α-, β-, γ-CDPs] by the sol-gel reaction of the corresponding oligomer in the presence of the α-, β-, γ-CDPs under alkaline conditions. The RF-(VM-SiO2)n-RF/α-, β-, γ-CDPs composites thus obtained were found to give a good dispersibility toward the traditional organic media except for water, and were applied to the surface modification of glass to provide a sueperoleophilic/superhydrophobic characteristic on the modified surface, although the corresponding RF-(VM-SiO2)n-RF nanocomposites can give a usual oleophobic/superhydrophobic property on the surface. These composites powders were also found to be applicable to the packing material for the column chromatography to separate the mixture of oil/water and the water in oil (W/O) emulsions. More interestingly, these composite powders were found to have a higher adsorption ability toward not only low-molecular weight aromatic compounds such as bisphenol A and bisphenol AF but also volatile organic compounds, compared to that of the pristine α-, β-, γ-CDPs.

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Acceptance to Use Daily Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV Prevention Method and Ability to Pay for PrEP among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Vietnam. Regardless of international and national agencies’ efforts, the HIV epidemic in MSM has been increasing in recent years. Novel and evidence-based HIV antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) maybe needed to combat the HIV epidemic among this population in Vietnam. This study aims to identify how MSM accept the use of PrEP as an HIV prevention method and their ability to pay for it. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of 373 MSM seeking HIV testing in a community-based HIV clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from January to April 2016. Potential participants were briefly informed about ethical considerations, screened for eligibility, and signed an informed consent form when selected. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by the clinic’s staff. Descriptive and analytical analysis was performed by STATA 13.0. Results: Of 373 participants, only 92 men (24.7%) reported having known about PrEP. Out of 360 men who were questioned about their acceptance of PrEP as an HIV prevention method, 274 (76.1%) embraced the use of PrEP. The median maximum affordable monthly PrEP cost was one million Vietnam Dong (VND) (equivalent to US$43) and the median average affordable monthly PrEP cost was 0.5 million VND (approximately $21.7). The majority of men (68.8%) could afford an average of less than $43 a month for PrEP. Conclusion: There is a relatively high level of PrEP acceptance among MSM in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. To increase PrEP acceptance, raising awareness and understanding of PrEP is recommended. To expand PrEP interventions in Vietnam, the target population’s ability to pay should be a key focus.

Evaluation of Social Vulnerability to Natural Disasters on a County Scale in Henan Province

Social vulnerability evaluation is of important significance to analyzing risks of natural disasters to human society and economy. By using expert investigation and AHP method,12 indicators from four aspects( population,economy,infrastructure and disaster prevention and mitigation capacity) are selected to assess social vulnerability to natural disasters on a county scale in Henan Province. The results show that the population vulnerability and economic vulnerability to natural disasters in the eastern region is generally higher than in the western region,while the areas with high infrastructure vulnerability are mainly located in the northwest; the disaster prevention and mitigation capacity in northwest is higher than in east and south,and this capacity of various districts is obviously higher than that of counties; in terms of the spatial pattern,social vulnerability to natural disasters is roughly higher in a belt from northeast to southwest,and lower on both sides of the belt. The results can provide scientific basis for disaster risk management and disaster prevention and mitigation planning in Henan Province.

An Investigation of Chinese Undergraduates’Ability to Translate Chinese Cultural Items into English and Predictors of Such Ability

College English teaching in China has long focused on importing cultures of English countries while neglecting to enhance students’English competence in home culture.The present research aims to investigate Chinese non-English major undergraduates’competence in translating Chinese cultural items into English and the significant predictors of such competence.With a test and a questionnaire as research instruments,this study was conducted to assess 82 undergraduates’ability to translate three different levels of Chinese culture-specific items into English and explored the factors which might have affected the students’home culture translation ability.The results show that the participants did well in translating the surface layer cultural items,but their performance in sub-surface and deep layer culture translation tasks was far from being satisfactory.It was also found that students had positive attitudes towards Chinese culture and were willing to learn to express Chinese culture in English,but their English learning motivation in general was not strong enough,and they were not given much input on Chinese culture in their English class.Students’Chinese cultural knowledge and their awareness of the importance of learning Chinese culture in English were found to be the two significant factors that can predict their performance in the translation tasks.These findings have implications for the teaching of culture and cross-cultural communications in EFL classes.

Reading Developmental Trends in Early Years： The Influence of Word Identification Skills and Target Langauge Oral Ability to Comprehension

Language, reading, and reading-related tasks were administered to 148 children from lower primary （Standard 1, 2, and 3） in Kenyan schools. The aim was to investigate the literacy developmental trends across the years and establish which of the two variables, word identification skills or target language oral proficiency influenced reading comprehension performance. The results indicated that word identification skills independently influenced reading comprehension performance in both standard 2 and standard 3 classes, but target language oral skills did not. Further, the analysis of invented spelling task performance revealed evidence of transfer of alphabetic coding skills of first language to English orthography. The spelling errors reflected letter-sound patterns not found in English orthography. Analysis of the miscues in the spelling task revealed that children rely on first language phonological processes to spell target language unfamiliar words as long the languages have a common alphabetic system.

Effect of Y element on atomic structure, glass forming ability,and magnetic properties of FeBC alloy

The atomic structure of amorphous alloys plays a crucial role in determining both their glass-forming ability and magnetic properties. In this study, we investigate the influence of adding the Y element on the glass-forming ability and magnetic properties of Fe_(86-x)Y_xB_7C_7(x = 0, 5, 10 at.%) amorphous alloys via both experiments and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we explore the correlation between local atomic structures and properties. Our results demonstrate that an increased Y content in the alloys leads to a higher proportion of icosahedral clusters, which can potentially enhance both glass-forming ability and thermal stability. These findings have been experimentally validated. The analysis of the electron energy density and magnetic moment of the alloy reveals that the addition of Y leads to hybridization between Y-4d and Fe-3d orbitals, resulting in a reduction in ferromagnetic coupling between Fe atoms. This subsequently reduces the magnetic moment of Fe atoms as well as the total magnetic moment of the system, which is consistent with experimental results. The results could help understand the relationship between atomic structure and magnetic property,and providing valuable insights for enhancing the performance of metallic glasses in industrial applications.

Combining ability of Egyptian cotton(Gossypium barbadense L.)reveals genetic potential for improved yield and fiber quality

Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.

Influencing factors of self-management ability among dry eye patients in west China

AIM:To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of self-management ability in dry eye patients in west China.METHODS:A total of 265 patients clinically diagnosed with dry eye received a convenience survey questionnaire at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.All participants completed the rating scale of health self-management skill for adults(AHSMSRS),Huaxi Emotional-Distress Index(HEI),e-health literacy scale(e-HEALS)and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire(Brief-IPQ).A generalized linear model was employed to establish a multivariate linear model with demographic data,psychological state,e-HEALS,and illness perception as independent variables and health selfmanagement skill score as the dependent variable.RESULTS:The mean score for health self-management skill was 165.58±15.79.Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age,better illness perception and improved psychological state were associated with better health selfmanagement ability among dry eye patients.Furthermore,the health self-management ability of patients with a disease duration less than 1y was found to be higher compared to those with a disease duration exceeding 1y.CONCLUSION:The health self-management ability of dry eye patients in west China is relatively high.Age,duration of disease,illness perception and psychological state are the influencing factors on the health selfmanagement ability of dry eye patients.

Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress scoring system for predicting complications following abdominal surgery: A metaanalysis spanning 2004 to 2022

BACKGROUND Postoperative complications remain a paramount concern for surgeons and healthcare practitioners.AIM To present a comprehensive analysis of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress(E-PASS)scoring system’s efficacy in predicting postoperative complications following abdominal surgery.METHODS A systematic search of published studies was conducted,yielding 17 studies with pertinent data.Parameters such as preoperative risk score(PRS),surgical stress score(SSS),comprehensive risk score(CRS),postoperative complications,post-operative mortality,and other clinical data were collected for meta-analysis.Forest plots were employed for continuous and binary variables,withχ2 tests assessing heterogeneity(P value).RESULTS Patients experiencing complications after abdominal surgery exhibited significantly higher E-PASS scores compared to those without complications[mean difference and 95%confidence interval(CI)of PRS:0.10(0.05-0.15);SSS:0.04(0.001-0.08);CRS:0.19(0.07-0.31)].Following the exclusion of low-quality studies,results remained valid with no discernible heterogeneity.Subgroup analysis indicated that variations in sample size and age may contribute to hetero-geneity in CRS analysis.Binary variable meta-analysis demonstrated a correlation between high CRS and increased postoperative complication rates[odds ratio(OR)(95%CI):3.01(1.83-4.95)],with a significant association observed between high CRS and postoperative mortality[OR(95%CI):15.49(3.75-64.01)].CONCLUSION In summary,postoperative complications in abdominal surgery,as assessed by the E-PASS scoring system,are consistently linked to elevated PRS,SSS,and CRS scores.High CRS scores emerge as risk factors for heightened morbidity and mortality.This study establishes the accuracy of the E-PASS scoring system in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption in effective risk assessment.

Study on How to Improve Tourism English Major Students’English Communicative Ability in Higher Vocational College

Tourism English Major students’English communicative ability is very important for students’to promote professional skills.It is necessary for students to improve the commnunicative ability and It is one of the teachers’main tasks to cultivate students’communicative ability.

Study on the Influencing Factors of L2 Reading Ability and Its Regulation Strategies

This paper takes college students as research subjects to investigate the factors affecting L2 Reading ability and their regulation strategies through scale surveys.The findings are as follows:(1)Linguistic factors have significant impacts on L2 Reading ability,and the influence of non-linguistic factors,such as non-intellectual factors and cultural background knowledge,is also important;and(2)flexible use of reading regulation strategies according to the learning conditions(such as the information extraction strategy,the metacognitive reading regulation strategy,and the interactive reading strategy)can effectively improve learners’L2 Reading ability.The findings of this study have important theoretical and practical value for improving L2 learners’Reading ability.

Analysis of the Effect of Comfort Care in The Perioperative Care of Patients with Hysteromyomectomy and its Influence on Self-Care Ability

Objective:To analyze the effect of perioperative comfort care for patients with hysteromyomectomy(HYS).Methods:Seventy cases of HYS patients admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were randomly selected and divided into Group A(control group,35 cases,conventional care)and Group B(observation group 35 cases,comfort care).The effects of the two groups before and after nursing care were compared.Results:The self-rating anxiety(SAS)scores,exercise of self-care agency(ESCA)scores,and nursing satisfaction scores at the time of discharge of Group B were better than in Group A after nursing care(P<0.05).Conclusion:Perioperative comfort care for HYS patients improved the patient’s adverse emotions,self-care ability,and nursing satisfaction.

Cultivation of Translators for Multimodal Translation in the New Media Age

In the 21st century,the development of digital and new media technologies has ushered in an age of pervasive multimodal communication,which has significantly amplified the role of multimodal translation in facilitating crosscultural exchanges.Despite the profound impact of these developments,the prevailing translation pedagogy remains predominantly focused on the enhancement of linguistic translation skills,with noticeable neglect of the imperative to cultivate students’competencies in multimodal translation.Based on the distinctive characteristics and challenges that multimodal translation presents in the context of new media,this study delves into the formulation of educational objectives and curriculum design for the training of multimodal translators.The intent is to propose a framework that can guide the preparation of translators who are adept and equipped to navigate the complexities and demands of the contemporary age.

Genetic variability predicting breeding potential of upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)for high temperature tolerance

Background High temperature stress at peak flowering stage of cotton is a major hindrance for crop potential.This study aimed to increase genetic divergence regarding heat tolerance in newly developed cultivars and hybrids.Fifty cotton genotypes and 40 F1(hybrids)were tested under field conditions following the treatments,viz.,high temperature stress and control at peak flowering stage in August and October under April and June sowing,respectively.Results The mean squares revealed significant differences among genotypes,treatments,genotype×treatment for relative cell injury,chlorophyll contents,canopy temperature,boll retention and seed cotton yield per plant.The genetic diversity among 50 genotypes was analyzed through cluster analysis and heat susceptibility index(HSI).The heat tolerant genotypes including FH-Noor,NIAB-545,FH-466,FH-Lalazar,FH-458,NIAB-878,IR-NIBGE-8,Weal-AGShahkar,and heat sensitive,i.e.,CIM-602,Silky-3,FH-326,SLH-12 and FH-442 were hybridized in line×tester fashion to produce F1 populations.The breeding materials’populations(40 F1)revealed higher specific combining ability variances along with dominance variances,decided the non-additive type gene action for all the traits.The best general combining ability effects for most of the traits were displayed by the lines,i.e.,FH-Lalazar,NIAB-878 along with testers FH-326 and Silky-3.Specific combining ability effects and better-parent heterosis were showed by the crosses,viz.,FH-Lalazar×Silky-3,FH-Lalazar×FH-326,NIAB-878×Silky-3,and NIAB-878×FH-326 for seed cotton yield and yield contributing traits under high temperature stress.Conclusion Heterosis breeding should be carried out in the presence of non-additive type gene action for all the studied traits.The best combiner parents with better-parent heterosis may be used in crossing program to develop high yielding cultivars,and hybrids for high temperature stress tolerance.

ZnO Additive Boosts Charging Speed and Cycling Stability of Electrolytic Zn–Mn Batteries

Electrolytic aqueous zinc-manganese(Zn–Mn) batteries have the advantage of high discharge voltage and high capacity due to two-electron reactions. However, the pitfall of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries is the sluggish deposition reaction kinetics of manganese oxide during the charge process and short cycle life. We show that, incorporating ZnO electrolyte additive can form a neutral and highly viscous gel-like electrolyte and render a new form of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with significantly improved charging capabilities. Specifically, the ZnO gel-like electrolyte activates the zinc sulfate hydroxide hydrate assisted Mn^(2+) deposition reaction and induces phase and structure change of the deposited manganese oxide(Zn_(2)Mn_(3)O_8·H_(2)O nanorods array), resulting in a significant enhancement of the charge capability and discharge efficiency. The charge capacity increases to 2.5 mAh cm^(-2) after 1 h constant-voltage charging at 2.0 V vs. Zn/Zn^(2+), and the capacity can retain for up to 2000 cycles with negligible attenuation. This research lays the foundation for the advancement of electrolytic Zn–Mn batteries with enhanced charging capability.

Whole-process case management effects on mental state and selfcare ability in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Regarding the incidence of malignant tumors in China,the incidence of liver cancer ranks fourth,second only to lung,gastric,and esophageal cancers.The case fatality rate ranks third after lung and cervical cancer.In a previous study,the whole-process management model was applied to patients with breast cancer,which effectively reduced their negative emotions and improved treatment adherence and nursing satisfaction.METHODS In this single-center,randomized,controlled study,60 randomly selected patients with liver cancer who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30),who received whole-process case management on the basis of routine nursing mea-sures,and a control group(n=30),who were given routine nursing measures.We compared differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety,depression,the level of hope,self-care ability,symptom distress,sleep quality,and quality of life.RESULTS Post-intervention,Hamilton anxiety scale,Hamilton depression scale,memory symptom assessment scale,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores in both groups were lower than those pre-intervention,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).Herth hope index,self-care ability assessment scale-revision in Chinese,and quality of life measurement scale for patients with liver cancer scores in both groups were higher than those pre-intervention,with higher scores in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Whole-process case management can effectively reduce anxiety and depression in patients with liver cancer,alleviate symptoms and problems,and improve the level of hope,self-care ability,sleep quality,and quality of life,as well as provide feasible nursing alternatives for patients with liver cancer.