Frequency selective surface with better polarization independency for arbitrary incident angle

This paper investigates the frequency-selective property of a planar layer consisting of period arrays both theoretically and experimentally for different polarizations at arbitrary incident angle. The novel element is designed by loading the rectangular microstrip element with L-shaped conducting patch at its two ends. Based on the spectral-domain method, the frequency response including angle effect and polarization effect of the frequency selective surface （FSS） structure are analysed and the plots of the frequency versus transmission coefficient are obtained. As a result of the numerical analysis, it is shown that if the source polarization is changed, polarization-independence of previous FSS design can be achieved only for normal incidence, which limits most FSS applications. But in our proposed structure, the better polarization-independency for arbitrary incident angle can be achieved. It is observed that the simulated result comes very close to the experimental result.

Origin of the Dashuigou independent tellurium deposit at Qinghai–Xizang Plateau: constraints from the light stable isotopes C, O, and H

By studying the light isotopic compositions of carbon,oxygen,and hydrogen,combined with previous research results on the ore-forming source of the deposit,the authors try to uncover its metallogenic origin.The δ^(18)O and δ^(13)C isotope signatures of dolomite samples vary between 10.2 and 13.0‰,and between−7.2 and−5.2‰,respectively,implying that the carbon derives from the upper mantle.δD and δ^(18) O of quartz,biotite,and muscovite from diff erent ore veins of the deposit vary between−82 and−59‰,and between 11.6 and 12.4‰,respectively,implying that the metallogenic solutions are mainly magmatic.According to the relevant research results of many isotope geologists,the fractionation degree of hydrogen isotopes increases as the depth to the Earth’s core increases,and the more diff erentiated the hydrogen isotopes are,the lower their values will be.In other words,mantle-derived solutions can have extremely low hydrogen isotope values.This means that the δD‰ value−134 of the pyrrhotite sample numbered SD-34 in this article may indicate mantle-derived oreforming fl uid of the deposit.The formation of the Dashuigou tellurium deposit occurred between 91.71 and 80.19 Ma.

Are cities greener because of innovation?Independent innovation policy and green economic efficiency

The national independent innovation demonstration zone(NIIDZ)is an independent innovation policy that plays a crucial role in implementing strategies.Given the importance of the NIIDZ,this study uses panel data of 278 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2020 and empirically examines the effect and internal mechanism of the NIIDZ on green economic efficiency(GEE)using the difference-in-difference model(DID).The results show that the NIIDZ effectively enhances the growth of GEE,and the results remain valid through several robustness tests,such as year-by-year propensity score matching.The transmission mechanism suggests that the NIIDZ indirectly drives GEE by accelerating scientific and technological investment,promoting talent concentration,and optimizing the industrial structure.Moreover,heterogeneity analysis reveals that the promotion effect of the NIIDZ on GEE is more prominent in the eastern region and high green development level areas.The study’s findings can serve as a reference for China to further utilize the policy effectiveness of the NIIDZ and accelerate the high-quality development of the green economy in the future.

The Rise and Impacts of Kenya’s Hustler Movement

On December 12,2023,Kenya celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence.Since independence,Kenya’s political operations have long been characterized by tribal politics,and during the 2022 elections,United Democratic Alliance(UDA)presidential candidate William Samoei Ruto advocated a Hustler Movement with a platform focused on serving the interests of the underprivileged.The Movement,with its policy orientation of responding to the concerns of the hustler(refer to those forced to squeeze out a meagre living on the margins of society comparing to people from Kenya’s big-name families),seeks to move electoral politics away from the previous competition at the tribal and regional levels,and to construct an issue-oriented mode of political operation,which has given a new meaning to the development of Kenyan politics.Ruto became president in September 2022 after the Hustler Movement gained broad social support.Over the past years,the Ruto government has transformed the Hustler Movement’s policy ideas into a program of governance,reshaping Kenya’s political development agenda in practical terms.The influence of the Hustler Movement has become more and more visible,deeply reflecting the trend of Kenya’s political development over the past 60 years of independence.

Automatic SOC Equalization Strategy of Energy Storage Units with DC Microgrid Bus Voltage Support

In this paper,an improved sag control strategy based on automatic SOC equalization is proposed to solve the problems of slow SOC equalization and excessive bus voltage fluctuation amplitude and offset caused by load and PV power variations in a stand-alone DC microgrid.The strategy includes primary and secondary control.Among them,the primary control suppresses the DC microgrid voltage fluctuation through the I and II section control,and the secondary control aims to correct the P-U curve of the energy storage system and the PV system,thus reducing the steady-state bus voltage excursion.The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy effectively achieves SOC balancing and enhances the immunity of bus voltage.The proposed strategy improves the voltage fluctuation suppression ability by approximately 39.4%and 43.1%under the PV power and load power fluctuation conditions,respectively.Furthermore,the steady-state deviation of the bus voltage,△U_(dc) is only 0.01–0.1 V,ensuring stable operation of the DC microgrid in fluctuating power environments.

Neuropathological characteristics of abnormal white matter functional signaling in adolescents with major depression

BACKGROUND Major depression disorder(MDD)constitutes a significant mental health concern.Epidemiological surveys indicate that the lifetime prevalence of depression in adolescents is much higher than that in adults,with a corresponding increased risk of suicide.In studying brain dysfunction associated with MDD in adolescents,research on brain white matter(WM)is sparse.Some researchers even mistakenly regard the signals generated by the WM as noise points.In fact,studies have shown that WM exhibits similar blood oxygen level-dependent signal fluctuations.The alterations in WM signals and their relationship with disease severity in adolescents with MDD remain unclear.AIM To explore potential abnormalities in WM functional signals in adolescents with MDD.METHODS This study involved 48 adolescent patients with MDD and 31 healthy controls(HC).All participants were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Scale and the mini international neuropsychiatric interview(MINI)suicide inventory.In addition,a Siemens Skyra 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner was used to obtain the subjects'image data.The DPABI software was utilized to calculate the WM signal of the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations(fALFF)and regional homogeneity,followed by a two-sample t-test between the MDD and HC groups.Independent component analysis(ICA)was also used to evaluate the WM functional signal.Pearson’s correlation was performed to assess the relationship between statistical test results and clinical scales.RESULTS Compared to HC,individuals with MDD demonstrated a decrease in the fALFF of WM in the corpus callosum body,left posterior limb of the internal capsule,right superior corona radiata,and bilateral posterior corona radiata[P<0.001,family-wise error(FWE)voxel correction].The regional homogeneity of WM increased in the right posterior limb of internal capsule and left superior corona radiata,and decreased in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus(P<0.001,FWE voxel correction).The ICA results of WM overlapped with those of regional homogeneity.The fALFF of WM signal in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule was negatively correlated with the MINI suicide scale(P=0.026,r=-0.32),and the right posterior corona radiata was also negatively correlated with the MINI suicide scale(P=0.047,r=-0.288).CONCLUSION Adolescents with MDD involves changes in WM functional signals,and these differences in brain regions may increase the risk of suicide.

Influence of Energy Policies on Development Path of US Oil Companies

Focused on“energy security”,US energy policies have undergone a multi-stage evolution.The main line has shifted from ensuring the oil and gas supply to achieving energy independence,and then to diversified development under a broader concept of energy security.The development path of US oil and gas companies is guided and influenced by series of policies.Represented by ExxonMobil and Chevron,US oil companies are maintaining a long commitment to the oil and gas business,especially unconventional resources such as shale gas and shale oil.Different from their European counterparts,US oil companies have chosen CCS/CCUS as their primary method for achieving carbon neutrality.As for the new energy business,the US oil giants are showing more interest in raw materials such as lithium resources rather than the power generation business.

Binding Number and Fractional k-Factors of Graphs

In this paper, we consider the relationship between the binding number and the existence of fractional k-factors of graphs. The binding number of G is defined by Woodall as bind(G)=min{ | NG(X) || X |:∅≠X⊆V(G) }. It is proved that a graph G has a fractional 1-factor if bind(G)≥1and has a fractional k-factor if bind(G)≥k−1k. Furthermore, it is showed that both results are best possible in some sense.

Improvement of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) for Patients Treated in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

Background: Self-care tasks or activities of daily living (ADL)’s performance are often disrupted after an older adult sustains an injury or illness, which can be a determining factor for discharge placement after hospitalization, or it can determine the level of assistance required after discharge from a skilled nursing facility (SNF). We believe that comprehensive rehabilitation can improve a patient’s overall functioning during their short term stay in SNFs. The purpose of this study is to determine if an individual’s level of independence improved after admission to a skilled nursing facility and procurement of rehabilitation services. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 4612 nursing home patients in California who underwent rehabilitative services at skilled nursing facilities to determine how the patients responded to their environments, therapy interventions, and any other additional supportive measures. The records of patients who were admitted for short-term rehabilitation were reviewed in a blinded fashion, looking specifically at Section GG of the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Self-Care Section GG scores recorded by rehabilitative staff provide objective data and measure patients’ levels of assistance that were required. Each activity is scored from 1, being completely dependent, to 6, being entirely independent, with varying levels of assistance with scores in between. The admission scores versus the discharge scores can be compared to determine if a patient improved their level of functioning upon discharge. Results: Utilizing the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, a strong correlation of improvement in ADL performance on Section GG between the admission and discharge scores was identified, implying significant improvement in functional independence upon discharge. The average percent improvement for Managed Care patients was ~35.4% and ~39.4% for Medicare patients. Conclusions: The results support the benefits of rehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities, and the data suggests that admission scores can be used as a predictive tool for functional outcomes.

Exploration and Practice of “Construction Engineering Regulations” Course Reform

Based on the analysis of the existing teaching situation of the“Construction Engineering Regulations”course,this paper divides the course content into three parts according to the course characteristics and content,and explores three corresponding teaching modes.The proportion of student-led relationships in the three teaching modes is 80%,60%,and 90%,respectively,realizing a teaching mechanism centered on students and stimulating students’interest in independent learning.Teaching methods such as problem-oriented learning,group discussion,student reporting,MOOC(massive open online course),case analysis,etc.,have been used to establish a variety of comprehensive examination mechanisms such as quiz games,follow-up tests,and work displays.Practice has shown that after adopting these three teaching modes,classroom teaching efficiency has significantly improved,and students’abilities in exploration,expression,innovation,and team cooperation have also been enhanced.

Analysis of the Role of Problem-Based Independent Learning Model in Teaching Cerebral Ischemic Stroke First Aid in Emergency Medicine

Objective:To analyze the effect of using a problem-based(PBL)independent learning model in teaching cerebral ischemic stroke(CIS)first aid in emergency medicine.Methods:90 interns in the emergency department of our hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected for the study.They were divided into Group A(45,conventional teaching method)and Group B(45 cases,PBL independent learning model)by randomized numerical table method to compare the effects of the two groups.Results:The teaching effect indicators and student satisfaction scores in Group B were higher than those in Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of the PBL independent learning model in the teaching of CIS first aid can significantly improve the teaching effect and student satisfaction.

Analysis of the Application Value of Virtual Reality Combined with Flipped Classroom Teaching Mode in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Teaching

Objective:To analyze the value of using virtual reality combined with the flipped classroom teaching model in teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR).Methods:Two classes of our nursing program were randomly selected for the study from September 2022 to September 2023,Class A(52 students,conventional teaching method)and Class B(52 students,virtual reality combined with flipped classroom teaching mode).The assessment scores and independent learning ability scores of the students in the two classes were compared.Results:CPR theory and operation scores,passing rate,and independent learning ability scores of Class B were higher than those of Class A(P<0.05).Conclusion:the use of virtual reality combined with the flipped classroom teaching mode in CPR teaching is conducive to the improvement of students’assessment scores and independent learning ability.

Enhancing Proficiency in Quadratic Equations and Functions Through the MILAPlus Strategy

This study investigates the efficacy of the Mathematics Independent Learning Activity Practice and Play Unite Scheme(MILAPlus)as an instructional strategy to improve the proficiency levels of Grade 9 students in quadratic equations and functions through a study carried out at Quezon National High School.The research involved 116 Grade 9 students and utilized a quantitative approach,incorporating both pre-assessment and post-assessment measures.The research utilizes a quasi-experimental design,examining the academic performance of students before and after the introduction of MILAPlus.The pre-assessment establishes a baseline,and the subsequent post-assessment measures the impact of the instructional strategy.Statistical analyses,including t-tests,assess the significance of differences in mean scores and mean percentage scores,providing quantitative insights into the effectiveness of MILAPlus.Findings from the study revealed a statistically significant improvement in both mean scores and mean percentage scores after the utilization of MILAPlus,indicating enhanced proficiency in quadratic equations and functions.The Mean Proficiency Scores(MPS)also showed a substantial increase,demonstrating a marked improvement in overall proficiency levels among Grade 9 students.In light of the results,recommendations were given including the continued utilization of MILAPlus as an instructional strategy and aligning its development with prescribed learning competencies.Emphasizing the consistent adherence to policies and guidelines for MILAPlus implementation is suggested for sustaining positive effects on students’long-term performance in mathematics.This research contributes valuable insights into the practical application and effectiveness of MILAPlus within the context of Grade 9 mathematics education at Quezon National High School.

The Use of Field Dependence/Independence in Language Acquisition

Field dependence/independence in Language Acquisition are discussed by many language learners.In this article,we will mainly focus on talking about the cognitive style,including the concept of Field-dependence/independence,their character istics and differences and functions in language acquisition.

生态文明背景下OFDI与自主创新对我国产业结构绿色化的影响研究

本文基于污染天堂假设、现代创新和梯度理论,构建OFDI与自主创新对我国产业结构绿色化影响的面板数据模型,利用全国30个地区2003—2020年的数据,运用系统GMM法对模型进行实证检验。结果发现:OFDI能显著提升我国产业结构绿色化水平,并有效抑制了自主创新对产业结构绿色化的阻碍作用;东部地区OFDI对产业结构绿色化的促进作用明显,但自主创新对其的促进作用不显著;中西部地区自主创新对产业结构绿色化的促进作用明显,但OFDI对其促进作用却不显著。最后,结合研究结论与实际,有针对性提出了提高我国产业结构绿色化水平的建议。

NONNULL DISTRIBUTION OF THE LIKELIHOOD RATIO CRITERION FOR TESTING THE EQUALITY OF DIAGONAL BLOCKS WITH BLOCKWISE INDEPENDENCE

In this paper, the nonnull moments and the distributions of the likelihood ratio criterion for testing the equality of diagonal blocks with blockwise independence under certain alternatives have derived.

Prostate Specific Antigen Promoter-Driven Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Both ODC and AdoMetDC Antisenses Inhibit Prostate Cancer Growth

Objective：To generate recombinant adenovirus that could simultaneously express ornithine decarboxylase（ODC） and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase（AdoMetDC） antisenses specifically in prostate cancer cells,and evaluate its inhibitory effect on prostate cancer in vivo.Methods：Fragments of ODC and AdoMetDC genes were generated by PCR,cloned into the pPGL-PSES,and then recombined with pAdEasy-1 vectors in AdEasy-1 cells.Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas virus was produced in HEK293 cells.Following transfection with Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas,the levels of ODC or AdoMetDC were determined by RT-PCR and western blot assays.The effect of Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas treatment on tumor formation and growth was evaluated in xenograft models of prostate cancers in vivo.Results：The plasmid pAdEasy-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas was successfully constructed and the recombinant Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas adenovirus was produced.Transfection with Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas adenovirus significantly inhibited the expression of ODC and AdoMetDC genes specifically in prostate DU145 cells,but not H1299,HT29 and HepG2 cancer cells,and disrupted the ability of DU145 cells to form solid prostate cancer in vivo.Intratumoral treatment with Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas adenovirus significantly inhibited the growth of engrafted prostate tumors in vivo.Conclusion：The recombinant Ad-PSES-ODC-AdoMetDCas adenovirus specifically reduces the expression of both ODC and AdoMetDC genes in prostate cells and may be used for treatment of prostate cancers at the clinic.

On the connotation, challenge and significance of China’s “energy independence” strategy

The world’s energy is in the "third major transformation period" from fossil energy to new energy, and all countries in the world have formulated energy development strategies. Through advanced deployment, the United States is about to achieve "energy independence" relying on "unconventional oil and gas revolution". China’s energy development is faced with four challenges:(1) The population base and economic development scale determine the "totally huge amount" of energy consumption;(2) the "coal rich but oil and gas insufficient" resource structure determines the "unclean" energy consuming structure;(3) the increasing dependence on imported oil and gas determines the "unsafe" energy supply;and(4) the unconventional oil and gas endowment makes it impossible to achieve energy independence by copying the American model. From the perspective of the world energy trend and the unique situation of China’s energy, we put forward a "three-step" strategy for China to achieve "energy independence": From 2020 to 2035, "energy supply security" will be addressed by "cleaning coal, stabilizing oil and gas production and vigorously developing new alternative energy";from 2035 to 2050, the vision of "production independence" will be realized by relying on "domestic production and overseas oil and gas mining rights";from 2050 to 2100, "intelligent energy and new energy" will help China realize "energy independence". The two important signs of China’s "energy independence" are that domestic production accounts for more than 90% of the domestic consumption and clean energy production accounts for more than 70%, and energy security realizes "independence and self-control" and "long-term security". The strategic significance of "energy independence" is to ensure national energy security, drive the development of relevant major industries, achieve energy management reform, and implement the environmental protection goal of zero carbon emissions. The "energy independence" of China is a strategic mission, it might be fulfilled in the future with the growth of the state’s power, even when the domestic energy production does not catch up with the domestic consumption. Perhaps the world’s new technological revolution will exceed expectations, and China’s "energy independence" dream will eventually come true.

A View on Independence of Grammar——Extracts from Syntactic Structures

According to Chomsky,the grammar of Language is a device that generates all of the grammatical sequences of Language and none of the ungrammatical ones.However,as the foundation of Universal Grammar,independence of grammar is strongly criticized by many other linguists.This paper aims at reviewing the literature and illustrating different ideas towards Universal Grammar.

The Criterion of weighting the independence of non-executive directors

Non-executive directors are now very well established in Chinese business. The uniform and final criterion of weighting the independence of non-executive directors is not available. It will be valuable to draw an analogy with the criterion of weighting the independence of non-executive directors in the UK, where over a dozen different criterions are applied.