相关试卷

Windiest City on Earth: Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is often called the world's windiest city due to its average wind speed of around 16.5 mph, with its highest recorded wind speed of 150.7 mph in 1962. The winds in this region are called the "Roaring Forties" because the city is located 40 to 50 degrees south of the equator. There's even a statue, "Solace in the Wind," on the waterfront — a human figure leaning into the breeze.

Fastest Recorded Wind Speed: Barrow Island, Australia

Barrow Island currently holds the Guinness World Record for the highest recorded wind speed at 254 mph in 1996. Barrow Island is a major center for oil and natural gas operations, and home to a conservation reserve where sea turtles, and other rare and protected species live.

Fastest Katabatic Wind: Antarctica

In any case, Antaretica holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest katabatic wind (wind that travels down a slope), which was 168 mph, recorded in 1912. The region's annual average daily maximum wind speed is 44 mph. Cold temperatures and Antaretica's landscape, which slopes toward the coastlines, affect weather patterns.

Windiest U. S. Peak: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Mount Washington with an average annual wind speed of 35 mph and average fastest monthly peak winds of 231 mph remains the windiest place in the U. S. The White Mountains, of which Washington is a member are a barrier for easterly winds and often see an encounter between low pressure from the Atlantic and inland high pressure, creating hurricane-force winds on Mount Washington's summit more than 100 days annually.

Plants have small populations of stem cells (干细胞) at the tips of their roots and shoots, which enable them to continuously grow and produce new tissues throughout their lifetime. These stem cells serve as ancestors for plant tissues and organs. However, any genetic faults present in the stem cells will continue to exist and be passed on permanently throughout the plant's life, which could last thousands of years.

Given the critical role of stem cells and their exposure to potentially dangerous environments at the growing tips of roots and shoots, safeguards are necessary to prevent stem cell faults from becoming fixed. Researchers Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, aimed to uncover these protective mechanisms. Through experiments involving X-rays and chemicals, they discovered that stem cells were more sensitive to DNA damage compared to other cells.

When DNA damage occurs, the cells have the capacity to detect it and cause programmed cells to die, preventing the propagation of the damaged genetic code to the rest of the plant tissues. This process has similarities to the safeguard mechanism found in animal cells, which has been broadly studied due to its relevance in preventing cancer.

The identification of a similar protective system in plants is of great interest in the field of plant development. It also helps scientists develop plants that can better handle environmental stress. So knowledge of how plants deal with these stresses is of fundamental significance to agricultural science's response to climate change.

EarthX Eco-Art Competition

It invites young artists aged 5-22 to create 2-D or 3-D art that illustrates the theme: Protectors for the Planet. The theme can be interpreted in various ways, including individuals taking action towards a more sustainable planet, or highlighting the efforts of environmental leaders working to sustain ecosystems.

Deadline: March 8, 2024

The Children's Drawing Contest

Sponsored by International Certification Organization Network, the contest, whose theme this year is "Passing on Our Precious Earth to The Future", invites children aged 7-15 worldwide to draw the kind of natural environment they would like to live in. 48 winners will receive special memorabilia. All entrants will receive a participation prize. Medium: Drawings with any type of paint, pastel, etc.

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Science without Borders Challenge

The competition is open to children and young people under the age of 16. We welcome entries from both groups and individuals to create art to promote public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore nature. The theme is "The Sixth Extinction" and you can focus on the protection of endangered species. Acceptable media include paint, pencil, marker, crayon, ink, felt, and oil pastel.

Deadline: March 4, 2024

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the longest-running literary and art competition in the US, provides opportunities and academic awards for creative young people to express their talent. The theme this year is "Tell Your Climate Story". Students in the 9th to 12th grades can submit poetry, fiction and nonfiction to show their understanding of environmental issues.

Deadline: June 10, 2024

Moving from urban New Jersey to the Pennsylvania woods was a dream coming true for me. My home was surrounded by nature, with the nearest neighbor miles away and no phone service. As a nurse, I used to be around people, but I found immense joy in solitude and wildlife, since my whole new life was closely connected to nature and I could never feel lonely with animals nearby.

One afternoon, I introduced a visiting friend to a deer I called Scarbelly, recognizable by an old wound running from her shoulder to her hip. "She had a baby last year, and she brings her baby around too," I said happily. "They seem to like you a lot!" she remarked as the deer inched closer. "I think so, but deer aren't easy to get close to," I replied, enjoying the peacefulness of my life in the woods.

That peaceful existence was disturbed one April morning. I woke to the sounds of birds but felt an unusual heaviness in my legs. Struggling to get up, I lost my balance and crashed into the doorframe. Something was seriously wrong: I even couldn't feel my left arm or fingers. Panic set in as my nurse training kicked in-could I be having a stroke (中风) at just 46? I needed help, but I had no neighbors and no phone.

Desperate, I muttered, "Well, God, I've got to do something here. I need help. Fast!" I tried to get dressed quickly and stepped outside, "Scarbelly!" I cried with all my strength. Scarbelly soon appeared on the deck, with several other deer crowding in behind her. They weren't the rescue team I'd imagined, but they were all I had.

Determined to reach the road at the top of the hill, I shuffled forward, the deer following closely. The vast lawn looming before me, I felt overwhelmed. Yet I pushed through, only to find myself at the gravel road, confused about how I'd made it that far. Scarbelly looked into my eyes, as if she had helped me along.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右;

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Suddenly, a car appeared in the distance, but when I waved, it sped past.

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As the driver drove off, the deer finally stepped away from the road.

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1. 时间和地点；

2. 活动内容；

3. 活动意义。

注意：

1. 词数80左右；

2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Getting Close to Artificial Intelligence

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Recently, researchers in China have found a new way to turn soil fertile, making possible for humans to develop agriculture on the moon. In September, special bacteria (introduce) into the soil and consequently they discovered that phosphorus, an important nutrient for plants, increased.

By the end of October 2024, the researchers had conducted numerous (experiment) and finally they made it. They grew a plant linked with the tobacco plant and used volcanic soil from the Changbai Mountains in Jilin province, is similar to lunar soil. They treated the moon-like soil with three different kinds of bacteria. By (compare), the plants raised in the bacteria-treated soil grew (well) than plants that grew in the soil without the bacteria.

Xia Yitong, co-author of the study, said carrying food, oxygen and water to people on the moon would be (incredible) expensive. He added, "A plant cultivation system on the moon will meet long-term food and oxygen requirements for humans, thus contributing the human life on the moon. Other plans to grow food on the moon that do not need soil are more costly as they require materials (transport) from Earth."

One morning, he stopped to1 the dog of a beggar outside a convenience store. "I'd seen this guy before and2 him. Regrettably, I just walked by him," Salk said. "3, that day, I just broke the4 because I noticed his dog had serious skin condition." He diagnosed and treated the dog's condition, and the animal was5. But for Salk, the man's6 was the real wake-up call: "Thank you for not ignoring me" were the words that7 his next chapter.

Soon after, Salk began to do more,8 small drop-in clinics to provide medical care for pets whose owners couldn't afford it and walking the streets looking for9 individuals whose pets needed help. Right away, he was10 by how much the unhoused owners cared for their beloved pets.

He also found many pet owners wanted to11 stories about their dogs with others. With their12, Salk's brother, Ian, began13 some of the work and personal stories to raise awareness about animal welfare.

His brother encouraged him to14 the news online and soon more like-minded volunteers jumped on board. Since he started, Salk and his team have offered15 to thousands of animals.

You cannot evaluate an argument that you do not understand. You may need to ask questions to clarify the person's claims and ask them to explain key terms, especially words with multiple meanings.

Once you understand what the person is saying, then you can consider whether it's true. You can figure this out by considering the source of the facts and whether the facts line up with what you already know about the topic. For a conflict, discover whether your understanding is incorrect or the new statement is wrong.

Critical thinking also involves examining people's motivations and assumptions. For example, a salesman will present facts that are selected to convince you to buy what he is selling. It's necessary that you recognize these factors to predict when someone else's statements might not be accurate or complete.

Poking holes in other people's arguments can be necessary, but you must acknowledge the possibility that your own beliefs sometimes can be wrong. By critically examining both your own and others' opinions, you can understand the way the world works and make decisions in light of the truth.

A. Analysing information requires critical thinking.

B. And he will leave out facts that don't help him reach that goal.

C. Thus, the first step to critical thinking must always be listening.

D. Because it's possible to draw incorrect conclusions from correct facts.

E. So learning about the common arguments and your own beliefs can help.

F. The most important question is whether the facts they state are actually true.

G. Critical thinking requires examining your own ideas and assumptions as well.

This decline is partly caused by the increasing commercialization of higher education, which values degrees based on job prospects and starting salaries. With dramatically increasing graduates owing over £100,000 in student loans, it is understandable that young people from lower-income backgrounds might think twice about taking a non-vocational (非职业类的) course. Applications for English studies have fallen steadily since 2012, when the tuition fees rose to £9,000.

Meanwhile, supposedly "dead end" university courses-those which fail to deliver an instant graduate reward in the job market are coming under increasingly aggressive inspection. This year, the Office for Students set out plans to remove funding for "low quality" courses, defined as those where less than 60% of participants go into good jobs or further study soon after graduating.

The overall approach is both wrong-headed and shortsighted. As Mr Graham points out, the arts and entertainment industry has become one of the few booming areas of the economy in which Britain can claim to be world-leading. Additionally, judging the worth of a course solely by labor market outcomes ignores other important values, such as personal growth and cultural contribution.

After a decade of marketisation, a seriously practical worldview is beginning to sweep over England's higher education sector. But the inner quality and worth of a course cannot be fairly judged by reference to employment statistics and labour market outcomes. Sheffield Hallam's decision must be a wake-up call for those concerned to preserve the future of the arts and humanities in our universities.

Our bodies release cortisol when we encounter a challenge, whether psychological or physical, real or imagined. Things like coming across a bear on a hike, receiving an annoying work email or delivering a public speech are the typical cases. Cortisol aids in energy supply and metabolism (新陈代谢) control. Its levels vary, peaking in the morning and reducing by night.

However, long-term stress can disturb this balance, leading to sustained high cortisol levels. Potential disadvantages are weakened immune (免疫的) system and high blood sugar, as well as mental illnesses like depression and PTSD. In extreme cases, too much cortisol production may lead to Cushing's syndrome, characterized by serious physical changes and requiring medical treatment.

Identifying cortisol-related issues requires professional evaluation, as self-assessment or at-home testing may not provide accurate results due to cortisol's dynamic nature. Experts suggest consulting healthcare professionals for a thorough check. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for managing cortisol levels, research indicates that practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and moderate exercise can aid in regulating the body's stress response. These activities not only help in reducing stress but also in training the body to manage its stress response more effectively over time.

In conclusion, cortisol plays a key role in how our body handles stress and functions overall. However, saying that many health problems are just due to cortisol imbalances misses the complex interaction between hormones, stress and health. It's important to take aholistic approach to health, with professional guidance and personalized stress management strategies.

So one admirably organized mom, Rachael Hallett, from Australia, has shared her simple but highly effective solution to having to prepare their lunchboxes. Her tip recommends mass cooking, just like you might do with dinners. "School lunches can get boring," she admits. "You can cook a lot and freeze many items in advance. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, wraps and so on. These all freeze well." But she points out that any fillings that are water-based, like cucumber or tomato, should be avoided in case the bread or wraps become wet.

And Rachael, who has two primary school age children, doesn't stop there with the preparation. She also makes the decisions easily over what to give her children daily by drawing up a list of different foods to put in the boxes. She prefers lunchboxes with different parts that won't leak and each section is used for various items such as fruit or snacks. The wise mom sometimes even sends her kids into school with a food thermos for warm lunches. "You can really send almost anything," she shares.

But even Rachael has days when she just doesn't have the time or energy to make a meal for her little ones and she says on these occasions school dinners are definitely a suitable alternative. "Plan some money for a lunch order on your hardest weekdays. Usually school dinners aren't too expensive and taste good," she says.

Rachael is a co-founder of the hugely popular Facebook group Moms Who, which has over a million members. Lots of other members of the group thanked Rachael for sharing her tips which they intended to put to use in their routines.

If you're looking for ways to give back to your community, here are some volunteer opportunities available in your area this month.

Food Bank Helper

Local food banks are in urgent need of volunteers to help sort and distribute food to families in need. This role includes organizing food items, packing boxes, and handing out the packages to recipients. Volunteers are required from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Community Care Center

Location: 45 Maple Street

Contact: 123-456-7890

Animal Shelter Assistant

Are you an animal lover? The city animal shelter is seeking volunteers to assist with daily care for the animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exercising dogs and cats. No experience is required, but volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Shifts are flexible

Location: 78 Riverbank Road

Contact: 987-654-3210

Senior Center Activity Leader

Brighten the day of local seniors by running activities like bingo, art projects, or music sessions at the Senior Center. Volunteers will need to prepare simple materials and guide small groups of seniors during activities. This is a rewarding way to connect with the elderly and gain valuable community service experience.

Location: 123 Sunflower Lane

Contact: 555-112-2334

Park Clean-up Crew

Help keep our parks beautiful! Volunteers will clean up trash, plant trees, and perform simple maintenance tasks in various parks around the city. Anyone can join the weekend clean-up events. All equipment will be provided.

Location: Sign up at www.cleanparks.org

Contact: 777-333-8888

Looking to get involved? Contact the organizations above for more details or to sign up for a role that fits your schedule and interests. Make a difference in your community today!

London's food scene has witnessed an inrush not only of traditional Cantonese (广东的) restaurants but also a diverse range of regional Chinese cuisines. For decades, London's Chinatown has been closely associated with classic dishes (root) in Guangdong province, while London's Chinese food has expanded far beyond that, reflecting a much (broad) cultural shift.

While Cantonese-centric offerings have laid the foundation of familiarity with Chinese culinary (烹饪的) culture, the increasing variety makes it big challenge for restaurants to meet local British tastes. To adapt to the trend, they manage to introduce new dishes and enhance existing ones (continuous) for bettering the menu. Additionally, larger culinary schools commit to teaching authentic (地道的) Chinese cooking, (strengthen) greater appreciation and mastery of the cuisine.

Hotpot, a typical Chinese dish, has taken centre stage in London, described as an "adventure" locals could enjoy genuine Sichuan cuisine and unfamiliar cultural experiences. Meanwhile, hearty hand-pulled noodles of Xi'an are also making waves, driven by the growing (present) of Chinese customers and Londoners' appetite for authentic regional flavors.

Chen Xin, the chief organizer of the 2024 London Chinese Cuisine International Development Convention, (emphasize) that London was becoming a true global centre of Chinese cuisine, staying true one single mission — providing Chinese customers with a taste of home and showcasing the depth of Chinese culinary culture to international(diner).

It began with a simple message from my friends, "Why don't we1 the road this weekend?" With only a rough idea of our route for mountains and lakes, we2 into my car and set off into the clear night. Driving under a blanket of3 felt liberating; it was as if all our worries4 . The laughter echoed (回荡) in the car as we shared funny stories in our lives.

As5 broke over the horizon (地平线), so did our first6 : getting lost! A wrong turn led us deep into winding country roads far from where we intended to be.7 frustrated, we quickly turned it into an opportunity for exploration instead of seeing it as a8 . We came across little towns we'd never heard of before — each with its own charm and character. Finally arriving at our9 destination — an extremely attractive national park — we were greeted by breathtaking views of towering mountains10 on glassy lakes. The11 was undoubtedly our hike up Pine Ridge Trail, which challenged us physically but12 us with views that took our breath away.

This adventure13 not only as an escape from daily pressures but also a chance to accept uncertainty rather than14 it: sometimes getting lost opens doors that you didn't even know15 !

Despite being more digitally connected than ever, we are lonelier and more anxious. Anxiety rates increased by 25% globally. Depression now affects over 280 million people worldwide. All of this is due to our growing dependence on social media and smart technologies designed to offer quick relief but often at the expense of deep, meaningful engagement, which may further cause our loss of something easy to be ignored.

While these conveniences offer short-term relief, they may weaken our thinking skills. For example, GPS has undeniably transformed how we travel. But a 2020 study found that frequent GPS users struggle more with self-guided navigation. Over time, those who depended more on GPS showed a sharp decline in spacial memory and problem-solving skills. However, reducing dependence on these conveniences can lead to discomfort. In seeking comfort today, we might be trading away some discomfort.

That is the problem: the very discomfort we avoid is often what strengthens us. Viewing stress, a kind of discomfort, as a challenge rather than a threat leads to better outcomes. Research shows that mild stress can enhance adaptability. Neuroscience（神经科学） reveals that neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—is enhanced through challenging experiences. This adaptability is crucial for developing resilience, （抗逆力）, a process fueled by both mental challenges and active effort.

But this doesn't mean we should reject comfort entirely; it's to balance it with intentional discomfort. Think of it as "microdosing hardship"—a series of small, manageable difficulties that keep our mental and emotional muscles strong, such as writing with a pen, or washing dishes by hand. These small acts are enough to reawaken the resilience we've buried under layers of ease. So, the next time you feel the pull of ease, pause. Ask yourself: Is this momentary comfort helping me grow or is it keeping me stuck? Choosing discomfort isn't easy, but sometimes, it's worth it.

The answer is YES. Communication is more than words. It's how those words are said, the tone, the order, even the choice of a particular word. It's multi-dimensional, as explored by Deirdre Wilson and Dan Sperber in Meaning and Relevance. Consider the following example: Peter got angry and Mary left; Mary left and Peter got angry. Though identical in words, their meanings differ completely. The first one may have us thinking: Wow, Peter must get angry often if Mary leaves. The second sentence suggests that Peter wants more from Mary. Same words — a totally different context.

Human language is not a code (编码). True codes have a one-to-one relationship with meaning. One sound, one definition. This is what we see with animals. Wilson and Sperber explain that "coded communication works best when emitter (发出者) and receiver share exactly the same code. " Not so for humans. We communicate more than the definitions of our words would suggest. This is inferential communication, and it means that we understand not only the words spoken, but the context in which they are spoken. .

Irony (反语) is a great example of how powerfully we can communicate context with a few simple words. It is more than just stating the opposite. For example, when Mary says, after a boring party, "That was fun", she is neither saying literally that the party was fun nor saying "ironically" that the party was boring. Rather, she is expressing an emotion. Three words replace paragraphs, showcasing language's efficiency.

Wilson and Sperber concluded that human language developed and became so powerful because of two unique abilities of humans: language and the power to try to interpret mental states of others. We look for context for the words we hear. And we should be very good at absorbing this context to infer meaning.

SPECIFIC TOPICS

·Analysis and conservation of heritage assets (资产): novel methods for studying the composition, dating, origin and new materials for the preservation of objects.

·Conservation of built heritage: analysis of historical materials and construction techniques; novel inspection, testing and monitoring techniques.

·Interaction between heritage items and the environment: the impact of climate change and risk assessment of cultural heritage.

·Digital technologies for knowledge, conservation and restoration: data analysis and modelling, long-term preservation of heritage assets.

·Museum conservation: technologies for the management and improvement of museum collections.

REQUIREMENTS

The articles must be of great interest for a wide audience. Thus, it is announced that the number of articles dealing with case studies will be reduced in order to favor original articles. Reports on restoration activities should present a specific technical or scientific innovation.

BENEFITS TO AUTHORS

We provide several author benefits after acceptance, such as free PDFs, a broad copyright policy and special earnings as follows.

Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require further information or help, please visit our Support Center.