Smart home applications can share all kinds of helpful information with homeowners. There appears a new housing platform which can detect the stress on electricity — and the stress on the heart.
“There is a growing population of elderly people, and there are statistics to show that more and more of them are going to live alone in the home,” said Johann Siau, a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K., who was leading the InterHome project.
The system was originally designed to provide remote access (远程访问) to a house so owners could be more energy-efficient. In a small type of the system, set-in controller devices connect securely to the Internet. The owner can then monitor them with a cell phone or computer. User feedback helps the system adapt to routines, saving on electricity.
While thinking about responding to user behavior and an increasingly elderly population, the researchers decided to add wristband (手腕带) technology that senses important organs of the body such as body temperature and pulse, Siau said. “If someone were to fall, it would detect the fall and it would immediately start the monitor of the pulse to see if the person has gone into shock (休克),” he said.
The wristband communicates with the home system wirelessly. Data from the band can be securely transmitted to the home network and accessed by authorized users. “We’re working on trying to reduce it to a level where it could potentially be a wrist-sized product,” Siau said.
But he warned that the technology presented new challenges. “When you start using that on a larger scale, you have issues of privacy or security,” he said. Siau said the InterHome home system isn’t intended to invade privacy. “We’re thinking about the elderly people who are living alone with no one looking after them,” he said. “Hopefully this will be able to decrease some concerns and possibly save a few lives.”The system was first designed for a house owner to .
| A．keep watch on his house |
| B．keep his house safe |
| C．monitor the elderly people inside |
| D．save electricity |
The wristband technology is used in the system to .
| A．sense important organs of a person |
| B．keep an old man from falling |
| C．get the medical information of a sick person |
| D．record a person’s daily activities |
The researchers are now trying to make the wristband .
| A．more sensitive |
| B．be connected with the Internet |
| C．available for common people |
| D．suitable to wear on the wrist |
What challenges will the new technology bring according to Siau?
| A．The wristband can be large and expensive. |
| B．The wristband will get false information of a person. |
| C．It will not be used in the proper way. |
| D．It will bring inconvenience to the old people. |
In December of l 992．I was a happy husband and father of two young children．A month later，I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(急性白血病)．
After two years of chemo(化疗)that helped control the disease，my body was weak and lifeless．I felt as if I were a puppet who needed help to lift his arms or hold up his head．
I began to run．After six months my strength had come back．On one of my runs，one where I felt I could run forever，I decided I was going to try to run a marathon．
After telling my Dad about my plan，he told me of a program that trains people to run a marathon，while raising funds for Leukemia research at the same time．So that summer，through the Leukemia Society’s Team in Training program，I started to train for the Marine Corps Marathon．During mile after mile of uncertainty，the day finally came to run the marathon．
On October 27，1996，at 8 A．M．，along with l9,000 other brave souls I started on a 26.2-mile journey that I will never forget．
I first saw my wife Patty at the six-mile mark . She seemed happy that I was still looking as if I knew what I was doing，and having a good time doing it．At Mile l7，my mind was going back to those two horrible years that tried to bring my family and me down．I saw her again．The concern in her face told me she knew I was starting to struggle．I felt as if we were thinking the same，nine more miles and these last few years will be behind us．
That thought alone pulled me forward．Mile 22，23，slowing but going，24，25，then there it was．The Iwo Jima War Memorial．I have seen nothing so grand and inspiring in my life．Three hours and forty-one minutes after I started，I crossed what I think has to be the most fitting finish line in all of road racing!
That night the Leukemia Society gave me a pin at a post-race party that simply says，“Leukemia 26.2”．
If God wills，my cancer may once again take away my hair and my strength，maybe even my life．But it can never take away my pin，or the fact that I am a marathoner .The writer decided to run a marathon because __________ .
| A．he wanted to raise money for Leukemia research |
| B．he believed he was able to take the challenge |
| C．he hoped to recover his strength through training |
| D．his dad knew about the race and made the suggestion |
Which statement is RIGHT about the writer?
| A．He has always been dreaming of becoming a marathoner． |
| B．The training he took that summer well prepared him for the race． |
| C．Those running in the race were mostly Leukemia patients like him . |
| D．His wife was with him during the marathon to give him support． |
Why does the writer think the finish line is the most fitting?
| A．Because running a marathon is the most suitable sport for him． |
| B．Because the memorial is the most powerful construction he has seen． |
| C．Because he considers it a victory over his disease to finish the race． |
| D．Because 26.2 miles is the most reasonable distance for road racing． |
Which of the following can best describe the writer?
| A．Optimistic and outspoken | B．Strong-willed and determined |
| C．Generous and easy-going | D．Brave and warm-hearted |
Every year, I tell my sons what I'd like for Mother's Day: a letter. Something written from the heart and offered freely rather than bought from a store and wrapped neatly. I don't always get my wish, nor do I always take the time to write to my own mother.
This year, my boys will be in two different states on Mother's Day. My mom and dad will be away together, and I'11 be driving home from a writer's workshop in Massachusetts. Thinking of the fact that many friends have already lost their mothers and that a few have lost children, I am deeply grateful that what separates us, for now at least, is merely distance. It won't always be so, and there is no way to prepare for that fact other than to appreciate the moment that is. My sons know that they can please me on Sunday with a phone call or an e-mail, and that is enough as I love their words. The very best gift they can possibly give me is their own happiness, the very fact of their busy. full and well-lived lives.
Still, knowing that my years of staying with my sons are over, I do Feel doleful. The truth is, I miss being the center of the universe to two little boys. And this holiday can be a bit painful.
I wonder if my own mother ever felt nostalgic ('VTIH WJ) for the passing of my childhood. I wonder if she realizes that she is still at the center of my universe and always has been. I don't often pause to think about it. but of course she is the one who has been right there, at my side from the moment I drew my very first breath. How to ever fully appreciate the woman whose presence and 1ove and example have shaped me into the adult I am? How to describe even a small part of the sharing. sacrificing. and support she has given me over the years?The author mainly wants to tell us through the first paragraph that _____.
| A．she hopes to get her son's letters very much |
| B．her sons don't often write to her on Mother's Day |
| C．Mother's Day is the very date that she longs for most |
| D．she is very sorry not to write to her mother often |
The author is deeply grateful for the present life because ____.
| A．her sons don't live far away from her home |
| B．her parents and children are still alive |
| C．her parents are coming to her house to spend Mother's Day |
| D．her sons can please her on Sunday with a phone call |
According to the author ______
| A．young people nowadays tend to ignore their parents |
| B．parents should not give their children too much freedom |
| C．children's happiness and success are the biggest comfort to parents |
| D．parents are not the center of their children's universe when children grow up |
What does the underlined word "doleful" in paragraph 3 mean?
| A．sad | B．excited | C．guilty | D．proud |
What will the author probably tell about after the last paragraph?
| A．She'll tell the reader about her mother's present situation. |
| B．She'll recall how her mother educated and cared for her. |
| C．She'll describe the reunion of her family on Mother's Day. |
| D．She'll tell the reader about her mother's achievements in her career. |
A new report says African governments are ill prepared to handle the growing number of people over age 65. The population in Africa as in other parts of the world, is getting older. Currently, there are 36 million people on the continent 65 years and above. which is 3.6 percent of the population. up from 3.3 percent 10 years ago. That could rise to 4.5 percent by 2030 and 10 percent by 2050. The African development Bank is raising concerns over the shortage of health insurance and pensions (养老金).
The African Development Bank says. "Aging is highly linked with long-term physical and mental disability and a number of long-term chronic (慢性的) conditions."
"Africa is not well prepared to care for its aging population right now. And it needs to prepare for this fact." said Professor Mthuli Ncube. the African Development Bank's chief economist. African nations spend far less on healthcare than developed nations do___ about $26per person per year. Not so many countries have well developed medical aid plans for the elderly, whether they are privately provided plans or indeed government plans. If you look at the pension plans, you will find the pension industries are not well developed in some of the countries.
Professor Mthuli Ncube said African governments failed to take action on health insurance
and pensions because they were busy with economic reforms.
Another challenge for Africa is the worsening of informal systems of social protection. That is cash and support from both the extended family and community sources.
. The African Development Bank recommends governments help carry out health insurance and pension plans. Ncube said African governments didn't have to handle the health insurance burden alone. "It is not only a must but also an opportunity for private companies to add their bit in this regard", he said. The report also recommends that African governments consider providing ways of free health services. medications and long-term health care facilities for the elderly.From the first paragraph we know the facts except that ____
| A．the speed of people aging is becoming quicker |
| B．Africa has the largest aging population |
| C．African governments are not well prepared to deal with the aging population |
| D．the shortage of health insurance and pensions adds to African governments' difficulty in dealing With the aging population |
Which is not highly linked with the aging according to the passage?
| A．Long-term physical disability. |
| B．Long-term mental disability. |
| C．Long-term chronic illnesses. |
| D．Long-term shortage of care and love. |
What got in the way of developing health insurance and pensions in Africa?
| A．The economic reforms. |
| B．Too many old people. |
| C．The shortage of land. |
| D．The development of the economy. |
How can the aging problem be solved in Africa according to Ncube?
| A．African governments should spend as much money on healthcare as developed countries |
| B．African people should save enough money to insure their health. |
| C．African governments should combine with private companies to finish health insurance and pension pains. |
| D．Private sources should take the main responsibility to help the elderly. |
The article is most likely to be seen____
| A．in a story book | B．in a newspaper | C．on a TV program | D．in a textbook |
Nursing at Beth Israel Hospital produces the best patient care. If we are to solve the nursing shortage. hospital administration and doctors everywhere would do well to follow Beth Israel's example .
At Beth Israel each patient is assigned to a primary nurse who visits at length with the patient and constructs a full-scale health account that covers everything from his medical history to his emotional state. Then she writes a care plan centered on the patient's illness but which also includes everything else that is necessary.
The primary nurse stays with the patient through his hospitalization. keeping track with his progress and seeking further advice from his doctor. If a patient at Beth Israel is not responding to treatment. it is not uncommon for his nurse to propose another approach to his doctor. What the doctor at Beth Israel has in the primary nurse is a true colleague.
Nursing at Beth Israel also involves a decentralized (分散的) nursing administration; every unit is a self-contained organization. There are nurse-managers instead of head nurses; in addition to their medical duties they do all their own hiring and dismissing, employee advising, and they make salary recommendations. Each unit's nurses decide among themselves who will work what shifts and when.
Beth Israel's nurse-in-chief ranks as an equal with other vice presidents of the hospital. She is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee. which in most hospitals includes only doctors.Which of the following best characterizes the main feature of the nursing system at Beth Israel Hospital?
| A．The doctor gets more active professional support from the primary nurse. |
| B．Each patient is taken care of by a primary nurse day and night. |
| C．The primary nurse writes care plans for every patient. |
| D．The primary nurse keeps records of the patient's health conditions every day. |
It can be inferred from the passage that_____.
| A．compared with other hospitals, nurses at Beth Israel Hospital are more patient |
| B．in most hospitals, patient care is inadequate from the professional point of view |
| C．in most hospital, nurses get low salaries |
| D．compared with other hospitals, nurses have to work longer hours at Beth Israel Hospital |
A primary nurse can propose a different approach of treatment when
| A．the present one is refused by the patient |
| B．the patient complains about the present one |
| C．the present one proves to be ineffective |
| D．the patient is found unwilling to cooperate |
The main difference between a nurse-manager and a head nurse is that the former
| A．is a member of the Medical Executive Committee of the hospital |
| B．has to arrange the work shifts of the unit's nurses |
| C．can make decisions concerning the medical treatment of a patient |
| D．has full responsibility in the administration of the unit's nurses |
The author's attitude towards the nurse system at Beth Israel Hospital is___
| A．negative | B．neutral | C．critical | D．positive |
Science Daily (May 1S, 2012) - People who rate themselves as having high emotional intelligence (El) tend to overestimate (高估) their ability to detect deception(欺骗) in others. This is the finding of a paper published in the journal Legal and Criminological Psychology on 18 May 2012.
Professor Stephen Porter. director of the Centre for the Advancement of Psychological Science and Law at University of British Columbia Canada along with colleagues Dr. Leanne Brinke and Alysha Baker used a standard questionnaire to measure the EI of 116 participants.
These participants were then asked to view 20 videos from around the world of people pleading （祈求） for the safe return of a missing family member. In half the videos the person making the plea was responsible for the missing person's disappearance or murder.
The participants were asked to judge whether the pleas were honest or deceptive say how much confidence they had in their judgments, report the clues (线索) they had used to make those judgments and rate their emotional response to each plea.
Professor Porter found that higher EI was associated with overconfidence in assessing the sincerity of the pleas and sympathetic feelings towards people in the videos who turned out to be responsible for the disappearance.
Although EI, in general, was not associated with being better or worse at telling the difference between truths and lies. people with a higher ability to notice and express emotion (a component of EI) were not so good at spotting when people were telling lies.
Professor Porter says: "Taken together, these findings suggest findings features of emotional intelligence and the decision-making processes they lead to may nave the paradoxical (适得其反的) effect of weakening people's ability to detect deception."
"These findings are important because El is a well-accepted concept and is used in a variety of fields, including the workplace"Which of the following is true about the study and its findings?
| A．EI has something to do with telling truths and 1ies. |
| B．The participants were asked to identify liars on the spot. |
| C．The participants had to tell reasons for their judgments. |
| D．Those confident participants all made wrong judgments. |
According to Professor Porter's finding, people with higher EI
| A．were actually less confident |
| B．were easy to be cheated for their kindness |
| C．had sympathy for the missing people |
| D．were good at spotting deception |
What does the underlined word "they" refer to?
| A．Features of EI | B．People with high Ef |
| C．The findings | D．The researchers |
Workplace is specially mentioned in the last paragraph to ______.
| A．indicate that people with high EI are mostly adults |
| B．indicate that EI is very important in the workplace |
| C．warn employers not to trust employees with high EI |
| D．warn people with high EI of deception in the workplace |
What is the best title for the passage?
| A．How to detect deception in our daily life. |
| B．The disadvantages of high emotional intelligence. |
| C．The relationship between one's El and recognition. |
| D．Emotionally intelligent people are less good at spotting liars. |