Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), have designed a portable optical sensor (光谱传感器), also called leaf-clip Raman sensor, which can monitor whether a plant is under stress. Precision agriculture is important for dealing with growing food insecurity, but it requires new technologies for rapid detection of plant stresses in advance. SMART's new portable leaf-clip Raman sensor is useful in precision agriculture allowing early detection of nitrogen shortage in plants — a vital nutrient and the most important component of chemical fertilizers (化肥).
“Our findings showed that measurements using the portable leaf-clip Raman sensor under full-light growth conditions were consistent with measurements obtained with a desktop Raman optical instrument on leaf-sections under laboratory conditions,” says MIT Professor Rajeev Ram. “We found that early detection of nitrogen shortage in living plants is possible with the portable sensor.”
While the study mainly looked at nitrogen shortage in plants, the device can also be used to measure levels of other metabolites (代谢物), allowing it to detect other plant stress types such as heat and cold stress, salt stress, and light stress. The simplicity and speed of these leaf-clip Raman sensors make them practical for field use by farmers to ensure crop health.
“The sensor was tested on multiple vegetable varieties and supports the effort to produce nutritious, low-cost vegetables,” says Professor Nam-Hai Chua. “Extension of this work to a wider variety of crops may contribute globally to improved crop output and reduction of environmental pollution through reduced fertilizer use.”
The portable Raman system was designed in combination with local company Technospex Pte Ltd. The leaf-clip Raman sensor consists of a 3D printed clip that is built around a fiber-based Raman detection unit.
1. How is the new device used to detect a plant's nutrition stress?A.By measuring its nitrogen levels. |
B.By checking its exposure to light. |
C.By examining its field conditions. |
D.By testing its resistance to extreme weather. |
A.It is simpler in theory. |
B.It is more fit to use in the lab. |
C.It is more accurate in detection results. |
D.It is more suitable for real-time detection. |
A.Short-sighted. | B.Cautious. |
C.Optimistic. | D.Wait-and-see. |
A.Is it possible to develop green agriculture? |
B.A portable optical sensor or a desktop one? |
C.Precision agriculture: a must for good harvests |
D.Plant-assessing optical sensor: a big help to farmers |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Beneath the blue waters of Trinidad and Tobago, plastic pollution is causing serious damage to marine ecosystems. Every year, over 88,600 tonnes of plastic waste is deposited(沉积)into the ocean around the Caribbean nation, harming marine life and impacting human health.
A new app is aiming to help young people in Trinidad and Tobago, along with other small island developing states, battle against the damage done by plastic pollution. Called Tide Turners, the app was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme with the help of young people. It challenges users to record their plastics consumption and develop an action plan to reduce their use of plastics. It also encourages young people to switch to reusable products and go plastic-free where possible: lifestyle changes that experts say can help stop the flow of plastic into the world’s oceans.
Reducing plastic pollution will take a joint effort from governments, businesses and, especially, youth. Children account for around 30 percent of the population in small island developing states in the Caribbean.
To tackle the plastic pollution challenge, the new app builds on UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge, which has so far engaged more than 500,000 young people in youth groups. Along with calling on youth to use less plastic, it encourages them to start campaigns and raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Sarah Sobrian, who tested an early version of the app and advised on its development, is keen to get started. “The Tide Turners app is an incredible tool that educates and empowers us to change the situation we face,” she says. “I am incredibly eager to be a part of this and share this experience with those in my life. With this app, we can and will work together to create the impact that we have long wanted to see.”
1. What is the purpose of the Tide Turners app?A.To help youths to fight against plastic pollution. |
B.To track marine life populations in the Caribbean. |
C.To help the young to develop the small island states. |
D.To encourage businesses to switch to plastic-free packaging. |
A.They have more free time than adults. |
B.They have access to funding the new app. |
C.They are the main contributors to plastic waste. |
D.They make up about one-third of the population. |
A.Suspicious. | B.Favorable. | C.Indifferent. | D.Objective. |
A.A new app can turn the situation around. |
B.Plastic pollution is a serious threat to marine ecosystems. |
C.Governments make great efforts to reduce plastic pollution. |
D.Trinidad and Tobago are suffering from serious plastic pollution. |
【推荐2】Summer heat can be dangerous, and heat leads to tragedy far too often. According to Kidsandcars Organization, an average of 37 young children per year die of car heat in the US, when they are accidentally left in a hot vehicle.
For Bishop Curry, a fifth grader from McKinney, Texas, one such incident hit close to home. A six-month-old baby from his neighborhood died after hours in a hot car. After hearing about her death, Curry decided that something needed to be done. Young Curry drew up a sketch of a device he called “Oasis.”
The device would be attached to car seats and watch the temperature inside the car. If it reached a certain temperature in the car, and the device sensed a child in the car seat, it would begin to circulate cool air. Curry also designs the device using GPS and Wi-Fi technology, which would alarm the child’s parents and, if there was no response from them, the police.
Curry’s father believes that the invention has potential. “The cool thing about Bishop’s thinking is none of this technology is new,” he said. “We feel like the way he’s thinking and combining all these technologies will get to production faster.” His father even introduced the device to Toyota, where he works as an engineer.
In January, Curry’s father launched a campaign for the invention. They hope to raise money to finalize the patent, build models, and find a manufacturer. They have raised more than twice that—over $46,000.
“I was so proud of him for thinking of a solution,” the father said. “We always just complain about things and rarely offer solutions.”
1. What inspired Curry to invent Oasis?A.His narrow escape from death after being locked in a car. |
B.The death of his neighbor’s baby after being left in a hot car. |
C.His knowledge of many children’s death because of car heat. |
D.The injury of 37 children in his school in a car accident. |
A.It would get the window open to save the child. | B.It would pump out the hot air in the car. |
C.It would sound the alarm attached to the car. | D.It would inform the parents or even the police. |
A.It used some of the most advanced technology. | B.It could accelerate production of new technology. |
C.It simply combined technologies that existed. | D.It is the most advanced among similar products. |
A.To get the patent and bring it to production. | B.To get other children devoted to inventions. |
C.To support a charity of medical aid for children. | D.To conduct experiments to test the invention. |
A.Sympathetic and faithful. | B.Action-oriented and amusing. |
C.Talented and generous. | D.Innovative and productive |
【推荐3】The world’s biggest COVID9-9 vaccine (疫苗) study started on Monday. A total of 30,00 volunteers will help test the effectiveness and safety of a shot developed by the National Institutes of Health and drug maker Moderna.
The volunteers will each receive two doses (剂量) of a shot. They will not know whether they are getting the real vaccine or false version (版本) Scientists will then closely follow the volunteers as they go about their daily activities. They want to see which group experiences a higher rate of infections (感染), especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.
Volunteers from more than 80 test areas across the country will take part in the study. Moderna said the first vaccines were given Monday morning in Savannah, Georgia. The U.S. government requires its tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country. The aim is not just to test if a vaccine works, but also to check if it is safe.
Through the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network, the U.S. plans a new study for vaccine candidates (候选人) each month through autumn. Each will involve30,000 newly chosen volunteers. The hope is that, by using the same rules for each study, scientists will be easily able to compare the vaccines. In August, the U.S. will carry out its final stages of Oxford University’s vaccine candidate. The study of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine will start in September. Drug maker Pfizer also plans to carry out its own 30,000-person study this summer.
That is a lot of volunteers needed to test possible vaccines. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans have registered to volunteer for the studies, says Dr. Larry Corey. He is with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, Washington. It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from start to finish. But this time, scientists are setting speed records.
1. What can be learned according to the second paragraph?A.The volunteers will be divided into two groups. |
B.A false version will influence the volunteers poorly. |
C.Every volunteer gets two doses of shot at different times. |
D.Scientists will keep the volunteers in a special place. |
A.This test involves volunteers from different countries. |
B.Some volunteers have been injected with the vaccine. |
C.The aim of the test is to see how the vaccine works. |
D.The U.S. government intends to do tests nationwide. |
A.The tests need many more than 150,000 volunteers |
B.The vaccines made in a hurry have not potential safety issues. |
C.It is hoped that vaccine is the best hope against the virus. |
D.It is better to put off using the vaccines on humans. |
A.COVID-19 Vaccine Starts Test with Volunteers |
B.Moderna Are to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine |
C.150,000 Registered to Get COVID-19 Vaccine |
D.COVID-19 Vaccine Gets Support from U.S. Government |
【推荐1】Scientists have long had it in their mind to make a robot lizard (蜥蜴). They began with finding out why a lizard can hang on a wall. They noticed the lizard’s toes were unique: they have suckers (吸盘), which enable it to hang on walls. They, therefore, made a robot with suckers on its hands and feet.
The robot could hang on the wall but fell off when climbing. So, they went on researching. 6 years ago, scientists discovered that suckers only were not enough. It is the bristles (刚毛) on each foot that adds friction (摩擦) and static adsorption (静电吸附力) that makes a lizard move on the smooth wall easily without falling down.
Then scientists made great efforts to fix thick bristles to the robot’s hands and feet. However, the effect was not satisfactory. The robot still couldn’t attach itself firmly to the wall.
Scientists got puzzled: how on earth can the lizard climb on an extremely smooth wall or even on a ceiling without dropping off?
An accidental finding inspired them. One day a scientist happened to see a cat attack a lizard and bite off its tail. The lizard broke away from the cat’s teeth and threw itself on a wall to escape, only to fall off heavily on the ground. The scientist wondered: is it the tail that plays an important role in its travelling on the wall? He caught some lizards for an experiment. The result proved his assumption: a tailless lizard has no trouble walking on an ordinary wall but can’t on a smooth one. A further study showed the lizard’s tail can prevent it falling over backward and, what’s more, that the tail acts as an additional leg while one of the lizard’s legs leaves the wall, which is always the case while it is walking on the wall.
Thus, Tailbot, a super tailed robot, is born.
1. What part(s) would be a must if scientists just wanted a robot which can hang on the wall?A.Suckers. | B.Suckers and bristles. |
C.Suckers, bristles and a tail. | D.Hands, feet, bristles and a tail. |
A.to protect the lizard’s toes from injury |
B.to produce friction and static adsorption |
C.to prevent a lizard falling over backward |
D.to help a lizard move about without falling |
A.serving as another leg | B.helping support the body |
C.sticking to the wall | D.stopping slipping |
A.A lizard often falls over backward while it travels on the wall. |
B.A lizard often has three legs on the wall while walking on the wall. |
C.A lizard’s tail will replace one of its legs while it moves on the wall. |
D.A lizard’s tail often stops it fall over backward while moving on the wall. |
【推荐2】Time, wars and natural disasters have a bad effect on the artistic and cultural objects in the world. More than 1,000 years ago, a fire destroyed the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. In 1755, an earthquake destroyed Ribeira Palace in Lisbon, Portugal, along with artworks inside. In modern times, the Taliban destroyed the huge Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.
As we all know, museums play an important part in our daily lives. They keep evidence of culture and history and exhibit great works. A major goal of most museums in the world is to make sure that important historical objects do not disappear forever. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, holds 1,250 pieces of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. These objects have inspired artists and historians for many years. So the museum is working to make a complete and permanent record of the artworks so that the generations in the future will enjoy them as well.
The project is an effort of both the museum and the scientists from Indiana University in the United States. The team is using technology to create digital copies of the Uffizi’s ancient sculptures (雕像).
The process is called photogrammetry. At one time, this process was slow and expensive. But not anymore, said Professor Robert Frischer. He said photogrammetry is now much faster and cheaper. Now they can gather 3D data on a life-size sculpture in half an hour and they can process the data just in a couple of hours.
The images allow the viewer to examine the sculpture from all sides. And when the viewer zooms in (放大), the image becomes clearer. The Uffizi hopes to have the collection completed and available on the Internet by 2022.
1. What caused the Ribeira Palace to ruin?A.A fire. | B.An earthquake. | C.A war. | D.A heavy rain. |
A.To improve people’s living conditions. | B.To attract more artists and historians. |
C.To make profits by selling great works. | D.To save important historical objects. |
A.Elegant. | B.Valuable. | C.Lasting. | D.Effective. |
A.It works much faster now. | B.It is too costly to afford. |
C.It can print a 3D sculpture. | D.It is developed by Uffizi. |
【推荐3】It is sometimes jokingly said that you may skip a meal a day without any adverse effect but skip using your WeChat for an hour and you will feel distinctly unwell. It is an acknowledgement of the fact that the app is no longer only a fun tool but an essential part of life for millions.
Launched in January 2011, this messaging, social media and mobile payment app today has more than 1 billion individual users. People use it for everything, from applying for a business license to booking a hospital appointment to keeping up with family and friends, shopping and paying bills—activities that are part and parcel of our everyday life.
When it was first introduced, WeChat was only an app supporting voice, video, picture and text messages between two persons or among a group. But today it has become ubiquitous.
In the past, people carried their wallet and keys with them wherever they went; today, a smart phone with WeChat installed is all they need in daily life. Its functions like Moments and mini programs and the official WeChat accounts of government agencies and companies have made communication and public services accessible and convenient like never before.
WeChat is also widely used by enterprises. Figures from Tencent show there are around 15 million WeChat official accounts, which enjoy 5 billion followers. Most businesses use their WeChat groups as a standard marketing kit. This has immensely reduced advertising, marketing and communication costs, and in the background of the novel coronavirus disease, made operations faster, contactless and safe.
However, there are concerns about the downsides of WeChat, such as addiction among primary school children. Equally serious is the misuse of WeChat for fraud or instigating crimes. However, it has to be kept in mind that these fallouts are not really the fault of WeChat, but due to the misuse of the app.
If we learn to temper our use of messaging apps with prudence and pragmatism, we could be looking forward to yet new conveniences and experience in this decade with the rapid development of 5G technology and artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the choice is ours, whether to use WeChat or any other new invention, wisely or wantonly.
1. We can conclude from the first paragraph that ___________.A.we can easily skip a meal a day. |
B.we will be ill by not using WeChat. |
C.WeChat used to be meant for fun. |
D.WeChat has become inseparable in daily life. |
A.everywhere. | B.somewhere. | C.nowhere. | D.wherever. |
A.WeChat has a mobile payment function. |
B.The agencies provide better service through WeChat. |
C.Mini programs are convenient for the agencies. |
D.People do not have to carry keys and cash with them. |
A.It has brought more followers. |
B.It has become a standard. |
C.It has helped to cut down the costs. |
D.It has made the businesses healthier. |
A.WeChat should be held responsibly. |
B.WeChat should be banned among primary school children. |
C.The improper use of the app leads to many problems. |
D.The 5G technology will bring new conveniences and experience. |
【推荐1】We are Idea International Education. As a comprehensive education service institute, our mission is to assist native English Speaking Teachers in their quest of getting teaching positions which best suit them. We have school locations in small towns and big cities all over Guangdong. China and we would be happy to speak with those who are interested in the teaching opportunities we can provide! Below is a list of basic details about our positions:
Key Responsibilities Involved:
·Our average work schedule being Monday through Friday
·Teachers being given 40 working hours per week with 2-day weekend off per week
·Teaching periods from September through January and March through July, with the provided option of teaching during semester breaks
The Treatments:
·Salaries range from 10, 000 to 18, 000 RMB and is based on qualification, degree, teaching experience, & teaching certification
·5000 RMB contract finish bonus (Generally, a contract lasts 1 year)
·Private Furnished Independent Apartment provided
·Two free meals offered by the school per work day
·Airport pick-up
·Medical insurance and accident insurance
Required Documentation:
- A current resume or one-sheet, indicating your nationality
- A copy of your passport / ID
- A copy of your highest degree and / or other certification
- Current Photo
- References with contact information
Please contact us for more details: http://www.ideaeducn.com
1. What’s the job description of the teaching positions?
A.Teachers only work on Monday and Friday. |
B.Teachers should work more than 10 hours every day. |
C.Teachers are required to work 11 months per year. |
D.Teachers can choose to work during school holidays. |
A.You will be paid at least 18,000 RMB monthly. |
B.You will get extra 5,000 yuan after a year’s teaching. |
C.You need to live in a shared dormitory with others. |
D.You are free to choose your insurance types. |
A.A proof of previous working experience. | B.A copy of your ID |
C.A copy of your certification. | D.Your recent photo. |
【推荐2】Do you know that forests cover an estimated 38 percent of the total land surface of the European Union (EU)? And that these extensive areas covered with trees and underbrush need to be protected so they can continue to do good for the environment for the next generation? Now the EU has just come up with is ambitious new “Forest Strategy”.
Forests can fight against climate change and prevent biodiversity loss They can reduce the impacts of climate change by cooling down cities, protecting us from heavy flooding, and reducing drought impacts. They are valuable ecosystems that are home to a major part of the world’s plants and animals. But forests also improve our health and well-being through functions like water regulation, erosion (侵蚀) control and air purification. And they serve as ideal settings for “recreation, relaxation and learning, as well as securing livelihoods”.
This new European- wide forest conservation vision takes in an impressive commitment to plant a minimum of three billion additional trees over the next decade. This is an ambitious plan but a long overdue one because forests have been battered by severe weather and human impacts, particularly the demand for wood over the last ten years. As the EU Observer puts it,“extreme weather events and the increasing demand for forest services and products, driven by wood-based bioenergy and international trade, have accelerated tree cover loss in the last decade.”
This EU strategy takes into account the complexity of ; forest sustainability. Observation, knowledge exchange, ongoing monitoring and close cooperation between public and private organizations and individuals are also key elements in this new continent- wide forest protection strategy.
This is a future- focused blueprint, designed to protect these precious green areas, and ensure that the trees and greenery are here to stay!
1. Why are two questions raised in the beginning?A.To tell us the EU’s forest coverage. |
B.To call on people to protect forests. |
C.To explain the reason for the strategy. |
D.To encourage more forest expansion. |
A.The urgency of the strategy. |
B.The importance of forests. |
C.The background of the strategy. |
D.The environmental role of forests. |
A.Preserved. | B.Controlled. | C.Removed. | D.Damaged. |
A.Planting Trees for the World |
B.Irreplaceable Benefits of Forests |
C.EU’s Action to Protect the Earth |
D.Taking Forests into the Future |
【推荐3】It’s believed that Canada is one of the most wonderful choices for travelers. Travel in Canada has become exciting as a number of lakes including “Great Lakes” in Canada make it attractive. In fact, Canada has more lakes than any other country which contains fresh water. In addition to lakes, Canada has a number of beaches as it has a long coastline on its north, east, and west. Travelers from around the world come in large numbers to enjoy sunbath at various beaches.
Niagara Falls lie on the border of Canada and the US. It is now popular for its beauty and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Niagara Falls are most attractive during summer season when weather condition is charming and attractive. Any Canadian will recommend that to you. At the Canadian side, floodlights light up both sides of the fall for several hours after dark and the whole scene becomes magnificent.
When traveling to Canada, travelers can enjoy doing shopping at Toronto which is considered a leading city. It symbolizes American culture and the spirit of independence. Migrants form European, Latin American, Asian and Caribbean races inhabit the place and make it a multi-cultural society. Ottawa, on the other hand, is the capital of Canada and center of political activities.
Vancouver is an enlightening city in Canada which was named after British Captain George Vancouver, who explored the area in the 1790s. The city is a leading industrial place in Canada. Another tourist attraction in Canada is the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria. The city is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Travel in Canada is being made easy as transportation facilities are of higher standard. Besides, very few people know that Canada is a high-paying country in terms of wages per hour. In addition to a popular tourist destination, Canada is an economic powerhouse of North America, particularly in agriculture products. Canada dairy industry exports milk products around the world.
1. What attracts travelers most in Canada according to the first paragraph?A.Coastlines and sunbath. | B.Mountains and water. |
C.Animals and plants. | D.Lakes and beaches. |
A.Charming weather conditions | B.Summer Niagara Falls |
C.Floodlights at Canadian side | D.The hydroelectric power |
A.Its people come from different countries | B.It displays the Canadian bravery. |
C.It is a political center in Canada. | D.Travelers can buy something cheap there. |
A.Remind us to keep him in mind. | B.Compare Vancouver and Victoria. |
C.Introduce the city of Vancouver. | D.Tell us a history story. |