1 . Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing promise in earthquake prediction, challenging the long-held belief that it is impossible. Researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, have developed an AI algorithm (算法) that correctly predicted 70% of earthquakes a week in advance during a trial in China and provided accurate strength calculations for the predicted earthquakes.

The research team believes their method succeeded because they stuck with a relatively simple machine learning approach. The AI was provided with a set of statistical features based on the team’s knowledge of earthquake physics, and then instructed to train itself using a five-year database of earthquake recordings. Once trained, the AI provided its prediction by listening for signs of incoming earthquakes within the background rumblings (隆隆声) in the Earth.

This work is clearly a milestone in research for AI-driven earthquake prediction. “You don’t see earth-quakes coming,” explains Alexandros Savvaidis, a senior research scientist who leads the Texas Seismological Network Program (TexNet). “It’s a matter of milliseconds, and the only thing you can control is how prepared you are. Even with the 70% accuracy, that’s a huge result and could help minimize economic and human losses and has the potential to remarkably improve earthquake preparation worldwide.”

While it is unknown whether the same approach will work at other locations, the researchers are confident that their AI algorithm could produce more accurate predictions if used in areas with reliable earthquake tracking networks. The next step is to test artificial intelligence in Texas, since UT’s Bureau TexNet has 300 earth-quake stations and over six years worth of continuous records, making it an ideal location for these purposes.

Eventually, the authors hope to combine the system with physics-based models. This strategy could prove especially important where data is poor or lacking. “That may be a long way off, but many advances such as this one, taken together, are what moves science forward,” concludes Scott Tinker, the bureau’s director.

3 . The 13-year-old girl Anna Grace is a volleyball manager, a basketball manager, and a theater volunteer, but perhaps her greatest _________ is the fact that she has beaten cancer twice.

Anna was first diagnosed (诊断) with a rare type of _________ in December of 2019． A soft ball player at the time, she told her parents she was experiencing muscle _________ in her left arm, only lifting it about eye-level. She had to _________ surgery on her left arm.

For the following weekends after the surgery, doctors scanned her _________ to make sure she was cancer-free and then in August of 2023, doctors _________ a spot on her lungs. She had another _________ on September to remove it. Anna said later the first time with cancer, it felt like a learning stage. The second time around, it was a little _________ to accept the news.

And throughout all of this, Anna has had to _________ school work and hospital life. Her sufferings with cancer forced her to really __________ herself because she was out of school for quite a while. Now she has __________ and has straight As. Anna’s father, Eric Bartel, said her journey has inspired him to. __________ every moment, enjoying time with his loving daughter.

Anna is doing well these days though. She’s __________ in theater and is a coach’s assistant. “When you’re on __________ you have to keep fighting,” Ann a said. “Always live life to the fullest each day. You’re loved. Your life __________.”

7 . Perhaps you’ve stopped doing what you want because you’re afraid of what others think of you. You feel that you must do what they expect and that you must meet their expectations, otherwise you’ll lose their approval. If this is the case, it’s time to start working on your self-esteem (自尊).     1    .

Think about yourself, about what you really like and are interested in. You must lead your life independently. You must do what you want without being affected by what others think.     2    , because you’ve always done everything to gain the approval of others. You need to get out of that zone, move to new places, and explore your full potential.

By surrounding yourself with people who think like you, you’ll realize that you don’t feel judged. Then, you’ll start doing what you really want.     3    . Your new friends will integrate into your life and you’ll also keep your genuine friends. On the other hand, those who are always ready to see the negative and question what you’re trying to do will gradually fade away.

To overcome your fear of what others think and of their non-approval, you should start talking about your plans.     4    . By talking to them, you’ll be able to organize your plans and ideas. You’ll feel confident in yourself and you’ll be able to go on your new path without any fear.

    5    . You’ll find barriers along your way. However, you must trust in yourself and seek the necessary strength to move forward. People in your environment often don’t understand what you do no matter how much you explain it, so ignore them.

Sichuan Cuisine and Hunan Cuisine are both known for their hot flavors, which might appear similar at first sight. That’s     1       Americans are pretty confused about how they are different.

This confusion has its roots in how Hunan food was introduced to     2     American public. According to Kian Lam Kho, the author of Chinese food blog Red Cook, a group of Chinese     3     (chef) are said to have been trained in both Hunan and Sichuan Cuisines in 1945. When they later sought opportunities in the United States, they     4     (bring) Hunan and Sichuan Cuisines to New York, where these two cooking styles were adjusted     5     (suit) local tastes.

As Kho puts     6    , these two cuisines offer different flavors. Sichuan Cuisine is characterized by the use of Sichuan peppercorns (花椒粒),     7     provide a unique numbing feeling. Hunan Cuisine, on the other hand, is famous for its bold and burning flavors,     8     (feature) the combination of fresh chilies (辣椒) and garlic to create a powerful and intense spicy taste.     9     Sichuan Cuisine, Hunan Cuisine does not typically include the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.

“It is amazing how distinct Hunan cooking is compared to its confusing Sichuan cousin. It is     10     (true) worthwhile to seek out restaurants or cookbooks that faithfully capture Hunan flavors in their menus or recipes.” Kho notes.