The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Numbers are regarded as a common problem trigger in simultaneous interpreting (SI). Their low predictability and high information density can generate additional cognitive loads for interpreters, especially for trainees. The data of this study were collected from the English into Mandarin Chinese SI performances by trainees over a semester-long period of training to explore if there was a correlation between training and the accuracy with which numbers are rendered in SI. Specifically, this study adopts a longitudinal approach to investigate the impact of a 13-week formal training course on trainees' ability to render numbers, and to determine the accuracy of different number types in renditions using six accuracy indicators. Two research questions were answered: (a) The 13-week formal training course did not significantly improve trainees' accuracy in

Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches, focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies, such as exercise, calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin, in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases. The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging, its neuroprotective effects, and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders. The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific, influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways. In vascular endothelial cells, transcription factor EB controls important processes, including endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial tube formation, and nitric oxide levels, thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier, angiogenesis, and retinal microvasculature. Additionally, transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis. In retinal pigment epithelial cells, transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy, lysosomal dynamics, and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization. These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis, neuronal synapse plasticity, energy metabolism, microvasculature, and inflammation, ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases. The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.

The performance variations of aero-engine is a key concern for airlines, At present, the urgent need are failure prediction and health management technology of aero-engine, the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is one of the core technologies of health management technology. In this paper, we propose a combined model for aero-engine life prediction which based on Long Short-Term Memory network based on multi-headed attention mechanism and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model. Using the multi-headed attention mechanism to focus on the information of the input sequence related to the current time step, can improve the level of attention of the LSTM neural network to the key information of the sequence data, By extracting important time features from different moments, and using ARIMA time series model to extract linear features advantage will be more accurate. The model experiments based on actual flight data indicate that the prediction result of this model is better than the traditional statistical methods and machine learning methods, so it is effective and it has advantages in improving the accuracy of remaining useful life prediction of aero-engine.

Regulating metal‐support interactions enables rational design of catalysts with enhanced performance in Fenton‐like oxidation reactions. Here, a novel oxygen‐doped, stalactite‐like g‐C3N4 supported FeOCl (FeOCl‐OCN) is successfully synthesized. Due to the modulation of O doping to the work function (Φ) of g‐C3N4 support, a delicate built‐in electric field (BIEF) oriented from OCN to FeOCl is constructed. Driven by large work function difference (ΔΦ = 3.235 eV), the interfacial charge transfer manipulates electron redistribution to achieve a rearrangement of structural Fe(II)/Fe(III). Based on theoretical calculations and mechanism insight, the interaction between FeOCl and OCN exhibits a stronger binding ability to peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and reduces the energy barriers for *O formation, therefore favoring a higher yield of singlet oxygen (¹O2) and high‐valent iron‐oxo (Fe(IV)═O)− species. As a result, the FeOCl‐OCN/PMS system demonstrates a nonradical‐dominated pathway, delivering high activity (k obs = 0.250 min⁻¹), robust tolerance to pH variation and resistance, and excellent stability.

Mix sparse structure is inherited in a wide class of practical applications, namely, the sparse structure appears as the inter-group and intra-group manners simultaneously. In this paper, we propose an iterative mix thresholding algorithm with continuation technique (IMTC) to solve the $\ell _0$ regularized mix sparse optimization. The significant advantage of the IMTC is that it has a closed-form expression and low storage requirement, and it is able to promote the mix sparse structure of the solution. We prove the convergence property and the linear convergence rate of the ITMC to a local minimum; moreover, we show that the ITMC approaches an approximate true mix sparse solution within a tolerance relevant to the noise level under an assumption of restricted isometry property. We also apply the mix sparse optimization to model the differential optical absorption spectroscopy analysis with the wavelength misalignment, and numerical results indicate that the IMTC can exactly and quantitatively predict the existing materials and the factual wavelength misalignment simultaneously within 0.1 s, which meets the demand of improvement of the automatic analysis software.

This research aims to conceptualize consumers’ trust toward digital technologies in the hospitality and tourism context, develop measurement scales for digital trust, validate the developed scale, and investigate the consequences of digital trust. A sequential exploratory strategy was used to develop a measurement scale. An in-depth literature review, thematic analyses of an unstructured survey with undisguised questions, and a focus group discussion were conducted to conceptualize digital trust. Then, the scale developed from this process was assessed, refined, and validated using quantitative methods. Results show that digital trust is a hierarchical construct consisting of mechanical trust and relational trust. Responsiveness, legitimacy, and efficiency are components of mechanical trust, whereas relational trust is composed of credibility and care. Digital trust then has significant positive impacts on experience, brand trust, and continued use intention.

The Zn metal anode in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) faces daunting challenges including undesired water‐induced parasitic reactions and sluggish ion migration kinetics. Herein, we develop three‐dimensional covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with bioinspired ion channels toward stabilized Zn anodes. These COFs, featured by zincophilic pyridine‐N sites, enable effective regulation of water molecules at the anode‐electrolyte interphase. Systematic experimental analysis and theoretical simulations reveal the optimized COF‐320N membrane functions as ion pumps, accordingly facilitating Zn2+ transport and inhibiting direct contact between Zn anode and free water molecules. Consequently, the bio‐inspired strategy achieves improved Zn2+ transference number (0.61), rapid de‐solvation kinetics, and suppressed hydrogen evolution. The assembled Zn||MnO2 pouch cell integrated with COF‐320N membrane exhibits favorable electrochemical performances. Such a bioinspired concept for optimizing Zn anodes opens new pathways in developing advanced energy storage devices.

Aims/Purpose: Assessing a method for refracting children using the Vision‐R™ 800, evaluating usability, followed by examining consistency and clinical relevance of an improved refraction protocol, time savings and children's experience. Methods: Two studies involved Chinese children aged 6 to 13. Study 1 (N = 159) assessed subjective refraction using Vision‐R™ 800 algorithm‐based software (SR1), followed by manual subjective refraction (SSR) and a second algorithm‐based refraction post‐cycloplegia (SR2). Study 2 (N = 66) evaluated SR1 using a modified algorithm and a manual subjective refraction (SSR2) following standard practice post‐cycloplegia. The primary outcomes were the differences and 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA) between the refraction methods, being secondary outcomes method‐duration and children's feedback. Results of right eyes are presented. Results: Study 1 average spherical equivalent (M) of ‐1.50 ± 1.50 D for SR1, ‐1.33 ± 1.57 D for SSR, and ‐1.35 ± 1.58 D for SR2. SR1 was ‐0.17 D more negative than SSR, and LoA was ± 0.75 D ( p < 0.01) with no significant differences between SSR and SR2. Astigmatism differences were clinically insignificant. Timewise, SR1 took 7.64 ± 2.41 mins, SSR 4.94 ± 1.36 mins, and SR2 6.92 ± 2.51 mins. Ratings: SR1: “Okay” 60.4%, “Really Good” 32.1%, “Fantastic” 6.3%. The initial algorithm protocol was usable and well‐received, with 95% of children completing the examination. Study 2 found M values of ‐1.14 ± 1.49 D for SR1 and ‐0.93 ± 1.52 D for SSR2, with SR1 being ‐0.22 D more negative than SSR2 ( p < 0.01). The LoA were ± 0.50 D for sphere, ± 0.35 D for J0, and ± 0.30 D for J45. These values showed greater consistency and smaller standard deviations in M (0.26D vs.0.38D) compared to Study 1. The modified algorithm reduced refraction time to 5.70 mins for SR1 vs. 4.77 mins for SSR2 ( p < 0.05), with SR1 ratings: “Okay” 17%, “Really good” 44.7%, “fantastic” 38.3%, outperforming the earlier program. Conclusions: While cycloplegic subjective refraction remains the standard for children, the proposed algorithm‐based, non‐cycloplegic refraction with the Vision‐R™ 800 showed reasonable agreement with the cycloplegic standard. This advancement is crucial for exploring alternatives to cycloplegic refraction in future pediatric clinical practices.

Aims/Purpose: Assessing a method for refracting children using the Vision‐R™ 800, evaluating usability, followed by examining consistency and clinical relevance of an improved refraction protocol, time savings and children's experience. Methods: Two studies involved Chinese children aged 6 to 13. Study 1 ( N = 159) assessed subjective refraction using Vision‐R™ 800 algorithm‐based software (SR1), followed by manual subjective refraction (SSR) and a second algorithm‐based refraction post‐cycloplegia (SR2). Study 2 ( N = 66) evaluated SR1 using a modified algorithm and a manual subjective refraction (SSR2) following standard practice post‐cycloplegia. The primary outcomes were the differences and 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA) between the refraction methods, being secondary outcomes method‐duration and children's feedback. Results of right eyes are presented. Results: Study 1 average spherical equivalent (M) of ‐1.50 ± 1.50 D for SR1, ‐1.33 ± 1.57 D for SSR, and ‐1.35 ± 1.58 D for SR2. SR1 was ‐0.17 D more negative than SSR, and LoA was ± 0.75 D (p < 0.01) with no significant differences between SSR and SR2. Astigmatism differences were clinically insignificant. Timewise, SR1 took 7.64 ± 2.41 mins, SSR 4.94 ± 1.36 mins, and SR2 6.92 ± 2.51 mins. Ratings: SR1: “Okay” 60.4%, “Really Good” 32.1%, “Fantastic” 6.3%. The initial algorithm protocol was usable and well‐received, with 95% of children completing the examination. Study 2 found M values of ‐1.14 ± 1.49 D for SR1 and ‐0.93 ± 1.52 D for SSR2, with SR1 being ‐0.22 D more negative than SSR2 (p < 0.01). The LoA were ± 0.50 D for sphere, ± 0.35 D for J0, and ± 0.30 D for J45. These values showed greater consistency and smaller standard deviations in M (0.26D vs.0.38D) compared to Study 1. The modified algorithm reduced refraction time to 5.70 mins for SR1 vs. 4.77 mins for SSR2 (p < 0.05), with SR1 ratings: “Okay” 17%, “Really good” 44.7%, “fantastic” 38.3%, outperforming the earlier program. Conclusions: While cycloplegic subjective refraction remains the standard for children, the proposed algorithm‐based, non‐cycloplegic refraction with the Vision‐R™ 800 showed reasonable agreement with the cycloplegic standard. This advancement is crucial for exploring alternatives to cycloplegic refraction in future pediatric clinical practices.

Real-time velocity monitoring is pivotal for fault detection of rotating machinery. However, existing methods rely on either troublesome deployments of optical encoders and IMU sensors or various tachometers delivering coarse-grained velocity measurements insufficient for fault detection. To overcome these limitations, we propose Romeo as the first work to exploit the mmWave radar for ro tating m achinery fault detection by extracting a fine-grained v e l o city signature. Though mmWave radars should capture instant rotation information with their claimed high sensitivity and sampling rate, direct adoption entails significant efforts for high-precision velocity measurement per radar to handle; particularly, exhausted system calibration and noise interference. To this end, we first develop a phase-velocity model to characterize the relationship between the mmWave signal phase and the fine-grained angular velocity. We then explore the geometric properties of specific positions in the rotation trajectory to precisely calibrate the rotation sensing model, leading to an iterative algorithm for accurate angular velocity measurement. Finally, we propose a simple yet effective fault detection algorithm by extracting a unique velocity signature. Our extensive experiments show Romeo achieves a median error of 0.4 $^\circ$ /s for fine-grained angular speed measurement, outperforming SOTA solutions with over ×16 angular speed granularity and ×7 measurement precision.

Background: The associations between the characteristics of the home literacy environment (HLE) and children's language and literacy skills have been established in first languages. This study investigated the longitudinal interplay between the father-child and mother-child HLE and children's English language skills as L2. Methods: In this study, 176 second-year kindergarten children (Mean = 55.06 months, SD = 4.30; 96 boys, 54.5%) were followed into their third year and were assessed on their English vocabulary and word reading. The child's father and mother completed a questionnaire on their independent HLE with their child. Results: The cross-lagged panel analysis showed that previous father-child formal HLE predicted subsequent activity levels of mother-child and father-child informal HLE. The mother-child formal HLE positively predicted the development of English word reading. A child's prior English vocabulary was positively associated with subsequent father-child informal HLE. Conclusions: The crossover effects between the father-child and mother-child HLE emphasize that the behaviours of one parent's HLE could influence one another. Family-based interventions could consider promoting both fathers' and mothers' roles in fostering children's language learning and reading development in a positive home learning environment. The implications for the effectiveness of the HLE in supporting children's English language learning as L2 are discussed.

Emerging evidence highlights the significance of peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and suggests the gut as a viable therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of the probiotic formulation VSL#3® and its underlying mechanism in a PD mouse model induced by MPTP. Following MPTP administration, the striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites, as along with the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, were significantly reduced in PD mice. MPTP also significantly increased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, while reducing anti-inflammation mediators, like glia cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the striatum. These pathological changes were notably mitigated by VSL#3® treatment, suggesting its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the brain. Additionally, VSL#3® significantly lowered the circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression in the liver, indicating an inhibition of cytokine transfer. In the intestine, the probiotic treatment markedly decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17), and the other two key components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and NLRP3, demonstrating an inhibition of VSL#3® on gut NLRP3 inflammasome. VSL#3® exerts neuroprotective effects in PD mice through the suppression of intestinal inflammation, particularly inhibiting the intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome. This study supports the therapeutic potential of targeting intestinal inflammation and utilizing probiotics in PD treatment.

Absrtact: In the era of digital intelligence, biometrics plays a critical role in mediating sensitive information dissemination, human-computer interaction, and governance in both virtual and real-world settings, including the evolving metaverse. Based on an empirical analysis of 1,862 participants, the current study investigated factors influencing public perception, acceptance, and risk awareness of biometric technologies. The findings highlight the critical roles of perceived trust (PT) and technical prudence (TP) in driving behavioral intentions (BI), with their positive effects outweighing the significant deterrent impact of perceived risks (PR). While PT and perceived availability (PA) significantly enhance the adoption of biometric technologies, TP exhibited an unexpected positive influence, suggesting that cautious users may still embrace biometrics if perceived as secure and trustworthy. These results emphasize the urgency of refining legal and regulatory frameworks, improving risk mitigation strategies, and enhancing user confidence to foster the responsible adoption and utilization of biometric technologies. This study offers valuable insights into the interplay of factors such as perceived trust, risks, and technological prudence in shaping behavioral intentions, contributing to a deeper understanding of biometrics in a rapidly digitizing society.