Search

Neurological soft signs (NSSs) are subtle motor and sensory deficits, and are associated with poor cognitive abilities. Although cognitive ability has been found to be a significant predictor for academic performance in children, it remains unclear whether NSSs could contribute to academic abilities such as mathematical skills, and its contribution varies according to grade level. Therefore, in this cross‐sectional study, we examined the relationships between NSSs and different mathematical skills (calculation fluency, numerical operations, and mathematical problem‐solving) in 105 Chinese children (Mean age = 7.76 years, SD age = 0.67 years; 52 from second grade, 53 from third grade; 56 boys and 49 girls) recruited from a primary public school located in Shanghai. The results of regression analyses revealed that NSSs significantly predicted calculation fluency (β = −.32, p <.050), numerical operations (β = −.38, p <.050), and mathematical problem‐solving (β = −0.40, p <.010) in second but not third grade, even controlling for cognitive processes. Our results implicate that NSSs could be a potential predictor for mathematical skills in the early years of primary school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to select the optimum solar tracking mode for parabolic trough concentrating collectors using numerical simulation. The current work involved: (1) the calculation of daily solar radiation on the Earth's surface, (2) the comparison of annual direct solar radiation received under different tracking modes and (3) the determination of optimum tilt angle for the north-south tilt tracking mode. It was found that the order of solar radiation received in Shanghai under the available tracking modes was: dual-axis tracking > north-south Earth's axis tracking > north-south tilt tracking (β = 15°) > north-south tilt tracking (β = 45) > north-south horizontal tracking > east-west horizontal tracking. Single-axis solar tracking modes feature simple structures and low cost. This study also found that the solar radiation received under the north-south tilt tracking mode was higher than that of the north-south Earth's axis tracking mode in 7 out of 12 months. Therefore, the north-south tilt tracking mode was studied separately to determine the corresponding optimum tilt angles in Haikou, Lhasa, Shanghai, Beijing and Hohhot, respectively, which were shown as follows: 18.81°, 27.29°, 28.67°, 36.21° and 37.97°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PV windows provide thermal insulation, daylight use and power generation simultaneously. Present investigation aimed to evaluate the energy performance of 3 types of PV windows under 5 climates of China, and particularly to clarify the influences of transmittance and orientation on its energy performance. The present work involves: (i)the experimental testing that had been carried out; (ii)validation of the EnergyPlus model of natural ventilated double PV (NVDPV) window; (iii) prediction of the energy performance of the 5 PV windows under typical climates of China based on the validated model; (iv) applicability discussion of the PV windows under different climates and influence of transmittance and orientation. The results reveal the highest energy saving rate obtained by NVDPV window in the 5 cities. The NVDPV window integrated PV glass with transmittance of 10% delivered better energy performance than the window with transmittance of 5% under climates of Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The south facing windows achieved least building electricity consumption under the climates of Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, and Lhasa. Exceptionally, the east facing windows achieved least electricity usage under the climate of Shenzhen. The achievements from the present work provide a reliable criterion for the optimized design of PV windows. • Energy performance of PV windows was predicted with EnergyPlus under different climates. • Thermal, optical and electrical models of natural ventilatedPV window were validated. • The natural ventilated PV window delivered the best annual energy performance. • Transparency and orientation of the PV window were optimized for different cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]