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Unit 6
Discussions and Conclusions
Discussions
A research discussion analyzes the findings and the data displayed in a
table, a graph, a figure, or other kinds of non-verbal illustration. In addition, it
may involve the results of your own work or other studies.
An important point to keep in mind is that a discussion is not merely a
presentation or a list of your findings. Rather, it should place your findings within
the context of your research or the broader context of your discipline. A
discussion usually takes one or more of the following forms, including:
1) Interpreting the present finding
2) Comparing and contrasting the present finding to those reported in
previous studies,
3) Explaining the present finding, i.e. identifying its cause(s) and/or
consequence(s),
4) Evaluating the present finding,
5) Indicating limitations of the study, and
6) Recommending further research.
Task 1
Identify the types of the following discussions.
1.
Another interesting finding is that the slope of the relationship increased
as the infection rate went up, implying a considerable change in system
performance with a rise in both infection rates and closeness centralization.
________________________________________
2.
With regard to students from other legal systems (and therefore most
likely from a different L1 background), it would be very interesting to have
empirical evidence for whether there is indeed a convergence of writing norms
between native and non-native speakers attending the same Master’s degree
program.
________________________________________
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3.
A second possible explanation of the poor ratings of Thai academics’
articles concerns national cultural values, which can influence how people think
about knowledge and their writing.
________________________________________
4.
This particular finding is not surprising in light of research which has
found evidence of increased complexity of output when learners make use of the
additional online planning time afforded by text-chat for monitoring and
elaboration.
________________________________________
5.
The findings of this study should be interpreted with caution, not only
because of the relatively small size of the study but also because of the nature of
the writing tasks used. Had we used more discipline-specific topics ...
________________________________________
6.
Our results support those of Sullivan and Hall (1997), who, like us, found
that self-assessors tended to overrate themselves. However, our results contradict
those of Chen (2008), Matsuno (2009), Brown (2005) and Leach (2000) who
indicated that the self-assessors in their studies tended to underrate themselves.
________________________________________
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Task 2
Study the following paragraphs. Underline the discussion parts in each and
identify their types.
A.
Fig. 6 shows the effect of the reflux ratio on the acetic acid conversion.
The methanol concentration in the reaction zone went up with an increase in the
reflux ratio. Therefore, the reaction equilibrium shifted towards the product side,
causing the acetic acid conversion to rise. However, when the reflux ratio was
greater than 14, the conversion of acetic acid began to fall. A reasonable
explanation for the decrease could be that the product, methyl acetate, as well as
methanol was brought back to the reaction zone, which forced the reaction to
reverse direction. Thus, it can be concluded that the highest conversion of acetic
acid appears under the reflux ratio of 14.
B.
Table 3 presents the results of CVaR analysis versus closeness
centralization at different infection rates. It can be seen that CVaR seems to
correlate directly with closeness centralization. That is, when the closeness
centralization of the networks increased, CVaR became higher, and vice versa.
This implies that the performance of the clinic will worsen with an increase in the
closeness centralization of the networks, perhaps because a disease spreads faster
in networks with this configuration. Another interesting finding is that the slope
of the relationship increased as the infection rate went up, implying a considerable
change in system performance with an increase in both infection rate and close
centralization. To illustrate, the CVaR of the network with the highest closeness
centralization level rose more dramatically as a result of an increase in infection
rate than that with the second highest closeness centralization level. Generally,
then, it can be expected that a rise in infection rate should lead to an increase in
CVaR. However, this is not always true, as illustrated by the cases of the lowest or
second lowest closeness centralization levels.
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C.
Fig. 9 shows the total energy consumption of 112 streetlights in one week
for different traffic volumes while operating different lighting schemes. The
results show that the energy consumption of time-based dimming schemes, i.e.
Conventional, Chronosense, Part-night and Dynadimmer, is not dependent on
traffic volume. Thus, their energy consumption remains constant while evaluated
with different traffic volumes. As expected, Conventional was the least energy
efficient of the lighting schemes considered since the streetlights were always
switched on at 100% illuminance. Chronosense, Part-night and Dynadimmer cut
down illuminance at specific hours, hence reducing the energy consumption by
15%, 34% and 37% respectively, compared to Conventional.
In general, the energy consumption of the streetlights when operating
traffic-aware lighting schemes, i.e. Multi-sensor, Zoning and TALiSMaN,
increases with larger traffic volumes. This trend is anticipated since these lighting
schemes are designed to save energy by turning off or dimming lights when less
traffic is present. As a result of increasing traffic volumes, a near-continuous
stream of traffic is developed within the detection range of each sensor. Hence,
the time each streetlight spends active is also prolonged, and thus energy
consumption is also increased. The effect of increasing traffic volumes to Multisensor, however, was less pronounced compared to other traffic-aware lighting
schemes. This was due to the streetlights operating Multi-sensor being constantly
switched on at 40% illuminance output even when a road user was not detected.
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Structure of the discussion section
The discussion section generally consists of the following components:
A. location elements
B. 1. highlighting statements
2. supporting evidence/findings
C. 1. discussions
2. supporting evidence/findings
Location elements refer to sentences or phrases used to help readers to
understand a text more easily by referring them to a relevant part, table, or figure.
Thus, they frequently serve as a starting point for a discussion. Highlighting
statements show generalizations which can be drawn from the data displayed.
Note that not every discussion contains all of the above components. Some
may contain only certain components, depending on such factors as the length of
the report or the conventions of the journal in which the research report is to be
published. In addition, a discussion section may be arranged in other orders than
the one shown above. Finally, one component may be scattered in several
sentences within a discussion paragraph; thus, drawing clear boundaries may be
difficult.
Task 3
Indicate the components of the following data interpretation paragraphs,
reproduced from those in the previous task, by marking (A), (B1), (B2), (C1), or
(C2).
A.
Fig. 6 shows the effect of the reflux ratio on the acetic acid conversion.
The methanol concentration in the reaction zone went up with an increase in the
reflux ratio. Therefore, the reaction equilibrium shifted towards the product side,
causing the acetic acid conversion to rise. However, when the reflux ratio was
greater than 14, the conversion of acetic acid began to fall. A reasonable
explanation for the decrease could be that the product, methyl acetate, as well as
methanol was brought back to the reaction zone, which forced the reaction to
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reverse direction. Thus, it can be concluded that the highest conversion of acetic
acid appears under the reflux ratio of 14.
B.
Table 3 presents the results of CVaR analysis versus closeness
centralization at different infection rates. It can be seen that CVaR seems to
correlate directly with closeness centralization. That is, when the closeness
centralization of the networks increased, CVaR became higher, and vice versa.
This implies that the performance of the clinic will worsen with an increase in the
closeness centralization of the networks, perhaps because a disease spreads faster
in networks with this configuration. Another interesting finding is that the slope
of the relationship increased as the infection rate went up, implying a
considerable change in system performance with an increase in both infection rate
and close centralization. To illustrate, the CVaR of the network with the highest
closeness centralization level rose more dramatically as a result of an increase in
infection rate than that with the second highest closeness centralization level.
Generally, then, it can be expected that a rise in infection rate should lead to an
increase in CVaR. However, this is not always true, as illustrated by the cases of
the lowest or second lowest closeness centralization levels.
C.
Fig. 9 shows the total energy consumption of 112 streetlights in one week
for different traffic volumes while operating different lighting schemes. The
results show that the energy consumption of time-based dimming schemes, i.e.
Conventional, Chronosense, Part-night and Dynadimmer, is not dependent on
traffic volume. Thus, their energy consumption remains constant while evaluated
with different traffic volumes. As expected, Conventional was the least energy
efficient of the lighting schemes considered since the streetlights were always
switched on at 100% illuminance. Chronosense, Part-night and Dynadimmer cut
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down illuminance at specific hours, hence reducing the energy consumption by
15%, 34% and 37% respectively, compared to Conventional.
In general, the energy consumption of the streetlights when operating
traffic-aware lighting schemes, i.e. Multi-sensor, Zoning and TALiSMaN,
increases with larger traffic volumes. This trend is anticipated since these lighting
schemes are designed to save energy by turning off or dimming lights when less
traffic is present. As a result of increasing traffic volumes, a near-continuous
stream of traffic is developed within the detection range of each sensor. Hence,
the time each streetlight spends active is also prolonged, and thus energy
consumption is also increased. The effect of increasing traffic volumes to Multisensor, however, was less pronounced compared to other traffic-aware lighting
schemes. This was due to the streetlights operating Multi-sensor being constantly
switched on at 40% illuminance output even when a road user was not detected.
Language focus: location elements
Location elements in discussions follow the same patterns as those used to
describe results. (Refer to Unit 5.) Some examples from the texts in Task 2 above
are provided below.
Fig. 6 shows the effect of the reflux ratio on the acetic acid conversion.
The best-fit model parameters are listed in Table 1.
All ENPs used in this study were predominantly negatively charged at their
original pH (Table 2).
Language focus: highlighting statements
Highlighting statements, or generalizations which can be drawn from the
data, are the core of discussions. They provide an excellent opportunity to show
that you are able to locate trends or regularities in the data and to focus on
important findings. General recommendations are that you should not simply
repeat your findings, attempt to discuss all aspects of your findings, or make an
unreasonable or indefensible claim. Writing them requires both good judgment
and effective presentation of the judgment. Making claims of appropriate strength is
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an important aspect of the presentation and thus needs to be taken into
consideration.
Making claims of appropriate strength
While writing highlighting statements, you may attempt to make strong,
unwarranted claims, particularly when you become too overwhelmed by your
findings or because of your lack of linguistic resources. Whichever the case,
remind yourself to choose the right strength for your claims and to present it
accordingly. This can be achieved by softening or moderating such claims –
technically referred to as hedging.
Language focus: Moderating a claim
Hedging, or using cautious language, involves one or a combination of the
following techniques.
a. Using modal verbs such as may, might, and could
b. Using adverbs such as possibly, perhaps, and almost
c. Using adjectives such as likely, probable, and possible
d. Using impersonal verbs such as seem, appear, and tend
e. Replacing stronger verbs such as cause with weaker ones such as lead to,
result in, and contribute to.
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Using modal verbs
Modal verbs deal with varying degrees of certainty. General guidelines are
as follows. When you believe that something is certain to or not to occur, you can
use ‘will’ or ‘will not’, as in:
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams will benefit by
occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
When you wish to express that something will or will not possibly happen,
you can use ‘may’ or ‘may not’, as in:
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams may benefit by
occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
When you are less certain that something will or will not possibly happen,
you should use ‘might/could’ or ‘might not/could not’, as in:
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams might/could benefit by
occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
When you want or do not want something to happen, and it is reasonable
to expect it to or not to, you can use ‘should’ or ‘should not’, as in:
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams should benefit by
occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
Using adverbs and adjectives
In addition to modal verbs, you can use modal adverbs to express changing
degrees of certainty. Note that within a sentence, you can use both modal verbs
and modal adverbs. See the following claims and how their strength progressively
weakens.
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams will certainly/definitely
benefit by occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams will generally/usually
benefit by occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
Some processes that are able to monitor all streams will possibly/probably
benefit by occasionally using a fractional sample along with full samples.
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You can also use close counterparts of adverbs, adjectives, to soften a
claim. In the following examples, the claim remains the same, whereas its strength
gradually weakens.
It is certain
It is almost certain
It is very probable/highly likely
It is probable/likely
It is possible
that some processes that are able to
monitor all streams will benefit by
occasionally using a fractional
sample along with full samples.
It is unlikely
It is very/highly unlikely
There is a definite possibility that
There is a strong possibility that
There is a good possibility that
There is a slight possibility that
some processes that are able
to monitor all streams will
benefit by occasionally using
a fractional sample along with
full samples.
There is little possibility that
Using impersonal verbs
Impersonal verbs are verbs which help you to distance yourself from a
strong claim. Compare the difference in terms of strength of claim between these
examples.
Strong claim:
Customers make attributions to stable causes rather than unstable ones.
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Weaker claims:
It seems/appears that customers make attributions to stable causes rather
than unstable ones.
Customers seem to/appear to/tend to make attributions to stable causes rather
than unstable ones.
Replacing stronger verbs with weaker ones and combining several
hedging techniques
Verbs vary with regards to the degree of consequent relations they create
between the subject and the object. Compare the strength of the following claims.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently causes
operational performance to be above the small but significant effects of
context.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently leads to
operational performance above the small but significant effects of context.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently contributes to
operational performance above the small but significant effects of context.
Note that you can always moderate the strength of a word by changing its
surrounding structure. See the following examples.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently is probably a
major cause of operational performance above the small but significant
effects of context.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently is one of the
causes of operational performance above the small but significant effects of
context.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently may have
contributed to operational performance above the small but significant
effects of context.
Applying synergistic bundles of lean practices concurrently might have been
a small factor in operational performance above the small but significant
effects of context.
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Task 4
Soften the claim made the following statements, using at least four hedging
techniques in different sentences. For some of the sentences, hedging is required
twice.
1.
The proposed technique must be applied to those objects moving
perpendicular to the light axis of an observing camera, i.e., from one side to
the other in an image.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2.
The inferior performance of R-CNN (Convolutional neural networks) is
definitely caused by the loss of recall and localization.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3.
The results prove that titanium is a more suitable cathode material for
orthopaedic implant applications.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4.
The combination of fluid solvers with solid textures is a promising area for
future research.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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5.
It is firmly concluded that etherification of the biodiesel by-product
glycerol is successfully achieved by using i-butene.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
6.
Lower melting duration in high fat chocolates is attributed to reductions in
inter-particle interactions.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7.
The drivers’ risk perception of the danger of sleepy driving is the major
factor for applying the less effective strategies to reduce their sleepiness.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
8.
The result proves that the Ag-zeolite-Y-LDPE films are used in food
packaging to increase safety.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
9.
It is difficult to improve the occupational safety for informal sector
workers definitely due to the lack of knowledge about the problem.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
10.
It is certain that the loading factors of the traction transformers are
improved by proper switching operation between the traction
transformers.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Language focus: tense in discussions
Tense choices in discussions can be complex. However, it is possible to
provide some general guidelines. First, use the present tense for conclusions or
generalizations drawn from your data. Second, use the past tense to refer to your
results. Finally, follow the conventions of your research community and/or consult
your supervisor.
Task 5
Discuss the tense choice of each of the underlined verbs.
A.
While there was no difference between the proportion of respondents and
non-respondents at each correctional center, the different complexions of each
center and the nature of each center’s inmates may have affected inmates’
responses to questions regarding utilization and satisfaction with health care. The
relative satisfaction of indigenous inmates at Center A with health services
received compared to that of inmates at Center B could be partly explained by the
more stable inmate health and custodial profile of women at Center A, both for
indigenous and non-indigenous women. For example, women at Center B were
usually sicker, more medically unstable and more likely to have a mental health
condition. Women at Center B had difficulties regarding their custodial or legal
process, and any preoccupation with these issues was likely to bias individuals’
responses to some of the questions.
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B.
Fig. 5 shows the permeation rate, averaged over the full 10 min of the
backwash, for draw solutions comprised of either NaCl at concentrations ranging
between 32–96 g/L or 32/64 g/L
of Instant Ocean (the raw data of the
accumulated volume vs. time are available in the appendix). As may be seen, the
experimentally measured osmotic permeation rates generally followed an expected
trend of increasing with a higher draw concentration. It is important to note,
however, that these results should not be held strictly against any simple theory.
This is mainly due to the fact that a 10-min average is not predictable based solely
on the draw concentration. Specifically, since no information is known regarding
the transport on the support side, which governs a large portion of the
accumulated volume, no conclusions may be made on a strictly quantitative basis.
Moreover, there may be unknown variations in the support structure between the
different membrane coupons used in the experiments.
C.
The calculated percentage of energy savings versus file size for our test-bed
setup under the thin-client paradigm is illustrated in Fig. 12. For all devices, the
savings were negative for smaller file sizes, thus indicating that no energy could be
saved for these test cases. An analysis of the power logs indicated that in this case,
more energy was consumed by the wireless interface of the device while
communicating with the remote server. However, in our test setup, the energy
savings retained a positive value for file sizes above 75 KB, thus showing that
energy could be saved only on mobile devices under the thin-client scenario if the
processing energy consumed on the local device is greater than the energy
consumed by the wireless interface to process and send the data for remote
processing. It is also shown in Fig. 12 that for the test case with ︎1 MB file size,
approximately 85% of the energy could be saved under the thin-client–server
paradigm for all devices. Such a high percentage of energy savings was achieved by
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offloading a major fraction of the computations to the remote server. However, as
per our test setup, there exists a trade-off between wireless communication for
remote processing and local computations for smaller file sizes. This suggests that
for both newer and older devices, if the application requires less computation,
then it is energy efficient to handle such a task locally. Nevertheless, it is always
beneficial for larger and computation-intensive files to be processed under the
thin-client scenario in order to lower the usage phase energy and achieve a longer
usage lifetime. Energy savings could also be affected by varying the network
conditions, form factor of the devices, remote server capabilities, etc., as reported
earlier in our previous work [11,19].
Conclusions
The conclusions section is usually one to three paragraphs long, depending
on how much is to be included. Regardless of the length, remember to
restate/answer the objective(s) set forth in the introduction, summarize the major
findings the study presented, and point out implications of the findings,
unresolved issues, and/or possible areas of further research. On the other hand,
remember not to introduce ideas not directly or logically connected to the
introduction and the results as this will confuse readers. An example of the
conclusions section is given below.
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Restatement of the research objective
Conclusion
[This study aims to examine whether green bean husk can be used as a sorbent for
the removal of Sb(III) from aqueous solutions.] [The results showed that the
sorption of Sb(III) by green bean husk was dependent on several process
parameters, such as pH, sorbate and sorbent concentrations, and contact time.
Second, the maximum Sb(III) sorption capacity was 20.14 mg g-1 at pH 4.0, the
biosorbent mass of 1.5 g L-1, and the contact time of 60 min at 25 °C. Also, the
pseudo-second-order and the Langmuir isotherms models were observed to be
most appropriate for describing the kinetics and equilibrium of the biosorption
process, respectively. Additionally, the FTIR and XPS spectra indicated that
carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino functional groups were involved in the sorption of
Sb(III). Complete desorption was achieved with 0.1 M HCl as the desorbent. It
was also shown that a reuse of the desorbed green bean husk biomass was possible
as evident from the seven sorption–desorption cycles, without any significant loss
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in the sorption capacity. The fixed-bed column studies showed that green bean
husk could be efficient in a continuous removal of Sb(III).] [It can be concluded
from the present findings that because of its efficiency, green bean husk has a
strong potential as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Sb(III) from aqueous
solutions.]
Summary of the major findings
Implications of the findings
Language focus: signaling the different parts of the conclusions
Some expressions useful for signaling the different parts of the Conclusion
are provided below. Remember to make notes when you come across new ones in
order that you can use them effectively to serve different writing purposes.
Restatement of the objective(s)
This article / paper / study aims to / sets out to determine / discuss / evaluate /
examine / present / provide ...
The aim(s) / purpose(s) / objective(s) of this article / paper / study is/are
to
determine / discuss / evaluate / examine / present / provide …
Summary of the main points
The research / results / findings demonstrated / illustrated / indicated / showed
that …
It was also shown that …
The main / major findings are as follows. First, … Second, … Finally, …
Implications of the findings
The evidence / findings reported indicate(s) / suggest(s) that ...
Therefore, it seems that ...
Taken together, this evidence / these findings indicate(s) / suggest(s) that ...
An implication of this article / paper / study is that ...
The findings have a number of important implications for future practice.
First, … Second, … Third, …
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Therefore, there are a number of important changes / improvements which need
to be made. First, … Second, … Third, …
Unresolved issues
However, / Nevertheless, a number of issues remains unclear / unresolved. First, ...
Second, … Third, …
However, / Nevertheless, a number of caveats needs to be noted regarding the
present article / paper / study. First, … Second, … Third, …
However, / Nevertheless, the current article / paper / study has only examined …
However, / Nevertheless, the issue(s) that has/have not been addressed is / are …
Recommendations for further research
This article / paper / study has thrown up many questions in need of further
investigation. First, … Second, … Third, …
Further work needs to be done to establish whether ...
It is recommended that further research be undertaken in the following areas.
First, … Second, … Third, …
Further experimental investigations are needed to estimate ...
Further research might explore / investigate ...
Further research in this field / regarding the role of X would be of great help in ...
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Task 6
Complete the following Conclusion sections with appropriate words or phrases.
Write ONLY the letters corresponding to the correct answers.
A.
A. is to determine
D. indicated that
G. reveals
B. therefore
E. however
H. implemented
C. would examine
F. might explore
I. sets out to examine
The present study 1) __________ whether the use of a multi-channel ZigBee
wireless sensor network (WSN) for robust data transmission could increase the
packet delivery ratio (PDR) through the application of multi-channel technology.
We 2) __________ a multi-channel architecture aimed at overcoming the problem
of hidden nodes and WLAN interference with the goal of increasing PDR. We
modified the MCCT protocol with ACA algorithm to minimize the effects of
hardware limitations and to enable the implementation of multi-channel
technology in cases where ZigBee and Wi-Fi networks coexisted. Each sensor
node within the network consecutively scanned all 16 channels by performing
PDR measurements in order to determine their occupancy level. The coordinator
performed calculations for each channel to ensure that each node contributed to
the selection of the optimal channel in accordance with established priorities.
Measurements obtained in the real-world implementation 3) __________ the
proposed multi-channel technology could increase the robustness of the network.
The star protocol used a single channel with various transmission intervals in
order to enhance the PDR; 4) __________, the number of collisions increased with
a rise in the number of working nodes. It was also found that the combination of
the ACA algorithm with multi-channel processing made it possible to enhance
the transmission performance of all nodes and to increase the PDR of all nodes to
between 94 and 99%. Further research5) __________ how the use of a larger
number of wireless devices and a variety of sensors and microcontrollers improve
the range and the utility of the system.
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B.
A. appears to show
D. is likely to occur
G. seems reasonable
B. clearly indicates
E. might enable them
H. will not likely
C. is definitely
F. might not suffice
I. will probably be profitable
As demonstrated by the findings, despite the predictions that the global
distribution system (GDS) business would disappear, it still accounts for nearly 60%
of all air segments booked in the U.S. market, and all major GDSs continue to
enjoy healthy growth and margins. Industry experts agree that major carriers
1) __________ withdraw from the GDS business in the short term as they cut
prices and shift to a more diversified range of airline technology solutions.
Our analysis 2) __________ a set of asset pre-emption mechanisms as
possible factors contributing to GDSs’ success. These assets included their
creation of network externalities and established reputation with suppliers and
distributors allowing them to raise significant entry barriers for GDS new entrants
(GNEs) who had to create a commercial network from scratch. The advantages
enjoyed by GNEs, such as access to cheaper and more efficient technology, better
adaptability to the new dynamic needs of the Internet era, and organizational
flexibility, 3) __________ to help them overcome their main disadvantage, namely
the lack of marketing capabilities.
Lieberman and Montgomery (1988) suggest that if one firm has unique
R&D capabilities, while the other has strong marketing skills, it is in the interest
of the first to pioneer and the second to enter at a later date. Therefore, entering
in this sequence 4) __________. In contrast, neither would gain if the entry order
were reversed. Applying this logic to airline reservation systems, it 5) __________
to argue that new players challenging the leadership of traditional GDSs should be
able to demonstrate superior marketing capabilities than incumbent players.
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C.
A. consequently
D. were carried out
G. to classify
B. in addition
E. were analyzed
H. to examine
C. should be extended
F. were also compared
I. are recommended
In this research, particulate matter (PM) concentrations in one of the
Seoul Metropolitan Subway (SMS) networks was investigated 1) __________ the
effects of platform screen door (PSD) installation on PM concentration levels. To
assess the effectiveness of the PSD system, the concentration data of PM10 and
PM2.5 before and after the installation 2) __________. Changes in PM10 levels
3) __________ between indoor and outdoor locations. The measurements made
during the research period indicated that the mean concentration levels of PM10
inside the subway station were always higher than those outside, regardless of the
installation of the PSD system. However, the mean concentration levels of PM10
and PM2.5 were reduced notably after the installation. The recorded relative
reduction was 16% and 12%, respectively. 4) __________, it was found that such
changes in the PM10 data were also statistically significant. The overall results of
this study thus confirm the likelihood that the installation of PSD with an
enhanced ventilating system will be useful for reducing PM levels in the platform
areas of the SMS system. As such, efforts 5) __________ further to refine this type
of approach to derive the maximum effects of PSD, by gathering more
information concerning air quality change throughout the subway system.
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Task 7A (Self-study)
Soften the claim made the following statements, using at least four hedging
techniques in different sentences. For some of the sentences, hedging is required
twice.
1. The improvement phase, where interchanges are performed in the container
neighborhood, leads to well-clustered routes.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Customers agree that they are receiving responsive/reliable service and
acceptable tangibles from the agency.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Another interesting fact consistent to all decision-making models is that at
higher values of sensitivity, the CP fraction has less effect on the sample size.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. It was shown that the measurement systems perform better than when they
are viewed by the “traditional” method.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. No significant gain is achieved by increasing the resample size, and thus, it is a
good practice that the resample size be taken equal to the original sample size.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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6. This short lifespan leads to millions of cell phones and other mobile devices
being discarded every year, thus contributing to a significant part of electronic
waste, or e-waste.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
7. Another method that is capable of reducing the 50/60-Hz ECG interference is
an adaptive filter (AF).
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
8. Effective street lighting reduces both crime and traffic collisions, and
encourages socio-economic activities at night.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9. High strength wastewater containing a high load of contaminants leads to a
great degree of membrane clogging, depending on the membrane
characteristics, biomass, and operating conditions.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
10. The results of our study point to the fact that in addition to hydrophobic
interactions, other mechanisms play an important role.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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Task 7B (Self-study)
Complete the following Conclusion sections with appropriate words or phrases.
Write ONLY the letters corresponding to the correct answers.
A. should be done
B. was indicated
D. appears to deteriorate E. the results obtained
G. have demonstrated that H. would be of great help
C. improved
F. was analyzed
I. the findings revealed
In this paper, the stability of a run-of-river diversion hydropower plant
with a spillway in the head pond that evacuates a portion of the river flow
1) __________. A proportional-integral (PI) controller was used to maintain a
constant water level in the head pond and the effects of a surge tank were
considered. From the stability analysis, it was found that the existence of a
spillway in the analysis 2) __________ the stability of the plant water level control.
The stability analysis, as well as the PI tuning criterion, was applied to a real
hydropower plant, currently in the design stage. The plant response was obtained
by means of simulations with a more detailed model. 3) __________ were found to
be useful for the design process and may be used in the implementation of the
control system.
The results of the stability analysis and the simulations 4) __________
operation with a reference water level above the spillway crest level is more stable
than that with a reference water level below the spillway crest level. Also, level
controller gains should be updated in real-time operation, not only as a function
of the actual operating point (full or partial load) but also as a function of the
actual operating mode (normal or flood conditions) in order to guarantee the
stability and responsiveness of a water level control system. If real-time gain
updates are not possible, a similar analysis to the one carried out in this paper
5) __________ in order to select a pair of gains that guarantees a stable response in
as many operating points and modes as possible.