B

The current Ebola (埃博拉病毒) outbreak in western and central Africa has infected at least 3,069 people, including 1,552 dead, making it the largest outbreak in history. Ebola is a deadly virus —about 60 percent of people infected with it have died.

How is Ebola doing its harm?

When a person becomes infected with Ebola, the virus damages the body’s immune (免疫的) cells, which defend against infection, said a researcher at Lancaster University. But if a person’s immune system can stand up to this attack, then he is more likely to survive the disease.

The patients that survive it best are those who don’t get such a bad disadvantage in immune system. But if the body isn’t able to get rid of this attack, then the immune system becomes less able to regulate (調(diào)節(jié)) itself. This means the immune system is more likely to run out of control, leading to a drop in blood pressure, multi-organ failure and eventually death.

What are the common symptoms of the disease?

 Fever. Headache. Joint and muscle aches. Weakness. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Stomach pain. Lack of appetite. Chills. Rash. Redness in the eyes. Hiccups. Cough. Sore throat. Chest pain. Difficult breathing or swallowing. Bleeding inside and outside of the body.

How to prevent the spread of Ebola?

Ebola can be spread primarily via direct contact with patients, specifically the blood and fluids of an infected patient. 

We should avoid contact with infected patients and objects such as clothing, bedding, and needles used by them. Avoid areas where infections have been reported. For now, the disease has only been confirmed in central and West Africa, four cases in America and Europe. Avoid eating wild-caught bush meat. Researchers have suspected that the disease came to humans via animals, probably through the meat of primates(靈長類). If you’re in an area where the disease has been reported, avoid purchasing, eating, or handling wild game to stay on the safe side. 

Wear protective medical clothing if you’re around infected patients. Extreme caution is necessary. Hospital workers must use masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns, which needed to be worn at all times if you’re around infected patients.

How Do People Survive Ebola?

Doctors don’t know for certain who will survive Ebola, and there is no specific treatment or cure for the disease. Although in the minority, some people do recover from infection.

Our suggestions include:

Maintain your electrolytes (電解質(zhì)) and body liquid. Sports drinks can be used. Monitor your blood pressure and control it if necessary. Dropping blood pressure may be a serious sign of infection. Breathe in an oxygen-rich environment. Quickly address any symptoms of infection. Be honest about when and where you’re feeling pain. 

46. Ebola causes the death of a human being by ________.

 A. attacking him with high fever B. regulating his immune system

 C. damaging his immune cells D. harming all his organs directly

47. What is NOT mentioned as the symptom of Ebola?

 A. Fever and chills. B. Swallowing difficulty.  

 C. Loss of blood. D. High blood pressure.

48. In order not to be infected by Ebola, we should _________.

 A. have the clothing of the infected cleaned B. avoid eating wild animals like monkeys

 C. not travel to Africa, America or Europe D. stay at home without going anywhere

49. It is true that ________.

 A. a certain number of people survive Ebola B. human has found a special cure for Ebola

 C. oxygen can save infected people’s lives D. low blood pressure is surely caused by Ebola

C 

The term “Industry 4.0” refers to the fourth industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution was the production of goods with machines like steam engines, which was followed by the second industrial revolution that introduced mass production with the help of electric power, followed by the digital revolution —the use of electronics and IT in production. 

Industry 4.0 is a high-tech project, which promotes the computerization of manufacturing (制造業(yè)). The basic principle of Industry 4.0 is that by connecting machines, work pieces and systems, we are creating intelligent networks along the entire value chain that can control each other automatically. The goal is the Smart Factory, which adapts well and uses resources efficiently as well as linking customers and business partners with great intelligence. Technological basis are the Internet systems and advanced factories. Experts believe that Industry 4.0 could be a reality in about 10 to 20 years.

  So, what effects does this change have on the classic manufacturing? According to an expert, “it is highly likely that the world of production will become more and more networked until everything is connected with everything else.” Networks and processes have so far been limited to one factory. But in the time of Industry 4.0, the boundaries (界限) of individual factories will most likely no longer exist. Instead, they will be lifted in order to inter-connect multiple factories or even geographical regions.

How is an Industry 4.0 factory different from a today’s factory? In current industry environment, providing high-end quality service or product with the least cost is the key to success. Factories are trying to increase their profit as much as possible. In the time of Industry 4.0, various data sources are available to provide worthwhile information about different aspects of the factory. Using data for understanding the current condition and checking faults and failures is a natural thing. The sharing of information around the clock and around the globe will enable these connected systems to manage themselves independently, work more efficiently and identify any errors quickly.

The good news is that Europe is much better prepared for the Industry 4.0 revolution than one might think. Europe will position itself as a pioneer in the fourth revolution. Industry 4.0 is a project in the high-tech strategy of the German government. Meanwhile, in the U.S., some companies are also working hard on it. But the success of industry depends on whether business and politics can work together. It’s not only politics that needs to help open the door for Industry 4.0. Every company is advised to seize the new digital opportunities.  

50. What marks the coming of Industry 4.0?

 A. Steam engines.  B. Mass production. C. Use of electronics.  D. Intelligent networks.

51. Industry 4.0 will probably result in ________ in the world of manufacturing.   

 A. production limited to an individual factory  B. everything connected with everything else 

 C. networks and processes no longer existing D. classic factories stopping their competition

52. What’s the meaning of the underlined part in Para. 4? 

 A. Sharing information of the world time. B. Global news broadcast at any time.

 C. Instant worldwide information exchange. D. Spreading news widely on the hour. 

53. According to the last paragraph, who is the most active in pushing Industry 4.0?

 A. The European companies. B. The American government.            

 C. The American companies. D. The German government. 

54. The writer’s attitude toward Industry 4.0 can best be described as ________.

   A. supportive           B. negative       C. doubtful        D. cautious