The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896.While in those early days of the Olympics only amateur and gentleman athletes were allowed to participate,today Olympic athletes are highly trained professionals often dedicating decades of preparation for the chance to compete in the Olympic Games.In sharp contrast to these highly trained athletes,the world’s population becomes less physically active on average,resulting in an obesity epidemic with associated metabolic syndrome and increased mortality through non-communicable diseases(e.g.,Collins et al.^(1)).

Effects of a closed-loop system against SARS-CoV-2 at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games:a descriptive and modeling study

BACKGROUND:To assess the efficacy of the epidemic prevention measures of the“closed-loop”system adopted by the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games(BOWG).METHODS:We retrospectively collected and analyzed information,including age,sex,nationality,vaccination status,date of diagnosis,and date of entry,from 280 SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals identified during the BOWG.A susceptibility-exposed-infectious-remove model was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of epidemic prevention strategies on controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 under different scenarios during the BOWG.RESULTS:Regarding SARS-CoV-2-positive cases,97.9%were imported,and 96.4%were asymptomatic.The median age was 37 years(range:29–47 years),and 73.9%were male,with the majority of cases being broadcasters and European attendees.Regarding vaccination status,93.5%were fully vaccinated,and six cases were considered to have been infected in the closed-loop system during the BOWG.Assuming that the BOWG adopted a semi-closed-loop management system,the cumulative number of confirmed cases would be 1,137 for quick quarantine measures(3 d later)implemented and 5,530 for delayed quarantine measures(9 d later)implemented.This modeling revealed that stringent pandemic prevention measures and closed-loop management effectively controlled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the BOWG.CONCLUSION:Imported cases are considered the main risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 transmission during mass gatherings,but a comprehensive closed-loop system could minimize transmission among attendees and general personnel.

Scientific Advances and Weather Services of the China Meteorological Administration’s National Forecasting Systems during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

Since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was the first Winter Olympics in history held in continental winter monsoon climate conditions across complex terrain areas,there is a deficiency of relevant research,operational techniques,and experience.This made providing meteorological services for this event particularly challenging.The China Meteorological Administration(CMA)Earth System Modeling and Prediction Centre,achieved breakthroughs in research on short-and medium-term deterministic and ensemble numerical predictions.Several key technologies crucial for precise winter weather services during the Winter Olympics were developed.A comprehensive framework,known as the Operational System for High-Precision Weather Forecasting for the Winter Olympics,was established.Some of these advancements represent the highest level of capabilities currently available in China.The meteorological service provided to the Beijing 2022 Games also exceeded previous Winter Olympic Games in both variety and quality.This included achievements such as the“100-meter level,minute level”downscaled spatiotemporal resolution and forecasts spanning 1 to 15 days.Around 30 new technologies and over 60 kinds of products that align with the requirements of the Winter Olympics Organizing Committee were developed,and many of these techniques have since been integrated into the CMA’s operational national forecasting systems.These accomplishments were facilitated by a dedicated weather forecasting and research initiative,in conjunction with the preexisting real-time operational forecasting systems of the CMA.This program represents one of the five subprograms of the WMO’s high-impact weather forecasting demonstration project(SMART2022),and continues to play an important role in their Regional Association(RA)II Research Development Project(Hangzhou RDP).Therefore,the research accomplishments and meteorological service experiences from this program will be carried forward into forthcoming highimpact weather forecasting activities.This article provides an overview and assessment of this program and the operational national forecasting systems.

Ready,set,go:Medical preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

1.Introduction In August 2024,over 4400 Paralympic athletes will gather in Paris for the Paralympic Summer Games—the pinnacle of every Paralympian’s(Para athletes competing at the Paralympic Games)career to showcase their ability and skills.Their training,preparation,and effort in the years leading up to the Games are unparalleled.To achieve success,Paralympians specifically rely on a medical support team to achieve their goals.So,what is required of the medical support team to prepare Paralympians to get ready,set,and go to Paris 2024?

Problematic Use of Video Games in Schools in Northern Benin (2023)

Objective: To study the problematic use of video games among secondary school students in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the commune of Parakou from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of students regularly enrolled in public and private secondary schools in the city of Parakou for the 2022-2023 academic year. A two-stage non-proportional stratified sampling technique combined with simple random sampling was adopted. The Problem Video Game Playing (PVP) scale was used to assess problem gambling in the study population, while anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 1030 students were included. The mean age of the pupils surveyed was 15.06 ± 2.68 years, with extremes of 10 and 28 years. The [13 - 18] age group was the most represented, with a proportion of 59.6% (614) in the general population. Females predominated, at 52.8% (544), with a sex ratio of 0.89. The prevalence of problematic video game use was 24.9%, measured using the Video Game Playing scale. Associated factors were male gender (p = 0.005), pocket money under 10,000 cfa (p = 0.001) and between 20,000 - 90,000 cfa (p = 0.030), addictive family behavior (p < 0.001), monogamous family (p = 0.023), good relationship with father (p = 0.020), organization of video game competitions (p = 0.001) and definite anxiety (p Conclusion: Substance-free addiction is struggling to attract the attention it deserves, as it did in its infancy everywhere else. This study complements existing data and serves as a reminder of the need to focus on this group of addictions, whose problematic use of video games remains the most frequent due to its accessibility and social tolerance. Preventive action combined with curative measures remains the most effective means of combating the problem at national level.

A Value for Games Defined on Graphs

Given a graph g=( V,A ) , we define a space of subgraphs M with the binary operation of union and the unique decomposition property into blocks. This space allows us to discuss a notion of minimal subgraphs (minimal coalitions) that are of interest for the game. Additionally, a partition of the game is defined in terms of the gain of each block, and subsequently, a solution to the game is defined based on distributing to each player (node and edge) present in each block a payment proportional to their contribution to the coalition.

National Image Construction from the Perspective of Multimodal Metaphor-A Case Study of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics

The national image is a comprehensive concept with a distinct political feature,including the international image presented to the outside world,and also encompassing the national identity of the people.With the development of globalization,international cultural communication has become a crucial part of shaping the national image,and the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics has become an important opportunity for China to showcase its national image to the world in the post-pandemic era.Based on Forceville’s multimodal metaphor theory,this paper examines the metaphorical phenomena contained in the performance and their functions,effects,and purposes in the construction of the national image.It is found that there are many scenes,images,and narratives in the opening ceremony,including war metaphor,competition metaphor,personification metaphor,and other conceptual metaphors.The focus of this paper is on multimodal metaphor in a broad sense,mainly encompassing auditory and visual modes.Through the use of these multimodal metaphors,the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics builds an image of a vibrant,peace-loving,and responsible country,which not only demonstrates China’s cultural self-confidence,but also expresses the Chinese people’s beautiful vision for the early reunification of the motherland.

Value Iteration-Based Cooperative Adaptive Optimal Control for Multi-Player Differential Games With Incomplete Information

This paper presents a novel cooperative value iteration(VI)-based adaptive dynamic programming method for multi-player differential game models with a convergence proof.The players are divided into two groups in the learning process and adapt their policies sequentially.Our method removes the dependence of admissible initial policies,which is one of the main drawbacks of the PI-based frameworks.Furthermore,this algorithm enables the players to adapt their control policies without full knowledge of others’ system parameters or control laws.The efficacy of our method is illustrated by three examples.

The "Black Myth" Marks a New Milestone for China-Made Games in Overseas Market

Since its first launch on August 20th,the game"Black Myth:Wukong"has broken many previous records for domestic single-player games,and also provides a chance for global game players to see Chinese games as among the world's best games.The number of online users on the entire platform exceeded3 million at its most,and more than10 million copies of the games were sold within the first four days after the launch.It has received more than 270thousand reviews in total and 96%positive reviews on the Steam platform,providing a chance for global game players to enjoy the best of Chinese games。

Distributed Optimal Variational GNE Seeking in Merely Monotone Games

In this paper, the optimal variational generalized Nash equilibrium(v-GNE) seeking problem in merely monotone games with linearly coupled cost functions is investigated, in which the feasible strategy domain of each agent is coupled through an affine constraint. A distributed algorithm based on the hybrid steepest descent method is first proposed to seek the optimal v-GNE. Then, an accelerated algorithm with relaxation is proposed and analyzed, which has the potential to further improve the convergence speed to the optimal v-GNE. Some sufficient conditions in both algorithms are obtained to ensure the global convergence towards the optimal v-GNE. To illustrate the performance of the algorithms, numerical simulation is conducted based on a networked Nash-Cournot game with bounded market capacities.

Zero-determinant strategies in iterated multi-strategy games

Self-serving,rational agents sometimes cooperate to their mutual benefit.The two-player iterated prisoner′s dilemma game is a model for including the emergence of cooperation.It is generally believed that there is no simple ultimatum strategy which a player can control the return of the other participants.The zero-determinant strategy in the iterated prisoner′s dilemma dramatically expands our understanding of the classic game by uncovering strategies that provide a unilateral advantage to sentient players pitted against unwitting opponents.However,strategies in the prisoner′s dilemma game are only two strategies.Are there these results for general multi-strategy games?To address this question,the paper develops a theory for zero-determinant strategies for multi-strategy games,with any number of strategies.The analytical results exhibit a similar yet different scenario to the case of two-strategy games.The results are also applied to the Snowdrift game,the Hawk-Dove game and the Chicken game.

Video Games and School Performances of Dakar High School Students

The triptych (Smartphones, Video games, adolescents) has imposed itself on the collective consciousness in the form of questioning to the point of becoming a social phenomenon. It thus raises concerns about the uses that adolescents make of it and the effects on their academic performance, which we proposed to study among middle school students from the Dakar academy inspection. Where appropriate, we used mixed methods with the collection techniques of questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews respectively with middle school students, adults (parents, supervisors, teachers, etc.), participant observation and literature review. Concretely, before accessibility to video games, the middle school students were more idle and well-behaved, watched a lot of TV, played with their brothers and sisters or did household chores. The majority of young people had good, very good or excellent conduct and their averages were fair, fairly good or good. With access to a diverse digital environment, middle school students have passionately turned to video games. As a result, their learning time, concentration and submission to parental injunctions have declined significantly. This situation negatively affected their academic performance and encouraged bad behavior.

Mongolian Traditional Game-“Shagai”Features of Mongolian Traditional Games

In today’s interconnected global society,a crucial aspect that defines the identity of an independent country is its distinctive national heritage and values.Every country has many different cultures,and children’s games exist in every culture.Every culture has unique characteristics and norms that have been agreed upon by the members of the culture(Usman&Yusuf,2022).Mongolians believe that the future of their nation can be discerned through the toys that children play with.These toys reflect Mongolia’s nomadic culture,rich heritage,customs,precious belongings,and unique playthings.Mongolian culture and mentality are nurtured in children through play,and an essential aspect of Mongolian games is their close association with people’s work and way of life.The Mongolian toys stand as a significant intellectual contribution of the Mongolian people to human history.

THE 6^(th) SPORTS GAMES OF THE BUDDHIST ACADEMY OF XIZANG HELD IN LHASA

On May 8th,the 6th sportsgames of the Buddhist Academy of Xizang was held in Lhasa.The sports games featured field events,track events,and fun sports events,including 100 metres,standing long jump,shot put,400m relay,two-person running with legs tied up,and sandbag carrying-a traditional Tibetan sport.The teachers and students of the academy actively participated in and enjoyed the sports.Let's share their passion forsports together!

The Impact of Sports Games on the Psychological Health of Middle School Students

This study conducted a 16-week comparative experiment with 160 students from Jinan No.5 Middle School in Shandong Province as the experimental subjects.During the implementation of the experiment,the subjects were divided into two groups:an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group was subjected to physical exercise interventions using sports game teaching methods during physical education class,while the control group followed traditional physical education teaching methods.The results showed that the psychological health status of the students in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after the experiment.The application of sports games helps to improve the psychological health of middle school students in the course of physical education,promoting a positive and forward direction in student psychology and is an effective means to enhance the psychological health level of middle school students.

Fuwa:we are the mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Time:2008Place:BeijingCharacters:Beibei,Jingjing,Huanhuan,Yingying,Nini,Some kids,Storyteller Scene I:We are FuwaStoryteller: Look,five lovely little friends—Fuwa are coming.

Size Distributions of Aerosol Sulfates and Nitrates in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games： Impacts of Pollution Control Measures and Regional Transport

For the 2008 Olympic Games, drastic control measures were implemented on industrial and urban emissions of sulfur dioxide （SO2）, nitrogen oxides （NOx） and other pollutants to address the issues of poor air quality in Beijing. To investigate the effects of SO2 and NOx reductions on the particulate sulfate and nitrate concentrations as well as their size distributions, size-segregated aerosol samples were collected using micro-orifice uniform deposit impactors （MOUDIs） at urban and downwind rural sites in Beijing before and after full-scale controls. During the sampling period, the mass concentrations of fine particles （PMI.s） at the urban and rural sites were 94.0 and 85.9 p.g m-3, respectively. More than 90% of the sulfates and 60% of nitrates formed as fine particles. Benefiting from the advantageous meteorological conditions and the source controls, sulfates were observed in rather low concentrations and primarily in condensation mode during the Olympics. The effects of the control measures were separately analyzed for the northerly and the southerly air-mass-dominated days to account for any bias. After the control measures were implemented, PM, sulfates, and nitrates were significantly reduced when the northerly air masses prevailed, with a higher percentage of reduction in larger particles. The droplet mode particles, which dominated the sulfates and nitrates before the controls were implemented, were remarkably reduced in mass concentration after the control measures were implemented. Nevertheless, when the polluted southerly air masses prevailed, the local source control measures in Beijing did not effectively reduce the ambient sulfate concentration due to the enormous regional contribution from the North China Plain.

Reductions of PM_(2.5) in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomerations during the 2008 Olympic Games

The Atmospheric Environmental Monitoring Network successfully undertook the task of monitoring the atmospheric quality of Beijing and its surrounding area during the 2008 Olympics. The results of this monitoring show that high concentrations of PM2.5 pollution exhibited a regional pattern during the monitoring period （1 June-30 October 2008）. The PM2.5 mass concentrations were 53 μg m-3, 66 p.g m-3, and 82 μg m-3 at the background site, in Beijing, and in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomerations, respectively. The PM2.5 levels were lowest during the 2008 Olympic Games （8-24 August）： 35μg m-3 at the background site, 42 μg m-3 in Beijing and 57 μg m-3 in the region. These levels represent decreases of 49%, 48% and 56%, respectively, compared to the prophase mean concentration before the Olympic Games. Emission control measures contributed 62% 82% of the declines observed in Beijing, and meteorological conditions represented 18%-38%. The concentration of fine particles met the goals set for a ＂Green Olympics.＂

Androgenic-anabolic steroids and the Olympic Games

Androgenic-anabolic steroids （AAS） have been misused by athletes at the Olympic Games, both before and after they were prohibited in sport in 1974. Systematic doping with AAS occurred in the German Democratic Republic （GDR） from 1965 to 1989 which assisted that country to win many medals at Olympic Games, especially in female events. Currently, AAS are the most frequent category of prohibited substances detected in the urine of athletes both globally and at the last two Summer Olympic Games. Scientific confirmation that AAS are effective in enhancing sports performance was difficult because ethical approval was difficult for research involving male subjects taking massive doses of androgens as some athletes and bodybuilders did. Methods to detect AAS have evolved gradually over the past three decades and currently, despite an impressive array of sophisticated analytical equipment and methods, anti-doping authorities and analytical scientists continue to face challenges as have occurred from the use by athletes of designer AAS during the past few years. The future development and use of selective androgen receptor modulators （SARMs） can be anticipated to pose problems in the years ahead. Endocrinologists should be aware that on occasions, replacement testosterone （T） therapy may be authorized in sport as a therapeutic use exemption （TUE） and these circumstances are discussed.

Medical services for sports injuries and illnesses in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games

BACKGROUND:Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games was the second Games held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.To a certain extent,it has altered the way sporting activities operate.There is a lack of knowledge on injury risk and illness occurrence in elite winter sport athletes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.This study aimed to describe the incidence of injuries and illnesses sustained during the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in Beijing from February 4 to 20,2022.METHODS:We recorded the daily number of injuries and illnesses among athletes reported by Beijing 2022 medical staff in the polyclinic,medical venues,and ambulance.We calculated injury and illness incidence as the number of injuries or illnesses occurring during competition or training,respectively,with incidence presented as injuries/illnesses per 100 athlete-days.RESULTS:In total,2,897 athletes from 91 nations experienced injury or illness.Beijing 2022 medical staff reported 326 injuries and 80 illnesses,equaling 11.3 injuries and 2.8 illnesses per 100 athletes over the 17-day period.Altogether,11%of the athletes incurred at least one injury and nearly 3%incurred at least one illness.The number of injured athletes was highest in the skating sports(n=104),followed by alpine skiing(n=53),ice track(n=37),freestyle skiing(n=36),and ice hockey(n=35),and was the lowest in the Nordic skiing disciplines(n=20).Of the 326 injuries,14(4.3%)led to an estimated absence from training or competition of more than 1 week.A total of 52 injured athletes were transferred to hospitals for further care.The number of athletes with illness(n=80)was the highest for skating(n=33)and Nordic skiing(n=22).A total of 50 illnesses(62.5%)were admitted to the department of dentistry/ophthalmology/otolaryngology,and the most common cause of illness was other causes,including preexisting illness and medicine(n=52,65%).CONCLUSION:Overall,11%of athletes incurred at least one injury during the Games,which is similar to the findings during the Olympic Winter Games in 2014 and 2018.Regarding illness,2%of athletes were affected,which is approximately one-third of the number affected in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.