Material point method simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in twophase porous geomaterials: A state-of-the-art review

The material point method(MPM)has been gaining increasing popularity as an appropriate approach to the solution of coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformation.In this paper,we survey the current state-of-the-art in the MPM simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in two-phase porous geomaterials.The review covers the recent advances and developments in the MPM and their extensions to capture the coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformations.The focus of this review is aiming at providing a clear picture of what has or has not been developed or implemented for simulating two-phase coupled large deformation problems,which will provide some direct reference for both practitioners and researchers.

On the hydro-mechanical behaviour of MX80 bentonite-based materials

Bentonite-based materials have been considered in many countries as engineered barrier/backfilling materials in deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste.During the long period of waste storage,these materials will play an essential role in ensuring the integrity of the storage system that consists of the waste canisters,the engineered barrier/backfill,the retaining structures as well as the geological barrier.Thus,it is essential to well understand the hydro-mechanical behaviours of these bentonite-based materials.This review paper presents the recent advances of knowledge on MX80 bentonite-based materials,in terms of water retention properties,hydraulic behaviour and mechanical behaviour.Emphasis is put on the effect of technological voids and the role of the dry density of bentonite.The swelling anisotropy is also discussed based on the results from swelling tests with measurements of both axial and radial swelling pressures on a sand-bentonite mixture compacted at different densities.Microstructure observation was used to help the interpretation of macroscopic hydromechanical behaviour.Also,the evolution of soil microstructure thus the soil density over time is discussed based on the results from mock-up tests.This evolution is essential for understanding the longterm hydro-mechanical behaviour of the engineered barrier/backfill.

On the chemo-thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of geological and engineered barriers

An overview of the recent findings about the chemo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of materials used for both geological and engineered barriers in nuclear waste disposal is presented, through some examples about the natural Boom Clay （BC） and compacted bentonite-based materials. For the natural BC, it was found that compression index identified from both oedometer and isotropic compression tests is sim- ilar and the compressibility of BC from the Mol site is higher than that of BC from the Essen site： the shear strength of Mol BC is also higher than that of the Essen BC, suggesting a significant effect of carbo- nates content; the thermal volume change is strongly overconsolidation ratio （OCR） dependent-low OCR values promote thermal contraction while high OCR values favour thermal dilation; the volume change behaviour is also strongly time dependent and this time dependent behaviour is governed by the stress level and temperature; the effect of pore-water salinity on the volume change behaviour can be signif- icant when the smectite content is relatively high. For the bentonite-based materials, it was found that thermal contraction also occurs at low OCR values, but this is suction dependent--suction promotes ther- mal dilation. Under constant volume conditions, wetting results in a decrease of hydraulic conductivity, followed by an increase. This is found to be related to changes in macro-pores size-wetting induces a decrease of macro-pores size, followed by an increase due to the aggregates fissuring. The presence of technological voids can increase the hydraulic conductivity but does not influence the swelling pressure.

Experiments on thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of Opalinus Clay at Mont Terri rock laboratory, Switzerland

Repositories for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste rely on multi-barrier systems to isolate waste from the biosphere.A multi-barrier system typically comprises the natural geological barrier provided by the repository host rock e in our case the Opalinus Clay e and an engineered barrier system(EBS).The Swiss repository concept for spent fuel and vitrified high-level waste(HLW)consists of waste canisters,which are emplaced horizontally in the middle of an emplacement gallery and are separated from the gallery wall by granular backfill material(GBM).We describe here a selection of five in-situ experiments where characteristic hydro-mechanical(HM)and thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM)processes have been observed.The first example is a coupled HM and mine-by test where the evolution of the excavation damaged zone(EDZ)was monitored around a gallery in the Opalinus Clay(ED-B experiment).Measurements of pore-water pressures and convergences due to stress redistribution during excavation highlighted the HM behaviour.The same measurements were subsequently carried out in a heater test(HE-D)where we were able to characterise the Opalinus Clay in terms of its THM behaviour.These yielded detailed data to better understand the THM behaviours of the granular backfill and the natural host rock.For a presentation of the Swiss concept for HLW storage,we designed three demonstration experiments that were subsequently implemented in the Mont Terri rock laboratory:(1)the engineered barrier(EB)experiment,(2)the in-situ heater test on key-THM processes and parameters(HE-E)experiment,and(3)the full-scale emplacement(FE)experiment.The first demonstration experiment has been dismantled,but the last two ones are on-going.

The coupled hydro-mechanical behaviours of compacted crushed Callovo-Oxfordian argillite

Callovo-Oxfordian （COx） argillite obtained from the excavation of high-level radioactive waste geological disposal has been evaluated as an alternative sealing/backfill material in France. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the hydro-mechanical behaviour of compacted crushed COx argillite. A series of oedorneter compressive tests including various loading-unloading cycles were conducted on COx argillite powders at different initial water contents. After reaching the desired dry density （2.0 Mg/m^3）, the vertical stress was reduced to different levels （7.0 and 0.5 MPa） and the compacted sample was then flooded under constant volume conditions while measuring the changes in the vertical stress. It was found that the initial water content significantly affects the compressive behaviour. The measured saturated hydraulic conductivity is less than 1×10^-10m/s.

Investigation of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of compacted expansive clay

The hydro-mechanical behaviour of compacted expansive Romainville clay was investigated.The soil was air-dried,crushed,and passed through a 2 mm sieve before being statically compacted to a dry density of 1.35 Mg/m3.The mechanical behaviour was investigated by tests in oedometer with controlled suction using the vapor equilibrium technique(suction s=0,9,39,and 110 MPa).The vertical stress was applied in the range of 0-800 kPa.The experimental results are shown as follows:1)wetting-induced swelling was higher at lower vertical stresses;2)the vertical stress under which no swelling occurred during water flooding was estimated at 60 kPa,which can be considered as the swelling pressure of the soil tested;3)the soil compressibility(changes of volume upon stress increases)was strongly influenced by the soil suction:the lower the suction,the higher the compressibility.The hydraulic behaviour was investigated using a large-scale infiltration chamber(800mm×1000 mm in section and 1000mm high).The large size of the soil column allowed bttrying the volumetric water content sensors(ThetaProbe)without significantly affecting the water transfer and the soil swelling during infiltration.The soil suction was monitored along the soil height(every 100 mm)using various relative humidity sensors and psychrometers.In the infiltration test,water was kept on the soil surface and changes in suction and volumetric water content were monitored for 338 d.The wetting front has reached the bottom of the soil column at the end of the test.The data from the simultaneous monitoring of suction and water content were used to determine the water retention curve and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity using the instantaneous profile method.It has been observed that the soil water retention curve depends on the soil depth;that is to be related to the soil depthdependent swelling.The unsaturated hydraulic conductiv-ity was found to be quite low,comprised between 3×10-11m/s(at saturated state)and 10-14m/s(at about 100 MPa suction).

A 3D microseismic data-driven damage model for jointed rock mass under hydro-mechanical coupling conditions and its application

Rock mass is a fractured porous medium usually subjected to complex geostress and fluid pressure simultaneously.Moreover,the properties of rock mass change in time and space due to mining-induced fractures.Therefore,it is always challenging to accurately measure rock mass properties.In this study,a three-dimensional(3D)microseismic(MS)data-driven damage model for jointed rock mass under hydro-mechanical coupling conditions is proposed.It is a 3D finite element model that takes seepage,damage and stress field effects into account jointly.Multiple factors(i.e.joints,water and microseismicity)are used to optimize the rock mass mechanical parameters at different scales.The model is applied in Shirengou iron mine to study the damage evolution of rock mass and assess the crown pillar stability during the transition from open-pit to underground mining.It is found that the damage pattern is mostly controlled by the structure,water and rock mass parameters.The damage pattern is evidently different from the two-dimensional result and is more consistent with the field observations.This difference is caused by the MS-derived damage acting on the rock mass.MS data are responsible for gradually correcting the damage zone,changing the direction in which it expands,and promoting it to evolve close to reality.For the crown pillar,the proposed model yields a more trustworthy safety factor.In order to guarantee the stability of the pillar,it is suggested to take waterproof and reinforcement measures in areas with a high degree of damage.

Investigation of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of fouled ballast

In this study,a fouled ballast taken from the site of Sénissiat,France,was investigated.For the hydraulic behaviour,a large-scale cell was developed allowing drainage and evaporation tests to be carried out with monitoring of both suction and volumetric water content at various positions of the sample.It was observed that the hydraulic conductivity of fouled ballast is decreasing with suction increase,as for common unsaturated soils.The effect of fines content was found to be negligible.For the mechanical behaviour,both monotonic and cyclic triaxial tests were carried out using a large-scale triaxial cell.Various water contents were considered.The results were interpreted in terms of shear strength and permanent axial strain.It appeared that the water content is an important factor to be accounted for since any increase of water content or degree of saturation significantly decreases the shear strength and increases the permanent strain.Constitutive modelling has been attempted based on the experimental results.The model in its current state is capable of describing the effects of stress level,cycle number and water content.

Train post‑derailment behaviours and containment methods:a review

Railway accidents,particularly serious derailments,can lead to catastrophic consequences.Therefore,it is essential to prevent derailment escalation to reduce the likelihood of severe derailments.Train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods play a critical role in preventing derailment escalation and providing passive safety protection and accident prevention in the event of a derailment.However,despite the increasing attention on this field from academia and industry in recent years,there is a lack of systematic exploration and summarization of emerging applications and containment methods in train post-derailment research.For this reason,this paper presents a comprehensive review of existing studies on train post-derailment behaviours,encompassing various topics such as post-derailment contact-impact models,dynamic modelling and simulation techniques,and the primary factors influencing post-derailment behaviours.Significantly,this review introduces and elucidates substitute guidance mechanisms(SGMs),which serve as railway-specific passive safety protection and accident prevention measures.The various types of SGMs are depicted,and their ongoing developments and applications are explored in depth.The review additionally points out several unresolved challenges including the adverse effects of SGMs,and proposes future research directions to advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods.This review seeks to be a valuable reference for railway industry professionals in preventing catastrophic derailment consequences through post-derailment containment methods.

Heart Failure-Like Reaction Is Likely Involved in the Feeding Behaviour of Blood-Sucking Leeches

Medicinal leeches have been utilized in therapy for thousands of years. However, the adaptation physiology between leeches and hosts is not fully understand. To disclose the molecular mechanisms of adaptation between leech and host, the body transcriptomes of hunger and fed blood-sucking Poecilobdella javanica, Haemadipsa cavatuses, and Hirudo nipponia leeches were obtained by RNA sequencing, after comparison, a stratified unigenes group was obtained, which closely correlated to body distension. In the group, Rfamide receptor decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while serotonin receptor increased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, four KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including cardiac muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascades, renin-angiotensin system, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were significantly enriched. The unigenes annotation, neuroregulators correlation analysis and induced function of the KEGG pathways, were consistently supported the same result as: vasoconstriction and systole reaction enhance in hunger leeches and vice versa vasodilation and diastole increase in fed leeches, meanwhile, Interspecific comparison and correlative analyses of physiological function showed that the strongest reaction of induced heart failure from four KEGG occur in strongest reaction of systole in hungry P. javanica and in strongest reaction of diastole in fed H. nipponia. Overall, heart failure is likely a physiological function involved in feeding behaviour.

Virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for the treatment of anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction:a randomised clinical trial

Background The presence of mental health conditions is pervasive in patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction(AMI),significantly disrupting their recovery.Providing timely and easily accessible psychological interventions using virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural therapy(VR-CBT)could potentially improve both acute and long-term symptoms affecting their mental health.Aims We aim to examine the effectiveness of VR-CBT on anxiety symptoms in patients with AMI who were admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)during the acute stage of their illness.Methods In this single-blind randomised clinical trial,participants with anxiety symptoms who were admitted to the ICU due to AMI were continuously recruited from December 2022 to February 2023.Patients who were Han Chinese aged 18-75 years were randomly assigned(1:1)via block randomisation to either the VR-CBT group to receive VR-CBT in addition to standard mental health support,or the control group to receive standard mental health support only.VR-CBT consisted of four modules and was delivered at the bedside over a 1-week period.Assessments were done at baseline,immediately after treatment and at 3-month follow-up.The intention-to-treat analysis began in June 2023.The primary outcome measure was the changes in anxiety symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAM-A).Results Among 148 randomised participants,70 were assigned to the VR-CBT group and 78 to the control group.The 1-week VR-CBT intervention plus standard mental health support significantly reduced the anxiety symptoms compared with standard mental health support alone in terms of HAM-A scores at both post intervention(Cohen’s d=−1.27(95%confidence interval(CI):−1.64 to−0.90,p<0.001)and 3-month follow-up(Cohen’s d=−0.37(95%CI:−0.72 to−0.01,p=0.024).Of the 70 participants who received VR-CBT,62(88.6%)completed the entire intervention.Cybersickness was the main reported adverse event(n=5).Conclusions Our results indicate that VR-CBT can significantly reduce post-AMI anxiety at the acute stage of the illness;the improvement was maintained at the 3-month follow-up.Trial registration number The trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn with the identifier:ChiCTR2200066435.

Pregnancy stressors and postpartum symptoms of depression and anxiety:the moderating role of a cognitivebehavioural therapy(CBT)intervention

Background Little is known about the association between stressors(especially positive stressors)during pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Aims We investigated the association between positive and negative stress events during different stages of pregnancy and postpartum mental health outcomes among low-income pregnant women with symptoms of anxiety in Pakistan and evaluated whether an intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT)had a regulatory effect.Methods Participants were 621 pregnant Pakistani women with mild anxiety.Using the Pregnancy Experience Scale-Brief Version,six scores were created to assess positive and negative stressors.We performed a multivariate linear regression to examine whether these six scores,measured both at baseline and in the third trimester,were associated with postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.The effect of the intervention on this relationship was examined by adding an interaction term to the regression model.Results Hassles frequency measured in the third trimester was positively associated with depression(B=0.22,95%confidence interval(Cl):0.09 to 0.36)and anxiety(B=0.19,95%Cl:0.08to 0.30).At the same timepoint,uplifts intensity was negatively associated with symptoms of depression(B=-0.82,95%Cl:1.46 to-0.18)and anxiety(B=-0.70,95%Cl:-1.25 to-0.15),whereas hassles intensity was positively related to symptoms of depression(B=1.02,95%Cl:0.36 to 1.67)and anxiety(B=0.90,95%Cl:0.34 to 1.47).The intensity ratio of hassles to uplifts reported in the third trimester was positively related to both depression(B=1.40,95%Cl:0.59 to 2.20)and anxiety(B=1.26,95%Cl:0.57 to 1.96).The intervention strengthened the overall positive effects of uplfts and the negative effects of hassles.Pregnancy experiences at baseline during early pregnancy to mid-pregnancy were not associated with mental health outcomes.Conclusions Stressors in the third trimester but not earlier in pregnancy were associated with postpartum symptoms of anxiety and depression.The CBT intervention modified the association between pregnancy stressors and postpartum mental health outcomes.Programmes that promote positive experiences and reduce negative experiences,especially in late pregnancy,may mitigate postpartum mental health consequences.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge and Behaviour among Adolescents in Rural Burkina Faso

Background: Adolescents in developing countries have limited knowledge about the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. In several African countries, risky sexual behaviour persists, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, economic and sexual exchange, and low condom and contraceptive use. The purpose of this study is to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour of adolescents in rural Burkina Faso in order to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted from 07 March to 04 April 2022 in the area of the Demographic and Health Surveillance System of the Nouna Research Centre. A questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 1202 adolescents. Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.1 years and 56.6% were male. Only 58.2% of the adolescents had ever heard of HIV/AIDS. Of these, 95.7% did not know their HIV status. In addition, 15.8% had ever had sexual intercourse and 2.4% had been sexually active at an early age. Almost 45% had not used any contraceptive method the last time they had sex. Condoms were the most frequently used contraceptive method (47.4%). Among teenagers, 27.6% had been pregnant at least once, 7.3% were married and the average age at marriage was 18.45 years. Almost 7% (6.9%) of teenagers had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: Adolescents have limited knowledge about reproductive health. Risky sexual behaviour persists. Awareness campaigns need to be intensified to improve their sexual and reproductive health.

Suicidal Behaviours in Sickle Cell Patients at the Douala Sickle Cell Care Centre in Cameroon

Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behaviours among people with sickle cell disease in Cameroon. This is what justifies our study on the prevalence and factors related to suicidal behaviors in our study population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study of 171 sickle cell patients aged from 12 years upwards who came to the sickle cell disease care service of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, over a period of 6 months, that is, from 1 January to 31 June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with questions on suicidal behaviours based on the “MINI” (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The data were processed using the SPSS 26.0 software. The related factors were studied in both a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Female sickle cell patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The mean age was 23.36 ± 8.42 years. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 56% of cases and 13% attempted suicide. The factors most associated with suicidal ideation were: primary level of education (OR = 0.08 (0.09 - 0.79);p = 0.03), feeling unworthy of life (OR = 0.40 (0.08 - 1.96);p = 0.02), not often being considered by those around them (OR = 2.97 (1.26 - 6.99);p = 0.01), lack of family support (OR = 0.34 (0.15 - 0.77);p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the factors associated with suicide attempts were: the fact of being rarely exposed to suicide-related media (OR = 4.17 (1.40 - 71.80);p = 0.03), and a constant feeling of sadness when returning home (OR = 18.02 (1.59 - 20.55);p = 0.01). Conclusion: More than half of sickle cell patients had had suicidal thoughts and 1/6 had made at least one suicide attempt, women and young adults being the most concerned. It is therefore necessary to ensure optimum psychological care for patients with sickle cell disease.

Mechanical behaviours of bedded sandstone under hydromechanical coupling

The combination of the dipping effect and hydromechanical(H-M)coupling effect can easily lead to water inrush disasters in water-rich roadways with different dip angles in coal mines.Therefore,H-M coupling tests of bedded sandstones under identical osmotic pressure and various confining pressures were conducted.Then,the evolution curves of stress-strain,permeability and damage,macro-and mesoscopic failure characteristics were obtained.Subsequently,the mechanical behaviour was characterized,and finally the failure mechanism was revealed.The results showed that:(1)The failure of the sandstone with the bedding angle of 45°or 60°was the structure-dominant type,while that with the bedding angle of 0°,30°or 90°was the force-dominant type.(2)When the bedding angle was in the range of(0°,30°)or(45°,90°),the confining pressure played a dominant role in influencing the peak strength.However,withinβ∈(30°,45°),the bedding effect played a dominant role in the peak strength.(3)With the increase in bedding angle,the cohesion increased first,then decreased and finally increased,while the internal friction angle was the opposite.(4)When the bedding angle was 0°or 30°,the“water wedging”effect and the“bedding buckling”effect would lead to the forking or converging shear failure.When the bedding angle was 45°or 60°,the sliding friction effect would lead to the shear slipping failure.When the bedding angle was 90°,the combination of the“bedding buckling”effect and shear effect would lead to the mixed tension-shear failure.The above conclusions obtained are helpful for the prevention of water inrush disasters in water-rich roadways with different dips in coal mines.

When Fleeing Matters:Differences in Escape Behaviours of Three Northeast Asian Anurans

Prey species may have their own optimal escape strategy to balance predation risks and the energetic cost of fleeing.Some species have an advantage when maintaining a short fleeing distance,while others may favour an earlier escape based on microhabitat,size,or body condition.Here,we examined the escape behaviour of the three syntopic Northeast Asian anuran species:Mongolian toads(Strauchbufo raddei),Amur brown frogs(Rana amurensis),and Japanese treefrogs(Dryophytes japonicus)in Mongolia,Russia,China and DPR Korea.We examined flight initiation distance(FID;the distance from a potential predator to the point when the individual starts to flee)and distance fled(DF;distance between flight initiation and flight termination points)of each species and the effects of microhabitat,sex,and body size.Strauchbufo raddei and R.amurensis had a longer FID than D.japonicus,and S.raddei also had a longer DF than D.japonicus.These trends remained similar when dividing FID and DF by a size proxy(snout-vent length)for all individuals.This suggests that the treefrog D.japonicus used a strategy to stay immobile even when they were detected,and the toad S.raddei reacted quicker and more sensitively to predators despite the presence of toxin.Female S.raddei had a significantly longer FID than males suggesting that females are more sensitive to predation risk in this species,but body size was not significant for any of the three species.Our results indicate that the three sympatric species have different escaping strategies,likely related to differences in physiology and crypticity.

Behaviour recognition based on the integration of multigranular motion features in the Internet of Things

With the adoption of cutting-edge communication technologies such as 5G/6G systems and the extensive development of devices,crowdsensing systems in the Internet of Things(IoT)are now conducting complicated video analysis tasks such as behaviour recognition.These applications have dramatically increased the diversity of IoT systems.Specifically,behaviour recognition in videos usually requires a combinatorial analysis of the spatial information about objects and information about their dynamic actions in the temporal dimension.Behaviour recognition may even rely more on the modeling of temporal information containing short-range and long-range motions,in contrast to computer vision tasks involving images that focus on understanding spatial information.However,current solutions fail to jointly and comprehensively analyse short-range motions between adjacent frames and long-range temporal aggregations at large scales in videos.In this paper,we propose a novel behaviour recognition method based on the integration of multigranular(IMG)motion features,which can provide support for deploying video analysis in multimedia IoT crowdsensing systems.In particular,we achieve reliable motion information modeling by integrating a channel attention-based short-term motion feature enhancement module(CSEM)and a cascaded long-term motion feature integration module(CLIM).We evaluate our model on several action recognition benchmarks,such as HMDB51,Something-Something and UCF101.The experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms the previous state-of-the-art methods,which confirms its effective-ness and efficiency.

Tailoring the microstructure of Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy via friction stir processing and the impact on its electrochemical discharge behaviour as the anode for Mg-air battery

Constructing the magnesium alloy with fine grains,low density of dislocations,and weak crystal orientation is of crucial importance to enhance its comprehensive performance as the anode for Mg-air battery.However,this unique microstructure can hardly be achieved with conventional plastic deformation such as rolling or extrusion.Herein,we tailor the microstructure of Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy by using the friction stir processing,which obviously refines the grains without increasing dislocation density or strengthening crystal orientation.The Mg-air battery with the processed Mg-Al-Sn-RE alloy as the anode exhibits higher discharge voltages and capacities than that employing the untreated anode.Furthermore,the impact of friction stir processing on the electrochemical discharge behaviour of Mg-Al-Sn-RE anode and the corresponding mechanism are also analysed according to microstructure characterization and electrochemical response.

Modelling the viscoplastic behaviour of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone with consideration of damage effect

In order to evaluate the performance of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste,an underground research laboratory(URL)was constructed by Andra in the Callovo-Oxfordian(COx)claystone formation at the Meuse/Haute-Marne(MHM).The construction of URL induced the excavation damage of host formations,and the ventilation in the galleries desaturated the host formation close to the gallery wall.Moreover,it is expected that the mechanical behaviour of COx claystone is time-dependent.This study presents a constitutive model developed to describe the viscoplastic behaviour of unsaturated and damaged COx claystone.In this model,the unsaturation effect is considered by adopting the Bishop effective stress and the van Genuchten(VG)water retention model.In terms of the viscoplastic behaviour,the nonstationary flow surface(NSFS)theory for unsaturated soils is used with consideration of the coupled effects of strain rate and suction on the yield stress.A progressive hardening law is adopted.Meanwhile,a non-associated flow rule is used,which is similar to that in Barcelona basic model(BBM).In addition,to describe the damage effect induced by suction change and viscoplastic loading,a damage function is defined based on the crack volume proportion.This damage function contains two variables:unsaturated effective stress and viscoplastic volumetric strain,with the related parameters determined based on the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests.For the model validation,different tests on COx claystone under different loading paths are simulated.Comparisons between experimental and simulated results indicated that the present model is able to well describe the viscoplastic behaviour of damaged COx claystone,including swelling/shrinkage,triaxial extension and compression,and triaxial creep.

Cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention,and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023.Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception of cardiovascular diseases,behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits,and INTERHEART risk stratification score(IHRS)based on established risk factors.A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis.Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis to test the differences,Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables.Results:There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease(CVD)and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioural intention and IHRS(P<0.05,Pearson correlation).Notably,individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,and behavioural intention.Males,laborers,active/former smokers,individuals with lower household income and educational levels,those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector,and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge,risk perception,and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health(P<0.05,one-way ANOVA).While educational level,smoking status,awareness about CVD poster,self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioral intention and/or IHRS(P<0.05,linear regression).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk.Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.