Commentary on "Association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity with body fat among U.S.adults"

In their study,association of daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with body fat among U.S.Adults,Liao et al.^(1) analyzed data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Examination Survey to examine associations between h/day sitting,meeting (or not meeting) the U.S.Physical Activity Guidelines of≥150 min/week of moderate-and vigorous-intensity LTPA,and combinations of sitting time and LTPA on totaland trunk percent body fat (BF%).

The Reception Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of China-U.S.Diplomatic Ties Held in Beijing

On January 5,the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs jointly hosted a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and the United States in Beijing.Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the commemoration and delivered aspeech.David Meale,ChargédAffaires at the U.S.Embassy in China,addressed the reception.He extended on behalf of the U.S.side congratulations on the anniversary,expressing the readiness of the U.S.to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the steady development of U.S.-China relations.More than 350 people from all walks of life of both countries attended the reception.

FREE SPEECH OR SINOPHOBIA? THE U.S. SENATE MUST DECIDE

The 100 men and women who make up the U.S.Senate will soon have an important choice.They will either affirm that the First Amendment matters or they will surrender to fear.The senators must decide whether to go along with their colleagues in the House of Representatives and require the popular social media app TikTok to be sold to an American company.If they do endorse the House vote,then ByteDance must divest itself of TikTok or see the app will be banned on U.S.-based social media platforms.

Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Coping:U.S.Students in Taiwan Residents Higher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.

Digital Disparities:How Artificial Intelligence Can Facilitate Anti-Black Racism in the U.S.Healthcare Sector

This paper delves into the intricate interplay between artificial intelligence(AI)systems and the perpetuation of Anti-Black racism within the United States medical industry.Despite the promising potential of AI to enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce disparities,there is a growing concern that these technologies may inadvertently/advertently exacerbate existing racial inequalities.Focusing specifically on the experiences of Black patients,this research investigates how the following AI components:medical algorithms,machine learning,and natural learning processes are contributing to the unequal distribution of medical resources,diagnosis,and health care treatment of those classified as Black.Furthermore,this review employs a multidisciplinary approach,combining insights from computer science,medical ethics,and social justice theory to analyze the mechanisms through which AI systems may encode and reinforce racial biases.By dissecting the three primary components of AI,this paper aims to present a clear understanding of how these technologies work,how they intersect,and how they may inherently perpetuate harmful stereotypes resulting in negligent outcomes for Black patients.Furthermore,this paper explores the ethical implications of deploying AI in healthcare settings and calls for increased transparency,accountability,and diversity in the development and implementation of these technologies.Finally,it is important that I prefer the following paper with a clear and concise definition of what I refer to as Anti-Black racism throughout the text.Therefore,I assert the following:Anti-Black racism refers to prejudice,discrimination,or antagonism directed against individuals or communities of African descent based on their race.It involves the belief in the inherent superiority of one race over another and the systemic and institutional practices that perpetuate inequality and disadvantage for Black people.Furthermore,I proclaim that this form of racism can be manifested in various ways,such as unequal access to opportunities,resources,education,employment,and fair treatment within social,economic,and political systems.It is also pertinent to acknowledge that Anti-Black racism is deeply rooted in historical and societal structures throughout the U.S.borders and beyond,leading to systemic disadvantages and disparities that impact the well-being and life chances of Black individuals and communities.Addressing Anti-Black racism involves recognizing and challenging both individual attitudes and systemic structures that contribute to discrimination and inequality.Efforts to combat Anti-Black racism include promoting awareness,education,advocacy for policy changes,and fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality.

深水采油树Spring-Seal密封圈接触模型构建与实验测试

为提高深水采油树在高压、高温、低温等工况下长时间工作的稳定性,对采油树密封圈进行重新设计,提出Spring-Seal密封圈(以下简称S密封圈);基于赫兹接触理论、填料密封接触理论,重新构建S密封圈接触力学模型;建立有限元仿真分析模型,分析不同条件下S密封圈的密封性能,同时验证新建接触模型的合理性;利用实验测试S密封圈的实际密封效果。研究结果表明:S密封圈在高压、高温、低温等工况下能够长时间稳定工作且密封性能良好。研究结果可为S密封圈的接触研究及工程运用提供理论参考。

Experimental study on the shear performance of quasi-NPR steel bolted rock joints

Quasi-NPR(negative Poisson’s ratio)steel is a new type of super bolt material with high strength,high ductility,and a micro-negative Poisson’s effect.This material overcomes the contrasting characteristics of the high strength and high ductility of steel and it has significant energy-absorbing characteristics,which is of high value in deep rock and soil support engineering.However,research on the shear resistance of quasi-NPR steel has not been carried out.To study the shear performance of quasi-NPR steel bolted rock joints,indoor shear tests of bolted rock joints under different normal stress conditions were carried out.Q235 steel and#45 steel,two representative ordinary bolt steels,were set up as a control group for comparative tests to compare and analyze the shear strength,deformation and instability mode,shear energy absorption characteristics,and bolting contribution of different types of bolts.The results show that the jointed rock masses without bolt reinforcement undergo brittle failure under shear load,while the bolted jointed rock masses show obvious ductile failure characteristics.The shear deformation ca-pacity of quasi-NPR steel is more than 3.5 times that of Q235 steel and#45 steel.No fracture occurs in the quasi-NPR steel during large shear deformation and it can provide stable shear resistance.However,the other two types of control bolts become fractured under the same conditions.Quasi-NPR steel has significant energy-absorbing characteristics under shear load and has obvious advantages in terms of absorbing the energy released by shear deformation of jointed rock masses as compared with ordinary steel.In particular,the shear force plays a major role in resisting the shear deformation of Q235 steel and#45 steel,therefore,fracture failure occurs under small bolt deformation.However,the axial force of quasi-NPR steel can be fully exerted when resisting joint shear deformation;the steel itself does not break when large shear deformation occurs,and the supporting effect of the jointed rock mass is effectively guaranteed.

Encapsulated peracetic acid as a valid broad‑spectrum antimicrobial alternative,leading to beneficial microbiota compositional changes and enhanced performance in broiler chickens

Background Antimicrobial alternatives are urgently needed,including for poultry production systems.In this study,we tested the potential broad-range antimicrobial alternative peracetic acid,delivered in feed via the hydrolysis of encapsulated precursors through a 28-day study using 375 Ross 308 broiler chickens.We tested two peracetic acid concentrations,30 and 80 mg/kg on birds housed on re-used litter,and we evaluated the impact of both levels on gut microbial communities,bacterial concentration,antimicrobial resistance genes relative abundance and growth performance when compared to control birds housed on either clean or re-used litter.Results Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio improved in peracetic acid fed birds.At d 28,birds given 30 mg/kg of peracetic acid had a decreased Firmicutes and an increased Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum,accompanied by an increase in Bacillus,Flavonifractor and Rombustia in the caeca,and a decreased abundance of tetracycline resistance genes.Chicken given 80 mg/kg of peracetic acid had greater caecal abundance of macrolides lincosamides and streptogramins resistance genes.Growth performance on clean litter was reduced compared to reused litter,which concurred with increased caecal abundance of Blautia,decreased caecal abundance of Escherichia/Shigella,Anaerostipes and Jeotgalicoccus,and greater gene abundance of vancomycin,tetracycline,and macrolides resistance genes.Conclusions Peracetic acid could be used as a safe broad-spectrum antimicrobial alternative in broilers.Encapsulated precursors were able to reduce the bacterial concentration in the jejunum whilst promoting the proliferation of probiotic genera in the caeca,especially at the low peracetic acid concentrations tested,and improve growth performance.Moreover,our findings offer further insights on potential benefits of rearing birds on re-used litter,suggesting that the latter could be associated with better performance and reduced antimicrobial resistance risk compared to clean litter rearing.

Decoupling U.S.Economy from China Doomed to Fail

The global supply chain is based on the global distribution of materials,technology,capital,labor,and markets and thus cannot be altered by political motives.KEEPING a sound and stable global supply chain will benefit not only China and America,but also the world at large.Janet Yellen,U.S.secretary of treasury,has realized the devastating consequences of decoupling U.S.economy from Chinese economy when she spoke at John Hopkins Institute on April 20,2023.Yellen said,“The United States will assert ourselves when our vital interests are at stake.But we do not seek to decouple our economy from China’s.A full separation of our economies would be disastrous for both countries.It would be destabilizing for the rest of the world.”

Opportunities and Challenges for China-U.S.LNG Trade

Since the 1960s,the global natural gas industry has developed rapidly,and natural gas has become a fossil fuel that can balance supply stability,economic efficiency of consumption,clean and low-carbon features at the current stage.However,there is a regional imbalance in the global demand for natural gas,and the continuous rise in geopolitical risks negatively affects the stability of the natural gas market.In recent years,LNG export capacity in the U.S.has continued to grow,and the potential for China-U.S.LNG trade in the future is enormous.From the perspective of development opportunities,strengthening LNG trade cooperation with the U.S.is conducive to the diversification of natural gas import sources for China.From the perspective of challenges,China-U.S.LNG trade cooperation also involves potential risks in terms of economy and channels.

Will China-U.S.Relations Stabilize After the San Francisco Summit?--Mutually beneficial cooperation or antagonism and confrontation?That is the question

At 1:35 p.m.local time on November 15,a four-hour summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S.President Joe Biden concluded at Filoli Estate in San Francisco.At a press briefing after the meeting,Wang Yi,member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs,said that“the two presidents had a very good,comprehensive,and in-depth meeting.”

Quiet Lingering of The U.S.Debt Crisis

On June 3,U.S.President Joe Biden signed a debt ceiling bill,the“Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023,”two days before the nation’s debt default deadline,temporarily averting a calamitous default on its debt.With the bill,the nation’s debt limit is officially suspended through January 1,2025.

COVID‑19 and instability of stock market performance:evidence from the U.S.

The effect of COVID-19 on stock market performance has important implications for both financial theory and practice.This paper examines the relationship between COVID-19 and the instability of both stock return predictability and price volatility in the U.S over the period January 1st,2019 to June 30th,2020 by using the methodologies of Bai and Perron(Econometrica 66:47–78,1998.https://doi.org/10.2307/2998540;J Appl Econo 18:1–22,2003.https://doi.org/10.1002/jae.659),Elliot and Muller(Optimal testing general breaking processes in linear time series models.University of California at San Diego Economic Working Paper,2004),and Xu(J Econ 173:126–142,2013.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecon om.2012.11.001).The results highlight a single break in return predictability and price volatility of both S&P 500 and DJIA.The timing of the break is consistent with the COVID-19 outbreak,or more specifically the stock sellingoffs by the U.S.senate committee members before COVID-19 crashed the market.Furthermore,return predictability and price volatility significantly increased following the derived break.The findings suggest that the pandemic crisis was associated with market inefficiency,creating profitable opportunities for traders and speculators.Furthermore,it also induced income and wealth inequality between market participants with plenty of liquidity at hand and those short of funds.

Counteraction to China?Impact of the U.S.International Development Finance Corporation on China’s Development Finance

The United States passed the Better Utilization of Investment Leading to Development(BUILD Act),as a counterweight to China’s overseas development activities.Under the Act,the US established a new federal agency,the U.S.International Development Finance Corporation(DFC),to enhance U.S.development financing capabilities.To better understand the impact of the DFC on China’s development finance,this article analyzes the DFC’s purpose,functions,structure,and funding.Then it focuses on the purpose of establishing the DFC,providing a preliminary analysis of the potential motivation for its establishment.It also compares the China Development Bank(CDB)and the DFC based on their focused sectors.Finally,through an in-depth analysis of financial frictions in China-U.S.relations,this article argues that the DFC competes with China’s overseas development financing activities in the context of broader strategic competition between China and the U.S.

Strategies, Performances and Profiling of a Sample of U.S. Universities in 2012

The global economic crisis is affecting performances of not-for-profits. At the same time donors are targeted by a pressing good-cause related marketing, so that the competition for philanthropy is particularly keen. U.S. universities can be public, not-for-profit and for-profit. U.S. not-for-profit universities are confronted with different marketing, fundraising and revenue diversification. Above all, marketing concerns customers and their segmentation and their purchasing-power exploitation;fundraising aims to gain the trustworthiness of donors, instead. The aim of this paper is the analysis of the revenue diversification of a sample of 100 U.S. not-for-profit universities according to IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Forms. These 100 U.S. universities had the highest 2012’s revenues for the Guidestar ranking (www.guidestar.org). The cluster analysis gives evidence that the highest gain and the highest solvency are both connected with the implementation of revenue diversification for one profile. The most crowded cluster is the Marketing Expert with the second highest gain.

“Speech on Hitler’s Invasion of the U.S.S.R.”(汉译文)的美学赏析

语言作为人类精神的产物和文明的载体应具有审美价值,而演讲作为一种特殊的语言表现形式,它的审美价值在于能够使受众在愉悦中自觉地去接受或容纳演讲的主旨。Speech on Hitler’s Invasion of the U.S.S.R.是丘吉尔政治生涯中重要的演讲作品之一,既具有时效性和实效性,又具有历久弥新的语言审美价值。

Comparison of Corn Production Costs in China,the U.S. and Brazil and Its Implications

This paper analyzes the corn production cost in China, the U.S. and Brazil from 1997 to 2014. According to the results,（1） corn production cost in China is the highest among these three countries;（2） the rapid growth of labor cost and land cost is the major factor that promotes the increase of total corn production cost in China;（3） the level of agricultural mechanization in China has been gradually improving, and the gap between agricultural mechanization levels in China and other two countries is constantly narrowing;（4） differing from the U.S. and Brazil,China exhibits a ＂high input, low output＂ agricultural production mode. Based on the above analyses, corresponding suggestions have been presented to reduce corn production cost in China.

China’s alfalfa market and imports: Development, trends, and potential impacts of the U.S.-China trade dispute and retaliations

This study examines the development and trends of China’s alfalfa market and imports, identifies key factors for the rapid increase in China’s alfalfa imports, and discusses potential impacts of the U.S.-China trade dispute and retaliations on the alfalfa markets and trade in both nations. China’s rapid transition toward larger-scale commercial dairy production, with enhanced feed and cost management as well as quality and safety control, and its limited resources for high-quality alfalfa production are key factors for the dramatic increase in its alfalfa imports, from 19 601 metric tons in 2008 to 1.38 million metric tons(mmt) in 2018. While the United States dominated China’s alfalfa imports with an average share of 97.01% from 2007 to 2017, the share dropped to 83.76% in 2018 and 63.28% in January 2019 due to the trade dispute and retaliations started in 2018. China will likely remain a large importer of alfalfa because of both its growing demand and the comparative advantages of imported alfalfa in quality and price, but the imports from the United States will be highly affected by the ongoing trade dispute and negotiations. China is also expected to make more efforts to reduce its dependence on U.S. alfalfa through increased investment in domestic alfalfa production and identification of alternative sources of alfalfa and other hay imports.

Performance Evaluation of Public Bus Transportation by Using DEA Models and Shannon’s Entropy:An Example From a Company in a Large City of China

The purpose of this paper is to assess the operational efficiency of a public bus transportation via a case study from a company in a large city of China by using data envelopment analysis(DEA)model and Shannon’s entropy.This company operates 37 main routes on the backbone roads.Thus,it plays a significant role in public transportation in the city.According to bus industry norms,an efficiency evaluation index system is constructed from the perspective of both company operations and passenger demands.For passenger satisfaction,passenger waiting time and passenger-crowding degree are considered,and they are undesirable indicators.To describe such indicators,a superefficient DEA model is constructed.With this model,by using actual data,efficiency is evaluated for each bus route.Results show that the DEA model with Shannon’s entropy being combined achieves more reasonable results.Also,sensitivity analysis is presented.Therefore,the results are meaningful for the company to improve its operations and management.

Partial improvement in performance of patients with severe Alzheimer's disease at an early stage of fornix deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a therapy for Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） that has previously been used for mainly mild to moderate cases. This study provides the first evidence of early alterations in performance induced by stimulation targeted at the fornix in severe AD patients. The performance of the five cases enrolled in this study was scored with specialized assessments including the Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating, both before and at an early stage after deep brain stimulation. The burden of caregivers was also evaluated using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. As a whole, the cognitive performance of patients remained stable or improved to varying degrees, and caregiver burden was decreased. Individually, an improved mental state or social performance was observed in three patients, and one of these three patients showed remarkable improvement in long-term memory. The conditions of another patient deteriorated because of inappropriate antipsychotic medications that were administered by his caregivers. Taken together, deep brain stimulation was capable of improving some cognitive aspects in patients with severe AD, and of ameliorating their emotional and social performance, at least at an early stage. However, long-term effects induced by deep brain stimulation in patients with severe AD need to be further validated. More research should focus on clarifying the mechanism of deep brain stimulation. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov（NCT03115814） on April 14, 2017.