Effects of a school-based karate intervention on academic achievement,psychosocial functioning,and physical fitness:A multi-country cluster randomized controlled trial

Purpose:To examine the effects of a school-based karate intervention on academic achievement,psychosocial functioning,and physical fitness in children aged 7-8 years.Methods:Twenty schools in 5 different European countries(2 second-grade classrooms per school)participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial(Sport at School trial).Participants were assigned to either a control group,which continued with their habitual physical education lessons,or to an intervention group,which replaced these lessons with a 1-year karate intervention(Karate Mind and Movement program).A total of 721 children(344 girls and 377 boys,7.4±0.5 years old,mean±SD)completed the study,of which 333 and 388 were assigned to the control group and intervention group,respectively.Outcomes included academic performance(average grade),psychosocial functioning(Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents),and different markers of physical fitness(cardiorespiratory fitness,balance,and flexibility).Results:The intervention provided small but significant benefits compared to the control group for academic achievement(d=0.16;p=0.003),conduct problems(d=-0.28;p=0.003),cardiorespiratory fitness(d=0.36;p<0.001),and balance(d=0.24;p=0.015).There was a trend towards significant benefits for flexibility(d=0.24;p=0.056).No significant benefits were observed for other variables,including psychosocial difficulties,emotional symptoms,hyperactivity/inattention,peer problems,or prosocial behaviour(all p>0.05).Conclusion:A 1-year school-based karate intervention was effective in improving academic achievement,conduct problems,and physical fitness in primary school children.The results support the inclusion of karate during physical education lessons.

Resistance development,cross-resistance,and fitness costs associated with Aphis gossypii resistance towards sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid in different geographical regions

Aphis gossypii has become increasingly difficult to manage due to its strong insecticide resistance.In the laboratory,we established sulfoxaflor-resistant and acetamiprid-resistant strains in two A.gossypii populations with different basal insecticide resistance levels,and evaluated the effects of basal insecticide resistance on the resistance development and cross-resistance,as well as differences in fitness.Under the same selection pressure,Yarkant A.gossypii(with low basal insecticide resistance)evolved resistance to sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid more quickly than Jinghe A.gossypii(with high basal insecticide resistance),and the evolution of A.gossypii resistance to sulfoxaflor developed faster than acetamiprid in both Yarkant and Jinghe,Xingjiang,China.The sulfoxaflor-resistant strains selected from Yarkant and Jinghe developed significant cross-resistance to acetamiprid,imidacloprid,thiamethoxam and pymetrozine;while the acetamiprid-resistant strains developed significant cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor,imidacloprid,thiamethoxam,pymetrozine,and chlorpyrifos.The relative fitness of A.gossypii decreased as the resistance to sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid developed.The relative fitness levels of the sulfoxaflor-resistant strains(Yarkant-SulR and Jinghe-SulR)were lower than those of the acetamipridresistant strains(Yarkant-AceR and Jinghe-AceR).In addition,the relative fitness levels of sulfoxaflor-and acetamiprid-resistant strains were lower in Jinghe than in Yarkant.In summary,basal insecticide resistance of A.gossypii and insecticide type affected the evolution of resistance to insecticides in A.gossypii,as well as cross-resistance to other insecticides.The sulfoxaflor-and acetamiprid-resistant A.gossypii strains had obvious fitness costs.The results of this work will contribute to the insecticide resistance management and integrated management of A.gossypii.

Subpopulations of regulatory T cells are associated with subclinical atherosclerotic plaques,levels of LDL,and cardiorespiratory fitness in the elderly

Background:Atherosclerosis forms the pathological basis for the development of cardiovascular disease.Since pathological processes initially develop without clinically relevant symptoms,the identification of early markers in the subclinical stage plays an important role for initiating early interventions.There is evidence that regulatory T cells(Tregs)are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.Therefore,the present study aimed to identify and investigate associations with Tregs and their subsets in a cohort of healthy elderly individuals with and without subclinical atherosclerotic plaques(SAP).In addition,various lifestyle and risk factors,such as cardiorespiratory fitness,were investigated as associated signatures.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in 79 participants(male:n=50;age=63.6±3.7 years;body mass index=24.9±3.1 kg/m2;mean±SD)who had no previous diagnosis of chronic disease and were not taking medication.Ultrasound of the carotids to identify SAP,cardiovascular function measurement for vascular assessment and a cardiorespiratory fitness test to determine peak oxygen uptake were performed.Additionally,tests were conducted to assess blood lipids and determine glucose levels.Immunophenotyping of Tregs and their subtypes(resting(rTregs)and effector/memory(mTregs))was performed by 8-chanel flow cytometry.Participants were categorized according to atherosclerotic plaque status.Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between parameters.Results:SAP was detected in a total of 29 participants.The participants with plaque were older(64.8±3.6 years vs.62.9±3.5 years)and had higher peripheral systolic blood pressure(133.8±14.7 mmHg vs.125.8±10.9 mmHg).The participants with SAP were characterized by a lower percentage of rTregs(28.8%±10.7%vs.34.6%±10.7%)and a higher percentage of mTregs(40.3%±14.7%vs.30.0%±11.9%).Multiple logistic regression identified age(odds ratio(OR)=1.20(95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.011.42))and mTregs(OR=1.05(95%CI:1.021.10))as independent risk factors for SAP.Stepwise linear regression could reveal an association of peak oxygen uptake(β=0.441),low-density lipoprotein(LDL)(β=0.096),and SAP(β=6.733)with mTregs and LDL(β=0.104)with rTregs.Conclusion:While at an early stage of SAP,the total proportion of Tregs gives no indication of vascular changes,this is indicated by a shift in the Treg subgroups.Factors such as serum LDL or cardiopulmonary fitness may be associated with this shift and may also be additional diagnostic indicators.This could be used to initiate lifestyle-based preventive measures at an early stage,which may have a protective effect against disease progression.

The Impact and Intervention of Handheld Tai Chi Water-Resistance Fitness Ball on Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Through the use of a survey and statistical methods, this study explores the effects and interventions of handheld Tai Chi water resistance fitness balls on the elderly with Parkinson’s disease. Firstly, a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease was developed, and its reliability and validity were tested. Then, a survey was conducted to investigate the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, including general information, scoring status, and single and multiple factor analyses of influencing factors [1]. The results of the study show that through qualitative research, the dimensions and item pools of the questionnaire were initially constructed, and the reliability analysis of the questionnaire was conducted through Delphi expert consultation, with favorable results in terms of its reliability and validity [2]. Regarding the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, the study found that the level of exercise compliance needs improvement, and there are significant differences in exercise compliance levels among patients under different circumstances. Finally, the research results were discussed and conclusions were drawn. The innovation of this study lies in the development of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the preliminary qualitative research and Delphi expert consultation conducted on it, providing new ideas and methods for the study of exercise compliance. However, the study also has limitations as it did not examine the effects of other interventions on Parkinson’s disease, so further research should be conducted [3].

Research on the Comprehensive Development Trend of National Fitness Activity Centers

With the further advancement of the“National Fitness”strategy and the continuous development of the information age,the National Fitness Activity Centers have become more comprehensive.The comprehensiveness is reflected in the design of diversified sports functions and spaces.The article serves to explore the comprehensive development trend of National Fitness Activity Centers.Through summarizing and sorting out domestic and foreign cases,the trend of the comprehensive development of National Fitness Activity Centers is predicted at three levels:industry,city,and individual functions.

Market Positioning Analysis of CJ Brand Fitness Equipment

CJ Health Technology Co.has been an export-oriented supplier of fitness equipment,boasting leading technology innovation and manufacturing capabilities.However,in the process of expanding into the domestic market,the challenges of unclear market positioning and lack of brand awareness have emerged as major obstacles.To address these issues,a SWOT analysis was conducted to explore a suitable market positioning strategy for the CJ brand.The analysis reveals that the market demand for commercial fitness equipment is relatively saturated,with fierce competition.In contrast,the home fitness market represents a new blue ocean with promising development opportunities for the CJ brand.Leveraging excellent product quality,stringent quality control measures,and innovation-driven cutting-edge technology,it is recommended that CJ brand fitness equipment target young customers aged between 25 and 35 years old.Additionally,vigorously developing the home fitness product line is proposed to capitalize on this burgeoning market segment.

Research on the Deep Integration Mechanism of National Fitness Campaign and College Physical Education Teaching:Taking Guangdong University of Science and Technology as an Example

By using the methods of literature review,questionnaire survey,and expert interview,this paper discusses and analyzes the deep integration mechanism of national fitness campaign and college physical education teaching,in order to promote the development of college physical education teaching reform,expand ideas,explore new fields,and provide novel development directions.The purpose is to enhance the national physical quality,improve the public service system,enhance the health awareness of the citizens,and provide guidelines for promoting the development of sports.

Scoping review on health-related physical fitness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:Assessment,interventions,and future directions

BACKGROUND Reaching the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-II(STRIDE-II)therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)requires an interdisciplinary approach.Lifestyle interventions focusing on enhancing and preserving health-related physical fitness(HRPF)may aid in improving subjective health,decreasing disability,or even controlling inflammation.However,ambiguity remains about the status and impact of HRPF(i.e.body composition,cardiorespiratory fitness,muscular strength,muscular endurance,and flexibility)in IBD patients,hindering the development of physical activity and physical exercise training guidelines.AIM To review HRPF components in IBD patients and the impact of physical activity and physical exercise training interventions on HRPF.METHODS A systematic search in multiple databases was conducted for original studies that included patients with IBD,assessed one or more HRPF components,and/or evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions.RESULTS Sixty-eight articles were included.No study examined the complete concept of HRPF,and considerable heterogeneity existed in assessment methods,with frequent use of non-validated tests.According to studies that used gold standard tests,cardiorespiratory fitness seemed to be reduced,but findings on muscular strength and endurance were inconsistent.A limited number of studies that evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions reported effects on HRPF,overall showing a positive impact.CONCLUSION We performed a scoping review using a systematic and iterative approach to identify and synthesize an emerging body of literature on health-related physical fitness in patients with IBD,highlighting several research gaps and opportunities for future research.Findings of this review revealed a gap in the literature regarding the accurate assessment of HRPF in patients with IBD and highlighted important methodological limitations of studies that evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions.This scoping review is a step towards performing studies and systematic reviews in the future,which was not possible at present given the heterogeneity in endpoints and designs of the available studies on this topic.Future well-designed studies are required to determine the optimal training paradigm for improving HRPF in patients with IBD before guidelines can be developed and integrated into the therapeutic strategy.

Association between cardiorespiratory fitness level and insulin resistance in adolescents with various obesity categories

BACKGROUND An association between cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)and insulin resistance in obese adolescents,especially in those with various obesity categories,has not been systematically studied.There is a lack of knowledge about the effects of CRF on insulin resistance in severely obese adolescents,despite their continuous rise.AIM To investigate the association between CRF and insulin resistance in obese adolescents,with special emphasis on severely obese adolescents.METHODS We performed a prospective,cross-sectional study that included 200 pubertal adolescents,10 years to 18 years of age,who were referred to a tertiary care center due to obesity.According to body mass index(BMI),adolescents were classified as mildly obese(BMI 100% to 120% of the 95^(th)percentile for age and sex)or severely obese(BMI≥120% of the 95^(th)percentile for age and sex or≥35 kg/m^(2),whichever was lower).Participant body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis.A homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was calculated.Maximal oxygen uptake(VO_(2)max)was determined from submaximal treadmill exercise test.CRF was expressed as VO_(2)max scaled by total body weight(TBW)(mL/min/kg TBW)or by fat free mass(FFM)(mL/min/kg FFM),and then categorized as poor,intermediate,or good,according to VO_(2)max terciles.Data were analyzed by statistical software package SPSS(IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows,Version 24.0).P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS A weak negative correlation between CRF and HOMA-IR was found[Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient(rs)=-0.28,P<0.01 for CRF_(TBW);(r_(s))=-0.21,P<0.01 for CRF_(FFM)].One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)revealed a significant main effect of CRF on HOMA-IR[F(2200)=6.840,P=0.001 for CRF_(TBW);F_((2200))=3.883,P=0.022 for CRF_(FFM)].Subsequent analyses showed that obese adolescents with poor CRF had higher HOMA-IR than obese adolescents with good CRF(P=0.001 for CRF_(TBW);P=0.018 for CRF_(FFM)).Two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction confirmed significant effect of interaction of CRF level and obesity category on HOMA-IR[F_((2200))=3.292,P=0.039 for CRF_(TBW)].Severely obese adolescents had higher HOMA-IR than those who were mildly obese,with either good or poor CRF.However,HOMA-IR did not differ between severely obese adolescents with good and mildly obese adolescents with poor CRF.CONCLUSION CRF is an important determinant of insulin resistance in obese adolescents,regardless of obesity category.Therefore,CRF assessment should be a part of diagnostic procedure,and its improvement should be a therapeutic goal.

Comparison of the effects of high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training on inflammatory markers,cardiorespiratory fitness,and quality of life in breast cancer patients

Background:As the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment has improved,a growing number of long-term breast cancer survivors are seeking help for unique health problems.These patients may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the side effects of treatment.The positive impact of most types of exercise has been repeatedly reported in people with cancer,but the most effective exercise approaches for maximum beneficial adaptations remain controversial.Thus,this study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training(HIIT)and moderate-intensity continuous training(MICT) on inflammatory indices,adipokines,metabolic markers,body composition,cardiorespiratory fitness,and quality of life in breast cancer patients during adjuvant endocrine therapy.Methods:Thirty non-metastatic breast cancer patients during adjuvant endocrine therapy who had been treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were recruited from Iran and randomized to HIIT,MICT,or control groups for a supervised exercise intervention that took place 3 times a week for 12 weeks.The training intensity was determed based on the peak oxygen uptake(VO2peak),and the volume of training was matched in HIIT and MICT based on the VO2peak.Body composition,functional capacity,cardiorespiratory fitness,metabolic indices,sex hormones,adipokines,and inflammatory markers were assessed before and after the intervention.Results:The VO2peakincreased by 16.8% in the HIIT group in comparison to baseline values(mean difference=3.61 mL/kg/min).HIIT significantly improved the VO2peakcompared to control(mean difference=3.609 mL/kg/min) and MICT(mean differences=2.974 mL/kg/min)groups.Both HIIT(mean difference=9.172 mg/dL) and MICT(mean difference=7.879 mg/dL) interventions significantly increased highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the control group.The analysis of covariance showed that physical well-being significantly improved in MICT compared to control group(mean difference=3.268).HIIT significantly improved the social well-being compared to the control group(mean difference=4.412).Emotional well-being subscale was significantly improved in both MICT(mean difference=4.248)and HIIT(mean difference=4.412) compared to the control group.Functional well-being scores significantly increased in HIIT group compared with control group(mean difference=3.35).Significant increase were also observed in total functional assessment of cancer therapy-General scores in both HIIT(mean difference=14.204) and MICT groups(mean difference=10.036) compared with control group.The serum level of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 increased significantly(mean difference=0.09 pg/mL) in the HIIT group compared to the baseline.There were no significant differences between groups for body weight,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,insulin resistance,sex hormone binding globulin,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,adipokines,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-a,or interleukin-10.Conclusion:HIIT can be used as a safe,feasible,and time-efficient intervention to improve cardiovascular fitness in breast cancer patients.Both HIIT and MICT modalities enhance quality of life.Further large-scale studies will help determine whether these promising results translate into improved clinical and oncological outcomes.

Comparison of Fitness Tracking Using Three Different Smartwatches during Free Activities in Daily Life

Background: Young women of reproductive age experience various physiological changes, which they measure and track using various devices, including fitness trackers and smartwatches. However, fitness tracking assessment methods are ambiguous because they may differ from model to model. Objective: This study aimed to compare the stress level, heart rate, sleep time, number of steps, and distance traveled, which were calculated using fitness tracking methods for daily-life free activity installed in various smartwatches. Materials and Methodology: Healthy women in their 20s to 30s were recruited for this study, which was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022. The finalized participants wore three different smartwatch models (Mi smartband 6, vivosmart®4, and Band 6) simultaneously on their person for 48 hours and performed their daily activities and recorded them on an hour-based activity chart. Each smartwatch’s measured data (e.g., age, height, weight, and oral medications) were extracted into five datasets: heart rate, stress level, number of steps, distance, and sleep time. Data analyses were conducted using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ρ (for comparing heart rates) and Bland-Altman plots (for assessing heart rate agreement). The smartwatches’ fitness trackers were compared using the mean absolute percentage error. Results: The correlation coefficient showed that vivosmart®4 and Band 6 had a higher heart rate agreement (ρ = 0.684). The Bland-Altman plots showed high agreement between Band 6, Mi smartband 6, and vivosmart®4. The heart rate measurement method used under free movement was found to be consistent. The examined smartwatches were able to measure heart rate at the same level even under daily-life free movements. Conclusion: Several different smartwatches’ calculated measured values for heart rate had a high agreement. The smartwatches provided accurate heart rate measurements under daily-life free movement conditions. Furthermore, the calculation methods for stress level were found to differ in the fitness tracking of all the smartwatches. .

Lack of fitness cost and inheritance of resistance to abamectin based on the establishment of a near-isogenic strain of Tetranychus urticae

Many populations of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, have developed high levels of resistance to the pesticide abamectin in China and other countries. This study developed a near-isogenic line to understand better the inheritance, cross-resistance, and fitness costs associated with abamectin resistance in the field population of T. urticae in China. We introduced the trait that confers extremely high abamectin resistance in a field-collected population of T. urticae into a susceptible laboratory strain(IPP-SS) to generate an abamectin-resistant near-isogenic line(NIL-Aba).This process was carried out through multiple backcrossing to IPP-SS and via parthenogenesis and abamectin screening. Compared with IPP-SS, the NIL-Aba strain had a 25 147-fold resistance to abamectin and a high level of cross-resistance to bifenthrin(288.17-fold), an intermediate level to emamectin benzoate(42.57-fold), and low levels to bifenazate, chlorfenapyr, cyflumetofen, cyenopyrafen, and cyetpyrafen with resistance ranging from 3.18-to 9.31-fold.But it had no cross-resistance to profenofos. The resistance to abamectin in NIL-Aba was autosomal, incompletely dominant, and polygenic. Based on two sex life table parameters, no fitness cost was found in NIL-Aba. Establishing the NIL-Aba strain provides a reliable basis for an in-depth study of abamectin resistance in T. urticae. New information on toxicological characteristics and fitness cost should facilitate the management of abamectin resistance in field populations of T. urticae.

Cadmium(Cd)exposure through Hyphantria cunea pupae reduces the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea:A potential risk to its biocontrol efficiency

Heavy metal contamination has been regarded as an environmental variable that affects the efficiency of pest biological control,but the parasitic fitness of parasitoids under heavy metal stress is poorly understood.Herein,the effect of Cd exposure through the host pupa of Hyphantria cunea on the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea was investigated,and the mechanism by which Cd exposure affects the interaction between H.cunea and C.cunea from the perspective of innate immunity in host insect and the oxidative status in the parasitoid offspring was explored.Our results indicated that Cd can be transferred from the H.cunea pupae to the parasitoid offspring,and the transfer coefficient reflected biological amplification.There were no significant differences in the rates of parasitism success and offspring emergence between the untreated and Cd-treated groups.However,after parasitizing Cd-accumulated pupae,the parasitic fitness of offspring wasps(e.g.,the number,individual size and life span)decreased significantly.Under Cd exposure,the cellular and humoral immunity of H.cunea pupae decreased significantly.Compared with the untreated group,the H_(2)O_(2)content of parasitoid offspring in the Cd-treated group was significantly increased.Cd exposure significantly inhibited superoxide dismutase activity in parasitoid offspring,but the contents of ascorbic acid and glutathione were significantly increased by Cd stress.Taken together,these results indicate that Cd exposure reduces the cyclic utilization efficiency of C.cunea on H.cunea pupae.The oxidative status of parasitoid offspring triggered by Cd exposure could be responsible for the reduced parasitic fitness of C.cunea on Cd-accumulated H.cunea pupae.

Health Related Physical Fitness Measures: Reference Values and Predictive Equations for Saudi Female College Students

Health related-physical fitness (HRPF) is critical for maintaining and enhancing health and quality of life. Purposes: To estimate the reference values and predictive equations for frequently used clinical field HRPF measures in a sample of Saudi female college students aged 18 - 24 years. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, body fat percentage (BF %) was estimated. Curl-up test (CUT) and sit and reach test (SRT) were applied in 216 students. The Queen’s College Step Test (QCST) was used to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Physical activity (PA) level was also measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The mean of BF %, SRT, CUT, and predicted VO2 max were 23.98% ± 6.13%, 17.10 ± 7.50 cm, 28.17 ± 7.72 number/min, and 39.58 ± 4.01 ml/kg/min respectively. There was no significant effect of age on all HRPF measures except for BF % (F (6,215) = 3.25, p (6,215) = 4.01, p strated that BMI was the predictor for BF % and SRT and explained 65% and 4% of total variance respectively. IPAQ score, age, and height were the predictors of CUT counting 17% of total variance. While, BMI and IPAQ score were the predictors for VO2 max and explained 13% of the total variance. Conclusion: Reference values can be used clinically in the evaluation of HRPF, in the rehabilitation process as well as in designing a program to improve the HRPF for female college students with consideration of age, height, BMI, and PA level for a particular population.

Fitness of Four-Parameter Beta Distribution Function for Forecasting Gold Reserve and Its Production Lifespan in Ghana

Ghana, renowned for its abundant gold reserves, plays a significant role in the global mining industry. Effective management and accurate forecasting of these reserves are vital for sustainable resource utilization and economic planning. Forecasting gold reserves and estimating their production lifespan are complex tasks that require robust statistical models capable of capturing the underlying dynamics of gold deposit accumulation and extraction. To this end, the four-parameter Beta distribution function emerges as a promising candidate due to its flexibility and ability to handle non-negative data. This research aims to investigate the fitness and applicability of the four-parameter Beta distribution function for forecasting Ghana’s gold reserves and estimating the production lifespan of this precious resource. The empirical paper relied mainly on quarterly secondary datasets on gold reserve between the years 2009 and 2022 secured from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, Accra. Several known statistical distributions including Beta, Weibull, Normal, Logistic and Gamma were explored with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and evaluated using model selection criteria as AIC and BIC. Goodness of Fits were evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test (K-S), Cramer-Von Mises Statistic and Anderson-Darling Statistic. Based on the analysis conducted, the four-parameter Beta distribution provided the best fit for gold reserve in Ghana. At a 99.9% confidence level and considering the current annual average gold production estimate of 3,700,031.248 to 4,302,647.888 ounces, the projected lifespan of gold production in Ghana extends to the year 1,953,765. This astounding estimate suggests that the country’s gold reserves are expected to sustain production for an extended period, providing a critical resource for economic development and supporting the mining industry well into the distant future.

Fitness of Four-Parameter Beta Distribution Function for Forecasting Gold Reserve and Its Production Lifespan in Ghana

Ghana, renowned for its abundant gold reserves, plays a significant role in the global mining industry. Effective management and accurate forecasting of these reserves are vital for sustainable resource utilization and economic planning. Forecasting gold reserves and estimating their production lifespan are complex tasks that require robust statistical models capable of capturing the underlying dynamics of gold deposit accumulation and extraction. To this end, the four-parameter Beta distribution function emerges as a promising candidate due to its flexibility and ability to handle non-negative data. This research aims to investigate the fitness and applicability of the four-parameter Beta distribution function for forecasting Ghana’s gold reserves and estimating the production lifespan of this precious resource. The empirical paper relied mainly on quarterly secondary datasets on gold reserve between the years 2009 and 2022 secured from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, Accra. Several known statistical distributions including Beta, Weibull, Normal, Logistic and Gamma were explored with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and evaluated using model selection criteria as AIC and BIC. Goodness of Fits were evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test (K-S), Cramer-Von Mises Statistic and Anderson-Darling Statistic. Based on the analysis conducted, the four-parameter Beta distribution provided the best fit for gold reserve in Ghana. At a 99.9% confidence level and considering the current annual average gold production estimate of 3,700,031.248 to 4,302,647.888 ounces, the projected lifespan of gold production in Ghana extends to the year 1,953,765. This astounding estimate suggests that the country’s gold reserves are expected to sustain production for an extended period, providing a critical resource for economic development and supporting the mining industry well into the distant future.

Scale adaptive fitness evaluation‐based particle swarm optimisation for hyperparameter and architecture optimisation in neural networks and deep learning

Research into automatically searching for an optimal neural network(NN)by optimi-sation algorithms is a significant research topic in deep learning and artificial intelligence.However,this is still challenging due to two issues:Both the hyperparameter and ar-chitecture should be optimised and the optimisation process is computationally expen-sive.To tackle these two issues,this paper focusses on solving the hyperparameter and architecture optimization problem for the NN and proposes a novel light‐weight scale‐adaptive fitness evaluation‐based particle swarm optimisation(SAFE‐PSO)approach.Firstly,the SAFE‐PSO algorithm considers the hyperparameters and architectures together in the optimisation problem and therefore can find their optimal combination for the globally best NN.Secondly,the computational cost can be reduced by using multi‐scale accuracy evaluation methods to evaluate candidates.Thirdly,a stagnation‐based switch strategy is proposed to adaptively switch different evaluation methods to better balance the search performance and computational cost.The SAFE‐PSO algorithm is tested on two widely used datasets:The 10‐category(i.e.,CIFAR10)and the 100−cate-gory(i.e.,CIFAR100).The experimental results show that SAFE‐PSO is very effective and efficient,which can not only find a promising NN automatically but also find a better NN than compared algorithms at the same computational cost.

Effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a chronic metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia that may lead to endothelial dysfunction,reduced functional capacity and exercise intolerance.Regular aerobic exercise has been promoted as the most beneficial non-pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases.High intensity interval training(HIIT)seems to be superior than moderate-intensity continuous training(MICT)in cardiovascular diseases by improving brachial artery flow-mediated dilation(FMD)and cardiorespiratory fitness to a greater extent.However,the beneficial effects of HIIT in patients with T2DM still remain under investigation and number of studies is limited.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in patients with T2DM.METHODS We performed a search on PubMed,PEDro and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and December 2022 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in the English language that included community or outpatient exercise training programs in patients with T2DM.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro).The primary outcome was peak VO_(2 ) and the secondary outcome was endothelial function assessed either by FMD or other indices of microcirculation.RESULTS Twelve studies were included in our systematic review.The 12 RCTs resulted in 661 participants in total.HIIT was performed in 310 patients(46.8%),MICT to 271 and the rest 80 belonged to the control group.Peak VO_(2 ) increased in 10 out of 12 studies after HIIT.Ten studies compared HIIT with other exercise regimens(MICT or strength endurance)and 4 of them demonstrated additional beneficial effects of HIIT over MICT or other exercise regimens.Moreover,4 studies explored the effects of HIIT on endothelial function and FMD in T2DM patients.In 2 of them,HIIT further improved endothelial function compared to MICT and/or the control group while in the rest 2 studies no differences between HIIT and MICT were observed.CONCLUSION Regular aerobic exercise training has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in T2DM patients.HIIT may be superior by improving these parameters to a greater extent than MICT.

基于多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测技术的结直肠癌早筛应用研究

目的评价多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测技术在结直肠癌早期筛查中的效果并进一步分析其应用前景。方法选取内蒙古医科大学附属医院就诊人群,每位受试者分别行血清肿瘤标志物检测、多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测、肠镜检查,以接受多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测人群为实验组,以接受肠镜检查及血清肿瘤标志物检测人群为对照组,以病理结果为金标准,评价新型粪便分子检测技术对于结直肠癌筛查的效果,对筛出的阳性人群给予及时干预。结果共分析了115例患者。血清肿瘤标志物检测敏感度63.2%(43/68),特异度74.5%(35/47);肠镜检查敏感度97.1%(66/68),特异度80.7%(38/47);而多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测敏感度89.7%(61/68),特异度87.2%(41/47)。多靶点粪便FIT-DNA联合检测敏感度、特异度等均优于血清肿瘤标志物检测,敏感度虽低于肠镜检查,但相较肠镜检查操作简单,可居家自测。

A Residual Frequency Offset Estimation Method Based on Range Migration Fitting

Recently,researchers have proposed an emitter localization method based on passive synthetic aperture.However,the unknown residual frequency offset(RFO)between the transmit-ter and the receiver causes the received Doppler signal to shift,which affects the localization accu-racy.To solve this issue,this paper proposes a RFO estimation method based on range migration fitting.Due to the high frequency modulation slope of the linear frequency modulation(LFM)-mod-ulation radar signal,it is not affected by RFO in range compression.Therefore,the azimuth time can be estimated by fitting the peak value position of the pulse compression in range direction.Then,the matched filters are designed under different RFOs.When the zero-Doppler time obtained by the matched filters is consistent with the estimated azimuth time,the given RFO is the real RFO between the transceivers.The simulation results show that the estimation error of azimuth distance does not exceed 20 m when the received signal duration is not less than 3 s,the pulse repe-tition frequency(PRF)of the transmitter radar signal is not less than 1 kHz,the range detection is not larger than 1000 km,and the signal noise ratio(SNR)is not less than-5 dB.