2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities:A third update of the energy costs of human activities

Background:The Compendium of Physical Activities was published in 1993 to improve the comparability of energy expenditure values assigned to self-reported physical activity(PA)across studies.The original version was updated in 2000,and again in 2011,and has been widely used to support PA research,practice,and public health guidelines.Methods:This 2024 update was tailored for adults 19-59 years of age by removing data from those≥60 years.Using a systematic review and supplementary searches,we identified new activities and their associated measured metabolic equivalent(MET)values(using indirect calorimetry)published since 2011.We replaced estimated METs with measured values when possible.Results:We screened 32,173 abstracts and 1507 full-text papers and extracted 2356 PA energy expenditure values from 701 papers.We added303 new PAs and adjusted 176 existing MET values and descriptions to reflect the addition of new data and removal of METs for older adults.We added a Major Heading(Video Games).The 2024 Adult Compendium includes 1114 PAs(912 with measured and 202 with estimated values)across 22 Major Headings.Conclusion:This comprehensive update and refinement led to the creation of The 2024 Adult Compendium,which has utility across research,public health,education,and healthcare domains,as well as in the development of consumer health technologies.The new website with the complete lists of PAs and supporting resources is available at https://pacompendium.com.

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

Background:Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity lead to low energy expenditures.However,little is known about the joint impact of daily sitting time and physical activity on body fat distribution.We investigated the independent and joint associations of daily sitting time and physical activity with body fat among adults.Methods:This was a cross-sectional analysis of U.S.nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey2011-2018 among adults aged 20 years or older.Daily sitting time and leisure-time physical activity(LTPA)were self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.Body fat(total and trunk fat percentage)was determined via dual X-ray absorptiometry.Results:Among 10,808 adults,about 54.6%spent 6 h/day or more sitting;more than one-half reported no LTPA(inactive)or less than 150 min/week LTPA(insufficiently active)with only 43.3%reported 150 min/week or more LTPA(active)in the past week.After fully adjusting for sociodemographic data,lifestyle behaviors,and chronic conditions,prolonged sitting time and low levels of LTPA were associated with higher total and trunk fat percentages in both sexes.When stratifying by LTPA,the association between daily sitting time and body fat appeared to be stronger in those who were inactive/insuufficiently active.In the joint analyses,inactive/insuufficiently active adults who reported sitting more than 8 h/day had the highest total(female:3.99%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):3.09%-4.88%);male:3.79%(95%CI:2.75%-4.82%))and trunk body fat percentages(female:4.21%(95%CI:3.09%-5.32%);male:4.07%(95%CI:2.95%-5.19%))when compared with those who were active and sitting less than 4 h/day.Conclusion:Prolonged daily sitting time was associated with increased body fat among U.S.adults.The higher body fat associated with 6 h/day sitting may not be offset by achieving recommended levels of physical activity.

Non-coding RNAs in exercise immunology:A systematic review

Regular physical exercise has been recognized as a potent modulator of immune function,with its effects including enhanced immune surveillance,reduced inflammation,and improved overall health.While strong evidence exists that physical exercise affects the specific expression and activity of non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)also involved in immune system regulation,heterogeneity in individual study designs and analyzed exercise protocols exists,and a condensed list of functional,exercise-dependent ncRNAs with known targets in the immune system is missing from the literature.A systematic review and qualitative analysis was used to identify and categorize ncRNAs participating in immune modulation by physical exercise.Two combined approaches were used:(a)a systematic literature search for“ncRNA and exercise immunology”,(b)and a database search for microRNAs(miRNAs)(miRTarBase and DIANA-Tarbase v8)aligned with known target genes in the immune system based on the Reactome database,combined with a systematic literature search for“ncRNA and exercise”.Literature searches were based on PubMed,Web of Science,and SPORTDiscus;and miRNA databases were filtered for targets validated by in vitro experimental data.Studies were eligible if they reported on exercise-based interventions in healthy humans.After duplicate removal,95 studies were included reporting on 164 miRNAs,which were used for the qualitative synthesis.Six studies reporting on long-noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)or circular RNAs were also identified.Results were analyzed using ordering tables that included exercise modality(endurance/resistance exercise),acute or chronic interventions,as well as the consistency in reported change between studies.Evaluation criteria were defined as“validated”with 100%of≥3 independent studies showing identical direction of regulation,“plausible”(≥80%),or“suggestive”(≥70%).For resistance exercise,upregulation of miR-206 was validated while downregulation of miR-133a appeared plausible.For endurance exercise,15 miRNAs were categorized as validated,with 12 miRNAs being consistently elevated and 3 miRNAs being downregulated,most of them after acute exercise training.In conclusion,our approach provides evidence that miRNAs play a major role in exercise-induced effects on the innate and adaptive immune system by targeting different pathways affecting immune cell distribution,function,and trafficking as well as production of(anti-)inflammatory cytokines.miRNAs miR-15,miR-29c,miR-30a,miR-142/3,miR-181a,and miR-338 emerged as key players in mediating the immunomodulatory effects of exercise predominantly after acute bouts of endurance exercise.

Management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:Lifestyle changes

In this editorial,we commented on a recently released manuscript by Zeng et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.We focused specifically on lifestyle changes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).NAFLD is a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome,which ultimately leads to advanced hepatic fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma and affects more than 25%of the population globally.Existing therapeutic strategies against NAFLD such as pharmacologic therapies focus on liver protection,anti-inflammation,and regulating disease-related metabolic disorder symptoms.Although several drugs are in late-stage development,potent drugs against the diseases are lacking.Additionally,existing surgical approaches such as bariatric surgery are not routinely used to treat NAFLD.Intervening in patients’unhealthy lifestyles,such as weight loss through dietary changes and exercises to ameliorate patientassociated metabolic disorders and metabolic syndrome,is the first-line treatment for patients with NAFLD.With sufficient intrinsic motivation and adherence,the management of unhealthy lifestyles can reduce the severity of the disease,improve the quality of life,and increase the survival expectancy of patients with NAFLD.

The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on autoimmune diseases:A 20-year systematic review

Background:The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise may be an underlying factor in improving several autoimmune diseases.The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence on the role of exercise training in mitigating inflammation in adolescents and adults with autoimmune disease.Methods:PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase databases were systematically reviewed for related studies published between January 1,2003,and August 31,2023.All randomized and non-randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions with autoimmune disease study participants that evaluated inflammation-related biomarkers were included.The quality of evidence was assessed using the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise scale and Cochrane bias risk tool.Results:A total of 14,565 records were identified.After screening the titles,abstracts,and full texts,87 were eligible for the systematic review.These studies were conducted in 25 different countries and included a total of 2779 participants(patients with autoimmune disease,in exercise or control groups).Overall,the evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers such as C-reactive protein,interleukin 6,and tumor necrosis factor a were reduced by regular exercise interventions.Regular exercise interventions combined with multiple exercise modes were associated with greater benefits.Conclusion:Regular exercise training by patients with autoimmune disease exerts an anti-inflammatory influence.This systematic review provides support for the promotion and development of clinical exercise intervention programs for patients with autoimmune disease.Most patients with autoimmune disease can safely adopt moderate exercise training protocols,but changes in inflammation biomarkers will be modest at best.Acute exercise interventions are ineffective or even modestly but transiently pro-inflammatory.

Alexa,let's train now!——A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging

Background:There is mounting evidence that regular physical activity is an important prerequisite for healthy cognitive aging.Consequently,the finding that almost one-third of the adult population does not reach the recommended level of regular physical activity calls for further public health actions.In this context,digital and home-based physical training interventions might be a promising alternative to center-based intervention programs.Thus,this systematic review aimed to summarize the current state of the literature on the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on adult cognitive performance.Methods:In this pre-registered systematic review(PROSPERO;ID:CRD42022320031),5 electronic databases(PubMed,Web of Science,Psyclnfo,SPORTDiscus,and Cochrane Library)were searched by 2 independent researchers(FH and PT)to identify eligible studies investigating the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on cognitive performance in adults.The systematic literature search yielded 8258 records(extra17 records from other sources),of which 27 controlled trials were considered relevant.Two reviewers(FH and PT)independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise(TESTEX scale).Results:Of the 27 reviewed studies,15 reported positive effects on cognitive and motor-cognitive outcomes(i.e.,performance improvements in measures of executive functions,working memory,and choice stepping reaction test),and a considerable heterogeneity concerning study-related,population-related,and intervention-related characteristics was noticed.A more detailed analysis suggests that,in particular,interventions using online classes and technology-based exercise devices(i.e.,step-based exergames)can improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.Approximately one-half of the reviewed studies were rated as having a high risk of bias with respect to completion adherence(≤85%)and monitoring of the level of regular physical activity in the control group.Conclusion:The current state of evidence concerning the effectiveness of digital and home-based physical training interventions is mixed overall,though there is limited evidence that specific types of digital and home-based physical training interventions(e.g.,online classes and step-based exergames)can be an effective strategy for improving cognitive performance in older adults.However,due to the limited number of available studies,future high-quality studies are needed to buttress this assumption empirically and to allow for more solid and nuanced conclusions.

Physical exercise and synaptic protection in human and pre-clinical models of multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis,only immunomodulato ry and immunosuppressive drugs are recognized as disease-modifying therapies.Howeve r,in recent years,several data from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested a possible role of physical exe rcise as disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis.Current evidence is sparse and often conflicting,and the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and antinflammatory role of exercise in multiple sclerosis have not been fully elucidated.Data,mainly derived from pre-clinical studies,suggest that exe rcise could enhance longterm potentiation and thus neuroplasticity,could reduce neuroinflammation and synaptopathy,and dampen astrogliosis and microgliosis.In humans,most trials focused on direct clinical and MRI outcomes,as investigating synaptic,neuroinflammato ry,and pathological changes is not straightfo rward compared to animal models.The present review analyzed current evidence and limitations in research concerning the potential disease-modifying therapy effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis in animal models and human studies.

Quantitative characterizations of anisotropic dynamic properties in organic-rich shale with different kerogen content

Understanding the quantitative responses of anisotropic dynamic properties in organic-rich shale with different kerogen content(KC)is of great significance in hydrocarbon exploration and development.Conducting controlled experiments with a single variable is challenging for natural shales due to their high variations in components,diagenesis conditions,or pore fluid.We employed the hot-pressing technique to construct 11 well-controlled artificial shale with varying KC.These artificial shale samples were successive machined into prismatic shape for ultrasonic measurements along different directions.Observations revealed bedding perpendicular P-wave velocities are more sensitive to the increasing KC than bedding paralleling velocities due to the preferential alignments of kerogen.All elastic stiffnesses except C_(13)are generally decreasing with the increasing KC,the variation of C_(1) and C_(33)on kerogen content are more sensitive than those of C_(44)and C_(66).Apparent dynamic mechanical parameters(v and E)were found to have linear correlation with the true ones from complete anisotropic equations independent of KC,which hold value towards the interpretation of well logs consistently across formations,Anisotropic mechanical parameters(ΔE and brittlenessΔB)tend to decrease with the reducing KC,withΔB showing great sensitivity to KC variations.In the range of low KC(<10%),the V_(P)/V_(S) ratio demonstrated a linearly negative correlation with KC,and the V_(P)/V_(S) ratio magnitude of less than 1.75may serve as a significant characterization for highly organic-rich(>10%)shale,compilation of data from natural organic rich-shales globally verified the similar systematic relationships that can be empirically used to predict the fraction of KC in shales.

A scoping review of methodologies for applying artificial intelligence to physical activity interventions

Purpose This scoping review aimed to offer researchers and practitioners an understanding of artificial intelligence(AI)applications in physical activity(PA)interventions;introduce them to prevalent machine learning(ML),deep learning(DL),and reinforcement learning(RL)algorithms;and encourage the adoption of AI methodologies.Methods A scoping review was performed in PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,and EBSCO focusing on AI applications for promoting PA or predicting related behavioral or health outcomes.AI methodologies were summarized and categorized to identify synergies,patterns,and trends informing future research.Additionally,a concise primer on predominant AI methodologies within the realm of PA was provided to bolster understanding and broader application.Results The review included 24 studies that met the predetermined eligibility criteria.AI models were found effective in detecting significant patterns of PA behavior and associations between specific factors and intervention outcomes.Most studies comparing AI models to traditional statistical approaches reported higher prediction accuracy for AI models on test data.Comparisons of different AI models yielded mixed results,likely due to model performance being highly dependent on the dataset and task.An increasing trend of adopting state-of-the-art DL and RL models over standard ML was observed,addressing complex human–machine communication,behavior modification,and decision-making tasks.Six key areas for future AI adoption in PA interventions emerged:personalized PA interventions,real-time monitoring and adaptation,integration of multimodal data sources,evaluation of intervention effectiveness,expanding access to PA interventions,and predicting and preventing injuries.Conclusion The scoping review highlights the potential of AI methodologies for advancing PA interventions.As the field progresses,staying informed and exploring emerging AI-driven strategies is essential for achieving significant improvements in PA interventions and fostering overall well-being.

Association of physical activity with risk of chronic kidney disease in China:A population-based cohort study

Background:Information on the association between physical activity(PA)and the risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is limited.We aimed to explore the associations of total,domain-specific,and intensity-specific PA with CKD and its subtypes in China.Methods:The study included 475,376 adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30-79 years during 2004-2008 at baseline.An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information about PA,which was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task hours per day(MET-h/day)and categorized into 4 groups based on quartiles.Cox regression was used to analyze the association between PA and CKD risk.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.1 years,5415 incident CKD cases were documented,including 1159 incident diabetic kidney disease(DKD)cases and 362 incident hypertensive nephropathy(HTN)cases.Total PA was inversely associated with CKD risk,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR,95%confidence interval(95%CI))of 0.83(0.75-0.92)for incident CKD in the highest quartile of total PA as compared with participants in the lowest quartile.Similar results were observed for risk of DKD and HTN,and the corresponding HRs(95%CIs)were 0.75(0.58-0.97)for DKD risk and 0.56(0.37-0.85)for HTN risk.Increased nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA were significantly associated with a decreased risk of CKD,with HRs(95%CIs)of 0.80(0.73-0.88),0.85(0.77-0.94),and 0.85(0.76-0.95)in the highest quartile,respectively.Conclusion:PA,including nonoccupational PA,low-intensity PA,and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA,was inversely associated with the risk of CKD,including DKD,HTN,and other CKD,and such associations were dose dependent.

Comprehensive insights into recent innovations:Magnesium-inclusive high-entropy alloys

This review focuses on thermodynamic and physical parameters,synthesis methods,and reported phases of Magnesium(Mg)containing high-entropy alloys(HEAs).Statistical data of publications concerning Mg-containing HEAs were collected and analyzed.Data on the chemical elements included in Mg-containing HEAs,their theoretical end experimental densities,thermodynamic parameters,physical parameters,fabricated techniques and reported phases were also collected and discussed.On the basis of this information,a new classification for HEAs was proposed.It is also shown that the existing thermodynamic parameters cannot accurately predict the formation of a single phase solid solution for Mg-containing HEAs.The physical parameters of Mg-containing HEAs are within a wide range,and most of the synthesized Mg-containing HEAs have a complex multiphase structure.

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.

Preparation of Manganese Oxide and Its Adsorption Properties

The in-situ oxidation of manganese sulfate solution with H2O_(2),sodium hypochlorite,potassium permanganate and oxygen as oxidants was investigated by means of SEM,EDS,XRD,BET and infrared analysis,and the effects of different oxidants on the morphology,phase composition,surface properties and specific surface area of manganese oxides were investigated.The experimental results show that the diameter of manganese oxide particles prepared with H_(2)O_(2)is the smallest,about 50 nm,and the specific surface area is the largest,63.8764 m^(2)/g.It has the advantages of abundant surface hydroxyl groups,no introduction of other impurities and large adsorption potential.It is most suitable to be used as an oxidant for oxidizing manganese sulfate solution to prepare manganese oxide by in-situ oxidation.Nano manganese oxide prepard by H_(2)O_(2)in-situ oxidation method is used as adsorbent to adsorb cobalt and nickel impurities in manganese sulfate.When the reaction pH is 6,the reaction time is 30min and the amount of adsorbent is 1.0 g,the adsorption rates of cobalt and nickel impurities in 100ml manganese sulfate solution are 97.59%and 97.67%,respectively.The residual amounts of cobalt and nickel meet the industrial process standard of first-class products(Co,Ni w/%≤0.005)of high-purity manganese sulfate(Hg/t4823-2015)for batteries.The study plays a guiding role in the preparation and regulation of manganese oxide,and provides a new method with high efficiency,purity and adsorbent availability for the preparation of high-purity manganese sulfate solution.

Study of deep transportation and plugging performance of deformable gel particles in porous media

Deformable gel particles(DGPs) possess the capability of deep profile control and flooding. However, the deep migration behavior and plugging mechanism along their path remain unclear. Breakage, an inevitable phenomenon during particle migration, significantly impacts the deep plugging effect. Due to the complexity of the process, few studies have been conducted on this subject. In this paper, we conducted DGP flow experiments using a physical model of a multi-point sandpack under various injection rates and particle sizes. Particle size and concentration tests were performed at each measurement point to investigate the transportation behavior of particles in the deep part of the reservoir. The residual resistance coefficient and concentration changes along the porous media were combined to analyze the plugging performance of DGPs. Furthermore, the particle breakage along their path was revealed by analyzing the changes in particle size along the way. A mathematical model of breakage and concentration changes along the path was established. The results showed that the passage after breakage is a significant migration behavior of particles in porous media. The particles were reduced to less than half of their initial size at the front of the porous media. Breakage is an essential reason for the continuous decreases in particle concentration, size, and residual resistance coefficient. However, the particles can remain in porous media after breakage and play a significant role in deep plugging. Higher injection rates or larger particle sizes resulted in faster breakage along the injection direction, higher degrees of breakage, and faster decreases in residual resistance coefficient along the path. These conditions also led to a weaker deep plugging ability. Smaller particles were more evenly retained along the path, but more particles flowed out of the porous media, resulting in a poor deep plugging effect. The particle size is a function of particle size before injection, transport distance, and different injection parameters(injection rate or the diameter ratio of DGP to throat). Likewise, the particle concentration is a function of initial concentration, transport distance, and different injection parameters. These models can be utilized to optimize particle injection parameters, thereby achieving the goal of fine-tuning oil displacement.

Sliding and damming properties of granular debris with different geometric configurations and grain size distributions

Granular debris plays a significant role in determining damming deposit characteristics. An indepth understanding of how variations in grain size distribution(GSD) and geometric configurations impact the behavior of granular debris during the occurrence of granular debris is essential for precise assessment and effective mitigation of landslide hazards in mountainous terrains. This research aims to investigate the impact of GSD and geometric configurations on sliding and damming properties through laboratory experiments. The geometric configurations were categorized into three categories based on the spatial distribution of maximum volume: located at the front(Type Ⅰ), middle(Type Ⅱ), and rear(Type Ⅲ) of the granular debris. Our experimental findings highlight that the sliding and damming processes primarily depend on the interaction among the geometric configuration, grain size, and GSD in granular debris. Different sliding and damming mechanisms across various geometric configurations induce variability in motion parameters and deposition patterns. For Type Ⅰ configurations, the front debris functions as the critical and primary driving component, with energy dissipation primarily occurring through inter-grain interactions. In contrast, Type Ⅱ configurations feature the middle debris as the dominant driving component, experiencing hindrance from the front debris and propulsion from the rear, leading to complex alterations in sliding motion. Here, energy dissipation arises from a combination of inter-grain and grain-substrate interactions. Lastly, in Type Ⅲ configurations, both the middle and rear debris serve as the main driving components, with the rear sliding debris impeded by the front. In this case, energy dissipation predominantly results from grainsubstrate interaction. Moreover, we have quantitatively demonstrated that the inverse grading in damming deposits, where coarse grain moves upward and fine grain moves downward, is primarily caused by grain sorting due to collisions among the grains and between the grain and the base. The impact of grain on the horizontal channel further aids grain sorting and contributes to inverse grading. The proposed classification of three geometric configurations in our study enhances the understanding of damming properties from the view of mechanism, which provides valuable insights for related study about damming granular debris.

Dynamical localization in a non-Hermitian Floquet synthetic system

We investigate the non-Hermitian effects on quantum diffusion in a kicked rotor model where the complex kicking potential is quasi-periodically modulated in the time domain.The synthetic space with arbitrary dimension can be created by incorporating incommensurate frequencies in the quasi-periodical modulation.In the Hermitian case,strong kicking induces the chaotic diffusion in the four-dimension momentum space characterized by linear growth of mean energy.We find that the quantum coherence in deep non-Hermitian regime can effectively suppress the chaotic diffusion and hence result in the emergence of dynamical localization.Moreover,the extent of dynamical localization is dramatically enhanced by increasing the non-Hermitian parameter.Interestingly,the quasi-energies become complex when the non-Hermitian parameter exceeds a certain threshold value.The quantum state will finally evolve to a quasi-eigenstate for which the imaginary part of its quasi-energy is large most.The exponential localization length decreases with the increase of the non-Hermitian parameter,unveiling the underlying mechanism of the enhancement of the dynamical localization by nonHermiticity.

Mechanical behaviors of backfill-rock composites: Physical shear test and back-analysis

The shear behavior of backfill-rock composites is crucial for mine safety and the management of surface subsidence.For exposing the shear failure mechanism of backfill-rock composites,we conducted shear tests on backfill-rock composites under three constant normal loads,compared with the unfilled rock.To investigate the macro-and meso-failure characteristics of the samples in the shear tests,the cracking behavior of samples was recorded by a high-speed camera and acoustic emission monitoring.In parallel with the experimental test,the numerical models of backfill-rock composites and unfilled rock were established using the discrete element method to analyze the continuous-discontinuous shearing process.Based on the damage mechanics and statistics,a novel shear constitutive model was proposed to describe mechanical behavior.The results show that backfill-rock composites had a special bimodal phenomenon of shearing load-deformation curve,i.e.the first shearing peak corresponded to rock break and the second shearing peak induced by the broken of aeolian sand-cement/fly ash paste backfill.Moreover,the shearing characteristic curves of the backfill-rock composites could be roughly divided into four stages,i.e.the shear failure of the specimens experienced:stage I:stress concentration;stage II:crack propagation;stage III:crack coalescence;stage IV:shearing friction.The numerical simulation shows that the existence of aeolian sand-cement/fly ash paste backfill inevitably altered the coalescence type and failure mode of the specimens and had a strengthening effect on the shear strength of backfillrock composites.Based on damage mechanics and statistics,a shear constitutive model was proposed to describe the shear fracture characteristics of specimens,especially the bimodal phenomenon.Finally,the micro-and meso-mechanisms of shear failure were discussed by combining the micro-test and numerical results.The research can advance the better understanding of the shear behavior of backfill-rock composites and contribute to the safety of mining engineering.

Association between lifestyle factors and thyroid function in young euthyroid adults

Purpose:The present work examines the associations of dietary habits,sedentarism,physical activity(PA)levels and sleep habits,with thyroid function in young euthyroid adults.Methods:A total of 105 young euthyroid adults participated in this cross-sectional study.Thyroid function was determined in fasting conditions(>6 h).Dietary habits were measured by a food frequency questionnaire and three non-consecutive 24 h recalls,and different dietary intake and patterns were then estimated.The time spent in sedentary,PA levels and sleep habits were objectively measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer.Results:Energy and carbohydrate intake were positively associated with thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)(β=0.222;R^(2)=0.102;P=0.022 andβ=0.425;R^(2)=0.129;P=0.007,respectively)whereas fat intake was negatively associated with TSH(β=-0.428;R^(2)=0.137;P=0.004).Energy intake was also positively associated with free triiodothyronine(β=0.277;R^(2)=0.137;P=0.004).Further,adherence to the Mediterranean diet was negatively related to TSH and free thyroxine(FT4)(β=-0.221;R^(2)=0.113;P=0.020 andβ=-0.268;R^(2)=0.071;P=0.007,respectively).Vigorous-intensity and overall PA were negatively associated with FT4(β=-0.227;R^(2)=0.052;P=0.022 andβ=-0.204;R^(2)=0.042;P=0.041,respectively).In contrast,no associations were found between sleep parameters and thyroid function.Conclusions:Lifestyle factors such as dietary intake and PA levels seems to be related to thyroid function even in young euthyroid adults.

Effect of Fe_(2)O_(3)on the Structure,Physical Properties and Crystallization of CaO-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)Glass

The calcium aluminosilicate-based glasses(CaO-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2),CAS)with different Fe_(2)O_(3)content(0.10wt%,0.50wt%,0.90wt%,and 1.30wt%)were prepared by traditional melt-quenching method.The glass network structure,thermal and mechanical properties,and crystallization behavior changes were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer,Fourier-transform infrared spectro-photometer,X-ray diffractometer,differential scanning calorimetry and field emission scanning electron microscope measurements.The change of Q^(n)in glass structures reveals the glass network connectivity decreases due to the increasing content of Fe_(2)O_(3)addition,resulting in the increasing of non-bridging number in glass structure.The glass densities slightly rise from 2.644 to 2.681 g/cm^(3),while Vickers’s hardness increases at first,from 6.469 to 6.901 GPa,then slightly drops to 6.745 GPa,with Fe_(2)O_(3)content increase.There is almost no thermal expansion coefficient change from different Fe_(2)O_(3)content.The glass transmittance in visible range gradually decreases with higher Fe_(2)O_(3)content,resulting from the strong absorption of Fe^(2+)and Fe^(3+)ions.The calculated activation energy from thermal analysis results first decreases from 282.70 to 231.18 kJ/mol,and then increases to 244.02 kJ/mol,with the Fe_(2)O_(3)content increasing from 0.10wt%to 1.30wt%.Meanwhile,the maximum Avrami constant of 2.33 means the CAS glasses exhibit two-dimensional crystallization.All of the CAS glass-ceramics samples contain main crystal phase of anorthite,the microstructure appears lamellar and columnar crystals.

Reactor field reconstruction from sparse and movable sensors using Voronoi tessellation-assisted convolutional neural networks

The aging of operational reactors leads to increased mechanical vibrations in the reactor interior.The vibration of the incore sensors near their nominal locations is a new problem for neutronic field reconstruction.Current field-reconstruction methods fail to handle spatially moving sensors.In this study,we propose a Voronoi tessellation technique in combination with convolutional neural networks to handle this challenge.Observations from movable in-core sensors were projected onto the same global field structure using Voronoi tessellation,holding the magnitude and location information of the sensors.General convolutional neural networks were used to learn maps from observations to the global field.The proposed method reconstructed multi-physics fields(including fast flux,thermal flux,and power rate)using observations from a single field(such as thermal flux).Numerical tests based on the IAEA benchmark demonstrated the potential of the proposed method in practical engineering applications,particularly within an amplitude of 5 cm around the nominal locations,which led to average relative errors below 5% and 10% in the L_(2) and L_(∞)norms,respectively.