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Objectives ActiGraph accelerometer cut-points are commonly used to classify sedentary behaviour (SB) in young children. However, they vary from 5counts/5 s to 301counts/15 s, resulting in different estimates and inconsistent findings. The aim was to examine the concurrent validity of ActiGraph GT3X + cut-points against the activPAL for measuring SB in 2–3-year-olds during free-living conditions. Design Observational validation-study. Methods Sixty children were fitted with the activPAL and ActiGraph simultaneously for at least 2 h. Nine ActiGraph cut-points ranging from 60 to 1488 counts per minute were used to derive SB. Bland & Altman plots and equivalent tests were performed to assess agreement between methods. Results Estimates of SB according to the different ActiGraph cut-points were not within the activPAL ±10% equivalent interval (-4.05; 4.05%). The ActiGraph cut-points that showed the lower bias were 48counts/15 s (equivalence lower limit: p = 0.597; equivalence upper limit: p < 0.001; bias: -4.46%; limits of agreement [LoA]: -21.07 to 30.00%) and 5counts/5s (equivalence lower limit: p < 0.001; equivalence upper limit: p = 0.737; bias: -5.11%; LoA: 30.43 to 20.20%). For the 25counts/15s, 37counts/15s and 48counts/15s ActiGraph cut-points, the upper limits were within the equivalent interval (p < 0.001) but not the lower limits (p > 0.05). When using the 5counts/5s and 181counts/15s ActiGraph cut-points, lower limits were within the equivalent interval (p < 0.001) but not the upper limits (p > 0.05). Confidence intervals of the remaining ActiGraph cut-points lie outside the equivalent interval. Conclusions Although none of the ActiGraph cut-points provided estimates of SB that were equivalent to activPAL; estimates from 48counts/15 s and 5counts/5 s displayed the smallest mean bias (˜5%).

In this paper we attempt to understand at least some of the complex and interacting forces - cultural, biological, developmental and historical - that influence adolescents' sexual behaviour in three remote Australian Aboriginal communities. We use the concept of 'agency' only as a foil for our interpretation. Drawing upon ethnographic material, we focus on: 'walkin' around at night', avoidance of arranged marriages and the exchange of sexual favours for drugs and money. Cognitive, evolutionary, and neuroscience enable us to illustrate the interpenetration of sociocultural and psychobiological factors in adolescent girls' behaviour: expectations about marriage, a desire for love, sexual urges, a brain that is highly responsive to peers and rewards, a disadvantaged and uncertain environment, and challenges to effective adult control.

Policy level approaches are a promising and potentially powerful way to reduce sedentary behaviour at a population level. Ecological models have typically been used to reduce sedentary behaviour at a policy level. These focus on specific settings where policies may be present. This chapter examines home, workplace, education, transportation, healthcare, and nonhome-based leisure settings where sedentary behaviour reduction can be targeted at a policy level and the accompa­nying evidence for such policies along with important supporting factors. For policies to be effective in these settings, they also require shifting strong social norms to sit and should focus on benefits broader than health, such as increased productivity and academic learning and reduced traffic congestion. Government guidelines are a key policy component as are recommendations from non-government organizations. Current sedentary behaviour guidelines and stake­holder recommendations are summarised. A description of the national physical activity report cards is provided as an example of a SUfcessful policy initiative driving sedentary behaviour reduction in many countries. Limitations of the existing evidence and recommendations for future research are also included.

Policy level approaches are a promising and potentially powerful way to reduce sedentary behaviour at a population level. Ecological models have typically been used to reduce sedentary behaviour at a policy level. These focus on specific settings where policies may be present. This chapter examines home, workplace, education, transportation, healthcare, and nonhome-based leisure settings where sedentary behaviour reduction can be targeted at a policy level and the accompa­nying evidence for such policies along with important supporting factors. For policies to be effective in these settings, they also require shifting strong social norms to sit and should focus on benefits broader than health, such as increased productivity and academic learning and reduced traffic congestion. Government guidelines are a key policy component as are recommendations from non-government organizations. Current sedentary behaviour guidelines and stake­holder recommendations are summarised. A description of the national physical activity report cards is provided as an example of a SUfcessful policy initiative driving sedentary behaviour reduction in many countries. Limitations of the existing evidence and recommendations for future research are also included.

The present study explored relationships between mental toughness (MT), barriers to exercise, and self-reported exercise behaviour in university students. Perceived barriers to exercise are important since previous work has identified barriers as strong predictors of exercise behaviour. MT was hypothesised to predict exercise barriers and self-reported exercise behaviour. Participants were 173 undergraduate students (45 men, 128 women) from 10 United Kingdom universities. Questionnaires were used to assess MT, exercise levels, and exercise barriers. Path analysis identified that MT predicted barriers to exercise, with higher MT associated with weaker perceived barriers. Regular exercisers were found to have significantly higher MT than non-regular exercisers, with commitment identified as a key difference. These findings support the proposed hypotheses and provide further evidence of the importance of MT in exercise / physical activity contexts. Future research that adopts longitudinal designs and tests targeted interventions to reduce perceptions of barriers and enhance exercise participation are encouraged

We examine the behaviour and attitudes towards superannuation of 25-34 year old Australians. Our results suggest that they are generally uninterested in their superannuation accounts. They seldom read the information provided by their funds, rarely change their fund, and a majority of them do not make voluntary contributions. Overall the results suggest significant lack of interest in, and engagement and concern with issues related to their retirement planning.

We examine the behaviour and attitudes towards superannuation of 25-34 year old Australians. Our results suggest that they are generally uninterested in their superannuation accounts. They seldom read the information provided by their funds, rarely change their fund, and a majority of them do not make voluntary contributions. Overall the results suggest significant lack of interest in, and engagement and concern with issues related to their retirement planning.

We examine the behaviour and attitudes towards superannuation of 25-34 year old Australians. Our results suggest that they are generally uninterested in their superannuation accounts. They seldom read the information provided by their funds, rarely change their fund, and a majority of them do not make voluntary contributions. Overall the results suggest significant lack of interest in, and engagement and concern with issues related to their retirement planning.

BACKGROUND: Active Design is a relatively new concept and evaluation on its effects on healthy behaviour is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate Active Design influence on workplace physical activity, sedentary behaviour, musculoskeletal complaints, and perceptions of the workplace and productivity. METHODS: Participants (n = 118 adults) moving from 14 workplaces into a new building completed an online questionnaire pre- and post-move. The questions related to health behaviours (physical activity, sitting time and sleep); musculoskeletal issues; perceptions of the office environment; productivity; and engagement. RESULTS: After the move, 68% of participants were located in an open plan building (21% before the move). In the new workplace participants tended to sit less during their work time (72% – 66%; p < 0.05) and stand more (15% – 19%; p < 0.05) while walking remained unchanged. Participants reported less lower-back pain. The new work environment was perceived as more motivating and providing better light, air quality and temperature, but less storage space. Participants reported looking forward to going to work more than before. No difference was reported in productivity related measures. CONCLUSIONS: Moving to a new Active Design building can have some physical health-promoting effects on occupants. Satisfaction with environmental characteristics tended to improve in the new building though perceptions of productivity measures were variable.

The present study explored relationships between mental toughness (MT), barriers to exercise, and self-reported exercise behaviour in university students. Perceived barriers to exercise are important since previous work has identified barriers as strong predictors of exercise behaviour. MT was hypothesised to predict exercise barriers and self-reported exercise behaviour. Participants were 173 undergraduate students (45 men, 128 women) from 10 United Kingdom universities. Questionnaires were used to assess MT, exercise levels, and exercise barriers. Path analysis identified that MT predicted barriers to exercise, with higher MT associated with weaker perceived barriers. Regular exercisers were found to have significantly higher MT than non-regular exercisers, with commitment identified as a key difference. These findings support the proposed hypotheses and provide further evidence of the importance of MT in exercise / physical activity contexts. Future research that adopts longitudinal designs and tests targeted interventions to reduce perceptions of barriers and enhance exercise participation are encouraged

An attempt has been made to correlate the differences in structural parameters, surface areas, morphology etc. with the electrochemical capacitive behaviour of the EMDs. The nanostructured electrolytic manganese dioxides (EMD) have been synthesized through electrodepositing MnO2 from two different leach liquors and a synthetic analogue thereof. The structural and chemical state was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Multiplet structure determination led to estimates of the manganese valence states present in the EMD. The EMDs have been tested in an asymmetric capacitor which we have developed. This used activated carbon as the negative electrode and the various EMDs as the positive electrode. Aqueous 2 M NaOH solution was used as the electrolyte. The capacitor achieved 1.6 V corresponding to a capacitance of ∼50 F g-1 of the EMDs from leach liquors. The EMD derived from the synthetic solution showed an inferior capacitance of 25 F g-1. Extended cycling (2000 cycles), showed 100% capacity retention was achieved for one EMD produced from the leach liquor derived from low-grade manganese ore/residue. This outstanding capacitor performance was correlated with the presence of a nanofibrous morphology. These findings open up the possibility of extracting a high performance EMD product from a low cost, low-grade source of manganese.

In this study, the flexural behaviour of concrete slab pavements reinforced with the triaxial geogrid in terms of tensile and compressive strain developments was experimentally investigated. Six concrete specimens were cast and tested under static applied load at three different loading positions which are: corner, edge, and interior loading positions. Three from these specimens were unreinforced (references) and the other three were reinforced with the triaxial geogrid layer. Thirteen strain gauges were used and fixed on the slab pavement surface to measure the strains developed during the loading. The parameters measured as the part of this study were the vertically applied load and the strains at the surface of concrete specimens. The findings show that geogrid reinforcements can improve the flexural strength of concrete pavements due to applying vehicle loads.

Rheological characteristics are one of most important properties needed to be considered for the designing and construction for the long term stability and serviceability of underground structures in the rock mass. Up to date, although extensive studies on the rheological properties of rocks are available in the literature, most of existing studies reported the strain-time data for the axial deformation through compression rheological method and did not mention the lateral deformation, and mainly focused on the soft rocks at shallow depth. Thus, very limited attention has been paid to the rheological properties of deep and hard rock, neglecting the effects of structural anisotropy on the rheological properties. This paper presents a comprehensive in-depth study on the rheological behaviours of super-deep hard rock considering the effects of structural anisotropy by using the uniaxial and biaxial creep tests. The results revealed that significant creep behaviour can be observed in the hard rock specimens under high stress in the in-situ conditions, and the strain-time behaviour of hard rock exhibited brittle failure. The strain-time curves of hard rock exhibited two obvious phases of instantaneous creep and steady state creep without the phase of accelerated creep. Moreover, it was observed that the rheological behaviours, including the instantaneous modulus, transient creep duration, axial and lateral creep deformations, steady state creep rate, volumetric strain and contraction ratio are strongly affected by the structural anisotropy. Based on the experimental data, empirical models of the parameters governing creep behaviour have been established.

The small strain behaviour is a key indicator for assessing the performance of compacted fills. The initial compaction conditions i.e. water content and applied energy, govern compaction effectiveness and, thus, the structure and matric suction of compacted subgrade soil. This paper presents an experimental study of the small strain behaviour of a typical compacted subgrade soil, i.e. silty sand, prepared with different compaction conditions. Specimens were prepared for different compaction states to mimic the typical acceptance criteria of end-product specifications. The small strain modulus (G0) was evaluated using Bender elements, while the post-compaction matric suction was measured using the filter paper method and a tensiometer. The experimental data indicates a strong modulus dependency on water content or suction across the compaction plane but suggests G0 is better described as a function of the degree of saturation (Sr). The laboratory results are also examined in light of common end-product specifications, which show that it may be beneficial to compact the soil slightly dry of optimum moisture content from the modulus point of view.

This paper presents an analytical and numerical study on the behavior of stone column stabilized soft ground supporting transport infrastructure. Analysis has been carried out on the response of reinforced soft ground under static and cyclic loadings relevant to transport corridors.

Concrete Filled Fibre Reinforced Polymer Tube (CFFT) for new columns construction has attracted significant research attention in recent years. The CFFT acts as a formwork for new columns and a barrier to corrosion accelerating agents. It significantly increases both the strength capacity (Strength enhancement ratio) and the ductility (Strain enhancement ratio) of reinforced concrete columns. In this study, based on predefined selection criteria, experimental investigation results of 134 circular CFFT columns under axial compression have been compiled and analysed from 599 CFFT specimens available in the literature. It has been observed that actual confinement ratio (expressed as a function of material properties of fibres, diameter of CFFT and compressive strength of concrete) has significant influence on the strength and ductility of circular CFFT columns. Design oriented models have been proposed to compute the strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT columns. The proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models have significantly reduced Average Absolute Error (AAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Relative Standard Error of Estimate (RSEE) and Standard Deviation (SD) as compared to other available strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT column models. The predictions of the proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models match well with the experimental strength and strain enhancement ratios investigation results in the compiled database.

Large-scale cyclic triaxial tests are conducted on remoulded kaolin specimens with 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height. To achieve radial drainage during and after the cyclic tests, a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is installed in the centre of the soil cylinder. The test results verify that radial drainage can effectively dissipate the pore water pressure induced by cyclic loads. A radial consolidation model under cyclic loading is proposed to capture the behavior of soft clays subjected to cyclic loading when radial drainage is allowed during the loading and rest periods. It is achieved by combining radial consolidation theory with an undrained cyclic loading model. The effects of the stress history and dissipation of pore water pressure on the generation of pore water pressure are considered in the proposed model, which is verified by large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. It is found that for a high cyclic stress load, the radial drainage decreases the cumulative rate of pore water pressure up to the critical value, so the soil could undergo more loading cycles prior to failure. With a moderate cyclic stress load, the radial drainage prevents the pore water pressure from accumulating to the critical value. Furthermore, the effect of rest period on the generation of pore water pressure is investigated. It is indicated that the cumulative pore water pressure begins to decrease after three sets of cyclic loading, showing that no substantial pore water pressure will be observed if more sets of cyclic loading are applied.

Rheological characteristics are one of most important properties needed to be considered for the designing and construction for the long term stability and serviceability of underground structures in the rock mass. Up to date, although extensive studies on the rheological properties of rocks are available in the literature, most of existing studies reported the strain-time data for the axial deformation through compression rheological method and did not mention the lateral deformation, and mainly focused on the soft rocks at shallow depth. Thus, very limited attention has been paid to the rheological properties of deep and hard rock, neglecting the effects of structural anisotropy on the rheological properties. This paper presents a comprehensive in-depth study on the rheological behaviours of super-deep hard rock considering the effects of structural anisotropy by using the uniaxial and biaxial creep tests. The results revealed that significant creep behaviour can be observed in the hard rock specimens under high stress in the in-situ conditions, and the strain-time behaviour of hard rock exhibited brittle failure. The strain-time curves of hard rock exhibited two obvious phases of instantaneous creep and steady state creep without the phase of accelerated creep. Moreover, it was observed that the rheological behaviours, including the instantaneous modulus, transient creep duration, axial and lateral creep deformations, steady state creep rate, volumetric strain and contraction ratio are strongly affected by the structural anisotropy. Based on the experimental data, empirical models of the parameters governing creep behaviour have been established.

In this study, the flexural behaviour of concrete slab pavements reinforced with the triaxial geogrid in terms of tensile and compressive strain developments was experimentally investigated. Six concrete specimens were cast and tested under static applied load at three different loading positions which are: corner, edge, and interior loading positions. Three from these specimens were unreinforced (references) and the other three were reinforced with the triaxial geogrid layer. Thirteen strain gauges were used and fixed on the slab pavement surface to measure the strains developed during the loading. The parameters measured as the part of this study were the vertically applied load and the strains at the surface of concrete specimens. The findings show that geogrid reinforcements can improve the flexural strength of concrete pavements due to applying vehicle loads.

Large-scale cyclic triaxial tests are conducted on remoulded kaolin specimens with 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height. To achieve radial drainage during and after the cyclic tests, a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is installed in the centre of the soil cylinder. The test results verify that radial drainage can effectively dissipate the pore water pressure induced by cyclic loads. A radial consolidation model under cyclic loading is proposed to capture the behavior of soft clays subjected to cyclic loading when radial drainage is allowed during the loading and rest periods. It is achieved by combining radial consolidation theory with an undrained cyclic loading model. The effects of the stress history and dissipation of pore water pressure on the generation of pore water pressure are considered in the proposed model, which is verified by large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. It is found that for a high cyclic stress load, the radial drainage decreases the cumulative rate of pore water pressure up to the critical value, so the soil could undergo more loading cycles prior to failure. With a moderate cyclic stress load, the radial drainage prevents the pore water pressure from accumulating to the critical value. Furthermore, the effect of rest period on the generation of pore water pressure is investigated. It is indicated that the cumulative pore water pressure begins to decrease after three sets of cyclic loading, showing that no substantial pore water pressure will be observed if more sets of cyclic loading are applied.

This paper presents an analytical and numerical study on the behavior of stone column stabilized soft ground supporting transport infrastructure. Analysis has been carried out on the response of reinforced soft ground under static and cyclic loadings relevant to transport corridors.

The small strain behaviour is a key indicator for assessing the performance of compacted fills. The initial compaction conditions i.e. water content and applied energy, govern compaction effectiveness and, thus, the structure and matric suction of compacted subgrade soil. This paper presents an experimental study of the small strain behaviour of a typical compacted subgrade soil, i.e. silty sand, prepared with different compaction conditions. Specimens were prepared for different compaction states to mimic the typical acceptance criteria of end-product specifications. The small strain modulus (G0) was evaluated using Bender elements, while the post-compaction matric suction was measured using the filter paper method and a tensiometer. The experimental data indicates a strong modulus dependency on water content or suction across the compaction plane but suggests G0 is better described as a function of the degree of saturation (Sr). The laboratory results are also examined in light of common end-product specifications, which show that it may be beneficial to compact the soil slightly dry of optimum moisture content from the modulus point of view.

Concrete Filled Fibre Reinforced Polymer Tube (CFFT) for new columns construction has attracted significant research attention in recent years. The CFFT acts as a formwork for new columns and a barrier to corrosion accelerating agents. It significantly increases both the strength capacity (Strength enhancement ratio) and the ductility (Strain enhancement ratio) of reinforced concrete columns. In this study, based on predefined selection criteria, experimental investigation results of 134 circular CFFT columns under axial compression have been compiled and analysed from 599 CFFT specimens available in the literature. It has been observed that actual confinement ratio (expressed as a function of material properties of fibres, diameter of CFFT and compressive strength of concrete) has significant influence on the strength and ductility of circular CFFT columns. Design oriented models have been proposed to compute the strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT columns. The proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models have significantly reduced Average Absolute Error (AAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Relative Standard Error of Estimate (RSEE) and Standard Deviation (SD) as compared to other available strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT column models. The predictions of the proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models match well with the experimental strength and strain enhancement ratios investigation results in the compiled database.

In this study, the flexural behaviour of concrete slab pavements reinforced with the triaxial geogrid in terms of tensile and compressive strain developments was experimentally investigated. Six concrete specimens were cast and tested under static applied load at three different loading positions which are: corner, edge, and interior loading positions. Three from these specimens were unreinforced (references) and the other three were reinforced with the triaxial geogrid layer. Thirteen strain gauges were used and fixed on the slab pavement surface to measure the strains developed during the loading. The parameters measured as the part of this study were the vertically applied load and the strains at the surface of concrete specimens. The findings show that geogrid reinforcements can improve the flexural strength of concrete pavements due to applying vehicle loads.

An attempt has been made to correlate the differences in structural parameters, surface areas, morphology etc. with the electrochemical capacitive behaviour of the EMDs. The nanostructured electrolytic manganese dioxides (EMD) have been synthesized through electrodepositing MnO2 from two different leach liquors and a synthetic analogue thereof. The structural and chemical state was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Multiplet structure determination led to estimates of the manganese valence states present in the EMD. The EMDs have been tested in an asymmetric capacitor which we have developed. This used activated carbon as the negative electrode and the various EMDs as the positive electrode. Aqueous 2 M NaOH solution was used as the electrolyte. The capacitor achieved 1.6 V corresponding to a capacitance of ∼50 F g-1 of the EMDs from leach liquors. The EMD derived from the synthetic solution showed an inferior capacitance of 25 F g-1. Extended cycling (2000 cycles), showed 100% capacity retention was achieved for one EMD produced from the leach liquor derived from low-grade manganese ore/residue. This outstanding capacitor performance was correlated with the presence of a nanofibrous morphology. These findings open up the possibility of extracting a high performance EMD product from a low cost, low-grade source of manganese.

Rheological characteristics are one of most important properties needed to be considered for the designing and construction for the long term stability and serviceability of underground structures in the rock mass. Up to date, although extensive studies on the rheological properties of rocks are available in the literature, most of existing studies reported the strain-time data for the axial deformation through compression rheological method and did not mention the lateral deformation, and mainly focused on the soft rocks at shallow depth. Thus, very limited attention has been paid to the rheological properties of deep and hard rock, neglecting the effects of structural anisotropy on the rheological properties. This paper presents a comprehensive in-depth study on the rheological behaviours of super-deep hard rock considering the effects of structural anisotropy by using the uniaxial and biaxial creep tests. The results revealed that significant creep behaviour can be observed in the hard rock specimens under high stress in the in-situ conditions, and the strain-time behaviour of hard rock exhibited brittle failure. The strain-time curves of hard rock exhibited two obvious phases of instantaneous creep and steady state creep without the phase of accelerated creep. Moreover, it was observed that the rheological behaviours, including the instantaneous modulus, transient creep duration, axial and lateral creep deformations, steady state creep rate, volumetric strain and contraction ratio are strongly affected by the structural anisotropy. Based on the experimental data, empirical models of the parameters governing creep behaviour have been established.

This paper presents an analytical and numerical study on the behavior of stone column stabilized soft ground supporting transport infrastructure. Analysis has been carried out on the response of reinforced soft ground under static and cyclic loadings relevant to transport corridors.

The small strain behaviour is a key indicator for assessing the performance of compacted fills. The initial compaction conditions i.e. water content and applied energy, govern compaction effectiveness and, thus, the structure and matric suction of compacted subgrade soil. This paper presents an experimental study of the small strain behaviour of a typical compacted subgrade soil, i.e. silty sand, prepared with different compaction conditions. Specimens were prepared for different compaction states to mimic the typical acceptance criteria of end-product specifications. The small strain modulus (G0) was evaluated using Bender elements, while the post-compaction matric suction was measured using the filter paper method and a tensiometer. The experimental data indicates a strong modulus dependency on water content or suction across the compaction plane but suggests G0 is better described as a function of the degree of saturation (Sr). The laboratory results are also examined in light of common end-product specifications, which show that it may be beneficial to compact the soil slightly dry of optimum moisture content from the modulus point of view.

Concrete Filled Fibre Reinforced Polymer Tube (CFFT) for new columns construction has attracted significant research attention in recent years. The CFFT acts as a formwork for new columns and a barrier to corrosion accelerating agents. It significantly increases both the strength capacity (Strength enhancement ratio) and the ductility (Strain enhancement ratio) of reinforced concrete columns. In this study, based on predefined selection criteria, experimental investigation results of 134 circular CFFT columns under axial compression have been compiled and analysed from 599 CFFT specimens available in the literature. It has been observed that actual confinement ratio (expressed as a function of material properties of fibres, diameter of CFFT and compressive strength of concrete) has significant influence on the strength and ductility of circular CFFT columns. Design oriented models have been proposed to compute the strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT columns. The proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models have significantly reduced Average Absolute Error (AAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Relative Standard Error of Estimate (RSEE) and Standard Deviation (SD) as compared to other available strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT column models. The predictions of the proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models match well with the experimental strength and strain enhancement ratios investigation results in the compiled database.

Large-scale cyclic triaxial tests are conducted on remoulded kaolin specimens with 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height. To achieve radial drainage during and after the cyclic tests, a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is installed in the centre of the soil cylinder. The test results verify that radial drainage can effectively dissipate the pore water pressure induced by cyclic loads. A radial consolidation model under cyclic loading is proposed to capture the behavior of soft clays subjected to cyclic loading when radial drainage is allowed during the loading and rest periods. It is achieved by combining radial consolidation theory with an undrained cyclic loading model. The effects of the stress history and dissipation of pore water pressure on the generation of pore water pressure are considered in the proposed model, which is verified by large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. It is found that for a high cyclic stress load, the radial drainage decreases the cumulative rate of pore water pressure up to the critical value, so the soil could undergo more loading cycles prior to failure. With a moderate cyclic stress load, the radial drainage prevents the pore water pressure from accumulating to the critical value. Furthermore, the effect of rest period on the generation of pore water pressure is investigated. It is indicated that the cumulative pore water pressure begins to decrease after three sets of cyclic loading, showing that no substantial pore water pressure will be observed if more sets of cyclic loading are applied.

In this study, the flexural behaviour of concrete slab pavements reinforced with the triaxial geogrid in terms of tensile and compressive strain developments was experimentally investigated. Six concrete specimens were cast and tested under static applied load at three different loading positions which are: corner, edge, and interior loading positions. Three from these specimens were unreinforced (references) and the other three were reinforced with the triaxial geogrid layer. Thirteen strain gauges were used and fixed on the slab pavement surface to measure the strains developed during the loading. The parameters measured as the part of this study were the vertically applied load and the strains at the surface of concrete specimens. The findings show that geogrid reinforcements can improve the flexural strength of concrete pavements due to applying vehicle loads.

Rheological characteristics are one of most important properties needed to be considered for the designing and construction for the long term stability and serviceability of underground structures in the rock mass. Up to date, although extensive studies on the rheological properties of rocks are available in the literature, most of existing studies reported the strain-time data for the axial deformation through compression rheological method and did not mention the lateral deformation, and mainly focused on the soft rocks at shallow depth. Thus, very limited attention has been paid to the rheological properties of deep and hard rock, neglecting the effects of structural anisotropy on the rheological properties. This paper presents a comprehensive in-depth study on the rheological behaviours of super-deep hard rock considering the effects of structural anisotropy by using the uniaxial and biaxial creep tests. The results revealed that significant creep behaviour can be observed in the hard rock specimens under high stress in the in-situ conditions, and the strain-time behaviour of hard rock exhibited brittle failure. The strain-time curves of hard rock exhibited two obvious phases of instantaneous creep and steady state creep without the phase of accelerated creep. Moreover, it was observed that the rheological behaviours, including the instantaneous modulus, transient creep duration, axial and lateral creep deformations, steady state creep rate, volumetric strain and contraction ratio are strongly affected by the structural anisotropy. Based on the experimental data, empirical models of the parameters governing creep behaviour have been established.

Large-scale cyclic triaxial tests are conducted on remoulded kaolin specimens with 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height. To achieve radial drainage during and after the cyclic tests, a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is installed in the centre of the soil cylinder. The test results verify that radial drainage can effectively dissipate the pore water pressure induced by cyclic loads. A radial consolidation model under cyclic loading is proposed to capture the behavior of soft clays subjected to cyclic loading when radial drainage is allowed during the loading and rest periods. It is achieved by combining radial consolidation theory with an undrained cyclic loading model. The effects of the stress history and dissipation of pore water pressure on the generation of pore water pressure are considered in the proposed model, which is verified by large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. It is found that for a high cyclic stress load, the radial drainage decreases the cumulative rate of pore water pressure up to the critical value, so the soil could undergo more loading cycles prior to failure. With a moderate cyclic stress load, the radial drainage prevents the pore water pressure from accumulating to the critical value. Furthermore, the effect of rest period on the generation of pore water pressure is investigated. It is indicated that the cumulative pore water pressure begins to decrease after three sets of cyclic loading, showing that no substantial pore water pressure will be observed if more sets of cyclic loading are applied.

Concrete Filled Fibre Reinforced Polymer Tube (CFFT) for new columns construction has attracted significant research attention in recent years. The CFFT acts as a formwork for new columns and a barrier to corrosion accelerating agents. It significantly increases both the strength capacity (Strength enhancement ratio) and the ductility (Strain enhancement ratio) of reinforced concrete columns. In this study, based on predefined selection criteria, experimental investigation results of 134 circular CFFT columns under axial compression have been compiled and analysed from 599 CFFT specimens available in the literature. It has been observed that actual confinement ratio (expressed as a function of material properties of fibres, diameter of CFFT and compressive strength of concrete) has significant influence on the strength and ductility of circular CFFT columns. Design oriented models have been proposed to compute the strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT columns. The proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models have significantly reduced Average Absolute Error (AAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Relative Standard Error of Estimate (RSEE) and Standard Deviation (SD) as compared to other available strength and strain enhancement ratios of circular CFFT column models. The predictions of the proposed strength and strain enhancement ratio models match well with the experimental strength and strain enhancement ratios investigation results in the compiled database.

This paper presents an analytical and numerical study on the behavior of stone column stabilized soft ground supporting transport infrastructure. Analysis has been carried out on the response of reinforced soft ground under static and cyclic loadings relevant to transport corridors.

The small strain behaviour is a key indicator for assessing the performance of compacted fills. The initial compaction conditions i.e. water content and applied energy, govern compaction effectiveness and, thus, the structure and matric suction of compacted subgrade soil. This paper presents an experimental study of the small strain behaviour of a typical compacted subgrade soil, i.e. silty sand, prepared with different compaction conditions. Specimens were prepared for different compaction states to mimic the typical acceptance criteria of end-product specifications. The small strain modulus (G0) was evaluated using Bender elements, while the post-compaction matric suction was measured using the filter paper method and a tensiometer. The experimental data indicates a strong modulus dependency on water content or suction across the compaction plane but suggests G0 is better described as a function of the degree of saturation (Sr). The laboratory results are also examined in light of common end-product specifications, which show that it may be beneficial to compact the soil slightly dry of optimum moisture content from the modulus point of view.

This paper presents results regarding the potential of lignosulfonate (LS) to control the swelling of expansive soil. One-dimensional swell tests were performed on untreated and LS-treated remoulded samples of Australian expansive soil from the state of Queensland. The test results indicated that LS has significant influence on the swelling behaviour of this expansive soil. The results were compared with those of identical cement-treated soil samples, and it was found that LS could be a economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional alkaline additives. In addition, the behaviour of LS-treated specimens during repeated freezing and thawing cycles was measured. The results indicated significant improvement in the percentage mass loss in LS-treated specimens compared with cementtreated specimens. The microstructural analysis of the untreated and the LS-treated samples showed soil surface area reduction in the treated specimens, which in turn reduced the affinity of the specimens towards moisture uptake, resulting in a reduction in the swell potential of the otherwise expansive soil. The use of LS as a novel non-traditional stabiliser for expansive soil appears to be a viable solution in view of the sustainable use of waste by-products and green construction.

This article presents the results of numerical simulations of loading tests conducted on coarse particles that simulate railroad ballast. The objective of this study was to evaluate the deformation of ballast under vertical loading and to study the influence of the two different particle size distributions. One of them was according to particle size distribution recommended by Indraratna and co-workers in the past as an improvement to Australian Standard and the other was prepared in accordance with Brazilian standard. The discrete element method offers a new means of studying the response characteristics of railway ballast. The basic idea of discrete element method (DEM) is that arbitrary discontinuities are divided into a set of rigid elements, making each rigid element satisfy the equations of motion, use time step iteration method for solving the equations of motion of rigid elements, and then obtain the overall movement patterns of arbitrary discontinuities. In this study, the discrete element method of analysis has been used to simulate the geotechnical behaviour of railway ballast observed during the triaxial testing. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed using discrete element modeling approach.

This chapter describes the psy-knowledges central to preservice teachers' understandings of challenging behaviour. Particularly, it pays attention to the unexpectedly dangerous questions generated when working towards a practical and integrated understanding of how biological, psychological, and ecological factors interact. This chapter deploys Foucauldian discourse analysis to problematize the preservice teachers' shifting and changeable awareness of these causal attributions of behaviour and how this impacts their pedagogy.

An attempt has been made to correlate the differences in structural parameters, surface areas, morphology etc. with the electrochemical capacitive behaviour of the EMDs. The nanostructured electrolytic manganese dioxides (EMD) have been synthesized through electrodepositing MnO2 from two different leach liquors and a synthetic analogue thereof. The structural and chemical state was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Multiplet structure determination led to estimates of the manganese valence states present in the EMD. The EMDs have been tested in an asymmetric capacitor which we have developed. This used activated carbon as the negative electrode and the various EMDs as the positive electrode. Aqueous 2 M NaOH solution was used as the electrolyte. The capacitor achieved 1.6 V corresponding to a capacitance of ∼50 F g-1 of the EMDs from leach liquors. The EMD derived from the synthetic solution showed an inferior capacitance of 25 F g-1. Extended cycling (2000 cycles), showed 100% capacity retention was achieved for one EMD produced from the leach liquor derived from low-grade manganese ore/residue. This outstanding capacitor performance was correlated with the presence of a nanofibrous morphology. These findings open up the possibility of extracting a high performance EMD product from a low cost, low-grade source of manganese.

Background: Modern diets, characterised by excess consumption of processed foods, are accompanied by an epidemic of chronic diseases. Cardiovascular disease and depression carry a large burden of disease and often occur together. Poor dietary patterns have been identified as an independent risk factor for depression while healthy diets with minimally processed food are protective. Traditional Mediterranean diets have been shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease; however there is a need for clinical trials in people with depression. This paper reports the study protocol of a Mediterranean-style diet intervention conducted in adults with self-reported depression. Methods/design: HELFIMED is a parallel 6-month randomised controlled trial investigating whether dietary patterns can be improved in people with depressive symptoms and whether healthier diet combined with fish oil supplementation can improve mental and cardiometabolic health and quality of life. Adults aged 18-65 years with selfreported depressive symptoms over the previous two months (N = 163) were block-randomised on age and gender between May 2014 and June 2015 to receive nutrition education, food hampers, fortnightly cooking workshops based on Mediterranean-style dietary principles for 3 months and fish oil supplementation for 6 months, or to attend fortnightly social groups (control group) for 3 months. All participants completed mental health (DASS and PANAS), quality of life, dietary and shopping and budgeting questionnaires and provided anthropometric measurements, blood and urine samples at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Additionally the treatment group attended focus groups at 3 and 6 months. Primary and secondary outcomes will be analysed using linear mixed modelling and correlations will investigate associations between improved health outcomes and subjective/objective measures of improved diet/ nutritional status.Discussion: This study will contribute causal evidence to prior observational and

An attempt has been made to correlate the differences in structural parameters, surface areas, morphology etc. with the electrochemical capacitive behaviour of the EMDs. The nanostructured electrolytic manganese dioxides (EMD) have been synthesized through electrodepositing MnO2 from two different leach liquors and a synthetic analogue thereof. The structural and chemical state was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Multiplet structure determination led to estimates of the manganese valence states present in the EMD. The EMDs have been tested in an asymmetric capacitor which we have developed. This used activated carbon as the negative electrode and the various EMDs as the positive electrode. Aqueous 2 M NaOH solution was used as the electrolyte. The capacitor achieved 1.6 V corresponding to a capacitance of ∼50 F g-1 of the EMDs from leach liquors. The EMD derived from the synthetic solution showed an inferior capacitance of 25 F g-1. Extended cycling (2000 cycles), showed 100% capacity retention was achieved for one EMD produced from the leach liquor derived from low-grade manganese ore/residue. This outstanding capacitor performance was correlated with the presence of a nanofibrous morphology. These findings open up the possibility of extracting a high performance EMD product from a low cost, low-grade source of manganese.

Background Occupying new, active design office buildings designed for health promotion and connectivity provides an opportunity to evaluate indoor environment effects on healthy behaviour, sedentariness and workplace perceptions. Aims To determine if moving to a health-promoting building changed workplace physical activity, sedentary behaviour, workplace perceptions and productivity. Methods Participants from four locations at the University of Sydney, Australia, relocated into a new active design building. After consent, participants completed an online questionnaire 2 months before moving and 2 months after. Questions related to health behaviours (physical activity and sitting time), musculoskeletal issues, perceptions of the office environment, productivity and engagement. Results There were 34 participants (60% aged 25–45, 78% female, 84% employed full-time); 21 participants provided complete data. Results showed that after the move participants spent less work time sitting (83–70%; P < 0.01) and more time standing (9–21%; P < 0.01), while walking time remained unchanged. Participants reported less low back pain ( P < 0.01). Sixty per cent of participants in the new workplace were in an open-plan office, compared to 16% before moving. Participants perceived the new work environment as more stimulating, better lit and ventilated, but noisier and providing less storage. No difference was reported in daily physical activity, number of stairs climbed or productivity. Conclusions Moving to an active design building appeared to have physical health-promoting effects on workers, but workers’ perceptions about the new work environment varied. These results will inform future studies in other new buildings.

Excessive sedentary behaviour is associated with negative individual functioning. This study explored associations between personality traits and two measures of sedentary behaviour. In total, 504 young Australian adults (382 women, 122 men; Mage = 20.41 ± 5.12 years) completed measures of personality, physical activity, sitting time, television viewing, and electronic gaming. After controlling for age, sex, and physical activity levels, we found that extraversion was negatively associated with total sitting time, and that both extraversion and conscientiousness were negatively associated with leisure time screen time (television viewing and electronic gaming). No moderation effects were observed for age, sex, or physical activity. These findings provide evidence that personality is important for adult sedentary behaviour, and that sedentary behaviour measurement (total sitting time or leisure time screen time) is an important consideration in personality-sedentary behaviour research.

The following paper acknowledges limitations in strengths and organisational studies and aims to position the novel concept of strengthspotting as a social currency and positive behaviour capable of facilitating wellbeing contagion throughout organisational networks. Theories of social exchange, social networks, and emotional contagion are aligned as a theoretical framework, and the concept of wellbeing loops and a strengthspotting and wellbeing cycle are introduced. With no clear conceptualisation or robust definition of strengthspotting, its potential has not yet been effectively capitalised upon within organisational studies, and would arguably provide insight into the operationalisation of positive organisational scholarship. The paper provides a starting point for the consideration of strengthspotting in future organisational studies and the development of a more sophisticated measurement tool.

This systematic review is an update examining the relationships between objectively and subjectively measured sedentary behaviour and health indicators in children and youth aged 5-17 years. EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Medline were searched in December 2014, and date limits were imposed (≥February 2010). Included studies were peer-reviewed and met the a prioridetermined population (apparently healthy children and youth, mean age: 5-17 years), intervention (durations, patterns, and types of sedentary behaviours), comparator (various durations, patterns, and types of sedentary behaviours), and outcome (critical: body composition, metabolic syndrome/cardiovascular disease risk factors, behavioural conduct/pro-social behaviour, academic achievement; important: fitness, self-esteem) study criteria. Quality of evidence by outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative analysis was conducted. A total of 235 studies (194 unique samples) were included representing 1 657 064 unique participants from 71 different countries. Higher durations/frequencies of screen time and television (TV) viewing were associated with unfavourable body composition. Higher duration/frequency of TV viewing was also associated with higher clustered cardiometabolic risk scores. Higher durations of TV viewing and video game use were associated with unfavourable behavioural conduct/pro-social behaviour. Higher durations of reading and doing homework were associated with higher academic achievement. Higher duration of screen time was associated with lower fitness. Higher durations of screen time and computer use were associated with lower self-esteem. Evidence ranged from “very low” to “moderate” quality. Higher quality studies using reliable and valid sedentary behaviour measures should confirm this largely observational evidence.

Despite clinical recommendations that further treatment is critical for successful recovery following drug and alcohol detoxification, a large proportion of clients fail to attend treatment after detoxification. In this study, individual factors and constructs based on motivational and volitional models of health behaviour were examined as predictors of post-detoxification treatment attendance. Design and Methods: The sample consisted of 220 substance-dependent individuals participating in short-term detoxification programs provided by The Australian Salvation Army. The Theory of Planned Behaviour and Implementation Intentions were used to predict attendance at subsequent treatment. Results: Follow-up data were collected for 177 participants (81%), with 104 (80%) of those participants reporting that they had either attended further formal treatment (e.g. residential rehabilitation programs, outpatient counselling) or mutual support groups in the 2 weeks after leaving the detoxification program. Logistic regression examined the predictors of further treatment attendance. The full model accounted for 21% of the variance in treatment attendance, with attitude and Implementation Intentions contributing significantly to the prediction. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings from the present study would suggest that assisting clients to develop a specific treatment plan, as well as helping clients to build positive perceptions about subsequent treatment, will promote greater attendance at further treatment following detoxification. [Kelly PJ, Leung J, Deane FP, Lyons GCB. Predicting client attendance at further treatment following drug and alcohol detoxification: Theory of Planned Behaviour and Implementation Intentions.

This chapter describes the psy-knowledges central to preservice teachers' understandings of challenging behaviour. Particularly, it pays attention to the unexpectedly dangerous questions generated when working towards a practical and integrated understanding of how biological, psychological, and ecological factors interact. This chapter deploys Foucauldian discourse analysis to problematize the preservice teachers' shifting and changeable awareness of these causal attributions of behaviour and how this impacts their pedagogy.